National Conference
Program Preview: 2026 National Conference
NOTE: The Program - Session Grid shows the educational sessions that are offered. For a full listing of other conference events, view the Schedule at a Glance.
2026 Program - Session Grid (Sessions Listed by Date & Time)
View the educational sessions being offered at the conference.
Subject to Change.
2026 Conference Program Preview Brochure (12-page brochure)
Learn about session tracks, the revised conference schedule, educational sessions, general sessions, informal and formal networking, and more.
ACA reserves the right to make any and all adjustments to the program.
Beware Pirate Housing!
ACA National Conference and Exhibits
We would like to make you aware of a situation that has been brought to our attention. There are companies using various names who have been contacting our exhibitors to "assist" with hotel reservations. They sometimes disguise themselves as the American Camping Association (ACA) Housing Bureau or claim to represent the conference hotel. They may claim they can get better rates, that rooms are limited, or use other sales pitch methods. They are NOT the official housing bureau and are NOT affiliated with the ACA in any way.
All hotel reservations should be made via the conference headquarters hotel reservations link at www.ACAcamps.org/conference/hotel. Reservations made by unaffiliated organizations may appear to have lower rates, however they may be illegitimate, not have the rooms to sell, have unreasonable cancellation or change penalties, or be completely non-refundable.
Exhibitor Frequently Asked Questions
When can I set up my booth?
The exhibitor set up is on Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. No one will be allowed to set up any earlier, with no exceptions.
What are the exhibit hall hours?
Exhibits will open on Wednesday. Feb. 18 at 11:30 a.m. Complete schedule
When is my booth balance due?
Booth balances are due by Dec. 12, 2025. You will receive an email from ACA if you have a balance owed. No one will be permitted to set up their booth until paid in full.
What are the booth sizes?
Booths are 10 deep x 10 wide
Is the hall carpeted?
Yes.
Can I have a Tent/Canopy Display?
Our assigned Fire Marshal must approve a tent or canopy display. You will need to email Kim Fitzgerald the display's dimensions and material (cloth, plastic, fire resistant, etc.) for approval, along with a picture of the tag or a certificate from the manufacturer stating the material is fire resistant. You will be required to have a working fire extinguisher at the booth. Displays shall not be placed in such a manner as to block, shield, or interfere in any way with other exhibits. Displays and equipment over 36 inches in height must not exceed 48 inches from the booth back wall in all regular aisle locations. Your display must fit in the 10 x 10 area and not be taller than the back wall of 8'. Displays, including banners taller than 8', must be approved by ACA in advance.
What comes with my booth fee?
Your booth comes with pipe, drape, and a sign. You will need to purchase electricity, tables, chairs, waste baskets, Wi-Fi, etc. See the service kit from Heritage Tradeshow Services. Each exhibitor has a unique login and will receive individual emails from Heritage with this information. If you have not seen an email from Heritage, you will need to call them at 800-360-4323.
What is the ceiling height?
The ceiling height is 18'. Please plan for an allowable ceiling height for displays and banners. NO DISPLAYS TALLER THAN 10' without written approval.
How many badges come with my booth?
You are provided with four name badges. Badges are for employees who are representatives of your company, with no exceptions. You may purchase additional badges for $75 up to two, max of six total badges. Any badges over six will have to purchase a daily registration ticket.
When can I start shipping my materials?
Heritage Tradeshow Services will email you a link to the service kit in mid-fall. The kit will have shipping instructions when they start accepting deliveries to the warehouse. If you have not seen an email from Heritage, you will need to call them at 800-360-4323.
Can I ship directly to the Town and Country Hotel?
ACA's Official Service Contractor will be Freeman. Check the Heritage Tradeshow Services Service Kit for all shipping details mid-fall. Any freight shipped to the hotel should be addressed to Heritage Tradeshow Services and scheduled to be delivered during exhibitor move-in. Shipments arriving before the exhibitor move-in may be refused by the facility. Any charges incurred for early freight accepted by the facility are the responsibility of the Exhibitor.
Is the Town and Country a union facility?
Union labor may be required for certain aspects of your exhibit handling. Please be sure to refer to the Union Jurisdictions page of the Heritage Tradeshow Services Service Kit, which will be available mid-fall.
Is there parking for my trailer? If so, where and what would the charges be?
If you are not a hotel guest, you will need to find and make arrangements for the parking of a trailer.
Who do I contact to order Audio/Visual Equipment for my booth at the Town and Country?
You will be able to order AV equipment directly through the hotel. There will be link to the Encore order form in the service kit.
Am I allowed to unload my own materials?
F/T Employees of the Exhibiting Company can ‘hand carry’ or use a small luggage cart for their material through the hotel. Any materials unloaded at the dock will be handled by Heritage Tradeshow Services, and there is a charge for that.
Can I sell products at my booth?
Yes. Follow the sales tax guidelines for the state of California.
Can I provide food samples at my booth?
We do NOT permit any outside food or beverage without written consent from the food and beverage supplier. Please contact Kim Fitzgerald for additional details.
Is it possible to buy event/meal tickets for friends and family?
Yes, you may purchase them on-site, subject to availability. Spaces reserved in advance are guaranteed. On-site ticket availability may be limited. If you want to pre-order tickets, contact someone in business development to add to your exhibitor agreement.
Can I submit to do a session or a workshop?
Yes, Proposals will be accepted through September 16, 2025. Visit www.ACAcamps.org/conference/cfp for more details. You must be an exhibitor to present.
Should I register first or make hotel reservations first?
Exhibit space and hotel guest rooms are limited. We suggest you make hotel reservations first to secure your room at the conference hotel. For more details, visit www.ACAcamps.org/conference/hotel
Why should I stay at the conference host hotel(s)?
The success of the national conference depends on registrants and exhibitors staying at the contracted host hotel 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 the host hotel. If we do not meet our guarantee, 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?
Coming soon.
What are my ground transportation options from the airport?
Coming soon.
If I plan to drive, what is the parking fee?
Check with the Town and Country for their rates.
What is the appropriate dress for the conference?
Casual! Please come in comfortable clothes for moving around, enjoying sessions, and stepping outside. Session room temperatures vary, so wear layers and plan accordingly. Bring comfortable shoes/boots for walking.
What are the expected temperatures for San Diego in February?
Coming soon.
Sponsorship Opportunities at the 2025 National Conference
The ACA National Conference brings together 1,700+ camp leaders, owners, and decision-makers for four days of connection, learning, and business-building.
Sponsors don't just reach attendees, they engage with a highly qualified audience across multiple touchpoints, including in-person experiences, digital platforms, and pre- and post-event visibility.
Every sponsorship includes multi-channel exposure through the conference website, mobile app, program materials, and on-site engagement opportunities, ensuring sustained visibility before, during, and after the event.
You must be an exhibitor or a $10,000+ sponsor to gain access to the conference.
Premier Sponsorships
- Exclusive Attendee Gift Sponsor: Unique item tied to the conference theme, co-branded with ACA. - $25,000 - $35,000
- Place your brand directly into the hands—and homes—of every attendee. This high-quality, co-branded item extends your visibility well beyond the event, creating long-term brand recognition tied to the ACA experience.
- Wi-Fi Sponsor - $20,000
- Be one of the most visible brands at the ACA National Conference. Attendees rely on Wi-Fi continuously throughout the four-day event, creating repeated brand impressions tied to connectivity and convenience.
- Name Badge & Tote Bag Sponsor - $30,000
- Put your brand at the center of the attendee experience. Every participant receives and wears their name badge throughout the four-day conference and carries their tote bag across sessions, the exhibit hall, and off-site activities, creating continuous, high-visibility brand exposure.
- Acorn Dinner (Exclusive Leadership Experience) - $20,000
- Connect with an intimate group of approximately 80 of ACA's most engaged and influential leaders and supporters in a high-impact, relationship-driven setting. In addition to this exclusive experience, sponsors receive full conference visibility across attendee-facing platforms and materials.
- Mobile App Sponsor - $15,000
- Put your brand in attendees’ hands throughout the entire conference. The mobile app is a primary tool for navigating sessions, networking, and accessing event information, ensuring high-frequency engagement across all four days.
- Grand Opening Keynote Speaker - $15,000
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Align your brand with one of the most highly anticipated and well-attended moments of the ACA National Conference. The Grand Opening Keynote brings together all 1,700 attendees to kick off the event with shared energy, inspiration, and focus. As the sponsor, your organization is positioned at the forefront of the conference experience, gaining prominent visibility and association with thought leadership and innovation in the camp industry.
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- Headshot and Photo Activation - $12,000
- Drive high-value engagement through one of the most popular attendee experiences. The professional headshot and photo areas attract consistent traffic, offering extended dwell time and strong brand association.
- Second Keynote Speaker - $10,000
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Extend your brand’s presence into one of the conference’s key general sessions. The Second Keynote delivers high-value engagement with a broad audience of camp industry decision-makers, offering strong visibility and association with ongoing learning and leadership. As a sponsor, your organization remains top-of-mind beyond the opening moments of the conference.
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- Closing Celebration + Speaker Sponsor - $15,000
- This is the last moment 1,000+ camp leaders experience together; it’s what they remember when they leave. If you want your brand tied to that feeling, this is the opportunity.
- Exhibit Hall Lunch Grand Opening - $15,000
- Kick off the exhibit hall experience with one of the most highly attended and energetic moments of the conference. The Grand Opening Lunch draws attendees into the exhibit hall, creating peak traffic and extended engagement with exhibitors. As the sponsor, your brand is prominently featured during this high-visibility experience, connecting you with approximately 1,700 camp leaders and decision-makers in a dynamic, networking-rich environment.
- Resource Center - $15,000
- Position your brand at the center of attendee learning and exploration. The Resource Center is accessed by a broad cross-section of attendees throughout the conference, creating ongoing visibility and engagement.
- Exhibit Hall Coffee and Bagels, Thursday morning - $10,000
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Start the day with strong brand visibility during one of the most well-attended and high-traffic moments in the exhibit hall. Morning coffee and breakfast draw attendees as they begin their day, creating natural opportunities for networking and engagement. With approximately 1,700 attendees participating throughout the morning, this sponsorship offers repeated brand exposure in a relaxed, high-energy environment.
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- Camp Research Forum Bundle - $15,000
- Exhibit Hall Lunch, Thursday afternoon - $10,000
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Maintain strong brand visibility during one of the most active and well-attended times in the exhibit hall. The Thursday Lunch brings attendees together for networking, conversation, and continued exploration of exhibitors. With approximately 1,700 attendees participating, this sponsorship offers valuable exposure and engagement in a relaxed, high-traffic environment.
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- Exhibit Hall Dessert, Thursday late afternoon - $10,000
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Close out the exhibit hall experience with strong brand visibility during a high-traffic, end-of-day gathering. The Thursday Dessert draws attendees back into the exhibit hall as they wrap up conversations, revisit booths, and make final connections. This sponsorship offers valuable exposure during a key decision-making window, with approximately 1,700 attendees engaging in one of the final shared moments before the exhibit hall closes.
- Faith-based Camps Cafe, Dinner, and ongoing virtual conversations - $10,000
Friend of Camp Sponsorships
- Meeting Room Sponsor - $7,500
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Maintain consistent brand visibility throughout the conference by sponsoring a dedicated meeting room. Your branding will be displayed across multiple sessions, reaching a rotating audience of attendees over the course of the event. This sponsorship offers repeated exposure and strong alignment with the conference’s educational experience.
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- Research Forums (4) - $10,000 or $3,000 each
- Emerging Professionals in Camping (EPIC) Pre-Conference and EPIC Cafe - $8,000
- Camps on Campus - $5,000
- Gathering of Internationals - $6,000
- Research Evening Social - $5,000
- Research Poster Session - $3,000
- Non-profit Council Luncheon - $5,000
- Informal Cafe Discussions with coffee and bagels - $3,000 per cafe
- Day Camp Café
- Spanish Speaking Café
- Medical and Disability Camping Café
- Camp Includes Me Café
- Faith-based Camps Café
- Camp-School-Community Partnership Café
- First-Timers Orientation - $3,000
- Volunteer Gathering - $3000
- Pioneers Luncheon - $3,000
- EPIC (Emerging Professionals in Camp) - $3,000
- Hand Sanitizing Station - $1,000 per station, includes company logo and booth number
- Underwriting opportunities: AV, Mainstage, Snack breaks, or Live entertainment - $2,500 - $20,000
Each sponsorship includes a customized package of benefits.
Sponsorship of $10,000+ will include a booth, a tote bag stuffer item, a Facebook post on the national conference group page, and a lead retrieval license.
ACA will allow more than one sponsor in an area, but not in the same industry product category.
Advertising Opportunities
- National Conference Digital Program Book
- Tote Bag Stuffer (guaranteed placement)- exhibitors start at $1,500. Non-exhibitors start at $3,000.
- National Conference Facebook page promotions (exhibitors only) - Starting at $1,000
- Promote your show specials on ACA's National Conference Facebook page (exhibitors only).
Sponsorship contact: Kim Fitzgerald, [email protected], 765-349-3309
Call for Session Proposals at the 2026 National Conference
The 2026 national conference CFP site is now closed. Thank you to all who submitted!
All applicants will be notified of the program team's decisions by late October 2025.
The 2027 CFP site will open in early June 2026.
The American Camp Association is seeking high-quality presenters for educational breakout sessions at our 2026 National Conference in San Diego. The deadline to submit is Tuesday, September 16, 2025
We are looking for high-quality speakers and facilitators who can challenge us to think about the world in new ways and help us sharpen the skills essential to providing dynamic camp experiences for campers and counselors. The conference theme is Unleashing the Life-Changing Power of Camp.
Presentation Tracks
Based on attendee feedback, we are especially interested in proposals in the following areas:
Business and Operations, including Camp-School Partnerships
Topics for camps, conference centers, and out-of-school time programs are welcomed addressing areas of operation like marketing, budgeting, risk management, crisis communications, site and facility, environmental issues, health services, food service, transportation, technology, board development, fundraising, and public policy. This year, we are including within this track camp-school partnerships and other innovative community-based partnerships.
Camp Includes Me
The intention of Camp Includes Me is to create a space where we can exchange ideas and increase our competence around issues of inclusion, equity, and cross-cultural agility. Join the conversation as we move beyond “representational diversity” and integrate true inclusion by expanding our awareness and cultural intelligence and by bringing together various world views, research, experiences, and subject matter experts.
Camps on Campus
Presentations will address opportunities and challenges for camps and other youth programs in higher education and K-12 settings. Topics will include issues unique to school settings, including programmatic and logistical concerns, risk management practices, safety issues, youth protection, staff training, as well as navigating institutional processes.
Emerging Issues, Tools, and Technology
Cutting-edge topics which provide new challenges and/or opportunities for camps and conference centers. May include public policy, health care, social issues, and innovative tools and resources.
Executive Leadership Forum
Consider topics targeted for seasoned professionals who have executive leadership responsibilities within their organizations including achieving missions and visions, cutting-edge leadership concepts, board development, strategic planning, finance, fund-raising, and other sessions which will help camping organizations thrive.
Innovative Programs and Activities
We’re seeking the 400-level series of programs and activities that showcase the best the camp experience has to offer presented by seasoned camp professionals and industry experts. Keep in mind the audience will include camp owners, directors, and mid-level managers who are seeking innovation, fresh ideas, programs that enhance what they currently offer, and activities that can take the camp experience to the next level.
Medical Camping
We are seeking proposals that address the challenges and opportunities of providing meaningful camp experiences for campers and their families living with chronic and serious illness. Camp and medical professionals working with these programs serve as the primary audience, however; all attendees are welcome. Topics may include unique staff and volunteer training issues, working effectively with the host site and personnel, medical risk management and quality assurance, serving children with higher medical acuity, adaptive programming, and helping healthcare professionals and volunteers relate and work well in a camp environment, among others.
Staff Training and Leadership
In addition to critical areas in human resources like skillfully recruiting, selecting, managing, training, and motivating staff and volunteers, we’re seeking programs that address goal-setting, leadership, outcomes attainment, youth involvement in decision making, and developing life skills on the job. Sessions that address staff behavior, and staff health and wellness are also appropriate. Please note: an overwhelming majority of submissions are received in this track, making selections challenging for the Program Review team.
Youth Development and Behavior
Presentations should demonstrate how camp professionals can effectively use the camp experience to help prepare young people (including campers and/or counselors) for healthy and successful lives. Topics may include: participant development and behavior, health and wellness, creating a community of respect, program design to achieve youth development outcomes, and program evaluation.
Commerce Sessions
Exhibiting business affiliates may submit targeted, tactical education session proposals essential to camp operation. We value this education and welcome these submissions. Presentations must not have a commercial message for a particular organization or business, or be perceived as a "sales pitch." Commerce sessions are 45 minutes in length (as opposed to a 75-minute educational breakout session), and are offered on Thursday. Commerce session presenters must exhibit at the 2026 National Conference to be considered.
Who You'll Be Reaching
The ACA National Conference attracts camp and youth development professionals from across the U.S. and around the world, working in camp and other out-of-school-time settings. Sessions should speak to directors, owners, executives, mid-level managers, year-round staff, and educators. While some attendees are newer to the field, most are experienced professionals seeking high-quality, advanced learning opportunities.
Session Details
- Breakout sessions: 75 minutes (10 minutes for Q&A are encouraged)
- Commerce sessions: 45 minutes, scheduled for Thursday
- Formats may include lectures, panels, workshops, or facilitated discussions
Submission Guidelines
- Deadline: September 16, 2025
- Sales-free content: Presentations must not have a commercial message for a particular individual, organization, or business, or be perceived as a "sales pitch."
- Review and selection process: Proposals will be reviewed by the volunteer Program Review Team, chaired by Shanelle Rauh. All applicants will be notified of the program team's decisions by late October 2025.
Questions?
Process and logistical questions may be addressed to the national conference manager, Melany Irvin, at [email protected].
Questions specifically related to the program content may be directed to the national conference program team chair, Shanelle Rauh, at [email protected].
Research Forum Submissions
Interested in submitting an abstract for the research forum?
The American Camp Association reserves the right to reject any proposal and to make any and all adjustments to the program.