June 29 – July 2, 2026
National Harbor, MD
77
NASFAA | National Association of Student Financial Aid Admin 2026 is a trade show in National Harbor, MD with approximately 77 exhibitors expected.
More detailed information about this show will be added soon.
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 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).
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.
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
201 Waterfront Street
The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is a large waterfront resort and convention property on the Potomac River in National Harbor, MD. It features roughly 546,000 square feet of meeting space and a signature 19-story indoor garden atrium with sweeping views of the Potomac River. Amenities include newly renovated guest rooms and suites, the Old Hickory Steakhouse, a rooftop lounge, the 20,000-square-foot Relâche Spa, and an indoor pool. The resort is smoke-free and, as of February 2024, operates as a cashless property. It is ADA-compliant.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Recent guides and industry insights for exhibitors and planners.
A guide to the biggest trade shows and exhibitor opportunities in Las Vegas through 2026 — dates, industries, exhibitor counts, and what each show is best for.
Read more
Introduction to Trade Shows Trade shows serve as significant events in various sectors, acting as a focal point
Read on tradeshows.fyi
10 Essential Tips for Attending Trade Shows Attending trade shows offers a unique platform to showcase products, network,
Read on tradeshows.fyiTrade Show Exhibiting Checklist Trade shows present a unique opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products, network with
Read on tradeshows.fyi
Welcome to TradeShows.fyi, your go-to source for everything related to trade shows, exhibitions, and events. Whether you’re an
Read on tradeshows.fyi