2026 NASPA Region II Annual Conference
Regional Annual Conferences Health, Safety, and Well-being Student Success Civic Engagement Financial Wellness Career and Workforce Development Policy and Advocacy Supporting the Profession Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice Region II AVP or "Number Two" Faculty Graduate Mid-Level New Professional Senior Level Undergraduate VP for Student Affairs
June 1 - June 3, 2026 Washington, D.C.
Join NASPA Region II in 2026 as we return to the nation’s capital, Washington D.C.! Be a part of a signature professional development experience as we share innovative ideas, explore emerging topics in student affairs, and develop professional connections at the annual NASPA Region II Conference. This experience will give student affairs professionals the opportunity to strengthen skills, acquire knowledge, and develop meaningful connections with peers and colleagues.
Many thanks to our host institution, The George Washington University (GW).
Presented By
Educational Programs
Present at the 2026 Region II Annual Conference
Call for Programs:
Opening: October 21, 2025
EXTENDED! Now Closing: December 12, 2025
Notification of Program Status: January 30, 2026
The NASPA Region II Conference Committee invites you to join us in Washington DC, June 1-3, 2026 to reflect on our collective and individual goals, passions, and purposes for NASPA and student affairs.
As student affairs professionals and NASPA members, we strive to offer leadership, scholarship, and professional development to the student affairs profession at our regional conference. Proposals will be evaluated based on the following: session content, the Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs, evidence of clearly stated outcomes and objectives, contribution to the knowledge and practice of student affairs, connection to our conference mission statement, and adherence to program submission guidelines.
The NASPA Region II Conference Mission Statement:
The Mission of the NASPA Region II Conference is to connect members of the region 2 student affairs community by creating a conference experience that integrates integrity, innovation, inclusion and inquiry. We strive to help participants create networks to share the rewards and challenges of educating college students.
Program submissions are being accepted for the following program formats:
-
General Interest Session (60 minutes): Traditional program sessions designed to be lectures or interactive conversations between presenters and participants to share best practices, research, skills, and competencies.
-
Panel/Roundtable (60 minutes): Structured, moderated conversations that bring together multiple practitioners and a moderator to explore a particular topic, share perspectives, and engage in discourse. This format is intended to be more of a dialogue among the panelists and with the participants.
-
Extended Learning Session (120 minutes): Extended sessions in any format that are intended to serve as a deeper dive into important topics.
-
[NEW!] Graduate Student Poster Session (ongoing): Poster Sessions are designed to be impactful information sessions on research and institutional programs. During dedicated poster session time blocks in the conference schedule, presenters will be available at their posters to discuss their research and programs. Attendees can use this one-on-one time with presenters to learn more, ask questions, and talk through implications for their own campuses. Posters will also be available to view throughout the conference.
Conference Scholarships
Apply Today for a Regional Conference Scholarship
Deadline to Apply: February 13, 2026
We’re pleased to announce that we are sponsoring regional conference scholarships to cover the cost of our annual conference registration fee! Individuals awarded a conference scholarship will be responsible for other costs associated with attendance including: transportation, meals, lodging, and other experiences in Washington, D.C. More information and application link is below!
Conference Scholarship FAQs
Who is eligible to apply?
Primarily our regional scholarship opportunities are geared towards graduate students and new professionals. Mid-level and senior-level professionals may also be considered. Our region deeply values the benefit of remaining engaged and learning alongside your colleagues and professional network.
What is covered?
The cost of early-bird, member-rate registration is covered for any individual who is awarded a NASPA Region II Conference Scholarship.
If awarded a scholarship, what is my responsibility?
Individuals who are awarded a conference scholarship will be responsible for securing funding for transportation, meals, lodging, and other experiences.
When will I receive notification of my application status?
Applicants will be notified in writing of their application status on or before March 2, 2026.
Registration
Pre-Conference Registration | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Student / New Professional Pre-Con | |||
| Mid-Managers Pre-Con | |||
| SSAO/VPSA Pre-Con | |||
| NABITA Pre-Con | |||
|
|
|||
Registration FeesJune 1-3, 2026 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Super Early Bird (until Nov. 30) |
||||||
| Early Bird (Dec. 1-Mar. 29) |
||||||
| Regular
(Mar. 30-May 31) |
||||||
| Late / On-site
(June 1-3) |
||||||
|
Conference registration includes snack breaks, lunches, and evening socials.
|
||||||
PLEASE NOTE: This program may be canceled or postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. In this case, registration fees will be refunded; however, NASPA will not be responsible for additional costs, charges, or expenses, including cancellation/change fees assessed by airlines, hotels, and/or travel agencies. NASPA will not reimburse registration fees for weather, travel-related delays or cancellations, or other circumstances outside of NASPA's control that prevent an attendee from traveling to the event.
To request disability-related accommodations, contact [email protected] as soon as possible after registering.
Institutional & Individual Membership
If you are not a current member and are employed by a college or university that is an institutional member, you can join as a professional affiliate member for $80. If your institution is NOT a member, you can join as an associate affiliate member for $250. Both membership types provide access to the individual member rate for the event. Please visit the membership section of the NASPA website to learn more about membership types and benefits. We hope you’ll consider joining today!
Registration as a member is based on individual membership status at the time of the event. If your current membership will expire prior to the event, you will have the option to renew at the time of registration to receive the member rate.
Refunds
Refunds will be given for cancellations, received in writing by May 31, 2026, less a $50.00 processing fee. In addition, a processing fee of $50.00 per registration will be charged for credit cards declined. For a comprehensive listing of NASPA registration policies, please visit this page.
Registration Questions
If you have any additional questions, please email us at [email protected].
Log-in and Register for 2026 NASPA Region II Annual Conference
Sponsorship
Become a Sponsor:
Unlock Exclusive Opportunities at the NASPA Region II Annual Conference!
Join Region II higher education leaders and innovators in Washington, D.C. this summer. By committing to sponsoring, your company will gain exposure to representatives from 100+ institutions of 300+ dedicated Student Affairs professionals and graduate students for the annual Region II Conference—an opportunity to connect, learn, and grow while reaffirming a shared commitment to student success.
Our Sponsors are offered an unique opportunity to align your brand with the important work being done to support students' growth, wellness, and academic achievement. With tailored packages for maximum exposure, your organization can connect directly with those shaping the policies, programs, and technologies that impact student life.
Why Sponsor?
- Gain visibility among top student affairs professionals and educators
- Showcase your products and services to decision-makers in higher education
- Network with influencers and key players in student success initiatives
- Highlight your commitment to supporting student development and campus communities
Sponsoring the NASPA Region II Conference is a great way to increase your organization’s visibility, connect with student affairs professionals, and demonstrate your support for higher education and student success. Your sponsorship not only helps reduce conference registration costs for attendees but also fosters meaningful relationships with higher education institutions. It provides valuable opportunities to engage with participants, showcase your programs and services, and be recognized as a key partner in advancing student success.
Sponsors play a key role in making this event possible—helping us provide engaging professional development, meaningful networking opportunities, and support for initiatives that strengthen campuses and the student affairs community.
Conference Hotel
Preferred Lodging & Local AccommodationsThis year, we're thrilled to share that we have one (1) Conference hotel for all conference attendees.The Conference hotel is conveniently located to the host institution and is an excellent option for guests to join, as every room is uniquely outfitted with kitchenette and kitchen essentials for your stay! | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name of Establishment |
Estimated Nightly Rate |
Parking |
Parking Daily Rate |
Local Address |
Distance to Host Institution |
Preferred Lodging for Conference |
|
2117 E Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037 |
0.3 miles | Yes | ||||
Schedule
Please be sure to download and engage with the NASPA App for the most up-to-date schedule.
June 1
June 2
June 3
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
More Info Coming Soon!
Please check back for updates.
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
More Info Coming Soon!
Please check back for updates.
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
More Info Coming Soon!
Please check back for updates.
Conference Committee
Name |
Committee Position |
Institution |
| Whitney Hedgepeth (she/her) | 2026 Co-Chair | Teachers College, Columbia University |
| Michael Thompkins (he/him) | 2026 Co-Chair | Chestnut Hill College |
| Meggan Lloyd, Ph.D. (she/her) | Chief of Staff | University of Pittsburgh |
| Jared Martino (he/him) | Assessment | Vaughn College |
| Mike Burgo (he/him) | Conference Networking (Graduate Students & Mentorship) | New York University, Tandon School of Engineering |
| Lesley Martinez Garcia (she/her) | Conference Networking (Graduate Students & Mentorship) | C2 Education / Rutgers University (graduate student) |
| Greg Dyer (he/him) | Conference Networking (First Time Attendees) | Rutgers University |
| Katie Lanigan (she/they) | Conference Networking (First Time Attendees) | Montclair State University |
| Ricky Cruz (he/him) | Conference Networking (Knowledge Communities & Affinity Spaces) | New Jersey Institute of Technology |
| Patrick Bussiere (he/him) | Corporate Sponsorships | La Roche University |
| Shawn Kenney (he/him) | Corporate Sponsorships | Saint Peter's University |
| Ryan McCormick (he/him) | Conference Engagement (Social Media) | Pratt Institute |
| Emily Smulewitz (she/her) | Conference Engagement (Social Media) | Chatham University / Slippery Rock University (graduate student) |
| Taylor Maultz (she/her) | Conference Engagement (NASPA App) | Hofstra University |
| Jack Crone (he/him) | Conference Engagement (Strategic Communications) | Carnegie Mellon University |
| Amber Rice (she/her) | Conference Engagement (Digital Displays) | SUNY Brockport |
| Sydney Damiani (she/her) | Conference Engagement (Decor & Giveaways) | Stony Brook University |
| Amelia Jones (she/her) | Educational Programming | New York University |
| Tracy Toscano (she/her) | Educational Programming | Stony Brook University |
| Anna Pietrzak (she/her) | Featured Speakers | Chestnut Hill College |
| Ryan Romero (he/him) | Featured Speakers | New York University |
| Chris Carter (he/him) | Local Arrangements | American University |
| Candace Sumner-Robinson (she/her) | Local Arrangements | George Washington University |
| Adrienne Thoman, Ed.D. (she/her) | On-Site Logistics (Crowd/Venue Management) | Penn State, Harrisburg |
| Sean Watley (he/him) | On-Site Logistics (Room/Technical Needs) | George Washington University |
| Mya' Lesley-Drakeford (she/her) | On-Site Logistics (Accommodations & Food) | George Washington University |
| Andre Turner, Ed.D. (he/him) | Registration & Scholarship | Rowan College at Burlington County |
| Tara Mellor, Ed.D. (she/her) | Registration & Scholarship | Montclair State University |
| Colleen Eagan (she/her) | Volunteer Coordinator | Carnegie Mellon University |
| Meryl Stromberg (she/her) | Volunteer Coordinator | Binghamton University |
| Gabriel Marshall, Ed.D. | VPSA/AVP Initiatives Chair | SUNY Oswego |
| -- | 2027 Co-Chair | -- |
| -- | 2027 Co-Chair | -- |
Venue
The George Washington University (GW)
2121 St NW, Washington, DC 20052
website: www.gw.edu
We anticipate the majority of Conference sessions on-campus will take place in the University Student Center!