NASFAA | National Association of Student Financial Aid Admin 2026
Event Date
June 29 – July 2, 2026
Location
National Harbor, MD
Expected Exhibitors
77
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe NASFAA National Conference is the annual flagship event of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, and is widely regarded as the premier gathering for the student financial aid community. Held June 29 – July 2, 2026 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD — just outside Washington, DC — the 2026 edition marks NASFAA's landmark 60th Anniversary.
The conference draws thousands of student aid professionals from colleges, universities, and related organizations across the nation each year to teach, learn, network, and share best practices. Attendees gain valuable, up-to-date information on federal student aid programs from financial aid veterans and U.S. Department of Education officials.
It is a unique training and professional development opportunity designed to equip financial aid administrators with the tools they need to better serve students and families. Beyond the education program, attendees can explore product and software innovations from the event's exhibitors, take part in networking receptions, and connect with peers facing similar challenges. For anyone working in higher-education financial aid, it is one of the most important events on the calendar.
Show Highlights
- 60th Anniversary celebration — 2026 marks six decades of NASFAA, capped by a special anniversary event on Wednesday night with drinks and heavy hors d'oeuvres.
- Featured speakers include opening keynote speaker Mark Schulman, Michael Hingson at the "Perspectives of Belonging" event, and Nicholas Kent, Under Secretary of Education at the U.S. Department of Education.
- U.S. Department of Education sessions offering direct federal policy insight.
- Exhibit hall / Innovation Hall showcasing student-aid products and software from more than 50 exhibitors and sponsors.
- Networking opportunities, including an opening reception on Monday night, a "Perspectives of Belonging" event, charity events, and attendee lounges with coffee, professional headshots, charging stations, and gaming.
Attendance
The NASFAA National Conference draws thousands of student financial aid professionals from across the nation each year. For the 2026 conference, NASFAA's site reported over 2,400 registered attendees (2,477 listed on the conference homepage) ahead of the event. The audience is composed of financial aid administrators and staff from colleges, universities, and related organizations.
Registration
Registration is completed online through the NASFAA website (myNASFAA portal), and attendees may register without payment at the time of registration (Pay Later or Pay Now options).
- Member discounts: NASFAA Value members receive a 5% discount and Value Plus members receive a 10% discount beyond the first fully paid registration at their institution (not available for on-site registration).
- What's included: Access to all sessions and exhibits; attendee lounges (coffee, professional headshots, infused water, charging stations, gaming); session handouts for six months after the event; the Perspectives of Belonging event with a light reception; beverage breaks and afternoon snacks; a Monday-night opening reception; and the Wednesday-night 60th Anniversary celebration.
- Hotel booking: You must register for the conference before you can book your conference hotel room; a booking link is provided after registration.
- Cancellation: A cancellation fee schedule applies; to avoid being billed the full registration amount, cancel or submit a Change of Attendee Form by 5:00 p.m. ET on May 29, 2026. Naming a replacement attendee waives cancellation fees.
History
NASFAA was established in 1966, and the 2026 National Conference celebrates the association's 60th Anniversary. The national conference has grown into the premier event serving the student financial aid community, drawing thousands of professionals annually to teach, learn, network, and share best practices. It rotates among major U.S. cities; the 60th-anniversary edition is being held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Venue & Travel
Venue
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
201 Waterfront Street
Perched on the banks of the Potomac River in National Harbor, Maryland, the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is a destination just minutes from downtown Washington, DC. The resort features a 19-story indoor atrium and scenic waterfront views, with rooms and suites offering both atrium and river vistas. Onsite amenities include diverse dining options, a spa and fitness center, an indoor pool, richly designed public spaces, and expansive meeting and exhibit space, all complemented by easy access to National Harbor's shops, restaurants, and entertainment along the promenade.
Attire for the conference was business casual, and uniforms were welcomed.
Parking
Parking is available on-site at the Gaylord National as well as in several National Harbor garages across the street from the resort. On-site options include valet and self-parking (daily rates apply, and rates change over time). Nearby National Harbor garages — including the St. George, Mariner, and Fleet garages — offer additional parking within a short walk. Because rates vary, confirm current pricing with the resort or via parking.nationalharbor.com before you travel.
Getting There
The Gaylord National is closest to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), roughly a 15-minute (about 15 mile) drive away. Washington Dulles International (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) are each within about a 45-minute drive. Shuttle and car service, rideshare, taxis, and rental cars are all available from the airports. The property offers a free Harbor Bus to National Harbor and the MGM Resort, and water taxi service operates from National Harbor to Old Town Alexandria, Georgetown, downtown Washington DC, Nationals Stadium, and Mount Vernon. The nearest Metro stations (Huntington, Braddock Road) are roughly a 15-minute drive from the venue.
Nearby Hotels
The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is the host hotel, with a NASFAA room block available to registered attendees. National Harbor offers a number of additional hotels within walking distance or a short ride, including:
- MGM National Harbor — resort and casino a short shuttle ride away
- AC Hotel National Harbor
- The Westin Washington National Harbor
- Wyndham National Harbor
- Hampton Inn & Suites and Residence Inn options in the National Harbor area
A free Harbor Bus connects the Gaylord to National Harbor and MGM Resort. Additional hotels are available across the Potomac in Old Town Alexandria, VA.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the NASFAA 2026 National Conference?
The conference takes place June 29 through July 2, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745 — just outside Washington, DC.
Who should attend the NASFAA National Conference?
It is the premier event for the student financial aid community, drawing thousands of financial aid administrators and professionals from colleges, universities, and related organizations to teach, learn, network, and share best practices.
What makes the 2026 conference special?
The 2026 conference celebrates NASFAA's 60th Anniversary, featuring a special anniversary celebration, keynote and featured speakers such as Mark Schulman and Michael Hingson, and sessions led by the U.S. Department of Education.
How do I register, and does registration include any discounts?
Registration is completed online through NASFAA, with Pay Now or Pay Later options. NASFAA Value members receive a 5% discount and Value Plus members a 10% discount beyond the first fully paid registration at their institution, though these discounts do not apply to on-site registration.
How do I book a hotel and get to the venue?
You must register for the conference before booking your conference hotel room; a booking link is provided after you register. The Gaylord National is about 15 minutes from Reagan National Airport (DCA) and within roughly 45 minutes of Dulles (IAD) and BWI, with shuttle, rideshare, taxi, and rental-car options available.
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