Agenda | Gala + Guest Info | Details | Questions

The National Education Leadership Awards (NELA) is an exclusive, invitation-only event that honors your extraordinary leadership and contributions to education.   

Where: Capital Hilton, 1001 16th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20036 
When: April 15–18, 2026 

All attendees must have an active NASSP membership.   

Preliminary Agenda

Please note that this is the initial agenda for the event.  See final agenda/badge for room locations closer to event. Breakout Sessions are by role.

  • 5:00 – 6:15 PM – Registration | Capital Terrace

  • 6:15 – 7:00 PM – Welcome and Mixer | Presidential Ballroom

  • 7:00 – 8:30 PM – Welcome Reception (guest allowed) | Congressional Ballroom

  • 8:00 – 8:45 AM – Breakfast | Presidential Ballroom

  • 8:45 – 9:00 AM – Intro to Day | Presidential Ballroom

  • 9:00 – 10:00 AM – Show and Tell (Object Share) | Multiple Rooms (check badge)

  • 10:00 – 10:30 AM – Brain Date (Networking Time) | Capital Terrace/South American AB

  • 10:30 – 12:00 PM – Ask Me About … (Breakout Session) | Multiple Rooms (check badge)

  • 12:00 – 1:00 PM – Lunch | Presidential Room

  • 1:00 – 2:30 PM – Leadership Scavenger Hunt | Nearby (Weather Permitting)

  • 2:30 – 2:45 PM – Break

  • 2:45 – 4:00 PM – A Look Through Another Lens (Fishbowl Conversation) | Multiple Rooms (check badge)

  • 4:00 – 5:00 PM – Students – NASSP Connection

  • 5:00 – 10:00 PM – Free Evening for School Leaders; Evening Activity for Students and Advisers

  • 8:00 – 8:45 AM – Breakfast | Presidential Ballroom

  • 8:45 – 9:45 AM – Cultivating Courageous Leaders (for School Leaders) | Presidential Ballroom

    • Now What? Preparing for High School – College Transition (Students) | Federal A

    • Powering Up Your Chapter/Council (Advisers) | Federal B

  • 9:45 – 10:00 AM – Tea Time Break | Capital Terrace

  • 10:00 – 10:45 AM – Being An Advocacy Champion for Your School and Community | Presidential Ballroom

  • 11:00 – 12:00 PM – Advocacy Workshop (School Leaders) | Presidential Ballroom

    • Leadership in Motion: Bridging Local Impact to State Advocacy (Students and Advisers) | Federal A

  • 12:00 – 1:00 PM – Lunch | Presidential Room

  • 1:15 – 2:45 PM – Solving Together: A Collaborative Approach to Education Challenges (School Leaders) | Congressional Ballroom

    • Solving Together: A Collaborative Approach to Education Challenges (Advisers) | Federal B

    • The Power of Personal Narrative: Self-Advocacy through Storytelling (Students) | Federal A

  • 2:45 – 3:00 PM – Gala Practice | Congressional Ballroom

  • 3:00 – 6:00 PM – Prepare for Gala (Break)

  • 6:00 – 10:00 PM – Gala Awards and Dinner | Presidential Ballroom

  • 9:00 – 9:45 AM – Breakfast | Presidential Ballroom

  • 9:45 – 10:45 AM – Final Breakout Sessions (Unconference) | Multiple rooms

  • 10:45 – 11:30 AM – Closing and Reflection | Presidential Ballroom

  • 11:30 AM – Departure | Capital Terrace

Gala + Guest Info 

Guest Eligibility: The optional one adult guest (21+) registered on the RSVP form is permitted only for award recipients (Students and Principals). This guest may attend the opening reception on April 15 and the awards gala on April 17.

Please Note: Advisers and other attendees are not eligible to bring a guest to any portion of the event programming, reception, or gala. No additional guests may be added beyond those registered for award recipients.

NELA Gala Details

  • The NELA Gala takes place the evening of April 17.
  • Dress code is cocktail attire (e.g., a nice suit or dress).
  • NASSP does not cover guest expenses, and the daytime programming and daytime meals are restricted to registered attendees only and are not open to guests.

Details

Unless you are driving, your airfare to/from Washington, D.C. was booked by NASSP.  

  • Arrival: April 15 by 3:00 p.m. (registration begins at 5:00 p.m.)   
  • Departure: April 18 after 2:00 p.m. (programming ends at 12:00 pm) 

Your hotel room for three nights (arriving April 15 and departing April 18) was booked and paid by NASSP. You will need to provide your name at the Capital Hilton when you arrive. 

  • You’ll receive your confirmation number from the hotel closer to the event.   
  • Upon check-in, provide a credit card for any incidental charges.   
  • If you extend your stay at the hotel, costs will be your responsibility. NASSP’s discounted rate for the event is $319, plus 15.95% tax. 

  • Dress is business casual. Bring comfortable but professional clothing and a comfortable pair of shoes.   
  • Please bring a charged laptop or mobile device for networking and learning sessions.  Don’t forget your charger.  

Questions?