Know Before You Go

Attendee Information for the NAEP 2026 Conference & Training Symposium 

Welcome to the NAEP 2026 Conference & Training Symposium! Please review the information below detailing the event schedule, site location, parking, and more. If you have any questions about this information, please feel free to contact the NAEP office at [email protected] or at (206) 209-5286.


Conference WiFi & App

WiFi Network: NAEP
WiFi Password: NAEP26!

Hold NAEP 2026 in the palm of your hand! Search "NAEP Events" in the Apple App Store or Google Play to locate and download the free conference mobile app. Use the same email you use to register for the conference to log in to the app. 

Username: same email you registered with
Password: naep2026
Download NAEP Events App

Return to Top


Travel and Parking Details

All sessions will be at the Dena’ina Civic & Convention Centerwhich is 6 miles away from the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, which is approximately a 10–15 minute drive. The Address is 600 W 7th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501. Please note that Anchorage has two convention centers, so we kindly ask you to verify the location details to ensure you arrive at the correct venue. 

Directions to Conference Venue
Parking Information

Return to Top


Registration Desk Hours

The conference registration desk will be open at the following times.

Registration Desk Hours
The registration desk will be located at the Tikahtnu Foyer
Sunday, May 10 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday, May 11
8:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Tuesday, May 12
7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday, May 13
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday, May 14 7:00 AM - 11:30 AM


Return to Top


Schedule

View the full schedule on our website and on the NAEP conference app. Check out the Attendee Experience page to learn more and see a list of all of the special events this year.

View Complete Schedule
View PDF Printable Version

Return to Top

 


Map of Venue

Here’s a venue map to help you navigate NAEP 2026. Keep it handy as you make your way through the conference!

View Map of Venue


AICP CE Credits

Most NAEP 2026 Conference sessions are registered for AICP credits. Each hour of sessions attended is typically eligible for 1 AICP credit hour. AICP certification maintenance credits are self-reported on the AICP CM Log on the APA website.  

More information will be available after the conference.

Return to Top


Meals

 Monday, May 11, 2026 

  • Opening Reception | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Cash bar (two drink tickets provided) with heavy hors d'oeuvres

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

  • Breakfast | 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM | Buffet style
  • Lunch | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM | Buffet style
  • Presidents Reception | 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM | Open bar with heavy hors d'oeuvres Ticket Required to Attend

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 

  • Breakfast | 7:00 AM - 9:30 AM | Buffet style 
  • Lunch | 1:15 PM - 2:30 PM | Buffet style
  • Emerging Professionals Reception | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Cash bar with light hors d'oeuvres

Thursday, May 14, 2026

  • Breakfast | 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM | Buffet style

Dine Arounds

We are thrilled to offer dine arounds to our attendees to enhance your conference experience. Savor an extra networking opportunity to get to know one another outside of a conference setting. Choose one or two of the amazing local Anchorage restaurants you want to check out, sign up, and get to know your fellow attendees while you enjoy delicious food. Who knows? You might find you have more in common than just your great taste in food and associations.

You may sign up for one restaurant each day after registering for the conference. While it is free to sign up, please note that you are responsible for the cost of your own food and beverage.

Sign Up Now

Return to Top


Dress Code

The dress code for the NAEP 2026 Annual Conference & Training Symposium is business casual. We recommend wearing layers, as session rooms can be chilly. Comfortable shoes are also encouraged, as conference days can be long and often involve moving between multiple sessions.


Tips for Attending the NAEP Conference

1. Plan which sessions you want to attend in advance

Check out the schedule on the website or download the app and make a note of which sessions or presenters you especially want to see.

2.  Wear comfortable shoes

You might find that you do a surprising amount of walking at a NAEP conference. Between getting from your hotel to the conference venue, walking between sessions, and going out in the evening for dinner or social events, you may well be on your feet all day. So make sure you wear shoes that are comfortable and won't cause you pain.

3. Dress in layers

Business casual is appropriate for all NAEP conferences and any related events. We do recommend that you dress in layers as session rooms can vary in temperature.

4. Do attend the social events

Social events such as receptions or networking events are an important part of the conference experience as they give you a chance to talk with the other attendees and sponsors in a more informal setting. So do make an effort to attend at least some of the social events as well as education sessions.

5. Stay in touch

As we all know, conferences are a great way to connect with our counterparts at other organizations or friends we haven't seen in a long time. Don't let contact end at the conference! We encourage you to stay in touch, share ideas, and compare challenges to get the most out of the conference.

Return to Top


Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage is the place where young spirits and adventurous souls come to play. Hike a mountain trail under the midnight sun. Paddle turquoise waterways through a vast state park. Learn about incredible Indigenous cultures

Explore Anchorage

Return to Top


Field Trips & Ticketed Events

Please Note: The events listed below required an additional fee and were not included in the standard conference registration. Attendees had the option to purchase tickets for these events during the registration process.

Field trip tickets are still available for purchase for those interested. 

Bird Watching at Potter Marsh  |  Monday, May 11, 2026  | Ticketed Event

Sponsored by: The Conservation Fund

Details

  • Round Trip Transportation Provided (Pick up/Drop off at Marriott Anchorage)
    Pick Up Time: 8:30 AM
    Tour: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    Drop Off Time: 12:30 PM

    *The majority of the proceeds will be donated to the Anchorage Audubon.

    Potter Marsh Viewing Tips:

    • Wear sturdy shoes
    • Bring binoculars or scopes for best viewing
    • Bring wind shells and extra layers in case of brisk winds 

Port of Alaska Tour |  Thursday, May 14, 2026  |  9:00 AM - 10:30 AM  | Ticketed Event (Attendees will need to bring photo ID for the security desk as well)

Details:

Round Trip Transportation Provided (Pick up/Drop off at Marriott Anchorage)
Pick Up Time: 8:30 AM
Tour: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Drop Off Time: 12:30 PM


President's Reception |  Tuesday, May 12, 2026  |  6:30 – 9:30 PM  |  Anchorage Museum  | Ticketed Event

Details

Join us for the NAEP 2026 President’s Reception at the Anchorage Museum on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 6:30–9:30 PM. Enjoy a hosted bar and hors d’oeuvres as you connect with fellow attendees in one of Anchorage’s most iconic spaces. You’ll have time to explore the museum’s exhibits while networking and celebrating a great conference week.


Sponsor and Exhibitor Information

If you are a sponsor and/or exhibitor for NAEP 2026, please download the 2026 Exhibitor Toolkit for all your necessary information! 

View 2026 Exhibitor Toolkit

Return to Top