It’s almost time for the 2025 ACA National Conference! Here are some final details to help with your trip and your experience in Dallas.

In support of conservation and environmental efforts, the national conference program book will be offered electronically again this year and will not be printed. A copy can be saved to the electronic device you will be using at conference. The file is printer-friendly, so if you prefer a printed copy, you will need to print one and bring it with you. This will be in addition to the mobile app, sponsored by CampBrain.

Download the Program Book

View the Digital Program Book

We'd like to thank CampBrain for their continued support of this great feature of the national conference! 

Download the App!

If you would like to print a copy of the program session grid to bring to the conference, you can download it here.  Please note, the mobile app will always have the most current information available, as it can be updated onsite if any changes arise.

Download a Session Grid

An extensive conference FAQ is available for your reference.

Each year, our great volunteers help make the ACA National Conference an amazing event! Sign up in advance.

Onsite, you can stop by the speaker/volunteer area at the ACA Registration Counters to see what opportunities are available.

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.

First, welcome! We're glad you'll be joining us in Dallas. On Tuesday, prior to the Opening General Session, we will host a gathering of first-time attendees from 12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. in Wedgwood Ballroom. You will have an opportunity to meet other first-timers, learn more about the educational and social networking opportunities, and learn how to make the very most of your first-time experience at the national conference. (Sponsored by Cliq)

Once you arrive on site and get settled in your room, plan to stop by the Hospitality – Connection Center by ACA registration in the Peacock Foyer. You'll find friendly faces, an abundance of information about how to make the most of your time in Dallas, and ways to connect with other camp professionals at the conference. 

Conference registration will be in the Peacock Foyer. You'll pick up your name badge in this area.  Exhibitor check-in will also be at this location.

ACA Registration Services Hours

  • Monday, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Connect with your local ACA leaders and fellow camp pros from your area on Tuesday, February 18, at 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Check out the locations for each of the local ACA meetings.

We are excited to share there is scheduled time for camp professionals from diverse groups and identities to attend one or more of our affinity group meet ups at this year’s conference. Check the schedule and mobile app for times and details.

As you pack your bags for Dallas, don’t forget to include donation items for the 2025 National Conference service project. The Conference Planning Team has chosen to collect reusable water bottles or tumblers for local Dallas organizations that work to ensure unhoused individuals have access to clean drinking water. Visit the service project webpage to see how you can help. 

Come see the latest products, programs, and services available for camps, educational organizations, and youth development professionals. There are many new vendors this year. Don’t forget, many exhibitors offer exclusive show specials! Along with offering great resources for camp professionals, our fantastic exhibitors play a large role in keeping conference registration costs down. 

Exhibit Hall Schedule 
Wednesday, February 19

  • 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. • Grand Opening of Exhibit Hall with Reception (sponsored by Camp Scheduling Pro) — Ticket Required

Thursday, February 20

  • 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. • Exhibits Open
  • 9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. • Unopposed Time in Exhibit Hall, Complimentary Bagels and Coffee Available (sponsored by Camp Scheduling Pro)
  • 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. • Lunch in Exhibit Hall — Ticket Required 
  • 3:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. • Unopposed Time in Exhibit Hall, Afternoon Coffee and Dessert Available

Attendees who pre-requested vegetarian, gluten free, or kosher on their registration form, for the plated meal on Friday, should receive a small kosher, vegetarian, or gluten free card with their name badge.  You will need to show that to catering staff for confirmation to access the pre-requested dietary options.  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 have asked hotel 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 exhibit hall reception and Thursday’s lunch in the exhibit hall, we have ordered a vegetarian option, with the volume based on the number of pre-requests we received.  Again, you will need to show your special dietary card to the catering staff.  Be sure to keep your card for future meals.

We provide the conference site catering services with a list of special dietary requests that were submitted so they are aware.  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.

For job seekers and those with jobs to fill — come by the Resource Center and post your information. A one-stop shop for ACA membership and program information, the Resource Center is located in the Peacock Foyer. 

Our conference dress is casual to business casual. The average temperatures for Dallas in February are highs in the 60s °F and lows in the 40s °F, but we suggest you check the local forecast before you leave. Meeting rooms can feel chilly. We encourage you to bring layers. 

Connect Online!

Join the conference Facebook group to begin your conference experience early.  For all your social media posts, use the hashtag #ACANat25 during conference. 

We wish you safe travels to the Hilton Anatole

See you soon, 
ACA 2025 National Conference Team

Thank You to Our Premier Sponsors!