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National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education

Annual National Conference and Business Meeting

Read 2027 Conference Announcement

Save the Date for NAPAHE's 40th Annual Conference Celebration

February 24-26, 2027
El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort
Tucson, Arizona

Join us as we celebrate 40 years of NAPAHE!

Early Bird Registration (Sept 1 - Nov 25)

  • NAPAHE Members: $545
  • Non-Members: $595

Regular Registration (Nov 26 - Jan 22)

  • NAPAHE Members: $570
  • Non-Members: $620

Registration for NAPAHE2027 Opens September 2026

The National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education is pleased to announce details about our 40th Annual National Conference and Business Meeting. Please save the date for February 24-26, at El Conquistador, A Hilton Resort, located in Tucson, Arizona.

Registration is expected to open September 2026.

NAPAHE’s Annual Conference brings together executive assistants, chiefs of staff, board professionals, and senior office staff from colleges and universities across the country and around the world to learn, collaborate, and grow together. Designed for professionals who support higher education’s senior leaders, the conference offers a dynamic mix of plenary presentations, interactive concurrent sessions, and facilitated roundtable discussions that explore the evolving landscape of higher education. Participants gain practical strategies, sharpen leadership and organizational skills, and engage with experts who illuminate emerging trends—from innovation and institutional transformation to communication, executive strategy, and building trust in complex systems.

More than a professional gathering, the NAPAHE conference is a community experience that strengthens the pipeline of leadership support across higher education. Attendees leave with new connections, tools, and insights that directly elevate their campus impact. With a strong emphasis on networking, professional development, and shared problem-solving, NAPAHE fosters a supportive environment where professionals can learn from peers, exchange ideas, and discover year‑round opportunities for growth. Whether you’re new to the profession or a seasoned leader, the NAPAHE Annual Conference provides the inspiration and community that help you thrive in roles essential to the success of higher education’s top decision‑makers.

Get Ready to Visit Tucson!

Tucson is the perfect backdrop for NAPAHE’s 40th Annual Celebration and National Conference: an inspiring desert destination where professional growth meets effortless relaxation. Surrounded by the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains, El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort, offers a 50‑acre Southwestern oasis featuring sparkling pools, a 143‑foot waterslide, golf, tennis, wellness experiences, and easy access to scenic hikes such as Linda Vista and Catalina State Park. This award‑winning resort blends elevated event spaces with unforgettable desert views, warm hospitality, and amenities that appeal to both conference attendees and accompanying family members.

Beyond the resort, Tucson invites visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert. As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy with more than 350 days of sunshine each year, Tucson offers exceptional dining, world‑class outdoor adventures, renowned museums, and family‑friendly attractions, from the Arizona‑Sonora Desert Museum to the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures. Our attendees will appreciate Tucson’s ease of access, rich multicultural heritage, and an atmosphere that blends inspiration, discovery, and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for meaningful connections, big ideas, and memorable experiences for all ages.

Conference Hotel Information

For your comfort and convenience, NAPAHE has established a room block with discounted rates for our conference attendees at El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort. Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, El Conquistador is close to the Saguaro National Park and some of the top hiking spots in Tucson. Spanning 50 acres, the resort features a spa, tennis courts, outdoor pools, a waterslide, and several dining options. Conference attendees can also visit the championship El Conquistador golf course, a short drive away. Hotel block information will be provided in your NAPAHE2027 registration confirmation details. 

El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort

Official NAPAHE 2027 Conference Hotel

10000 North Oracle Road
Tucson, Arizona 85704

Rooms starting at $270.00 Per Night + Tax

Our room block will close on February 2, 2027, or when all rooms are sold. Hotel rooms are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

General Hotel Information

Frequently Asked Questions

If your question is not listed or you would like additional information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

What are the registration deadlines?
Registration will open Tuesday, September 1, 2026. The deadline to register is Friday, January 22, 2027.

Who can attend the conference?
Though NAPAHE's official name has the word Presidential Assistant in it, NAPAHE serves more than just assistants to presidents/chancellors. In fact, NAPAHE serves ANY professional that supports an executive leader in higher education. The same can be said about our annual conference. Common titles of attendees include assistant to the president, chief of staff, assistant to the provost, assistant to the dean, assistant to the vice president, board professional, foundation executive assistant, advancement assistant, and many others. Presidents, chancellors, and other executives are also invited to attend.

Is membership required to attend?
While you do not have to be a member of NAPAHE to attend the conference, current members do receive a $50 discount on their registration. We invite you to consider bundling your conference registration with a new membership to multiply your value!

Does NAPAHE offer a group registration discount?
While we are pleased that you and your colleagues are interested in attending as a group, registration for NAPAHE's conference is per individual. We are not offering a group registration option or discount for multiple attendees this year. To register more than one person, please complete the registration site for each person who will be attending.

Will there be a virtual option for this conference?
In an effort to provide the networking, relationship building, and celebration that comes with bringing people together, the conference will take place exclusively in person. Virtual and hybrid offerings are not available.

Is my institution a member of NAPAHE?
Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to check your institution's membership status. 

If I am a member, how do I find my discount code?
Current NAPAHE members will have access to the Member Registration Code through the members.napahe.org online member portal.

What type of clothing is appropriate?
Most attendees wear business casual attire to the conference and events. Meeting room temperatures are kept at 68 degrees, so bringing a blazer, sweater, or jacket is recommended. On Friday, we encourage attendees to dress casually in their school colors for School Spirit Day. 

What food functions are included in the conference registration fee?
Information coming soon!

Questions about NAPAHE2027?

If you have questions or would like additional information about our upcoming conference, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

2027 Cancellation and Substitution Policies

Individual Cancellation Policy:

Conference registration may be cancelled for a refund, less a processing fee:

  • Cancellations on or before December 18, 2026: $35 processing fee.
  • Cancellations between December 19, 2026, and January 22, 2027: $299 processing fee.
  • Cancellations received after January 22, 2027, and no shows, are not eligible for refunds.

Cancellation requests must be made in writing and submitted to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please include “NAPAHE Conference Cancellation” in the subject line. Registration will be considered cancelled upon email acknowledgement by NAPAHE staff. Please allow 5-7 business days for processing.

Substitution Policy:

In the event of illness, emergency, or other circumstances, consider transferring your registration to another person at the same institution. Substitution of registrations is permitted only prior to the start of the conference. Only one substitute permitted per original registrant. The individual submitting the request is responsible for all financial obligations associated with the substitute as well as updating any contact information. Substitution requests must be made in writing and submitted to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. on or before February 19, 2027. Please include “NAPAHE Conference Substitution” in the subject line.

Hotel Cancellation: 
Should you need to cancel/modify your hotel stay for any reason, please contact the hotel directly. Reservations must be canceled at least 72 hours prior to your scheduled arrival date in order to avoid fees. Cancellations made within the 72 hour period are subject to a cancellation fee of one night's room rate plus applicable taxes. Please note that checking out before your confirmed departure date will result in an early departure fee equivalent to one night's room rate plus applicable taxes.

Important Dates

Summer 2026

Call for Conference Session Proposals Opens

September 1, 2026

Registration Opens

November 25, 2026

Early-Bird Registration Deadline ($25 savings)

January 22, 2027

Registration Deadline

February 2, 2027

Hotel Booking Deadline

February 24, 2027

Conference Begins

February 26, 2027

Conference Concludes

Thank you to our 2026 Conference Sponsors!

Become a Conference Sponsor

Title Sponsor

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

NAPAHE Sponsors

Special Thanks To...

NAPAHE's Board of Directors

Looking for NAPAHE2026 Information?

Content related to NAPAHE's 39th Annual National Conference, held March 2026, has been archived. Select conference presentations can be found via the link below. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information. Thank you!
View the 2026 Conference Archive