NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education 2027
Event Date
March 6–10, 2027
Location
National Harbor, MD
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe NASPA Annual Conference is the flagship gathering of NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, and is widely regarded as the largest gathering of student affairs professionals in the world. The 2027 conference brings the higher education community to National Harbor, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C., for several days of learning, research-sharing, and professional networking.
The event draws a broad cross-section of the profession, from vice presidents for student affairs and senior leaders to faculty, mid-level administrators, new professionals, graduate students, and undergraduates. It brings together thought leaders, practitioners, and educators from across the nation to engage in meaningful discussions, share innovative practices, and explore the latest trends in student affairs.
Programming spans keynote sessions, interactive general-interest sessions, research presentations, pre-conference workshops, and cohort-style specialty institutes. The 2027 conference explores student affairs transformation through three interconnected focus areas, including leveraging the "business" of student affairs and the human-digital continuum. For anyone dedicated to student success and campus leadership, it is a central annual event for skill-building and connection.
Show Highlights
- Multiple session formats to fit different learning styles. The conference features multiple session formats to share research, best practices, and expertise, including General Interest Sessions—50-minute sessions centered on interactive conversation between presenters and participants to help build skills and competencies you can apply right away.
- Research-focused programming. Attendees hear directly from researchers, with 50-minute sessions featuring two authors presenting innovative findings and conceptual arguments, followed by discussant commentary and open Q&A.
- Specialty Institutes. These are curated, cohort-style experiences designed by NASPA in partnership with specific constituent groups, with no open call for proposals; each serves a defined professional community and runs as a full-day program requiring registration, with limited space.
- Constituent group meetings and receptions. The conference is an opportunity for NASPA constituent groups and institutions to host events and gatherings for their communities.
- 2027 thematic focus. The program explores student affairs transformation through three interconnected focus areas: leveraging the "business" of student affairs and the human-digital continuum examining how technology intersects with the profession.
Attendance
The NASPA Annual Conference is among the largest events of its kind. Approximately 6,500 higher education professionals attended the NASPA 2025 Annual Conference. The audience spans the full range of the profession, including vice presidents for student affairs (VPSA), associate vice presidents, senior-level administrators, faculty, mid-level professionals, new professionals, graduate students, undergraduates, and retirees.
Registration
Registration for the 2027 NASPA Annual Conference is handled online through the official conference site. Registration opens on October 1.
Some programming requires separate sign-up: both pre-conference workshops and specialty institutes require an additional registration and fee. Because registration is required and space is limited for specialty institutes, early registration is recommended for those interested in cohort-style programming.
History
NASPA traces its roots to the early 20th century, originating from the National Association of Deans and Advisers of Men (NADAM). At the 1949 conference in Highland Park, Illinois, conference attendance exceeded 200 for the first time, and the full list of conference attendees appeared in the conference proceedings.
Over the decades the Annual Conference became central to the association's identity. In many ways, the history of NASPA is completely centered on its annual conference—it was the primary activity of the association for over half of its life, and over time the Annual Conference has increased in size and scope to become the largest gathering of student affairs professionals in the world. Today the conference regularly draws thousands of attendees and rotates among major U.S. cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2027 NASPA Annual Conference?
The 2027 NASPA Annual Conference takes place March 6-10, 2027, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C.
Who should attend the NASPA Annual Conference?
The conference is designed for student affairs professionals across higher education, including vice presidents for student affairs, senior and mid-level administrators, faculty, new professionals, graduate students, and undergraduates. It brings together thought leaders, practitioners, and educators from across the country.
How do I register, and when does registration open?
Registration is completed online through the official conference website and opens on October 1. Note that pre-conference workshops and specialty institutes require an additional registration and fee, and space for institutes is limited.
What kinds of sessions and programming are offered?
The conference includes keynote sessions, interactive 50-minute general-interest sessions, research presentations with author Q&A, full-day specialty institutes, and pre-conference workshops. The 2027 program focuses on student affairs transformation, including the "business" of student affairs and the human-digital continuum.
How do I get to the venue and where can I stay?
The Gaylord National is about 10 miles south of Washington, D.C., and under seven miles from Washington National Airport (DCA), with airport shuttle, rideshare, and water taxi options available. The Gaylord National serves as the main conference hotel with on-site rooms, and additional lodging is available throughout National Harbor and nearby Alexandria, VA.
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