National Conference
Program Preview: 2025 National Conference
The 2026 program preview will be available in early November. The 2025 program information is still available for your reference.
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.
Program Book
2025 Program - Session Grid (Sessions Listed by Date & Time)
View the educational sessions being offered at the conference.
Subject to Change.
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
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.
Premier Sponsorships
- Branded Attendee Promotional Item: Beach Towel or Blanket co-branded with ACA. - Call/email for a quote
- Wi-Fi Sponsor - $20,000
- Name Badge & Tote Bag Sponsor - SOLD
- Acorn Dinner - SOLD
- Mobile App Sponsor - SOLD
- Grand Opening Keynote Speaker - $12,000
- Second Keynote Speaker - $10,000
- Exhibit Hall Lunch Grand Opening - $15,000
- Exhibit Hall Coffee and Bagels, Thursday morning - $10,000
- Camp Research Forum Bundle - $15,000
- Exhibit Hall Lunch, Thursday afternoon - $10,000
- Exhibit Hall Dessert, Thursday late afternoon - $10,000
- Meeting Room Sponsor - $10,000
- Faith-based Camps Cafe, Dinner, and ongoing virtual conversations - $10,000
Friend of Camp Sponsorships
- Closing Celebration - $8,000
- Resource Center - $8,000
- 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 - SOLD
- 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 - SOLD
- Volunteer Gathering - $2,000 - SOLD
- 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 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)- exhibitors start at $2,000 for promotional items such as catalogs, mugs, etc.; $1,000 for a one-page flyer or postcard, non-exhibitors start at $4,000 for promotional items such as catalogs, mugs, etc.; $2,500 for a one-page flyer or postcard.
- 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, [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.