2026 NACo Annual Conference & Exposition
About the Conference
The NACo Annual Conference is the premier gathering of elected and appointed officials from the nation’s 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs.
The conference will include dozens of committee and caucus meetings, educational workshops, general sessions and more. Sessions will offer learning and best practices on the full range of county responsibilities and domestic policy issues. NACo membership will also elect new leadership and set the organization's policy priorities during the Annual Business Meeting.
Registration
Registration includes access to all workshops, committee meetings, general sessions and conference-wide receptions.
All correspondence regarding registration will come from either nacomeetings@naco.org or naco@naco.org. Please add these email addresses to your safe sender list. Should you receive false correspondence, please report via email at nacomeetings@naco.org.
Early Bird | Advance | Onsite | |
|---|---|---|---|
County / State Association – Member | $575 | $675 | $775 |
County – Non-Member | $850 | $950 | $1150 |
Affiliates | $575 | $675 | $775 |
Corporate – Member | $610 | $725 | $825 |
Corporate – Non-Member | $910 | $1050 | $1250 |
State, Federal, Gov’t & Non-Profit | $575 | $710 | $800 |
Technology Innovation Forum | $125 | $150 | $200 |
*Registration Add-ons | |||
*Guests | $150 | $175 | $200 |
*Student | $150 | $175 | $200 |
*All guests and student registrations are optional Add-ons to a fully purchased attendee rate above. Click here for more information and restrictions on guest and student rates.
Payment is due at the time of registration. Exceptions can be made to allow for payment by check on a case-by-case basis. All fees must be paid in full prior to arrival in order to obtain your badge and registration materials at the conference.
Contact nacomeetings@naco.org with any questions or to pay with a check.
Registrations cancelled by May 13, 2026, will be refunded minus a $50 administration fee. Cancellations made between May 13 and June 24, 2026, will receive a 50 percent refund. After June 25, 2026, no refunds will be issued, including for unused registrations or no-shows. This policy applies to all registration types, including guest fees.
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email to cancellations@naco.org; telephone cancellations are not accepted.
To transfer a registration, please contact nacomeetings@naco.org and provide the name and email of the person whose registration you are transferring and the name and email address of the person to whom the registration should be reassigned.
Partner/Spouse Registrations include the conference-wide opening and closing reception events and general sessions. For travel companions only. Not valid for colleagues and those with related job functions tied to counties, parishes or boroughs. Spouses, partners and children under the age of 21 need to be accompanied by the paid attendee at all times.
Student Registration applies to high school and/or college enrolled students attending for educational purposes. Students must be accompanied by a paid attendee at all times.
Any persons under 21 are not allowed to attend any events with bar service and alcohol.
Make the most of your experience
Whether you're a newly elected county official, a county staff member or attending your first NACo conference, this first-time attendee guide will help you arrive prepared, navigate the conference and make the most of your time on-site. Learn what to expect as you exchange ideas, discover innovative solutions and build connections with thousands of county leaders from across the country.
Policy Resolution & Proposed Platform Changes
The NACo resolutions process is an opportunity for members to participate in national policy decisions impacting county governments. During the Annual Conference, NACo’s ten policy steering committees, the Board of Directors and the general membership will consider proposed policy resolutions and platform changes that will determine NACo’s federal advocacy for the coming year.
Conference Schedule
The Annual Conference brings together county officials, policy leaders and partners from across the nation for four days of learning, networking and advocacy. From educational workshops and policy steering committees to general sessions and unforgettable New Orleans experiences, the 2026 Annual Conference is where county leaders come together to shape the future.
Venue
The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is located in Downtown New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. The lower end of building one is located 1,640 feet upriver from Canal Street on the banks of the Mississippi River. It is named after former Mayor of New Orleans Ernest Nathan Morial.
Housing Information
NACo's negotiated housing blocks are now open. Discounted rates are available until the hotel cutoff date of Wednesday, June 24, 2026; however, rooms could sell out prior to this date, so register and reserve your room now! Upon registering, attendees will receive information in their confirmation email on how to book housing directly with the hotels at NACo’s discounted rates. Discounted rates are only available to registered attendees.
Available Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. ET
Toll Free: (888) 751-5182
Email: naco@conferencedirect.com
A valid credit card is required to guarantee each reservation. Please check with your hotel for specific guarantee, deposit and cancellation policies.
Beginning on Wednesday, May 13, NACo's Housing Bureau will charge a cancellation fee of $30.00 for any cancellations. This cancellation fee will appear on your credit card statement as “CONFDIRECT*26NACoAnnl”. Cancellations made directly with hotel will also incur this fee.
Email: naco@conferencedirect.com
Make the Most of Your Time in New Orleans
This year's annual conference is in one of the world's great cities! So you can capitalize on all New Orleans has to offer, New Orleans & Company has created a custom visitors guide exclusively for NACo attendees — packed with the city's legendary dining scene, family-friendly attractions, live music and nightlife, neighborhood guides and a walkable downtown map to help you find it all. Whether you're arriving early, staying late or bringing along family or friends, NOLA has something unforgettable waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hotel information, and the reservation link, are included in the confirmation email sent after registration payment is received. This ensures that only confirmed attendees reserve rooms, helping us manage hotel capacity more effectively.
Please email cancellations@naco.org with the full name of the registrant and the name of the event. Our team will assist you with the cancellation process.
Please email nacomeetings@naco.org with the full name of the registrant and the name of the event. Our team will assist you with obtaining an invoice link.
The Onsite Rate is the final registration tier for the 2026 Annual Conference & Exposition. While designated as “onsite,” participants can still conveniently register online here.
No pre-registration is required. Mobile tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend arriving early to secure your spot.
Guests—such as a spouse, partner, or family member—can be added during the registration process with a fee. If you’re having trouble accessing your registration to make changes, please email nacomeetings@naco.org with your name and the full name of your guest, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Please note: Guest Registrations include the conference-wide opening and closing reception events and general sessions.
Some Pre-Conference events are only available to county attendees and NACo Corporate Premier Partners. If you are not a NACo Corporate Premier Partner and interested in attending these events, please reach out to Melissa Krouse (mkrouse@naco.org) to learn more about partnership opportunities.
Complimentary shuttle service is available for attendees staying at the New Orleans Marriott or Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. Shuttles will pick up guests at the New Orleans Marriott and provide transportation to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, with drop-off at Julia Street and the Lobby A entrance.
SHUTTLE SCHEDULE (MARRIOTT CANAL STREET | ENMCC)
- Thursday, July 16, 2026: Limited service from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Friday, July 17, 2026: Full service from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 8:00 p.m.; limited service from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Saturday, July 18, 2026: Full service from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 8:00 p.m.; limited service from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Sunday, July 19, 2026: Full service from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 8:00 p.m.; limited service from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Monday, July 20, 2026: Full service from 6:30 to 10:00 a.m. and noon to 5:30 p.m.; limited service from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
FULL SERVICE: Expect buses to arrive or depart within 15 minutes.
LIMITED SERVICE: Expect buses to arrive or depart within 30 minutes.
Thank you to our 2026 Annual Conference Sponsors
Closing Reception Sponsors
Joint Caucus Reception Sponsors
Additional Information
- Waiver of liability
- Code of conduct
- Questions? Email nacomeetings@naco.org.