American Camp Association National Conference 2027
Event Date
February 16–19, 2027
Location
Louisville, KY
Expected Exhibitors
195
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe ACA National Conference is the flagship annual gathering of the American Camp Association (ACA), the leading professional event for the camp and youth development industry in the United States. The 2027 conference will be held February 16–19, 2027, at the Kentucky International Convention Center in downtown Louisville, Kentucky. It brings together four-plus packed days of quality education, networking, and professional trade-show access designed to boost attendees' professional development.
The conference draws camp directors, owners, operators, program leaders, and youth development professionals from across the country. Attendees come to learn about the latest trends in the camp industry, connect with peers, and explore products and services in the exhibit hall. Session tracks span Business and Operations, Executive Leadership, Innovative Programs, Medical Camping, Staff Training and Leadership, Youth Development and Behavior, and more.
With roughly 1,700 camp professionals representing 750+ camps, 150+ unique sessions, and nearly 200 exhibiting vendors, the event is widely regarded as the premier place to learn about the profession, discover new resources, and build lasting professional relationships. Long-time attendees describe it as an inspiring, welcoming, and mission-driven community.
Show Highlights
- Education: More than 150 unique sessions across tracks including Business and Operations, Camp Includes Me, Camps on Campus, Emerging Issues and Tools, Executive Leadership Forum, Innovative Programs, Medical Camping, Staff Training and Leadership, Youth Development and Behavior, Commerce Sessions, and the ACA Research Forum.
- Keynote speakers: A featured lineup of keynote presentations (announced closer to the event).
- Exhibit hall / trade show: Nearly 200 vendors present the latest products, programs, and services for camps and youth development organizations, with many exhibitors offering exclusive show specials. Exhibit show days are February 17–18, 2027.
- Networking: Social and issues-based networking opportunities plus special events throughout the four-plus days.
- Volunteer opportunities: Attendees can volunteer to earn a partial rebate on registration fees.
- Community Service Project and Kindred & Other Events rounding out the program.
Attendance
According to ACA, the National Conference draws approximately 1,700 camp professionals representing 750+ camps, with 150+ unique sessions and 195+ vendors present. ACA's sponsorship materials likewise cite roughly 1,700 attendees and 750+ camp facilities for the 2027 Louisville conference.
Registration
Registration for the 2027 ACA National Conference opens on August 31. Attendees can register through the official conference website.
- Business representatives, vendors, and companies wanting to sell to or network with camps must register as exhibitors or sponsors, not as general attendees.
- Volunteers may work at the conference in exchange for a partial rebate on their registration fee.
- ACA typically offers discounted preregistration rates ahead of the event, with higher on-site registration rates afterward; attendees are encouraged to register early to save.
Check the official registration page for current pricing, pass types, and deadlines.
History
The ACA National Conference is produced by the American Camp Association (ACA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1910 under the original name Camp Directors Association of America (CDAA). The organization adopted the name American Camping Association in 1935 and today is known as the American Camp Association. Since 1948 the ACA has operated the only nationwide professional accreditation program for camps and now accredits more than 2,500 camps nationwide, with a membership of over 12,000. The National Conference is held annually in a different U.S. city; upcoming editions are scheduled for Louisville, KY (2027), New Orleans, LA (2028), and Denver, CO (2029).
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Last updated: August 16, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2027 ACA National Conference?
The 2027 ACA National Conference will be held February 16–19, 2027, at the Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC) in downtown Louisville, Kentucky.
Who should attend the ACA National Conference?
The conference is designed for camp directors, owners, operators, program leaders, and youth development professionals. It draws roughly 1,700 camp professionals representing more than 750 camps for education, networking, and trade-show access.
How do I register for the conference?
Registration for the 2027 conference opens on August 31 through the official ACA conference website. Volunteers can earn a partial rebate on their registration fee, and business representatives must register as exhibitors or sponsors rather than as general attendees.
Which hotels are near the venue?
ACA has contracted room blocks at several downtown hotels within walking distance of KICC, including the Hyatt Regency Louisville (0.1 mi), Omni Louisville (0.2 mi), Embassy Suites by Hilton Louisville Downtown (0.3 mi), and the Galt House (0.4 mi). Book only through the official ACA links to avoid hotel scams.
What can I expect in the exhibit hall?
The exhibit hall features nearly 200 vendors showcasing the latest products, programs, and services for camps and youth development organizations, with many offering exclusive show specials. Exhibit show days are February 17–18, 2027.
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