The joint NIRSA + IDEA® World Expo is where people, play, and purpose come together; the Expo is sure to be one of the most dynamic and engaging experiences at the 2026 NIRSA + IDEA® World Conference!
Taking place April 8–9 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, the NIRSA + IDEA World Expo brings together more than 150 exhibitors and countless opportunities to connect, learn, and play.
From hands-on demos and interactive competitions to networking and wellness activations, the Expo is consistently a top highlight of the conference, and it’s easy to see why.
A can’t-miss experience in National Harbor
The 2026 Expo officially opens its doors at 2:00pm on April 8, kicking off an afternoon of innovation, networking, and fun. Three hours of excitement will follow as attendees can explore cutting-edge products and game-changing services designed to elevate fitness and recreation spaces into dynamic destinations for students.
The excitement continues April 9 from 10:00am-2:00pm, giving attendees even more time to engage with exhibitors, participate in activities, and revisit favorite booths before the Expo wraps.
Whether you’re looking to enhance facilities, improve programming, or discover new solutions, the Expo floor is packed with inspiration.
Beloved traditions return (and yes, they’re still fan favorites)
Some things just wouldn’t be NIRSA + IDEA World without beloved traditions, and the 2026 Expo delivers, with the return of attendee-favorite traditions.
Keep an eye out for the Expo Scavenger Hunt, where participating exhibitors will provide gamification codes to be redeemed in the conference app. The more you explore, the more chances you’ll have to earn points and claim prizes, so be sure to visit as many booths as you can!
Head to the NIRSA + IDEA Booth (#549) to pick up this year’s giveaway sponsored by College Promo (#323): a crossbody bag, perfect for keeping your essentials (and any new swag) close as you navigate the Expo. Attendees can claim their gift using the Giveaway Ticket provided at registration check-in.
The always-energetic T-shirt Exchange (Wednesday, April 8, 4:30pm-5:00pm)and Sticker Exchange (Thursday, April 9, 1:00pm-1:30pm) are back, bringing organized chaos (the fun kind!) to the show floor. Whether you’re trading gear from your campus, club, or company or collecting stickers from across the country, these high-energy moments create instant connection and community.
Move, play, and compete on the Expo floor
Looking to stay active between connections and conversations? The Expo floor is packed with opportunities to jump in and play.
The Fitness Forum, sponsored by Ecore Athletic (#308), returns to energize attendees with opportunities to move, recover, and explore trending workouts throughout the Expo.
Attendees can also take part in the NIRSA Foundation Pickleball Tournament, presented by Selkirk, where teams will compete for bragging rights in one of campus recreation’s fastest-growing sports. Whether you’re playing or cheering from the sidelines, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite.
In addition, four interactive activity spaces will give attendees hands-on opportunities to try something new and fun. Tennis anyone? Visit USTA to see what’s new with the world’s most popular racquet sport. Basketball in the round? Visit 360 Hoops to see how basketball is being revolutionized. Climbing wall challenge? Visit Kilter Grips to test ergonomic, comfortable, and versatile grips. Need to scratch that golf itch? Stop by BucketGolf to see how you can play the game anywhere. Whatever emerging activity your students or customers are clamoring for, you’ll find fun activations that will satisfy their curiosity!
From competitive challenges to casual play, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
More ways to learn, move, and connect
New for 2026, the partnership with IDEA® Health & Fitness brings expanded fitness and wellbeing opportunities directly into the Expo experience.
Attendees can look forward to:
- Expanded fitness and wellness content
- Certification and continuing education opportunities
- Short-form learning sessions hosted right on the Expo floor
These additions make it easier than ever to combine professional development with hands-on exploration.
A space built for connection
At its core, the Expo is about bringing people together, and 2026 offers even more opportunities to do just that.
Directors and purchasing decision makers are invited to the Decision Makers Social, sponsored by Life Fitness (#401), happening Thursday, April 9, 9:00am-10:00am, where campus leaders and industry partners can connect in a more intentional networking environment, designed to spark meaningful conversations and ignite future collaborations that will benefit your campus or club community.
At noon on Thursday, lunch will be provided in the Expo Hall and industry leaders and students will connect for the cherished NIRSA “Take a Student to Lunch” tradition—this special event is sponsored by CENTERS (#408). Meet at Chesapeake 4/5/6 where staff and volunteers will pair students and professionals up for a networking opportunity over lunch. Upon pairing up, you’ll accompany your lunch partner to the Expo Hall where you’ll pick up your lunch! Pairings will take place promptly at noon.
From structured networking events to spontaneous conversations on the show floor, the NIRSA + IDEA World Expo creates space for relationships that extend far beyond the conference.
Connect, play, and discover what’s next
With more than 150 exhibitors showcasing innovative products and services, the Expo is your chance to explore solutions that support every aspect of fitness and campus recreation facilities and programs.
You’ll find solutions spanning:
- Fitness and wellness programming
- Facility design and equipment
- Intramural and club sports
- Outdoor recreation
- Technology and operations, and more
Hands-on demos and interactive experiences allow you to test ideas in real time, so you can return to campus ready to implement what you’ve learned.
Special thanks to our first-time exhibitors!
We’re thrilled to welcome a strong lineup of all new exhibitors to the 2026 Expo. Be sure to stop by their booths, explore what they have to offer, and give them a warm NIRSA + IDEA World welcome!
- APP (Association of Pickleball Players), Booth 115
- Asana Climbing, Booth 220
- Balanced Body, Booth 1310
- BALEROBoard, Booth 445
- BucketGolf, Booth 1213
- Clubcast.tv, Booth 1207
- Coachfirst, Booth 214
- David Protein, Booth 111
- eTrak Recreation Software, Booth 539
- Exercise Therapy Association, Booth 224
- FITBENCH, Booth 1306
- Fitnix LLC, Booth 233
- Fox 40 International Inc, Booth 310
- Grace Design Studios, Booth 324
- HydroApps, Booth 550
- Infinity Massage Chairs, Booth 1205
- JOOLA, Booth 135
- Kathleen hidow usa llc, Booth 353
- Landmark Aquatic, Booth 349
- Lockton Affinity, Booth 914
- Midland Radio, Booth 342
- Northeast College of Health Sciences, Booth 1110
- Pepper Pong, Booth 1211
- Perform Better, Booth 439
- Pharmanex/Nuskin Brand Rep, Booth 619
- Play 360 Hoop, Booth 1111
- Players Health, Booth 232
- QTrak, Booth 1406
- RECO, Booth 803
- SOL Paddle Boards, Booth 448
- Sorinex, Booth 218
- Sourcewell, Booth 801
- StreetBarbell Group, Booth 129
- S’WET™, Booth 541
- Switch, Booth 449
- Synapse CCR, Booth 325
- Tazza Brands, Booth 1112
- Team Health Network, Booth 1312
- Texas Medco Screenings LLC, Booth 450
- Thorne Research, Booth 222
- VBXpro, Booth 1113
- WATERinMOTION: SCW Fitness Education, Booth 451
- WeGym LLC, Booth 234
- WellnessMats, Booth 1405
Get involved and make the most of your Conference & Expo experience
From hands-on fun to meaningful networking, from perspiration to inspiration, the Expo is your destination to explore new ideas, connect with exhibitors, and discover solutions that can transform your campus. Attendees can also support exhibitors and sponsors outside the exhibit hall by attending the general sessions, mainstage speakers, and conference socials which are generously supported by leading companies like USTA, SportsArt, PLAE, Risk Strategies, and WeGym.
Want to get more involved with all the fun or are you considering a future position on the Expo Committee? We’re seeking volunteers to help pass out the giveaway, monitor the Fitness Forum, and assist the Expo emcee. Thank you in advance for your interest in what the NIRSA + IDEA World 2026 Expo Committee assures is the most fun volunteer opportunity at the 2026 NIRSA + IDEA World Conference! (Yes, we’re biased!) This event would not be possible without the hard work, support, and positive energy of these volunteer leaders.
Bring your local friends
Do you have a friend, colleague, or family member who lives or works in the National Harbor area? Invite them to catch up with you at the Expo!
Visitors can walk the expo show floor at no cost; simply stop by the NIRSA + IDEA World registration area and individuals can exchange a business card (or some basic information) for a Expo Only Day Pass.
We hope to see you exploring, connecting, and playing at the Expo next week!
- For more information about 2026 Expo happenings, contact Nick Zumbrun, Assistant Director of Expo & Corporate Relations.
