Arrive Ready to Go! Key Conference Event Information
Beyond the
Breaking Point: Connection Through Purpose and Power. That's not just a
theme — it's our promise to you. This coming week, social workers from
across the country will come together in Washington,
DC to reconnect with why this work matters, build skills they'll use
immediately, and find the community that makes it sustainable. There are
sessions that will challenge how you think, conversations you won't be
able to have anywhere else, and a few days
that remind you exactly why you chose this profession.
We can't wait to see you there!
Get the App
The NASW2026
conference app is your home base for the full agenda, session materials,
speaker information, sponsors, and fellow attendees. Download it now so
you're not scrambling on-site.
Android:
Google Play
iOS:
App Store
Log in with the email you used to register. Password: Connection2026
Enable
notifications in your phone settings so you don't miss important updates
during the week. If a speaker has uploaded handouts or slides, you'll
find them in the app under their session listing.
Your CE Credits — Read This!
Scan your badge
before every breakout session and the film screening. This is the only
way your attendance is recorded. Mainstage sessions are added to your
profile automatically each morning, so no scan
is needed for those.
Some breakouts
are 60 minutes and others are 90. What you attend affects your final CE
total. Plan your schedule in the app before you arrive and check session
lengths. We won't be able to fix missed scans
after the fact, so make it a habit from your very first breakout
session.
We anticipate you will be able to download your CE certificate by June
19! Check your email following conference which will include guidance
on how to download your certificate online, or via the conference app.
You will be required to first complete an event
evaluation form before you download and print your certificate.
Badge Pickup
Head to the
registration kiosks when you arrive, enter your name, confirm your
information, and hit print. A volunteer will hand you your badge and
bag. Your lanyard is inside.
Beat the lines.
Badge pickup opens Tuesday, June 9, and is available 3 PM–9 PM in the
Rose Garden Boardroom (2nd Floor) for early arrivals and DC-area
members. You can also arrive Wednesday morning starting
at 9 AM to pick up before the crowds hit. The first session isn't until
2:30 PM, but lines will be long by midday.
Full Hours:
Tuesday, June 9 |
3 PM–9 PM | Rose Garden Boardroom, 2nd Floor Wednesday, June 10 | 8
AM–6 PM | 2nd Floor Atrium Thursday, June 11 | 8 AM–5:30 PM | 2nd Floor
Atrium Friday, June 12 | 8 AM–5:30 PM | 2nd Floor
Atrium Saturday, June 13 | 8 AM–3 PM | 2nd Floor Atrium
Wear your badge every day. Attendees without a badge may be asked to leave the conference floor.
Where Things Are
Marriott Marquis Washington DC | 901 Massachusetts Avenue NW | Washington, DC 20001
Registration and
Precon Sessions | 2nd Floor Atrium Mainstage and Educational Sessions |
M2 Additional Educational Sessions | M3 Exhibit Hall, Headshot Lounge,
Wellness Room, Education Sessions | M4
What to Wear and What to Pack
DC in June is hot
and humid. Expect highs in the mid-to-upper 80s all four days, and it
will feel warmer with the humidity. Dress for summer when you're
outside.
That said, bring a
sweater or light jacket. Conference session rooms tend to run cold, and
you'll be moving between outdoor heat and aggressively air-conditioned
classrooms all day. Comfortable shoes matter
too. The hotel spans multiple floors and you'll be on your feet.
Getting Here
The closest Metro
station is Mt. Vernon Sq/7th St–Convention Center on the Green and
Yellow lines, steps from the hotel entrance and the most convenient
option if you're coming from another part of the city
or from Union Station.
If you're
driving, the hotel offers valet parking at $75/night plus tax, with
in-and-out privileges. Street parking in downtown DC is extremely
limited. Apps like SpotHero can help you find nearby garage
options at lower rates. Full travel and hotel logistics are at 2026
Hotel and Travel.
Exhibit Hall
The Exhibit Hall
is one of the best parts of the conference. Take time to explore. You'll
find vendors, resources, and organizations doing work that connects
directly to your practice and your career. Whether
you're looking for tools, job opportunities, continuing education
providers, or just want to see what's out there, the hall is worth a
dedicated visit. Don't just walk through once and leave.
Poster Presentations
Don't forget to
stop by the poster area. Every presentation was submitted by a colleague
and selected — real work, from people in the mental health field.
Presenters will be available during peak exhibit
hours to answer your questions.
Stop by the NASW Membership Booth
Staff will be
there to walk you through your member benefits and help you get the most
out of your membership. Whether you're a longtime member or just
getting started, it's worth a few minutes to make sure
you're using everything available to you.
Exhibit Hall Hours:
Thursday, June 11 | 11:45 AM–5:30 PM Friday, June 12 | 8:00 AM–5:30 PM
Special Events
Film Screening: Il Mio Posto a Tavola (My Place at the Table) | 2 CEUs
A documentary by
NASW members Santo D. Marabella and Tracy Schott following Marabella's
journey to find his birth family in Italy after learning he was adopted
during the Baby Scoop Era. The film explores
loneliness, isolation, and the need for connection. Included with your
registration. Scan your badge for CE credit.
PACE Reception: Thursday, June 11 | 5:30 PM–7:30 PM | Atrium
Tickets are $50
and still available. NASW's political action committee is celebrating 50
years of advocacy with an evening of speakers, history, and community.
Foundation Reception
Sold out.
Amenities
Free Professional Headshots
Stop by the
Headshot Lounge in Independence Hall Foyer (M4); no appointment needed.
Available Thursday, June 11, and Friday, June 12, 10 AM–4 PM.
Wellness Room: Treasury, M4
A quiet,
tech-free space to step away and recharge. Facilitated morning wellness
sessions are open to registrants before the conference begins each day
(space is limited). Opens June 11.
Lactation Room: Capitol Hill, M3
A private room with refrigerator access is available throughout the conference. Pick up a key at the registration desk.
Food
NASW is providing
coffee, tea, and breaks throughout the day. Lunch is on your own. We've
put together a dining guide at 2026 Meals, and food delivery (like Uber
Eats) is also widely available in DC.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the
agenda if I don't want to use the app?
The full agenda with room names
is on our conference website at 2026 Program Schedule. There will not be
printed programs at the conference. If you
want a printed copy, download and print it before you arrive.
Can I still
change my registration?
Yes, until June 10. You can switch between
in-person and virtual registration (some additional fees apply when
switching to in-person). Once the conference has started,
we're unable to accommodate changes. Splitting between in-person and
virtual is not available.
How do I select
or change my classes?
All sessions are general admission. The selections
available during registration were used only to help staff assign room
sizes based on early interest. Arrive early
to any session you want to attend.
Can I bring a
guest or my child?
Only badged attendees are permitted on the conference
floor. Children are not allowed on the event floor unless they are
under 12 months of age. A private lactation room with
refrigerator access is available throughout the conference. Stop by the
registration desk to sign out a key.
What is the
policy on restroom use?
All attendees are welcome to use the restroom
that aligns with their gender identity. Each person is the authority on
which restroom is right for them. We ask everyone
to respect others' privacy and extend the same courtesy they would want
for themselves.
What is NASW's
anti-harassment policy?
NASW is committed to a safe, respectful, and
inclusive conference experience for everyone. Harassment of any kind —
verbal, physical, or written — is not tolerated.
Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply
immediately. Violations may result in removal from the event without
refund, a ban from future NASW events, or referral to law enforcement.
If you experience or witness harassment, report it
immediately to staff at the conference registration desk. For
emergencies or threats of violence, call 911. The full Code of Conduct
and event policies are available at
2026 Event Policies.
What about
accessibility?
Full accessibility information is available at 2026
Accessibility. If you need additional accommodations and we can assist
on short notice, reach out at
naswconference@socialworkers.org.
I registered for
Day on the Hill. What do I do next?
You'll receive further details in a
separate email. If you were unable to register, we're sorry — all slots
are full this year.
Tag Us
Share your conference experience using #NASW2026 on social media!
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors
NASW Assurance
Services, NIDA, CareLinx by Sharecare, FBI, California Correctional
Health Care Services, Rula, Simmons School of Social Work, Seven
Starling, University of Houston, University of Tennessee,
Virginia M. Satir Center, Arrowwood Addiction Treatment Center,
Strategic Prevention Solutions, Rutgers, U.S. Army, Planned Parenthood
of the Pacific Southwest, OneDigital, School of Social Policy and
Practice at the University of Pennsylvania
We'll see you in DC!