NAA26: Dream. Dare. Do.
Mark your calendars for NAA26! The National AfterSchool Association’s 2026 Convention will take place March 11 to 14, 2026, in the Washington, D.C. area at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. This year’s theme, Dream. Dare. Do., invites each of us to imagine bold futures for young people and our profession, take courageous steps forward, and act with purpose and power.
In a time when many in our field are facing serious and sustained challenges, especially around federal funding, this convention will be more than a professional development event. It will be a space to reconnect with our shared purpose, gather strength from one another, and return home ready to keep showing up for youth, communities, and each other.
The NAA26 theme and visual identity reflect the energy and urgency of this moment. With bold reds, hopeful golds, and a clear call to action, it captures the spirit of the movement we are building together.
Early registration will open in the next few weeks. Watch your inbox and naaweb.org for your chance to secure the best rates and begin planning your NAA26 experience. We also invite hopeful presenters to keep an eye out for the Call for Proposals, which will launch later this fall. This year’s Convention will also feature collaboration with the Afterschool Alliance, who will lead advocacy-focused sessions and activities that leverage our presence in the nation’s capital.
Whether you are new to the Convention community or a long-time attendee, NAA26 will offer inspiration, connection, and momentum. Together, we will dream big, dare to lead, and do what it takes to build a brighter future for young people.