
National Art Education Association - NAEA 2027
Event Date
March 4–6, 2027
Location
New York, NY
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe NAEA National Convention is the flagship annual event of the National Art Education Association (NAEA), the leading international professional membership organization for visual arts, design, and media arts educators. The 2027 edition, known as NAEA27, brings the visual arts education community to New York City for three days of professional learning, networking, and inspiration. NAEA describes the event as "the pinnacle event of visual arts education," set amid one of the world's most iconic art scenes.
The convention draws a broad cross-section of the field. Attendees include preK–12 visual arts, design, and media arts educators, university professors, researchers, administrators and supervisors, teaching artists, museum educators, and art education students from across the United States and many other countries. It also attracts publishers and suppliers of art materials.
Attendees come to discover new products, techniques, and curriculum resources, connect with a vibrant professional community, and access hundreds of in-person sessions. With New York's world-renowned museums and galleries as a backdrop, the event offers unparalleled opportunities for educators at all levels to collaborate and grow professionally.
Show Highlights
- Hundreds of in-person sessions across March 4–6, 2027, covering all levels and disciplines of visual arts, design, and media arts education.
- Keynote speakers, presenters, and workshops — a past attendee described the experience as "inspired and enriched" by the wealth of knowledge shared.
- Ticketed workshops, tours, and special events available in addition to general session access.
- Exhibit Hall featuring art materials, technology, curriculum resources, college and university programs, and professional development providers.
- New York City setting, giving attendees access to world-class museums and galleries alongside the convention program.
- Scholarships available to help fund attendance.
Booth Pricing
Exhibit and sponsorship sales for NAEA27 are open. Published booth pricing:
- 10×10 booth: $3,250
- Corner fee: $200 per corner or island booth (a 20×20 booth carries a $400 corner fee)
Each 10×10 booth includes three (3) full Convention badges, an exhibitor listing in the Convention Program and Mobile App, a company ID sign (7 in × 44 in), an 8' high backdrop, and 3' high side-rail drape. Furniture, utilities (electricity/internet), booth cleaning, and additional labor must be secured separately through the official service contractor (ExpoGroup). Booths must be secured by December 15, 2026 to be featured in the printed program.
Registration
Registration includes access to hundreds of in-person sessions during March 4–6, 2027; some workshops, tours, and events require an additional ticket. Attendees can register online or via a printable form.
Rate tiers:
- Early Rate (through October 30, 2026): Active $255; Retired $255; Preservice $225; Guest $250; Non-member $575
- Standard Rate (October 31, 2026 – January 22, 2027): Active $310; Retired $300; Preservice $255; Guest $300; Non-member $650
- Onsite Rate (after January 22, 2027): Active $385; Retired $375; Preservice $255; Guest $375; Non-member $750
Guest rates are only available for non-educator guests of current NAEA members. Registrations may be canceled until January 29, 2027 with a $75 cancellation fee; no refunds are issued after that date. NAEA members save on registration.
History
The NAEA National Convention is the annual gathering of the National Art Education Association, which serves as the leading international professional membership organization for visual arts, design, and media arts educators. According to NAEA's own historical records, the convention has been held since 1948, with documentation of its locations and themes spanning 1948–2020. The event has grown into what NAEA calls the pinnacle event of visual arts education. Recent host cities include Louisville, KY (2025); the 2027 convention will be held in New York City, followed by Phoenix, AZ in 2028.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2027 NAEA National Convention?
NAEA27 takes place March 4–6, 2027 in New York City. The New York Hilton Midtown serves as the headquarter hotel and location for most sessions, with the Sheraton New York Times Square as an additional official venue.
Who should attend the NAEA National Convention?
The convention is designed for visual arts, design, and media arts educators at all levels, including preK–12 teachers, university professors, researchers, administrators and supervisors, teaching artists, museum educators, and art education students. It attracts attendees from across the United States and many other countries.
How much does registration cost and how do I register?
Attendees can register online or by a printable form. Early rates (through October 30, 2026) start at $225 for preservice members, $255 for active and retired members, and $575 for non-members, with prices rising at the standard and onsite tiers. NAEA members receive discounted registration.
What are the hotel options and rates for NAEA27?
Two official discounted hotels are available: the New York Hilton Midtown and the Sheraton New York Times Square, both offering discounted single/double rooms at $275 per night. The deadline to book at the discounted rate is February 2, 2027, subject to availability.
How can my company exhibit at NAEA27?
Exhibit and sponsorship sales are open. A 10×10 booth costs $3,250 and includes three full Convention badges, an exhibitor listing, a company ID sign, and backdrop and side-rail drape. Booths must be secured by December 15, 2026 to appear in the printed program.
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