NIRSA is teaming up with IDEA Health & Fitness Association in 2026

NIRSA is thrilled to share with members that the Association will be teaming up with IDEA® Health & Fitness Association—a leading organization for fitness and wellness professionals—to expand the 2026 conference experience through a joint venture! The 2026 NIRSA + IDEA® World Conference & Expo will bring together leading fitness professionals and campus recreation professionals, April 7-10 in National Harbor, MD.

This exciting collaboration emerges from over a year of connection and conversation between NIRSA and IDEA leaders about how these two organizations could intentionally share knowledge, exchange ideas, and move the needle when it comes to inspiring healthy people and healthy communities. The change in venue for NIRSA’s 2026 signature learning event served as a catalyst for the partnership.

A big win for NIRSA members

NIRSA members are increasingly asking association leaders for more ways to learn and network alongside peers and organizations who share our values and are aligned with the meaningful work of campus recreation professionals. “We’ve heard your feedback. This joint conference and expo will give event attendees even more speakers, socials, solutions, and sessions, including scores of IDEA sessions that will qualify for Continuing Education Credits,” says Pam Watts, NIRSA Executive Director.

IDEA Health & Fitness Association has a rich history that reaches back to 1982, and the organization has been holding transformative learning events for fitness professionals for more than 40 years. The joint conference & expo brings IDEA’s flagship global event back to the East Coast after more than a decade and takes place in April instead of June/July for 2026.

“2026 NIRSA Conference Program Committee volunteers and session reviewers are working together with the IDEA Program Selection Committee to plan a program that meets the needs of today’s dynamic professionals, and they are committed to focusing on the basics for this big-tent profession,” Pam adds. Fitness and physical wellness are central pillars of campus recreation programs and services, and this joint conference promises an especially rich selection of high-quality content.

New connections for IDEA members

IDEA Health & Fitness Association professionals can continue to look forward to cutting-edge fitness programming (with 20+ Continuing Education Credits), workouts, workshops, and lectures that have set the standard for IDEA® World’s reputation as a flagship event for fitness and wellness professionals; attendees will also have access to an awe-inspiring expo show floor with combined NIRSA and IDEA industry-leading partners, scores of competency-based learning sessions from compelling presenters, and a top-tier host venue whose inclusive, and accessible options make this the MUST-ATTEND event for 2026.

“This collaboration represents the convergence of two powerhouse organizations united by a shared mission: elevating the fitness, sports, and wellness profession,” says Amy Thompson, Owner of IDEA Health & Fitness Association. “When NIRSA’s campus recreation professionals and students connect with IDEA’s global network of fitness leaders, club owners, and industry influencers, we create an unparalleled platform for innovation, education, and professional growth. The program promises to be next level, the networking and career fair will be invaluable, and the expo will be filled with innovative and exciting groundbreaking brands,” adds Amy.

A focus on the basics

NIRSA and IDEA members will be able to register for the joint conference and expo at the discounted member rate.

This collegial effort anticipates echoes of NIRSA’s first conference, which took place at Dillard University in February 1950 and elevated the exchange of ideas. After steering the early years of the organization, Dr. William Wasson, the National Intramural Association’s founder, would go on to a prestigious career in kinesiology and exercise medicine; so, it’s no surprise that physical fitness has remained a core offering of campus recreation and wellbeing programs across North America.

Fitness is one of several specialty areas at this year’s conference that will feature foundational content, designed for professionals who are coming to campus recreation from another field or straight from an undergraduate program, but can also be useful for established professionals who supervise or train these core skill areas and want to brush up on the basics.

Get ready

2026 NIRSA + IDEA® World Conference & Expo registration will open in early December and early bird discounts will be available through February 11, 2026. Hotel room availability is limited, so prospective attendees are encouraged to register early for access to the best options.

NIRSA still has poster presentation opportunities available through January 30. IDEA session proposals will be accepted starting mid-November and remain open through December 15; stay tuned to IDEA Press Releases  for more details.

The 2026 NIRSA + IDEA® World Expo, happening April 8 & 9, is the best chance for leading companies in fitness, recreation, and wellbeing to engage with influential decision makers, acquire new customers, generate sales leads, increase exposure for your brand, and establish relationships that build your reputation. Vendors looking to secure one of the limited expo spaces are encouraged to visit www.nirsa.org/expo and register soon!

NIRSA Foundation scholarship applications for professionals and students and travel stipend applications for eligible members remain open through November 15

IDEA Health & Fitness Association will also be offering scholarships for its members.

For more information about IDEA scholarships, contact:

IDEA® Health & Fitness Association
IDEA Public Relations
E-mail: marketing@ideafit.com
Phone: (800)-999-IDEA (4332)

About IDEA Health & Fitness Association

IDEA® Health & Fitness Association has served as the world’s leading organization of fitness and wellness professionals for over 43 years. IDEA delivers world-class content and continuing education to fitness professionals, business owners and allied health professionals via publications, such as the award-winning IDEA Fitness Journal. IDEA powers fitness professionals through in-person conferences—most notably the annual IDEA® WORLD Convention—and hundreds of digital courses available on ideafit.com.

IDEA Inspires the World to Fitness® with the passion and dedication of IDEA Members in more than 80 countries.

About NIRSA

NIRSA is the premier association of leaders in collegiate recreation who transform lives and facilitate the development of healthy communities worldwide. By providing opportunities for learning and growth, supporting and sharing meaningful research, and fostering networking among our member community, NIRSA is a leader in higher education and champion for the advancement of recreation, sport, and wellbeing. Supported by the NIRSA staff team, NIRSA is governed by volunteer leaders from across North America.

We can’t wait to connect in National Harbor, MD this spring!