FAQ information below is subject to change. External links are provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only. ACA does not endorse or authenticate content of the external site(s) or that of subsequent links. Please contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
Are there any incentives/discounts for registering early?
Yes, those registering on or before December 16, 2026, can register at a discounted “early bird” rate on both 1st Person and Additional Person registrations. If you miss the early bird deadline, you can still save on those registrations by registering prior to February 8, 2027. Preregistration closes end of day on February 8.
NOTE: After February 8, you will need to register on-site at a higher rate. Bring your completed registration form to save time at the registration counter.
Are there any incentives/discounts if multiple people from my organization register?
Yes, after the first ACA member or nonmember from an organization registers at the 1st Person registration rate, others from the same organization may register at the Additional Person registration rate.
Is it true that ACA offers complimentary registration for ACA Student Members who are full-time students?
Yes, this is available for current ACA Student members who are full-time students. A photocopy of both sides of a student ID that confirms full-time student status must be submitted with your registration. Complimentary student registration does not include meal functions or ticketed events; however, students are welcome to purchase these tickets as they pre-register. Note: Tickets WILL NOT be available for purchase onsite. Any tickets must be purchased before preregistration closes on February 8, 2027. For the ticketed closing luncheon, students will be able to attend the session after the meal is over.
Can I register for just one day? Two days?
You may register for a single day or a combination of days. Daily registration must be submitted via fax or mail using the printed registration form. It is not available in the online registration process. See the registration page for more details.
Do you accommodate special dietary needs?
We provide the conference site catering services with a list of special dietary requests that were submitted so they are aware. We also ask them to clearly label all dishes, so attendees can make informed choices regarding what they are able to eat. Checking with catering staff if you have questions about specific ingredients is highly recommended. While event catering services use care in food preparation, due to the high volume of food produced daily, an allergen free kitchen environment cannot be guaranteed.
During the pre-registration process, attendees have the option of requesting a vegetarian, kosher, or gluten free option for the plated lunch at the closing general session. Attendees who submit such a request during pre-registration will receive a vegetarian, gluten Free, or kosher designation with their name badge. To access the requested option at the Friday closing lunch, you will need to present that designation to the catering staff for confirmation. This is to help ensure that individuals who did not request a special meal do not take them and cause a shortage for those who did.
For non-plated food occasions, such as a reception or morning bagels and coffee, we ask event catering to clearly label all dishes, so attendees can make informed choices regarding what they are able to eat. When possible, we attempt to have a gluten free option available. For example, when bagels are served, we have requested that gluten free bagels be made available. For the Wednesday exhibit hall opening lunch and Thursday’s lunch in the exhibit hall, we will order a vegetarian option, with the volume based on the number of requests we receive. Again, you will need to show your special dietary request designation to the catering staff.
Can I bring my children or staff who are minors to the conference?
Minimum age to register for American Camp Association professional development events is 18 years. Minors cannot be registered for the ACA National Conference. All minors must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian at all times.
Is it possible to buy event/meal tickets for friends and family?
Yes, if you do so at the time you pre-register. Note: Tickets WILL NOT be available for purchase onsite. Any additional tickets must be purchased before preregistration closes on February 8, 2027.
If I am speaking, do I have to register? Pay?
All speakers MUST register for the conference — for either the day of their session or for the full conference. Speakers enjoy a significantly reduced full registration rate that includes keynote/event tickets. If you are attending only on the day(s) you are presenting, you may attend on that day for free; however, event tickets for that day are not included. Completed registration forms are needed for all presenters. We realize this in no way is meant to compensate for your time and expertise. ACA recognizes that you are making a significant contribution to camp and the profession — with our thanks! Commerce session presenters who are registered as booth representatives for their exhibit booth do not need to also register as an attendee.
How do I register for Kindred and preconference events?
Please consult the list of Kindred and preconference events confirmed to date and information on registration . The Kindred registration process varies according to group. ACA handles registration for some Kindreds, while others offer their own registration services.
What is an ACA Kindred group?
ACA serves the interests of niche communities of camp professionals within the field of camp. These groups represent those who work in similar organizations, have similar business models, or serve similar types of campers. Learn about kindred groups.
How can I learn more about the program content?
The program is currently in development. Presenters submit proposals for consideration utilizing the online submission tool. Also, the conference team develops or recruits sessions based on feedback gleaned from needs assessment tools, post-event surveys, and hot topics that develop out of current situations in camp. Look for updates on the program in progress on the National Conference web pages.
Can I earn ACA Continuing Education Credits (CECs) for participating?
Yes! Registered attendees earn CECs for attending the conference. Total number of CECs can vary based on number of days attending conference. In addition to the CECs that you will earn from planned educational contact time, there are also opportunities to learn from fellow attendees as you network throughout the conference week.
If I have an idea for a program or presenter, how do I submit?
Session submissions for the 2027 ACA National Conference may be submitted through the CFP site through September 16, 2026. Visit session proposals page for more details. If you’ve missed the cutoff for this year, the CFP site will reopen in June of the following year. If you are familiar with a presenter who would be a good fit for the conference, please share the CFP link with them.
Is there conference-related social media available?
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National Conference Facebook Group — Join the conference Facebook group to begin your conference experience early. Connect with your fellow attendees, get breaking news, and more . . .
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X — Use the hashtag #ACANat27 during conference.
Are there volunteer opportunities at the event?
ACA welcomes volunteers with a variety of short and long-term options. In some cases, a rebate on registration fees is offered in exchange for significant services.
Should I register first or make hotel reservations first?
Space for the conference is not limited; however, hotel guest rooms are. To secure your room at one of the conference hotels, we suggest you proceed in making hotel reservations first. However, remember you can save by registering for the conference early.
Is there a conference service project?
Giving back to our host city has become an annual tradition for ACA National Conference attendees and exhibitors. Get more information on this years’ service project.
Why should I stay at one of the contracted conference hotels?
By staying within the official hotel blocks, you will be immersed in the full conference community—creating natural opportunities for meaningful conversations, relationship-building, and continued engagement beyond scheduled sessions. Many of the most impactful interactions occur informally, and booking in one of the contracted hotel blocks is the best way to be surrounded by fellow attendees, making it easier to connect, network, and keep the conversation going before and after sessions.
The success of the national conference depends on registrants and exhibitors staying at one of the contracted hotels to offset the sizable costs of producing the conference and exhibits. ACA cannot meet contracted room obligations if registrants and exhibitors reserve rooms in other area hotels. The risk of incurring tens of thousands of dollars in financial penalties (attrition fees) increases with each registrant who stays outside of the contracted hotel blocks. If we do not meet our guarantees, we will have to pay penalties, which add to the costs of the conference and in turn increase registration and exhibitor fees. Sustaining a financially successful conference for ACA means ensuring that both conference registrants and exhibitors have a quality, meaningful event that will reap benefits for you and the profession for years to come.
What airport should I use?
The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF). For more details, visit www.flylouisville.com.
What ground transportation options are available from the SDF airport downtown Louisville?
The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) is about 6 miles away from downtown Louisville. For information on available transportation options, visit www.flylouisville.com/getting-to-and-from-the-airport/.
What are the expected temperatures for Louisville in February?
The average temperatures for Louisville in February are: High: 51°F, Low Overnight: 34°F.
What is the appropriate dress for the conference?
Casual! Please come in clothes that are comfortable for moving around, enjoying sessions, and walking between the convention center and one of the ACA hotels. Session room temperatures vary, so wear layers and plan accordingly. Check the Louisville weather forecast when packing. Bring comfortable shoes/boots for walking.
How can I learn more about Louisville, KY?
For more information on the many fun and exciting things to do in Louisville, visit www.gotolouisville.com.
ACA does not endorse or guarantee any special offers. Any questions should be directed to the contact information available on the site.
What is your media and filming policy at conference?
Filming, photography, audio recording, and live streaming are strictly prohibited in common, shared, open areas and during all sessions without prior written approval from the American Camp Association.
Although I would like to attend the National Conference, there are reasons preventing this kind of trip and/or participation. What options do I have to attend other conferences?
ACA local offices and groups of ACA offices offer conferences on a local or regional level. These events offer high-quality education, excellent networking opportunities, and in some cases, access to a variety of exhibitors.
FAQ information is subject to change. External links are provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only. ACA does not endorse or authenticate content of the external site(s) or that of subsequent links. Please contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
