An extensive conference FAQ document is available for your reference.

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 New Orleans. 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 Salon 1. 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. You'll find friendly faces, an abundance of information about how to make the most of your time in New Orleans, and ways to connect with other camp professionals at the conference. 

Conference registration will be in the Level 1 Prefunction space. You'll pick up your name badge, tickets, and other materials in this area. Attendees who wish to purchase additional meal tickets for family members and guests are encouraged to do so upon arrival, as any extra tickets are only available based on space and seating capacities. 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 6, 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.

As you pack your bags for New Orleans, don’t forget to include donation items for the 2024 National Conference service project. The Conference Planning Team has chosen to collect donations for Start the Adventure in Reading (STAIR) as the service project for this year's conference. Visit the service project webpage to see how you can help. We will will have a QR code at the hospitality desk that can be used to donate directly to the organization. 

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. Visit both halls often to reciprocate that support! 

Exhibit Hall Schedule 
Wednesday, February 7

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

Thursday, February 8

• 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

During the registration process, attendees have the option of requesting a Vegetarian or Kosher option for the plated lunch at the closing general session.  Due to catering constraints, Vegetarian and Kosher are the special dietary needs we can accommodate at the plated lunch on Friday.  Attendees who submitted a request should receive a Vegetarian or Kosher card with their name badge.  To access the vegetarian or kosher option at the Friday closing lunch, you will need to present that card 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 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 and have requested a gluten free dessert for the closing lunch, etc. 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 requests we received.  Again, you will need to show your vegetarian 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

Each year, our great volunteers help make the ACA National Conference an amazing event! Stop by Speaker Services at the ACA Registration Counters and the Hospitality Desk to see what opportunities are available.

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 Level 2 Churchill Foyer. 

Our conference dress is casual to business casual. The average temperatures for New Orleans in February are: High: 66°F, Low: 47°F, but we suggest you check the local forecast before you leave. Meeting rooms can feel chilly. We encourage you to bring layers.