Context and next steps regarding the 2027 NCA Annual Convention
Dear NCA Members,
Following NCA’s initial announcement to relocate the 2027 NCA Annual Convention from Salt Lake City to Orlando, Florida, we heard from members who expressed concerns about the location and the level of information we provided regarding the decision-making process.
NCA President Tina M. Harris and I appreciate this feedback and see this as an opportunity and necessity to provide additional context, acknowledge the concerns raised, and outline next steps.
What happened
As we shared in our initial announcement, the relocation was necessary due to circumstances beyond NCA’s control. In October 2025, the Salt Palace Convention Center informed NCA of planned revitalization work in downtown Salt Lake City. In May 2026, NCA received official notification that the convention center would close entirely for three years beginning in 2027. This forced NCA to take on the difficult challenge of identifying a comparable convention site within four months, rather than our typical six to seven years.
What we did
Led by LaShawn Duckett, senior director of convention and strategic operations, the convention team narrowed down our viable options after extensive research and site visits. In its advisory role, the Convention Committee reviewed the options and originally recommended another location. However, we removed that location from consideration after the venue reduced the number of sessions from roughly 950 to 630 because it sold the space to another organization.
Although the Executive Committee does not normally review convention site selection, these extraordinary circumstances required its involvement. The Executive Committee carefully reviewed the Convention Committee’s recommendations, the budget and programming needs in the broader context of potential member concerns and interests.
Ultimately, they believed that the Orlando World Center Marriott was the best path forward due to its ability to accommodate the required 950 slots within our time frame. Also, this venue places all sessions on one level. Additionally, the World Center offered 150 student-rate rooms on peak nights. NCA is typically able to secure 20 to 25 student-rate hotel rooms, which sell out in under an hour. The convention team also negotiated a reduction in the resort fee.
As executive director, I concurred and selected the World Center as the strongest and most feasible available option for NCA 2027.
What’s next
We recognize that some members believe canceling the 2027 Annual Convention would have been a more appropriate response to concerns about Florida’s political and social climate. We understand and acknowledge that this perspective is rooted in legitimate concerns. We also want to assure our members that the Executive Committee is deeply mindful of their well-being and will continue to proactively address concerns ahead of next year’s convention. NCA leadership and staff remain excited to actively engage Orlando’s LGBTQIA+ and other marginalized community members with safety concerns, and we hope you all will join us at NCA 2027.
Toward that end, we have added an agenda item to the Wednesday, Nov. 18, Legislative Assembly session in New Orleans for that body to ask questions about the decision to move the convention to Orlando. We are asking members to relay any questions or concerns to Interest Group leaders prior to the convention so leaders can share and discuss them at the Legislative Assembly. We will ensure that Interest Group leaders relay the information discussed during the session.
Acknowledging concerns about Florida
We understand that traveling to Florida is not a comfortable or feasible destination for every member. Florida law and policies may create concerns about safety, dignity and belonging for some individuals and communities. These concerns are legitimate, and we are not dismissing or minimizing them. We also recognize that safety encompasses mental and emotional well-being, not only physical security.
No convention destination is without challenges, but that does not mean every location presents the same risks. Thus, it remains our responsibility and priority to recognize the specific concerns associated with Florida and respond thoughtfully. We respect members who choose not to attend due to the location.
Our commitment to member well-being
NCA leadership remains steadfast in its inclusion, diversity, equity and access (IDEA) commitments regardless of where we convene. As we plan for 2027, that dedication remains a priority and necessity. As such, we will work with members, convention planners, NCA staff and local partners in Orlando to identify practical measures that support attendee well-being, safety and accessibility. We will remain mindful of the varied experiences and needs of our membership and operate with the awareness that one approach will not serve everyone, hence the heightened engagement with membership. Although we cannot eliminate every risk, we can listen carefully, communicate available resources and make attendee well-being central to our planning. Because this decision came while we were finalizing the 2026 convention in New Orleans, it is too early to announce specific measures; therefore, we will share concrete plans by September 2027.
We thank you all for this opportunity to work collaboratively as we plan for the 2027 convention. Please know that you are more than welcome to reach out by email at any time. The Executive Committee will review all comments so that we can listen, discuss and move the association forward together.
Sincerely,
Justin Danowski
NCA Executive Director
jdanowski@natcom.org
Tina M. Harris
NCA President
