2026 NJSACC Annual Conference Review

👩‍❤️‍👨 Another year, another powerful reminder:
The afterschool and out-of-school time field is so special. 👩‍❤️‍👨

🧬 Evolving While Remaining Deeply Committed to Supporting Children, Families, and Communities. 🧬

The 2026 NJSACC Annual Conference brought together professionals from across New Jersey for two days filled with learning, collaboration, and renewed purpose. Held at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal, this year’s gathering welcomed hundreds of educators, coordinators, directors, advocates, and partners who share one common goal: creating stronger opportunities for youth beyond the school day.

Over the course of the conference, attendees explored more than 45 workshops covering topics that continue to shape the future of OST programming, including S.T.E.A.M., youth engagement, leadership development, social-emotional learning, program quality, and staff sustainability. Sessions sparked meaningful conversations and practical takeaways, giving participants ideas they could bring directly back to their programs.

Photo Credit – MoonCrest Studios

🤩 The 2026 Meet The Vendors List Will Bring You Smiles 🤩

One of the highlights once again was Showcase Alley, where vendors and organizations connected directly with afterschool professionals seeking fresh resources, partnerships, and creative solutions. With the vendor fair selling out in advance, the exhibit space became a lively hub of networking and discovery. From innovative curriculum tools to youth-centered enrichment opportunities, Showcase Alley reinforced the importance of collaboration between providers and the organizations that support them.

Showcase Alley took on a new look this year being in The Tree House Lounge. The Ballroom was used beautifully for a spacious gathering and presentation. In order to facilitate everyone better the Tree House Lounge was spread out to accommodate the wide variety of vendors. There was something from all different aspects of the afterschool and OST world. With 32 tables this year saw a great list of friendly faces on the Meet the Vendors list.

new relationships formed over coffee breaks:
familiar faces reunited after another busy year of serving youth

What stood out most, however, was the sense of community. Conversations continued between workshops, new relationships formed over coffee breaks, and familiar faces reunited after another busy year of serving youth. Conferences like this are about more than professional development. They are about stepping away from the day-to-day to reconnect with purpose, celebrate progress, and remember that none of this work happens alone.

Please enjoy this photo essay to revisit moments from the event for those who were there. For those who could not we hope it captures not just what happened over two days, but what the conference represents year after year. A network of passionate professionals committed to learning, sharing, and showing up for youth. Thank you to every presenter, attendee, vendor, sponsor, and partner who helped make the 2026 NJSACC Conference a success.