When and where is NCA’s annual convention this year?

 

NCA will celebrate its 112th Annual Convention this year in New Orleans from Thursday, Nov. 19 through Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026. Pre-conferences and some business meetings will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026. Events and housing will be held at the following properties:

 

New Orleans Marriott
555 Canal Street

Sheraton New Orleans
500 Canal Street

 

What do I need to do before the convention?

 

Please visit the Hotel and Travel Information webpage for information on travel and making your hotel reservation. When considering your registration options, check out the Registration Information webpage. Take advantage of substantial discounts by registering early! Hotel reservations will open and online registration will open in July.

What is the convention theme?

 

The 2026 convention theme is “Move/ments in Communication.”

Read the First Vice President’s Call to Participate for the full vision and inspiration behind this year’s theme.

What can I expect at the convention?

 

The NCA Annual Convention hosts over 1,000 sessions each year, welcoming thousands of communication scholars, educators, and practitioners from around the world. You’ll find research presentations, panel discussions, workshops, networking opportunities, and professional development sessions across all areas of communication studies.

What should I do before the convention?

 

  1. Make hotel reservations using our official booking link (deadline: Oct. 10)
  2. Register for the convention online (opens mid-July)
  3. Download the convention app (available mid-Oct.)
  4. Review our Pre-Convention Checklist for comprehensive planning
  5. Plan your schedule using the online program (available late July to early August) 

 

Take advantage of early registration discounts!

 

What are the must-attend events?

 

For First-Time Attendees:

 

  • Newcomer’s Welcome and Orientation (Thursday 8-9:15 a.m.)
  • Opening Session (Thursday 9:30-10:45 a.m.)
  • Welcome Reception (Thursday 7-8:30 p.m.)

 

General Sessions (All attendees welcome):

 

  • Opening Session (Thursday 9:30-10:45 a.m.)
  • Carroll C. Arnold Distinguished Lecture (Friday 5:30-6:30 p.m.)
  • Presidential Address and Awards Presentation (Saturday 5:30-7 p.m.)

 

Professional Development:

 

  • Graduate School Open House (Thursday 1-4 p.m.)
  • Career Fair (Friday 9 a.m.-noon)
  • Scholars’ Office Hours (Friday 2:30-3:45 p.m.)

 

This is my first NCA Convention. Does NCA offer any special events for newcomers?

 

Yes! You are central to NCA’s growth and development, and we extend ourselves to you. There is a special Newcomer’s Welcome and Orientation (Thursday 8-9:15 a.m.) just for you. You will meet leaders in the discipline, learn about the organization’s structure, and have time to network with others who are new to NCA.

 

For comprehensive guidance, visit our First-Time Attendee Resources.

Should I attend the division/caucus/section business meetings that are listed in the program?

 

Yes! Business meetings are optional, but offer many advantages:

 

Input and Leadership:

 

  • Have input on disciplinary issues and directions
  • Elect leaders and discuss new directions in your research area
  • Volunteer to serve your unit and become active in NCA

 

 Networking Opportunities:

 

  • Meet other scholars and teachers who share your research interests
  • Gain opportunities to work with colleagues in your field
  • Meet people on a social level beyond formal presentations

 

Business meetings are open to any NCA member and provide valuable opportunities for professional development and community building.

 

How should I organize my time at the convention?

 

With more than 1,000 scheduled sessions, you have many choices! Veterans maximize their convention experience by creating a personal schedule using the online program on Convention Central and the mobile app. Use keywords, interest group names, and individual names to find presentations and save them to “My Itinerary.”

 

Helpful planning tips:

 

  • First Priority: Know when you’re scheduled to present. Find this out as soon as possible, as your trip planning may be scheduled around your presentation.
  • Events of General Interest: Review spotlighted convention-wide programs that appeal to a large cross-section of attendees. These are great networking and educational opportunities.
  • Choose presentations: Base choices on topics of interest, friends or faculty presenting, or presenters you’d like to meet. Presentations provide great opportunities to begin conversations and receive papers.
  • Business meetings: Attend meetings of commissions, divisions, sections, and caucuses. Open to any NCA member, these are perfect ways to experience NCA membership and create professional relationships.
  • Social time: Save time for fun! NCA offers social events, including the Welcome Reception, which is a great place to meet friends or make new ones.
  • Explore the location: Set aside time to explore the convention location and the surrounding area’s attractions, tours, and shopping opportunities.

 

What should I wear?

 

Dress code varies by activity:

 

  • Presenters: Business casual attire
  • Non-presenters: More casual dress is acceptable
  • Evening events: Check your plans – you might want jeans or more formal outfits
  • Weather: Check the forecast before traveling and pack accordingly

 

Are meals provided at the convention?

 

No, full meals are not provided at the convention. However, some events include refreshments.

Is the convention fragrance-free?

 

The Annual Convention does not have a policy that bans fragrances such as perfumes and colognes from convention spaces. However, we ask attendees to be considerate of other attendees who may have chemical and fragrance sensitivities and refrain, when possible, from using scented products.

 

Important exception: The Disability Issues Caucus designated room will be completely fragrance-free for the health and safety of facilitators and participants.

 

What wellness and community activities are available?

 

  • Day of Service (Wednesday afternoon) – Volunteer in the local community
  • Morning Tea Conversations (Friday & Saturday 6:45-7:45 a.m.) – Early morning gatherings for attendees to connect over tea and meaningful conversation. Two café options are offered:
    • Death Café: Facilitators will lead a Death Café to bring people together to discuss end-of-life issues and our (finite) lives, emphasizing resilience, rest, and respite. This conversation will encourage a mindful and open attitude about mortality and loss, while centering the need for self-care and community.
    • Mindfulness, Meditation, & Well-Being Café: Facilitators will lead a guided discussion among attendees. The purpose is to increase awareness of mental and whole-person health, with particular emphasis on strategies and techniques that help people live better lives.

    Attendees are encouraged to attend multiple Early Morning Tea Cafés throughout the convention. Morning beverages (up to $10 value) are provided for the first 12 attendees at each café.

  • Yoga Sessions – Check program for specific times
  • Zumba Sessions – Check program for specific times
  • Lunch Break (12:15-12:45 p.m. daily) – No concurrent sessions scheduled for decompression

 

Where can I find quiet spaces and wellness rooms?

 

  • Quiet Room: Calm space away from noise and stimuli, available Thursday-Sunday during convention hours
  • Prayer/Meditation Room: Dedicated space for spiritual practices and contemplative activities
  • Lactation Room : Private, comfortable space for nursing parents

 

What technology resources are available?

 

  • Convention app: Available mid-October for schedule management and real-time updates
  • Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the venue (network information posted at Registration)
  • App Support Desk: Located in Exhibit Hall for technical assistance
  • Social media: Use #NCA2026 to connect with other attendees
  • Online program: Interactive schedule available at Convention Central

 

Where do I pick up my registration materials?

 

Registration Desk: Located in the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott (Exhibit Hall)

 

Hours: Wednesday 3-7 p.m., Thursday 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

When is the submission deadline?

 

Submission deadline: March 25, 2026, 11:59 p.m. PT

 

All convention submissions are made via Convention Central, which opens for submissions in mid-late January.

 

Where can I find information about submitting to the convention?

 

Essential Resources:

 

 

Which web browser should I use to submit my proposal?

 

Our submission system works best with:

 

  • Google Chrome (recommended)
  • Mozilla Firefox (also supported)

 

Not Recommended:

 

  • Microsoft Edge – Users may experience technical issues including:
    • Forms not saving properly
    • Upload failures
    • Display issues
    • Session timeouts

 

If you experience any technical difficulties:

 

  • Switch to Chrome or Firefox
  • Clear your browser cache
  • Try submitting again
  • Contact convention@natcom.org if problems persist

 

Download browsers:

 

 

 

Q: Do I need to be an NCA member to submit or participate in a convention program?


No. Any interested individual may submit to the NCA Annual Convention or serve as a chair, presenter, respondent, or author. However, NCA members receive discounted registration rates, providing a financial benefit to membership. Non-member registration rates are also available.

 

 

Q: By submitting an individual paper, pre-conceived session, or panel discussion, am I committing to attend the NCA convention in person if the submission is accepted?


Yes!  If you make a submission, you are making a commitment to register and attend the convention if your work is accepted. There are a limited number of programming slots for submissions, so it’s important that you attend if your work is accepted. If you do not register or attend the convention, you are leaving a vacant programming slot and a potential opportunity for someone else to present will have been lost.

 

 

Q: Do I need to secure permission from all participants on a paper session and/or panel discussion before submitting a proposal?


Yes. You must secure participant permission (as well as their agreement that they will register and attend upon acceptance) prior to making your submission. If the submission is accepted for presentation, all convention participants on the program must register for the convention.

 

 

Q: Can I present virtually via Zoom or choose to be in a virtual or hybrid session?

 

No. There will not be any Zoom or hybrid sessions this year. All sessions will be in-person only. While Wi-Fi will be available on-site, the bandwidth is shared among all attendees and is not designed to support live virtual presentations.

 

I’ve never submitted to NCA before. Besides following the guidelines of the specific call for submissions, what are some tips to help me prepare for submitting a proposal?

 

After carefully reviewing the call(s) for submissions from the NCA Interest Groups/affiliate organizations, it may be helpful to look at previous NCA convention programs to review the session formats, paper titles, and topics that have been presented. Past NCA programs are available online from the Past and Future Conventions webpage. You may also want to visit with an NCA member who has attended previous NCA conventions to identify the types of program ideas and formats that have been programmed in the past. For more information, please visit the Convention Resource Library.

 

If my paper or paper session has been presented at another conference, may I also submit it to NCA?

 

No. It is in keeping with expected professional standards to present a paper or paper session at only one professional conference. Papers submitted should be original work for that conference. The exception is presenting a paper for the first time at a small, student-only conference. Although it’s not appropriate to present the same paper you’ve presented elsewhere, you may, however, present different aspects of a larger project.

 

Q: If I submitted a paper or paper session to another conference, and it was accepted, but the conference was cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, can I submit that accepted paper to NCA for consideration?

 

Yes. If you did not present the paper virtually, circulate the paper online through a conference supported forum, or publish the paper elsewhere, you can submit that paper for consideration to the NCA Annual Convention. If a paper is accepted to the NCA Annual Convention that was previously slated for presentation at another convention, it should be listed on a CV as presented at the NCA Annual Convention, rather than the previously accepted convention. Conversely, those who had papers accepted for submission at a cancelled conference or who will be presenting their papers in altered formats can click here for information from APA on how to cite those presentations on a CV.

 

 

Q; If my paper has been published or has been accepted for publication, may I submit it to be presented at an NCA convention?

 

No. You should not submit a paper for presentation at an NCA convention after it has been published or accepted for publication at the time you submit your work to be presented. You may present the paper at an NCA convention only if your paper was accepted for publication after it was submitted to the NCA convention.

 

 

Q: How do I withdraw my submission

 

Here’s how you can withdraw your submission:

 

  1. Log in to Convention Central.
  2. Click on “Submit/Edit a Session, Panel, or Presentation for NCA 2026” on your Profile Home Page.
  3. Select “Edit/Submit Submission(s)” in the Speaker Portal.
  4. Locate your submission under the “Current Submissions” section.
  5. Click “Withdraw Submission” (red button).
  6. Optionally, enter a comment explaining your decision to withdraw.
  7. Confirm by clicking “Confirm Withdrawal.”

 

What is the Rule of 5?

 

The Rule of 5 limits participants to five proposal submissions and five active presenting roles at the Annual Convention to prevent scheduling conflicts and ensure fair participation. Non-presenting roles like coauthors or session chairs are exempt from this limit.

 

For complete submission guidelines, visit our Convention Resources page.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

 

When is the review deadline?

 

Review deadline: April 29, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Pacific

 

 

How can I volunteer as a reviewer, chair, or respondent?

 

Visit our Call for Reviewers, Chairs, & Respondents page for information about volunteering opportunities and how to sign up for these important convention roles.

 

 

Can I serve in multiple roles?

 

Yes! You can serve as a reviewer, chair, and/or respondent. However, each unit has different guidelines regarding this. Select all roles you’re interested in during sign-up and confer with the appropriate unit planner.

 

 

What if I have a conflict of interest?

 

Disclose any conflicts immediately to your unit planner. You’ll be reassigned as needed to maintain the integrity of the review process.

 

 

What if I have trouble accessing the reviewer portal?

 

Contact convention@natcom.org for technical support with the review system.

 

 

How do I update my availability after signing up?

 

Contact your unit planner directly for any changes to your volunteer commitments.

 

 

Where can I find detailed reviewer resources?

 

Comprehensive resources are available on our Convention Resources page, including:

 

 

 

REVIEWER QUESTIONS

 

Q: How many submissions will I review?

 

You can indicate your capacity (5-10, 10-20, or 20+ submissions) during sign-up. Final assignments may vary based on unit needs.

 

 

Q: Can graduate students serve as reviewers?

 

Yes, with appropriate qualifications. Some units require at least one graduate degree while others might not accept students. Check with individual units for their specific requirements.

 

 

Where can I find reviewer resources?

 

Comprehensive reviewer resources are available on our Convention Resources page, including:

 

  • Best practices for effective reviews
  • Feedback templates
  • General reviewer rubric
  • Step-by-step review process guidance

 

 

Q: What if I’m not familiar with a particular methodology?

 

You’ll be matched with submissions based on your indicated methodological expertise.

 

 

CHAIR QUESTIONS

 

Q: What are my main responsibilities as a chair?

 

You’ll manage session timing, facilitate discussion, and ensure a professional atmosphere. Detailed guidelines are provided in our Information for Chairs, Respondents, and Presenters resource.

 

 

Q: How should I handle technical difficulties?

 

Technical support contact information will be provided. Arrive early to test equipment.

 

 

Q: What if a presenter doesn’t show up?

 

Follow the unit planner’s provided contingency guidelines to adjust the schedule while maintaining the original time slots.

 

 

RESPONDENT QUESTIONS

 

Q: When will I receive the presentations to review?

 

Materials should be available at least two weeks before the convention. Please reach out to the submitter directly for the materials.

 

 

Q: How long should my response be?

 

Typically, 8-10 minutes for a standard panel, leaving time for discussion.

 

 

Q: What if I disagree strongly with a presentation?

 

Frame critiques constructively and professionally, focusing on scholarly dialogue.

Do I have to be an NCA member to attend the convention?

 

No, you do not need to be an NCA member to attend; however, NCA members pay considerably less to attend the convention than non-members. NCA is the largest and most active national association for people in the communication discipline.

 

Visit our membership page to explore membership benefits and options.

 

 

How do I register for the convention?

 

Online registration opens in mid- to late-July 2025. Visit our convention page for current information and to access the registration system when it becomes available. Click here for instructions on how to register Friends & Family.

 

 

I am presenting at the convention. Do I still have to register?

 

Yes. All individuals planning to present or attend the NCA Annual Convention must register, including all presenters, panelists, chairs, and respondents.

 

 

Are there discounted registrations available?

 

Yes, we offer several discounted options:

 

K-12 Educators Pass:

 

  • Free registration with valid K-12 school ID
  • Membership must be current through December 1, 2025

 

Student Rates:

 

  • Significantly reduced registration fees for current NCA student members
  • Student volunteer opportunities available for free registration

 

Friends and Family Registration:

 

  • $65 flat rate for individuals not in the communication discipline who have never been NCA members
  • Grants access to all areas, sessions, and events
  • Click here for instructions on how to register Friends & Family.

 

Are there special registration options for invited speakers?

Yes! Guest Speaker Registration is available for individuals invited to participate based on their expertise in areas outside the communication discipline. Guest speakers are non-members who would not normally attend the NCA Convention and receive complimentary registration if approved.

 

Requirements:

  • Must be a non-member with expertise outside the communication discipline
  • Invited by session organizers based on specialized knowledge
  • Subject to review by Convention Team and authorization by the First Vice President

 

Process:

 

 

Can my family, friends, or colleagues attend with me?

 

Friends and Family ($65 registration): Welcome for individuals not in the communication discipline who have never been NCA members. This registration grants access to all areas, sessions, and events.

 

Single session attendance: Family members or friends only planning to attend a single session to see/hear you present must also pay the registration fee.

 

Professional colleagues: Those in the communication field should register at standard rates based on their membership status.

 

 

My school has a departmental membership. Do I qualify for member rates?

 

No. Convention rates are based on individual membership only. Departmental membership does not qualify individuals for member registration rates. Visit our membership page for individual membership information.

 

 

I am a Life Member/Retired Member. Do I need to register?

 

Yes. While Retired and Life members do not pay a convention registration fee, you must still register online to let us know you are attending.

 

 

Do I need to register to attend the Career Center or Graduate School Open House?

 

Yes. Convention registration is required to enter the Career Center (Friday, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.) or the Graduate School Open House (Thursday, 1-4 p.m.). Badges are required to attend these sessions, as these are benefits of convention registration.

 

 

Are there virtual or hybrid sessions this year?

 

No. The convention will not offer virtual or hybrid sessions. All sessions will be in-person only.

 

 

Can I attend educational sessions beyond regular presentations?

 

Yes! Short Courses and Pre-conferences offer valuable professional development opportunities:

 

Short Courses: 2 hours 45 minutes of educational “how-to” content throughout the convention

 

Pre-conferences: Half-day or full-day sessions on Wednesday.

 

Both require additional fees and advance registration during the convention registration process.

 

 

What is your refund policy?

 

Standard Refunds:

 

  • Deadline: October 20, 2025, 11:59 p.m. EST
  • Processing fees: $25 (students), $50 (all others)
  • No refunds after the deadline, except for special circumstances

 

Special Circumstances (exempt from deadline):

 

  • Medical emergencies: Case-by-case evaluation with physician’s note required
  • Visa issues: Full refunds for denials or approvals dated after November 20, 2025

 

 

Email refund requests to convention@natcom.org with your full name, confirmation number, reason for cancellation, and any supporting documentation.

 

 

Does NCA accept purchase orders?

 

No. Purchase orders are not considered payment for registration or membership. Please ensure actual payment is received by NCA before published deadlines, especially if depending on your institution to submit payment.

 

 

Are there cost-saving opportunities for students?

 

Yes, several options:

 

Student Volunteer Program:

 

  • Free convention registration in exchange for volunteer work during the convention
  • Students who have already registered will receive a full refund if they secure a volunteer position

 

Student Meal Voucher Program:

 

  • Sponsored meals available for student volunteers ($15 each sponsored by community members)

 

Student Caucus Travel Grants:

 

  • $200 travel grants available (maximum of 150 grants, first-come basis)
  • Must be active NCA student member and member of at least one NCA caucus
  • Requires letter confirming less than $700 institutional support

 

Student Rate Hotel Rooms:

 

  • Discounted hotel rates exclusively for registered NCA student members
  • Limited availability – book early!

 

Student Lounge:

 

  • Location: Spruce 1
  • Available: Thursday-Saturday during conference hours
  • For students only: Charging stations and snacks provided
  • Great space to recharge between sessions and connect with other students

Where can I find information about my presentation?

 

The convention program will be available online on the NCA website and Convention Central from late July to early August. Sessions can be searched by title, keyword, presenter name, or NCA Interest Group. The mobile app will be available approximately three weeks before the convention.

 

 

How can I get a copy of the convention program?

 

Registered attendees may elect to receive:

 

  • Online program (available late July to early Aug.)
  • Printed program book (optional, purchase during registration)
  • Mobile app (available mid-Oct.)
  • PDF version (available in Oct.)

 

 

What’s the difference between Short Courses and Pre-conferences?

 

Short Courses:

 

  • Duration: 2 hours and 45 minutes
  • When: Conducted throughout the convention schedule
  • Content: Educational “how-to” sessions designed to give attendees skills to implement at their institutions
  • Cost: Additional fee required

 

Pre-conferences:

 

  • Duration: Half-day or full-day sessions
  • When: Wednesday, November 18
  • Content: Explore applied research themes, theoretical topics, or pedagogical issues
  • Cost: Additional fee required

 

Both require advance registration during the online registration process.

 

 

How do I register for Short Courses or Pre-conferences?

 

You must first register for the convention, then select the Short Courses and/or Pre-conferences you’re interested in during the online registration process. There is an additional fee for each.

 

 

Where can I find presentation guidelines and resources?

 

Visit our Convention Resources page for:

 

  • How to create accessible presentations
  • PowerPoint slide templates
  • Information for chairs, respondents, and presenters
  • Scholar to Scholar presentation tips
  • Professional standards for convention participants

 

 

I am presenting my first paper. Do you have any advice?

 

Prepare a presentation that follows all the rules of good public speaking:

 

  • Include a clear introduction and conclusion
  • Organize the body of your talk with internal organizing mechanisms so people can easily follow along
  • Do not speak beyond the allotted time
  • Do not read your paper or outline – speak extemporaneously
  • Summarize your study or report briefly – less is clearly more!

 

Visit our Convention Resources Library for more helpful presentation tips.

 

 

Should I bring multiple copies of my paper?

 

For individual paper submissions: You will have the opportunity to upload a copy for your session co-presenters, chair, and respondent to access through the system. You do not need to bring copies for them.

For audience members: Bring extra copies of your paper to give to those in the audience who request them at the presentation. If you don’t bring extra copies or run out, it’s acceptable to send someone a copy via email after the convention.

 

 

How can I best secure copies of others’ papers?

 

If you’re attending a panel and would like a copy of a paper, ask the presenter directly. Most presenters are happy to share their work with interested colleagues.

 

 

I am doing a Scholar to Scholar presentation. How can I make my presentation most effective?

 

Scholar to Scholar presentations create a unique opportunity for questions and exchanges not available in more formal sessions. Take advantage of the opportunity to have meaningful exchanges with attendees.

 

Setup details:

 

  • You’ll have a 4′ by 8′ bulletin board for your presentation (bring your own push pins or velcro)
  • A table will be provided for laptops (ensure your battery is fully charged)
  • No audio-visual equipment will be available

 

Best practices:

 

  • Make your poster as visually appealing and easy to read as possible
  • Prepare for interactive discussions rather than formal presentations
  • Be ready to engage with attendees who choose to visit your session

 

Visit our Convention Resources Library for additional Scholar to Scholar tips and poster creation guidance.

 

 

What A/V equipment is available?

 

All rooms are equipped with WiFi and a podium mic. Standard A/V, such as screen, projector, and audio, is only available if requested during submission. Projectors use VGA cables (Apple users must bring their own VGA adapters). Presenters must bring their own laptops, flash drives, etc.

Standard A/V equipment policies and availability information can be found in our Convention Resources Library. Contact convention@natcom.org if you have specific A/V needs.

All information can be found on Hotel & Travel Convention webpage.

Is childcare available?

 

Yes! Camp NCA provides on-site childcare:

 

  • Ages: 6 months to 12 years
  • Dates: Thursday, Nov.19 – Saturday, Nov. 21`
  • Hours: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily
  • Location: TBA

 

Rates:

 

2025 rates were:

 

  • Full day (4.5+ hours): $150 per child
  • Half day (4 hours or less): $75 per child

 

Activities include: Arts and crafts, active games, and additional age-appropriate activities

 

Important:

 

  • Registration deadline: October 15, 2026
  • Minimum 10 children per day required for program to operate
  • Meals not included – parents provide meals or purchase from authorized Marriott retailers
  • No medication administration

 

Contact: Email info@kiddiecorp.com or call 858-455-1718

 

Learn More

 

Register Now!

 

 

What family-friendly policies should I know about?

 

Children’s Hotel Policy:

 

  • Children 17 and younger stay free in adult’s room with existing bedding

 

Family Event Access:

 

  • Family members attending only to see you present at a single session should register as guests by October 15
  • Family members attending multiple sessions, receptions, or exhibit areas must register (with the Friends and Family rate)

 

What accessibility services are available?

 

We offer comprehensive accessibility support:

 

Communication Assistance:

 

  • Sign language interpretation
  • Assistive listening devices for General Sessions
  • Large-print schedules (available at Registration)

 

Mobility Assistance:

 

  • Sighted guides
  • Wheelchair rentals
  • Accessible seating in all rooms
  • Elevator access to all meeting spaces

 

Sensory Support:

 

  • Quiet Room (Telluride Boardroom) – calm space away from noise and stimuli
  • No flash photography policy (venue-wide)
  • Fragrance-free designated spaces (Disability Issues Caucus rooms)

 

Additional Services:

 

  • Captioning during General Sessions with reserved seating
  • Evacuation assistance areas on each floor
  • Service animals welcome (no fee or documentation required)

 

Important:

 

  • Submit accessibility requests by September 30, 2026 using our accessibility request form to ensure we can provide appropriate support.

 

 

What support is available for nursing parents?

 

Lactation Room (Vail Boardroom): A private, comfortable lactation room is available throughout convention hours (Thursday-Sunday). Contact Registration or any NCA staff member for location access and information.

 

 

Where can I find spiritual and wellness spaces?

 

Prayer/Meditation Room (Breckenridge Boardroom): Dedicated space for spiritual practices and contemplative activities, available during convention hours.

 

Quiet Room (Telluride Boardroom): Calm space away from noise and stimuli for anyone needing sensory relief or decompression.

 

 

What should I know about health and safety?

 

  • COVID-19: Face masks are optional; please respect individual choices
  • Fragrance-free spaces: Required in designated Disability Issues Caucus rooms
  • Loud noise warning: Some events include music or amplified audio – bring noise-cancelling protection if you have sound sensitivity
  • Flash photography: Prohibited venue-wide to accommodate attendees with photosensitive epilepsy

 

 

Are there mobility equipment rental services available?

 

Yes, several local options provide equipment rentals with hotel delivery:

 

  • Information coming soon

 

Note: Attendees are responsible for vetting and securing rental services. NCA does not guarantee service quality.

 

 

What should international attendees know?

 

Visa-related refund policy: International attendees facing visa complications are eligible for full refunds under specific conditions:

 

  • Visa denials by consular authorities
  • Late visa approvals dated after November 20, 2026
  • Must submit refund request within 30 days of visa decision with official documentation

 

For comprehensive international travel guidance, visit our International Attendees page (or contact convention@natcom.org).

If you have questions not covered in these FAQs, please contact us:

 

General Questions: convention@natcom.org

 

Accessibility Accommodations: Complete our accessibility request form or email convention@natcom.org

 

Camp NCA Childcare: info@kiddiecorp.com or 858-455-1718

 

Additional Resources: