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National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education

Annual National Conference and Business Meeting

Register Now

Early Bird Registration (through Dec 19)

  • NAPAHE Members*: $540
  • Non-Members: $590

Regular Registration (Dec 20-Jan 30)

  • NAPAHE Members*: $565
  • Non-Members: $615

*NAPAHE Member Registration Code Required

Get Ready for NAPAHE2026

March 11-13, 2026
Marriott Rivercenter on the Riverwalk
San Antonio, Texas

The National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education is pleased to announce details about our 39th Annual National Conference and Business Meeting, sponsored by Element451. Please save the date for March 11-13, 2026, at the Marriott Rivercenter on the River Walk located in downtown San Antonio, Texas. The 2026 event will be NAPAHE’s inaugural independent conference.

Registration is now OPEN!

NAPAHE is proud to work with the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on the Riverwalk to host the 2026 conference. Marriott is NAPAHE's exclusive hotel provider for the 2026 event.

Register for NAPAHE2026

About NAPAHE's Conference

You will not want to miss NAPAHE's annual conference. Colleagues from colleges and universities around the country, and internationally, join together to network, exchange ideas in interactive sessions, explore and discuss topics of mutual interest, and have fun in a professional networking environment.

Keynote speakers have included numerous college and university presidents, trustees, vice presidents, Congressional staff, executive recruiters, communications specialists, marketing and branding experts, and humorists.

Join us at the annual conference to broaden your knowledge in:

  • Higher Education issues
  • Executive speech writing
  • Strategic planning
  • Event management
  • Relation and coalition building
  • Fundraising and advancement activities
  • University communications
  • Legislative and governmental affairs
  • Survival techniques for presidential assistants
  • Career enhancement and advancement
  • Presidential office management
  • And much more!

Get Ready to Visit San Antonio!

San Antonio always has something new to experience, discover, and explore. From one-of-a-kind events to the best restaurants, attractions, and so much more, a trip to San Antonio is just what you need for your best getaway yet.

Whether you’re exploring the historic Alamo, strolling along the River Walk, or discovering vibrant neighborhoods, we'll provide the tools to make your trip planning seamless. Dive into curated itineraries, get tips on transportation, view the Official San Antonio Visitor's Guide, and more to make the most of your San Antonio adventure. Begin planning your unforgettable trip today!

San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter Brochure

What Can you Expect from NAPAHE's Annual Conference?

Preview the 2026 Conference Program

View the 2026 Schedule-at-a-Glance to get an idea of the types of sessions you can expect from our upcoming conference. You can also click here to download a copy of last year's conference program.

View 2026 Schedule-at-a-Glance

Know Before You Register for NAPAHE2026

Are you curious about NAPAHE2026? Are you thinking about participating in the premier conference for professionals supporting higher education leaders? Do you want to connect with peers across the country who "get it"?

Join us for an informative webinar that will go over what to expect from a professional development conference for professionals supporting higher education leaders! These sessions will cover subjects such as:

  • How to register
  • Conference overview
  • Convincing your boss
  • Membership benefits
  • Open Q&A

Pre-registration is required.

These sessions are identical and will be recorded. No need to attend both!

Session 1

Wednesday, September 3, 2025
1:00 PM Central Time

Register for Session 1

Session 2

Tuesday, October 7, 2025
11:00 AM Central Time

Register for Session 2

Conference Hotel Information

For your comfort and convenience, NAPAHE has established a room block with discounted rates for our conference attendees at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on the River Walk. Hotel block information will be provided in your NAPAHE2026 registration confirmation details. Our official hotel room block is available for the nights of Wednesday, March 11 and Thursday, March 12, 2026. The hotel has limited availability on Tuesday, March 10, however rooms for this night are no longer available within our room block. If you intend to arrive on Tuesday, we recommend exploring nearby hotels for Tuesday night accommodations only, however please book within NAPAHE's designated room block for Wednesday & Thursday evenings. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Our room block will close on February 17, 2026, or when all rooms are sold. Hotel rooms are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on the River Walk

Official NAPAHE 2026 Conference Hotel

101 Bowie Street
San Antonio, TX 78205

Starting at $289.00 Per Night + Tax

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 opens September 2, 2025. The deadline to register for NAPAHE2025 is January 30, 2026.

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.

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? Included food functions are:

  • Wednesday, March 11, 2026: Afternoon Welcome Reception
  • Thursday, March 12, 2026: Breakfast Buffet, Lunch Buffet, and Afternoon Break
  • Friday, March 13, 2026: Breakfast Buffet and Morning Break

I am arriving to San Antonio on Tuesday. Where can I stay?
Our official hotel room block at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on the River Walk is available for the nights of Wednesday, March 11 and Thursday, March 12, 2026. The hotel has limited availability on Tuesday, March 10, however rooms for this night are no longer available within our room block. We recommend exploring nearby hotels for Tuesday night accommodations only if you plan to arrive early. Thank you for your understanding!

Travel Information

Getting to the Hotel

Steps from the Alamo and prime destinations, San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on the River Walk is easy to get to and makes getting around simple.

✈ San Antonio International Airport (SAT)

Distance From Property: 8.0 Miles
This hotel does not provide shuttle service.

Questions about NAPAHE2026?

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.

2026 Cancellation and Substitution Policies

Individual Cancellation Policy:
Conference registration may be cancelled for a refund, less a $299 processing fee, provided the cancellation is received in writing on or before January 30, 2026. Cancellations received after January 30, 2026, 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 “NAPAHE2026 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 March 1, 2025. Please include “NAPAHE2026 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

August 25, 2025

Call for Conference Session Proposals Opens

September 2, 2025

Registration Opens

October 17, 2025

Deadline to Submit Conference Session Proposals

November 14, 2025

Deadline to Apply for Conference Grants

December 19, 2025

Early Bird Registration Deadline

January 30, 2026

Conference Registration Deadline

February 17, 2026

Hotel Block Closes

March 11, 2026

Conference Begins

March 13, 2026

Conference Concludes

Thank you to our 2026 Conference Sponsors!

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