NIRSA recently shared with volunteers and members the news of a change in venue for the 2026 NIRSA Conference & Campus Rec Expo. The 2026 NIRSA Conference & Campus Rec Expo—which was scheduled to take place April 8-11 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado—will now take place April 7-10 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.
While not all stakeholders will be equally impacted by this decision, it is the right one for the organization and its diverse membership.
Why the change?
Signed before 2020, the original contract with Gaylord Rockies was based on pre-pandemic projections of 2,500 attendees and 400–500 exhibitor representatives. In contrast, the 2025 NIRSA Conference at Gaylord Palms in Orlando, FL hosted roughly only half those numbers. For months, NIRSA staff have been working with Gaylord Rockies to reduce our room block and food & beverage guaranteed minimums. Based on trends in attendance and contracted minimums, NIRSA was facing up to $350,000 in penalties.
Moreover, NIRSA also surveyed program directors this summer about their prospective professional development spending, and members shared that many are contending with uncertainty and some facing spending freezes or cuts.
Gaylord Rockies offered NIRSA the opportunity to alter our contracted location with significantly reduced contract minimums, a 25% (1,000 room nights) reduction in the room block and 28% ($87,800) reduction in the food and beverage minimum. Crucially, Gaylord National also committed to honoring the same room rate that had been negotiated for the Gaylord Rockies contracted rates (starting at $250/night + taxes), which will be considerably below the market rate for an April event in National Harbor, MD. Additionally, the Gaylord National Harbor was able to adjust the event dates away from weekend days, which better aligns with member feedback.
What it means for members and prospective attendees and exhibitors
NIRSA greatly appreciates the thoughtful planning and enthusiasm of the Colorado Host Committee, the NIRSA Foundation Golf Committee, and all the volunteers who were focused on planning outstanding events in Colorado. We plan to carry forward much of their good work to National Harbor and eagerly anticipate the fantastic conference program that will be delivered in 2026.
The mid-Atlantic location will mean reduced travel costs for many members. The weekday conference dates also better align with member preferences. Significantly, the reduced financial risk for NIRSA will allow us to continue supporting the programs and services that matter most to members.
We know travel costs and location are driving factors when deciding to attend any conference, and some may have questions about National Harbor's proximity to Washington, D.C. We want to assure you that while the Gaylord National is near D.C., it offers its own distinct setting, with efficient travel access and plenty of amenities within walking distance. Our priority remains creating a safe, accessible, and impactful conference experience for every member. There are also many great food options within walking distance of the property. Additionally, applications for financial assistance from the NIRSA Foundation will open September 15—all eligible members are encouraged to apply.
Adapting to current realities
Challenges that are facing higher education continue to impact associations like NIRSA. Renegotiating contracts is one of several proactive strategies the Association is pursuing to adapt to current realities while safeguarding our long-term sustainability. Our goal is to align Association resources with NIRSA's core mission and reduce financial exposure during this period of uncertainty.
As decisions are made to adapt to current realities in the coming weeks and months, they will be shared as soon as possible with NIRSA volunteer leaders and members.
Connect with NIRSA leadership
This change may bring about challenges and uncertainties that may not have been considered during the decision-making process—please share any questions, concerns, or other feedback you have about the venue change for NIRSA 2026 with any member of the NIRSA Board of Directors or NIRSA Executive Director Pam Watts.
- For more information about the NIRSA Conference & Campus Rec Expo, email events@nirsa.org.
Learn about the NIRSA Board of Directors here.
Scott Flickinger is currently the Director of Campus Recreation at SUNY Cortland and the Chair of the NIRSA Member Network; you can email him at scott.flickinger@cortland.edu.
