National Conference
Sponsorship Opportunities at the 2025 National Conference
Take advantage of the opportunity to tie your brand to ACA and the educational aspects of this conference. Your sponsorship might be tax-deductible. Check with your tax advisor.
Sponsorship Opportunities:
- Conference Title Sponsor - Call/email for a quote
- Name Badge & Tote Bag Sponsor - (UltraCamp)
- Acorn Dinner - $10,000 - (iCampPro)
- Mobile App Sponsor - (CampBrain)
- Grand Opening Keynote Speaker - (The Redwoods Group)
- Second Keynote Speaker - (Church Mutual)
- Exhibit Hall Grand Opening - $10,000 - (Chaco and Camp Scheduling Pro)
- Exhibit Hall Coffee and Bagels, Thursday morning - (Camp Scheduling Pro)
- Exhibit Hall Lunch, Thursday afternoon - $10,000
- Exhibit Hall Dessert, Thursday late afternoon - $10,000
- Meeting Room Sponsor - $10,000
- Closing Celebration - $8,000
- Resource Center - $8,000
- Emerging Professionals in Camping (EPIC) Pre-Conference and EPIC Cafe - $8,000
- Camps on Campus - $5,000 - (CampDoc)
- Gathering of Internationals - $6,000
- Research Forums (3), evening Social and exhibit hall Poster Session -(The Redwoods Group)
- Faith-based Camps Cafe - $4,000
- Informal Cafe Discussions with coffee and bagels - $3,000 per cafe
- First-Timers Orientation - (Cliq)
- Volunteer Gathering - $2,000 (Camp Scheduling Pro)
- Pioneers Luncheon - $2,000 - (iCampPro)
- 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 pinned 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 (PDF)
- Tote Bag Stuffer (guaranteed placement)- $1,000 for exhibitors / non-exhibitors - $2,500 - per item
- National Conference Facebook page promotions (exhibitors only) - Cost $250
- Promote your show specials on ACA's National Conference Facebook page (exhibitors only).
Sponsorship contact: Kim Fitzgerald, kfitzgerald@acacamps.org, 765-349-3309
Call for Session Proposals at the 2024 National Conference
The American Camp Association is accepting proposals from high-quality presenters for innovative, timely, and dynamic educational sessions to be presented at the ACA National Conference, February 6-9, 2024 in New Orleans, LA. The conference theme is Empowering Camps to Create Quality Experiences.
Review of previous conference evaluations and informal feedback gathered from attendees, indicate that camp and youth professionals seek high-level knowledge in these 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 2024 National Conference to be considered. Exhibits and Sponsorship Opportunities
We seek 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.
Target Audience
The national conference draws camp and youth development professionals from across the country and around the world, working in camp and other out-of-school-time settings. Presentations should apply to directors, owners, executives, mid-level managers, and year-round program staff as well as other youth development professionals and educators. Although we draw some professionals relatively new to camp, keep in mind that the balance of the national conference audience is comprised of experienced professionals committed to life-long learning. They seek high-level educational opportunities, and we are committed to providing them.
Educational Breakout Sessions
Educational breakout sessions are seventy-five minutes in length. Presenters are encouraged to leave ten minutes or more for questions and answers with participants. Lectures, hands-on workshops, and panel presentations are welcome. Commerce sessions are forty-five minutes in length and scheduled to be presented on Thursday.
Submitting Session Proposals
Proposals are accepted until September 16, 2023.
Presentations must not have a commercial message for a particular individual, organization, or business, or be perceived as a "sales pitch."
Selection Process
Sessions are reviewed and ultimately selected by the volunteer Program Review Team, which is chaired by Shanelle Rauh. On occasion, submitters will be asked for further clarification. All submitters will receive email notification of the program team's decision regarding their proposal in late October 2023.
Questions
Process and logistical questions may be addressed to the national conference manager, Melany Irvin, at mirvin@ACAcamps.org.
Questions specifically related to the program content may be directed to the national conference program team chair, Shanelle Rauh, at shanelle.lambert@gmail.com.
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.
Hotel Information for the 2024 National Conference
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Stay in downtown New Orleans at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside hotel and enjoy this prime location on the banks of the Mississippi River. The hotel is connected to the Riverwalk outlets and just blocks from the French Quarter, Jackson Square, the Aquarium of the Americas, and other iconic landmarks.
ACA’s contracted discounted rates will be available up to three days before and after our conference dates, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Conference Rates for Standard* Rooms:
- Single/Double: $242 plus taxes
- Triple: $272 plus taxes
- Quadruple: $302 plus taxes
Rooms available on a first-come, first-served basis through January 14, 2024.
*Based on availability, the hotel may also list premium rooms on the reservation site for attendees wishing to upgrade at additional cost. Please review room prices when making your reservation.
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Two Poydras St
New Orleans, LA 70130
504-561-0500
If making a reservation via phone, be sure to mention that you are with the ACA conference to access the correct room rate.
The contracted room block deadline was January 14, and the special reservation site is now closed. Attendees can contact the hotel directly to see if there is any availability at their regular rate.
Learn more about a potential lodging rebate.
Omni Riverfront Hotel
ACA has arranged for a second hotel for conference attendees. Discover a different side of New Orleans at the Omni Riverfront Hotel. With exposed brick, charming arched windows, classic guest rooms and a local favorite cocktail bar, Omni hotel in New Orleans, LA puts guests walking distance from the Mississippi River and the eclectic Warehouse Arts District.
701 Convention Center Blvd
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
504-524-8200
If making a reservation via phone, be sure to mention that you are with the ACA conference to access the correct room rate.
Rooms available on a first-come, first-served basis through January 14, 2024.
The contracted room block deadline was January 14, and the special reservation site is now closed. Attendees can contact the hotel directly to see if there is any availability at their regular rate.
Additional Hotel Options
If neither hotel has availability remaining for the dates you need, our meeting planning associate, Maritz Global Events, has created a custom site that includes other hotels in the surrounding area for your consideration and convenience.
As always, any reservations or reservation customer service issues are between the hotel and the attendee.
Beware a hotel scam, known as hotel pirating. Only use the links provided above to make your reservation(s).
The success of the ACA 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.
Registration for the 2024 ACA National Conference
Preregistration has closed. To register, bring your completed registration form to the registration counters onsite.
Please make note of these important registration dates:
- The early-bird discount period has ended.
- You can still save on full registrations (member or nonmember) by preregistering before or on January 16, 2024.
- Preregistration closes end of day on January 16, 2024. Preregistered attendees will receive access to the conference mobile app mid-January.
- After January 16, you will need to register on-site at the higher rate. Bring your completed registration form to save time at the registration counter.
| Registration Rates | On or before 12/16/23 |
12/17/23 thru 1/16/24 |
1/17/24 & after |
|---|---|---|---|
|
ACA Individual Member — 1st Person, Full |
$545 |
$595 |
$645 |
|
ACA Individual Member — Additional Person, Full |
$445 |
$495 |
$540 |
|
Nonmember — 1st Person, Full |
$775 |
$825 |
$875 |
|
Nonmember — Additional Person, Full |
$675 |
$725 |
$770 |
|
Speakers, Full This registration option is not available online. You will need to register via the downloadable form. |
$320 |
$320 |
$320 |
|
Student Nonmember, Full This registration option is not available online. You will need to register via the downloadable form. A copy of your current student ID MUST be submitted with your completed registration form. |
$325 |
$325 |
$325 |
|
ACA Student Member — Must be Full-Time Student This registration option is not available online. You will need to register via the downloadable form. A copy of your current student ID MUST be submitted with your completed registration form. |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Daily Registration The daily registration option is not available online. You will need to register via the downloadable form. |
Tues | Wed | Thu | Fri |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Preregistration ACA Member Per Day |
$105 |
$250 |
$250 |
$135 |
| Onsite ACA Member Per Day January 17, 2024 & after must register onsite. |
$130 | $275 | $275 | $160 |
| Preregistration Nonmember Per Day On or before January 16, 2024 |
$155 | $300 | $300 | $185 |
| Onsite Nonmember Per Day January 17, 2024 & after must register onsite. |
$180 | $330 | $330 | $210 |
|
ACA Student Member Per Day — Must be Full-Time Student |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Preregistration Student Nonmember Per Day |
$70 |
$100 |
$100 |
$70 |
| Onsite Student Nonmember Per Day January 17, 2024 & after must register onsite. |
$95 | $125 | $125 | $95 |
Conference Registration
It pays to be an individual member
Please note: The member discount is based on each person's individual membership status, not your camp. When you become a member, your full membership fee plus the member rate for conference registration is still $30 less than the nonmember rate for conference registration. And, you receive all the other member advantages, including discounts on books from the ACA Bookstore; complimentary subscriptions to Camping Magazine, The CampLine, and ACA Now newsletter; generously discounted access to research and outcomes tools; networking opportunities and access to the Camp Professionals Electronic Discussion Group; free access to some of the more popular health forms; discounts on online e-Institute courses and other educational events; and more. Become a member today!
Reminder
Full Registration Fee Includes: Ticketed events (Grand Exhibit Hall Reception, Thursday Exhibit Hall Lunch, Friday Closing Lunch Event), general exhibit hall pass, educational workshops, and general sessions.
* Paid Daily registration - includes ACA ticketed events for that day.
* Kindred events - most can be added to ACA conference registrations.
Free conference registration for ACA Student members**.
Must be full-time student, and a copy of your current student I.D. must be submitted with your registration form. The free registration includes educational sessions and exhibits only. DOES NOT INCLUDE MEALS OR TICKETED EVENTS. Students can attend the closing keynote session after the meal have been served. A ticket is required to attend the Exhibit Hall Reception on Wednesday, and the Thursday Lunch in the Exhibit Hall, but students will have entry to the Exhibit Hall the rest of the day on Thursday. Tickets can be purchased at time of registration or onsite based on availability.
Deeply discounted conference registration for Student Non-members includes**: Ticketed events (Grand Exhibit Hall Reception, Thursday Exhibit Hall Lunch, Friday Closing Lunch Event), general exhibit hall pass, educational workshops, and general sessions. Must be full-time student, and a copy of your current student I.D. must be submitted with your registration form.
**Speaker registration, daily registration, and student registration is not available online and must be submitted via the downloadable form.
Preregistration closes end of day on January 16, 2024. After that date, you will need to register on-site. Bring your completed registration form to save time at the registration counter. Preregistered attendees will receive access to the conference mobile app in mid-January.
CANCELLATION POLICY — There is a $40 fee for all cancellations postmarked on or BEFORE 01/5/24 and a $200 fee for all cancellations postmarked AFTER 01/5/24. No-shows are not refundable. PHONE CANCELLATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. Written copy of the cancellation is required and can be emailed, faxed, or mailed.
Exhibitors
