General Info
NATA 2026 Venues
All official convention events will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) or Philadelphia Marriott Downtown.
Attendee Registration
On-Site Registration Hours
PCC, Registration Bridge East
Mon, June 29 | 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. |
Tues, June 30 | 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Wed, Juy 1 | 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. |
Thurs, July 2 | 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. |
Daily Convention Shuttle
Select NATA hotels will have shuttle service to the Pennsylvania Convention Center for official NATA convention events. Shuttle service will begin on Monday, June 29 and end on Thursday, July 2.
2026 National Award Winners
The complete list of winners will be published in Spring.
First-Time Attendees
As a first-time NATA convention attendee, you’re embarking on an adventure filled with opportunities to learn and network with your colleagues and friends. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you navigate your first NATA convention.
Before You Go
- Review the full convention schedule to familiarize yourself with all the great events and networking opportunities, such as the NATA Happy Hour, District Meetings, Opening Sessions, and Opening Reception (ticket required). Add your favorites to your completely customizable convention schedule here in the NATA 2026 app.
- Peruse the educational programming and add your favorites to your convention schedule.
- Consider the exhibitors you want to visit at the AT Expo by checking out the floor plan and using the exhibitor listing/booth search.
- Check out the maps feature to get the lay of the land before arriving in Philadelphia.
On-Site
- When you arrive, the first thing you will want to do is pick up your convention registration materials at Express Check-In located in the East Registration Bridge at the PCC. Your registration materials will include your name badge, guest badges, pre-purchased event tickets (if any) and a complimentary drink ticket to use at the NATA Happy Hour. Be sure to have your registration email confirmation and photo ID handy.
- Stop by the Ribbon Bar to pick up your first-time attendee ribbon.
- Kick off your convention experience by swinging by the NATA Happy Hour to grab a drink and meet friends (old and new) from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 29, in PCC, Ballroom AB. This is a great opportunity to meet up and network with friends and colleagues.
- After the NATA Happy Hour, head to your District Meeting from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to connect with your local peers and receive important updates before heading out to enjoy the city.
- Each morning from Tuesday, June 30 to Thursday, July 2, kick off your day at the 8 a.m. Opening Session to learn about important association updates followed by a compelling keynote address.
- As you attend your favorite educational programming events and the AT Expo each day, be sure to reserve some time to explore the NATAGear Store, engage with NATA Hall of Fame members at the Hall of Fame booth, liaise with NATA staff and other leaders at ATCentral, advance your career at Career Center Live, and more.
- Take the family or meet up with friends at the Opening Reception in the Grand Hall at the PCC from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 30 (tickets required).
Badge Reprint Policy
For the safety and security of all convention attendees, NATA doesn’t offer badge reprints.
Convention Attire
Attire for the NATA Convention and the AT Expo should reflect comfort and personal preference while upholding the professional nature of the meeting. Business or smart casual – dress shirts/blouses, polos, blazers, slacks, skirts, or clean dark jeans – is recommended. Attendees in athletic or overly revealing clothing may be asked to change.
Many sessions include hands-on labs and interactive experiences, so please dress in a way that allows you to fully participate and maximize your convention experience.
Guest Policy
All guests must be registered to attend official convention events. Adult guests and children 16+ will receive a convention badge. A child verification card will be issued for children 15 and under. A registered attendee must accompany their guests at all official convention events.
The guest policy provides complimentary access to select official convention events. Ticket fees apply for certain social events to help offset the associated costs for attending guests.
ADULT REGISTERED GUESTS (18+)
Complimentary Access | Ticket Purchase Required | No Access |
NATA Happy Hour | Opening Reception | Educational Programming |
Daily Opening Sessions | NATAPAC Lunch* | District Meetings |
AT Expo | Foundation Fundraiser* | Town Halls |
NATA Hall of Fame Induction & National Awards Ceremony |
| Face Time ‘26 |
*Ticket purchase required for paid registrants and their guests.
Adult guests must sign the NATA 2026 Liability Release independently. The registrant must provide their adult guest(s) email address(es) on the waiver page. Adult guest badges will not be provided until the waivers are signed.
CHILD GUESTS (17 AND UNDER)
For children 17 years of age and younger, a Child Release Form must be completed during the registration process. Access to the AT Expo requires age verification; see the process below.
Age refers to the child’s age as of the start of the convention (June 29, 2026).
A registered attendee must accompany all guests. Infants must be carried. No strollers permitted.
Age | AT Expo | Educational Programming | Opening Reception | Opening Sessions | District Meetings | Town Halls | Attendee Happy Hour |
Infant (0-12 months) | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Child (1-15 years) | No | No | Yes (ticket purchase required) | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Child (16-17) | Yes | No | Yes (ticket purchase required) | Yes | No | No | Yes |
AT Expo Age Verification Process
To be eligible for entry into the AT Expo, a birth certificate must be presented for each child 0-12 months and 16-17 years of age. A photo ID showing date of birth can be substituted for the birth certificate for children 16-17 years of age. Entry will not be permitted in the absence of a birth certificate or photo ID.
Birth certificates may be uploaded during the registration process, emailed to [email protected], or provided onsite at the Member Services counter in registration. Adult guests and children 16+ will receive a convention badge. A child verification card will be issued for children 15 and under.
Other Age Restrictions
- For liability and insurance reasons, no one younger than 18 years old will be allowed on the AT Expo floor during setup/tear down.
- Alcoholic beverages will be served at some convention events. No one younger than 21 years old will be permitted to consume alcohol in accordance with the law.
Safety Tips
As with any destination, we recommend that conference attendees practice common sense and avoid deserted, non-tourist areas of the city. Always wear your name badge while in the convention center. Don’t wear your name badge out in public. Walk with a buddy whenever possible.
Unsecured Items Policy
Personal belongings shouldn’t be left unattended. Unattended items are subject to removal by security. NATA isn’t responsible for unattended items that are destroyed, damaged or stolen. The Lost & Found is located at the customer service counter in registration (PCC, Reg Bridge East).
See Something – Say Something
In the event of an emergency, please dial 911 and provide details of your location within the facility (West building, exhibit hall, meeting room, etc.). Report less emergent safety or security risks to NATA staff at registration.
Lost & Found
The Lost & Found is located at the customer service counter in registration (PCC, Reg Bridge East).
First Aid
First aid facilities are located outside PCC, Hall D.
Mother’s Room
The Pennsylvania Convention Center is pleased to offer two portable “Mamava” lactation suites for nursing mothers to breast feed infants or to use breast pumps in privacy. The units are self-contained, mobile pods with comfortable benches, an electrical outlet and a door that can be locked for privacy. The 4-foot by 8-foot pod is meant for individual use, but can fit more than one person, including mothers with infants, breast pumps, or luggage. One is positioned near the Concierge Desk on the Convention Center’s second level between Halls A and B and a second unit is located on the street level on the Broad and Arch Concourse.
Special Accommodations
During the registration process, attendees can select from a dropdown list to request assistance to fully participate (mobility, hearing, vision, etc.) in official convention events. NATA staff will contact those who check the box for details.
Wi-Fi
PCC offers free Wi-Fi in all public spaces and meeting rooms throughout the convention center.
Parking
There are many parking options, including garages and surface lots, conveniently located within blocks of the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The rates for parking along the perimeter of the building vary.
Tips & Considerations
- Rates vary significantly depending on the garage, time of day, and whether you reserve in advance — many garages show lower rates on apps when booked ahead.
- For multi-day attendees (e.g. staying for several convention days) -a garage near the Convention Center may run around $30-40/day; reserving early is strongly recommended.
- If you’re just coming for a couple of hours or a single session, street parking or short-term garage options might be more economical — but check signage carefully to avoid tickets.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
Cancellation/refund requests must be emailed to [email protected]. Refunds are credited back to the original payer via the method they were received.
Full Refund (30+ days before the start of convention) – Through May 29, 2026
Full Refund Less $50 Fee (8-29 days before the start of convention) – May 30-June 22, 2026
No Refund (7 or fewer days before the start of convention) – After June 23, 2026*
* Illness or death in the immediate family are mitigating circumstances considered for refunds, if written request is received no later than ten days after the last day of convention.
Pre-conference educational events and select special events have differing refund policies which are detailed in the event description.
NO-SHOW POLICY
In-person no-show registrants forfeit their registration and all rights unless they pay the difference between the in-person and on-demand rate (at the time they registered) to convert to an on-demand registration with the ability to earn CEUs. Requests to convert in-person to on-demand must be received by Friday, July 24, 2026.
Prohibited Conduct
Limitations on Use
By registering, you agree not to share, transfer, sell or trade your badge for access to restricted areas with any other attendee or exhibitor. If you violate this policy, NATA may cancel your registration, remove you from the premises, retain any payments, and take any other action it deems appropriate.
Smoking Policy
The Pennsylvania Convention Center is a smoke-free facility.
The Authority will strictly enforce all fire and safety regulations, including the playing of required public service announcements. No smoking will be permitted in any loading dock areas including the Vine Street ramp. Smoking is only permitted 25 feet from the exterior doors. Electronic cigarettes are not permitted in/on the facility.
Opportunities To Give Back
NBATA Gary Vitti Blood Drive
Make a difference to the local Philadelphia community by donating blood through the on-site blood drive. The blood drive will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1.
National Marrow Donor Program Drive
Join the National Marrow Donor Program by completing an on-site swab kit. The registry drive will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 30-July 2.
NATA CONDUCT AND NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICIES
Registrants are required to acknowledge and agree to comply with the NATA Conduct and Non-Discrimination policies found here.
