NBMBAA | National Black MBA Association 2026
Event Date
September 23–25, 2026
Location
Los Angeles, CA
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Annual Conference & Exposition is one of the nation's premier multicultural professional development and diversity recruitment events. The 2026 edition marks the association's 48th Annual Conference, themed around the idea to "Pivot," and returns to Los Angeles. The event brings together MBA students, early-career professionals, experienced leaders, and employers for keynote sessions, career-focused education, and networking.
At the heart of the conference is the two-day Career Expo, widely regarded as one of the nation's largest diversity career fairs, where employers actively recruit talent across all experience levels. Attendees gain access to on-site job interviews, résumé reviews, interview preparation, Conference Job Match, and the NBMBAA Job Board.
Whether you are seeking a new job, shifting careers, developing leadership skills, or pursuing strategic networking, the conference offers value across career stages. Employers begin reviewing candidates months in advance, so students and early-career professionals are encouraged to register early and upload their résumés to maximize recruiter visibility.
Show Highlights
- Career Expo: A two-day career fair described as one of the nation's largest diversity recruitment events, expected to host a large field of corporate recruiters.
- Keynote & education sessions: Dynamic keynotes plus career-focused and leadership development programming.
- Tailored conference tracks: Distinct experiences for Early Career/Students, Experienced Professionals (Mid-Career), and Employers/Recruiters.
- Conference Job Match and the NBMBAA Job Board: Tools connecting job seekers with employers before and during the event.
- Career Success Network: On-site interview preparation and résumé review for job seekers.
- 2026 sponsors include AbbVie, Capital One, Edward Jones, Ross, EY, Fidelity, S&P Global, and Ford.
Registration
Registration is completed online through the official NBMBAA conference website, and attendees choose an experience track: Early Career/Student, Experienced Professionals (Mid-Career), or Employers/Recruiters.
The conference uses a tiered registration structure that rewards early planners with the best pricing, early access to the hotel block, and increased recruiter visibility through advance résumé uploads and Job Match participation. Rates increase as the conference approaches due to demand and capacity planning.
Key steps and notes:
- Register online for the 48th Annual Conference.
- Create or update your NBMBAA Career Center job-seeker profile and upload your résumé to the NBMBAA Job Board.
- To secure a guaranteed hotel room in the block, you must be registered by August 15, 2026.
History
The National Black MBA Association was founded in 1970 by a group of MBA candidates who met at the University of Chicago, and it was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1974. The association is dedicated to creating educational and economic empowerment opportunities for Black students, professionals, and entrepreneurs.
Over five decades, NBMBAA has grown to represent more than 11,000 active members, roughly 40 professional chapters, and more than 300 corporate, academic, and non-profit partners. Its Annual Conference & Exposition has become the organization's flagship event; the 2026 gathering in Los Angeles is the 48th edition. The Los Angeles Chapter has previously hosted the National Conference on five occasions: 1980, 1990, 1999, 2005, and 2010.
Venue & Travel
Venue
Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
The Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) is a premier event venue in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, offering more than 870,000 square feet of flexible event space across its West Hall and South Hall buildings. It is internationally renowned as a site for conventions, trade shows, and exhibitions, and was the first convention center of its size in the U.S. to achieve LEED:EBOM Gold recertification. For ATD26, the event is spread across South Hall GHJK, West Hall AB, Concourse Hall, and Petree Hall, with meeting rooms in the 300 Series (South Building) and 400 Series (Concourse Walkway). The venue sits within the L.A. LIVE entertainment district, adjacent to Crypto.com Arena, Peacock Theater, and The Novo.
Parking
On-site parking is available in the venue's West Hall and South Hall garages, which are easily accessible from major freeways and serve the LACC and the surrounding L.A. LIVE district. ATD advises attendees to park in these garages. Flat event rates generally run $30–$40 depending on the event and location, with general hours around 5:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. (subject to change). Credit and debit cards are accepted, all sales are final, and accessible parking is available near venue entrances. Note: Pico Blvd between Figueroa St. and LA Live Way is fully closed 24/7 from December 2025 through March 2028 due to the LACC Expansion & Modernization Project, so allow extra time and check current routes.
Getting There
The Los Angeles Convention Center is in downtown LA and is served by multiple airports — Los Angeles International (LAX) is the primary gateway, with Hollywood Burbank (BUR), Long Beach (LGB), and Ontario (ONT) as alternatives. ATD offers negotiated air travel discounts with Delta, Southwest, and United. By public transit, take the Metro (Expo/E Line and Blue/A Line) to Pico Station, directly across from the convention center; DASH Bus Route F and Metro Bike Share also serve the area, and Metrolink riders can transfer to Metro for free. Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are convenient options. Complimentary shuttles connect ATD's conference hotels to the venue. Note ongoing road and lane closures along Pico Blvd due to the LACC expansion project, so allow extra travel time.
Nearby Hotels
ATD negotiates reduced room rates at a selection of Los Angeles hotels through its official housing partner, CMR (Convention Management Resources). Booking within the ATD hotel block supports the conference and helps secure better rates. ATD warns that no other travel agency is authorized to book on its behalf. The convention center sits in the downtown L.A. LIVE district, which is surrounded by numerous hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Complimentary shuttle service is provided between the convention center and conference hotels that are not within walking distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 NBMBAA Annual Conference?
The 48th Annual National Black MBA Association Conference & Exposition takes place September 23–25, 2026, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, California 90015.
Who should attend the NBMBAA Conference?
The conference is designed for MBA students, early-career professionals, experienced mid-career leaders, and employers or recruiters. Attendees choose a tailored experience track based on their career stage.
How do I register for the conference?
Registration is completed online through the official NBMBAA conference website. The event uses a tiered pricing structure, so registering early secures the best rates, early hotel-block access, and greater recruiter visibility.
What is the Career Expo?
The Career Expo is a two-day career fair regarded as one of the nation's largest diversity recruitment events, where employers actively recruit candidates across all experience levels. Job seekers must register for the Annual Conference to participate.
Where should I stay and how do I book a hotel?
NBMBAA negotiates rates at downtown Los Angeles hotels through its official housing provider, Event Advisory Group. You must be registered for the conference by August 15, 2026, to guarantee a room in the block, and should book only through the official provider to avoid scams.
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