April 7-10, 2026 in National Harbor, Maryland
Join us in National Harbor, Maryland: April 7-10, 2026!
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.
An exciting new location
Experience the effortless waterfront vibe of National Harbor, Maryland—where your conference days flow straight into great food, fresh air, and easy fun. Step outside and you’re instantly in the middle of it all: stylish hotels, dozens of restaurants, shops, and picture-perfect promenades are clustered together along the Potomac River, making the whole area wonderfully walkable.
Take in crisp spring days and glowing sunsets over the water, then keep the evening going with everything from cozy harborfront hangouts to big-energy nightlife—plus standout attractions like the Capital Wheel and the entertainment scene at MGM National Harbor.
And when you want to explore beyond the harbor, Washington, DC and Old Town Alexandria are just minutes away, giving you the best of a resort-style stay with iconic city adventures right next door. It’s a lively, scenic, all-in-one destination that makes April 7–10, 2026 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center feel like a getaway as much as a conference.
