What are the official dates of the Annual Conference? 
The NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo will take place in San Diego, CA, beginning Tuesday, May 27, and ending Friday, May 30, 2025.

When does registration for NAFSA 2025 open?
Registration for the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo opens on February 4, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. EST.

When does conference registration begin on site? 
On-site registration opens on Sunday, May 25 at 8:00 a.m.

What is the address, telephone number, and web address of the San Diego Convention Center?
111 Harbor Dr.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 525-5000
https://www.visitsandiego.com/

When does registration for NAFSA 2025 open?
Registration NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo opens on February 4, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. EST.

What is included in the price of registration?
By registering for the conference, you receive access to over 150 sessions, 12 poster fairs (including access to a virtual poster gallery), Symposium on Leadership, Latin America and Caribbean Forum, Africa Forum, and 2 plenary speakers. You will also get unlimited access to the International Education Expo Hall and can enjoy the complimentary offerings at the Tuesday morning Kick-off Cafe and the opening and closing celebrations. On the online planner, events with an additional fee will be indicated with a $. 

Can I register by mail?
Yes, to register by mail, complete the NAFSA 2025 Registration Form (coming soon!) and send it with your check to the address printed on the form. 

Do presenters need to register?
All presenters and trainers must register for the conference. The cost associated with attending the NAFSA 2025 Annual Conference & Expo, including registration, is the responsibility of individual presenters. 

Does NAFSA offer group registration?
Currently, NAFSA is not offering group registration prices for the NAFSA 2025 Annual Conference & Expo. Registrants should register with their personal NAFSA ID and receive individual registration login information. NAFSA prohibits the sharing of login credentials.

What methods of payment are accepted?
NAFSA accepts American Express, Discover Card, MasterCard, and Visa credit cards as forms of payment. Complete credit card information must be provided with online registration or on the registration form.

To pay by check, please email NAFSA Accounting at [email protected].

Wire transfers will only be accepted for registrants outside the United States.

Please note: institutional purchase orders are not accepted as payment.

Registration forms will not be processed without full payment. Online registrations will be considered originals. Do not mail your registration form after you have registered online, as your credit card may be charged more than once.

What is NAFSA's cancellation, refund, and change policy?

• Cancellation requests for registration, workshops/Management Development Program must be made in writing and received no later than Friday, May 2, 2025. Any cancellations received after this date will not be refunded.
• A $200 (USD) cancellation fee will be deducted from an attendees’ conference registration refunds, and a $200 (USD) cancellation fee will be deducted from workshop/Management Development Program registration refunds, up to a $400 (USD) maximum deduction for multiple cancellations. Changes to a workshop registration will result in a $25 change fee per workshop. If NAFSA cancels a workshop, you will receive notification of the cancellation and a full refund.
• All requests for cancellations, changes, and refunds must be made in writing and emailed to [email protected].
• Refunds, if approved, may be processed 4 to 6 weeks after our conference.
• Refunds will be issued to the original method of payment used at the time of purchase. NAFSA will reach out to international attendees who paid via wire transfer to obtain the institution's wire transfer details/instructions.
• There are no refunds for special event registrations unless the event is sold out or canceled.
• NAFSA will waive the cancellation fee if an attendee is unable to: obtain a visa for travel to the United States, travel to the United States due to a travel ban initiated by the Unites States or the attendee’s home country, or travel to SAN Diego, CA due to an institutional travel ban.
• Should NAFSA cancel the 2025 annual conference, cancellation fees will be waived and full refunds for registration fees will be processed. Note: full refunds include registration fees, workshop fees, signature program fees, and special event fees.
• See below for information on canceling hotel reservations.

Learn more about Hotels and Travel.

When will housing open?
Housing will open on February 4th, 2025.

What is the estimated hotel price range?
The hotel price ranges from $262.00 - $319.00. 

Where is the headquarters hotel?
The headquarters hotel is the Marriot Marquis San Diego Marina located at 333 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101.

Why should I book in the NAFSA official housing block?
Attendees who book in the NAFSA block receive the following exclusive benefits:

• Competitively priced hotels within walking distance
• Protection in the event the hotel oversells its rooms
• Peace of mind that you are booked in a pre-vetted, pre-negotiated room
• Exclusive access to Orchid’s housing customer service
• Complimentary Wi-Fi included in your room rate

NAFSA is only able to provide customer service, protect reservations if the hotel oversells its room inventory, and plan properly for the event (e.g., secure the appropriate number of shuttle buses) if reservations are made through NAFSA’s housing block.

San Diego, CA is a popular destination over Memorial Day weekend, and NAFSA prioritizes safe, high-quality accommodation options to ensure attendees have an enjoyable experience in the city. We are pleased to offer vetted hotel accommodation at affordable and guaranteed rates, all within walking distance of the convention center. 

What should I do if I can’t book all nights at my preferred hotel?
If you are experiencing difficulty making your reservation, you may also call 1-888-310-1390 or 1-801-214-7280 (international) to speak with an Orchid.Events customer care representative, or you can email [email protected]. Orchid.Events is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (ET), excluding federal holidays. 

Orchid.Events continually works with the hotels on room inventory, and there is a high probability it will obtain additional rooms for the waitlisted nights. Should your waitlisted reservation be confirmed, you will receive a new acknowledgment within 5 business days from Orchid.Events. If unable to clear your waitlisted reservation, Orchid.Events will contact you to discuss alternative accommodations.

My preferred hotel is sold out. What should I do?
Many hotels in the official hotel room block sell out quickly. In order to secure the best rate possible on your hotel accommodation, you should choose another hotel from the list.

I would like to extend my hotel stay, and the dates are not available online. What should I do?
If your desired dates are unavailable or you would like to stay before or after the official conference dates, call 1-888-310-1390 to speak with an Orchid.Events customer care representative. Orchid.Events is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (ET), excluding federal holidays. 

I received an acknowledgment from Orchid.Events. Will I hear from the hotel directly?
You will not receive an additional reservation confirmation from your hotel. The housing acknowledgment received from Orchid.Events when you book your room serves as confirmation of your reservation. The hotel will not have a record of your reservation until a few days prior to the beginning of the conference. If you have questions about your reservation or need to make a change, you may access your reservation online or email [email protected].

Can I cancel my hotel room after I’ve made the reservation?
Hotel accommodations can be cancelled until Tuesday, April 15, 2025, without penalty. To cancel your reservation, please contact Orchid Events at [email protected]. After Tuesday, April 15, 2025 all cancelled hotel rooms will be charged one night’s rate plus tax.

What kind of accessibility arrangements are available?
NAFSA can assist with accessible needs; please indicate what your needs are during registration or send an email request to [email protected].

NAFSA is willing to assist with accessible needs; please indicate what your needs are on the appropriate line provided on the registration form. When making hotel reservations, please specify your needs under the “Room Type Requested” section of the hotel reservation form. Please note that all conference hotels are wheelchair accessible.

Wheelchair, Scooter, & Medical Rentals 

At the Convention Center

NAFSA will offer lunch for purchase at the concession stands in the Expo Hall during lunch hour. Starbucks Coffee will be available in the convention center along with water re-fill stations. Coffee and Churros will be available for attendees on Tuesday, May 27 from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. right before the Opening Plenary.

The Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter is located at 614 Fifth Avenue, Suite E, San Diego, CA 92101. The Gaslamp Quarter is approximately a 4-minute walk (0.2 miles) from Lobby D in the San Diego Convention Center. The Gaslamp Quarter offers quick bites, fine dining, and street food vendors. Visit www.gaslamp.org.

The Seaport Village

The Seaport Village is located at 849 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101. The Seaport Village is approximately a 12-minute walk (0.5 miles) from Lobby D in the San Diego Convention Center. The Seaport Village offers casual dining, coffee to go, and sweet treats. Visit www.seaportvillage.com.

Tips for Quick Bites

Be sure to build your schedule ahead of time and account for the timing of meals. If you are short on time, consider ordering ahead using mobile apps or delivery apps like Door Dash, Grub Hub, and Uber Eats. 

Use your NAFSA tote bag to carry snacks with you. Also, use your NAFSA water bottle to remain hydrated using the refill water stations located throughout the convention center. 

Check out NAFSA social media for more information on quick bites around the conference. For recommendations from locals be sure to stop by the Conference Information Desk in Lobby D to connect with the Local Arrangement Team for more tips and tricks on eating around San Diego.

Where are the conference sessions and workshops being held?
This year, NAFSA annual conference workshops and sessions will be offered exclusively through in-person programming. You can view our full programming through our Online Planner.

Can I still register for a preconference workshop on site?
Workshop space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Please register for workshops in advance.

What types of sessions or workshops are being offered?
Check the conference website and online planner for more information on the conference offerings, descriptions, schedule and locations. Note: the online planner is constantly being updated. The mobile app will be available in early May 2025.

How does NAFSA make the final selections for sessions, workshops, and posters?
A volunteer committee, the Annual Conference Committee, leads the process of reviewing and selecting the final program for the event. If you are interested in tips for submitting in the future, stay tuned for a post event webinar, “How to Write a Winning Proposal.”

Are programs aside from sessions, workshops, and poster fairs offered?
Yes! NAFSA prides itself on providing a rich, robust program at our annual conference for all areas of international education. We work closely with volunteer leaders to develop a comprehensive program that includes opportunities to network. Be sure to arrive by Monday to participate in workshops and by Tuesday to attend a day filled with opportunities to connect, reconvene, and learn from others in the field.

How do I obtain a visa letter of invitation?
To submit a request for a visa letter of invitation, please fill out the 2025 Invitation Letter Form. Please check with your local U.S. consulate to allow sufficient time for visa processing. A request for a letter of invitation to attend the NAFSA 2024 Annual Conference & Expo does not guarantee you will obtain a visa.

Where can I message or locate someone attending the conference?
Anyone can view list of attendees after they have registered for the conference. Attendees will only be able to use the networking features after they have registered and logged in. Once logged in, attendees may begin building their schedule and connecting with other participants.

How do I find out about volunteer opportunities at the annual conference?
The NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo needs volunteers to assist with workshops, sessions, and other activities. More information about volunteering at NAFSA 2025 can be found in our Volunteering at NAFSA 2025 website page.

Are registration discounts available to conference volunteers?
All conference volunteers must first register and pay the conference registration fee. Based on documented hours worked, volunteers may be reimbursed 50 to 100 percent of the general conference registration fee paid. Reimbursements are made 4 to 6 weeks after the conclusion of the conference.

How do I become a volunteer?
You must be a conference attendee in order to serve as a conference volunteer. 

What jobs will I perform as a volunteer?
Examples of shifts are as follows:

• Taking tickets and directing traffic at plenaries and special events
• Assisting with exhibitor check-in at registration
• Working the registration area to hand out materials and tote bags
• Providing local information and directions at the Conference Information and Hospitality Center
• Monitoring sessions and handing out and collecting session evaluations

How long are the shifts?
Shifts range from 2 hours to 6+ hours, so plan your schedule accordingly and be sure you are able to commit to shifts you take.

Can I choose my shifts?
Yes. Volunteers will be able to add shifts based on their own availability and interest. Check back for further instructions once volunteer enrollment opens.

Will additional shifts be added?
Additional shifts will be added throughout March and April as the conference schedule and needs develop.

What will I be required to wear?
When you check in at the LAT office at the convention center for your first volunteer shift, you will be given an identifier to wear when on duty, to show that you are a volunteer. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as most shifts require you to be on your feet for long periods of time.

Safety is one of NAFSA's top priorities for the NAFSA 2025 Conference & Expo. The San Diego Convention Center (SDCC) is a purpose-built facility and incorporates all current health and safety requirements, such as automated fire suppression systems, monitored fire alarms, and communications and public announcement systems. The facility has established emergency plans and procedures, and both management and security personnel are trained and drilled in emergency procedures and disaster preparation. The facility has a venue-wide alarm system that includes a public address (PA) system. When an alarm is sounded, the recommended procedure within the facility will be broadcast over the PA system or by a SDCC staff member.

If you see something suspicious or someone that requires immediate medical assistance, please contact the nearest member of NAFSA staff, facility security officers, or Astrea personnel. The emergency number from any house phone within the SDCC is extension “5911” or dial 619-525-5911 from a mobile phone.

If necessary, the designated evacuation site for the NAFSA 2025 Conference & Expo is Embarcadero Park, behind the Convention Center in the Joe’s Crab Shack parking lot. Suggested personal security measures include: 

• Do not travel to areas outside the facility without a guide or local knowledge.
• Avoid wearing valuable items if possible and keep personal items such as cameras and laptops under close supervision at all times.
• Avoid walking alone, particularly at night. Where possible, travel in groups, and remain in well-lit areas.
• When in crowds, stay vigilant for thieves such as pickpockets. Maintain close control of handbags and purses and avoid placing valuables such as wallets in rear pockets.
• When using ATMs, maintain a close watch of your surroundings. If possible, use an ATM in a well-lit public area, do not use it alone, and do not count money received while standing near the ATM.
• If bringing a large amount of cash to the event, utilize the hotel room safe and do not carry it all on your person unless necessary.
• If a victim of a robbery, it is inadvisable to fight or resist. Hand over cash or valuables and take no aggressive action unless forced to do so.

NAFSA: Association of International Educators is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all meeting participants and NAFSA staff. All participants, including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, NAFSA staff, service providers, and others are expected to abide by this Meeting Safety & Responsibility Policy. This Policy applies to all NAFSA meeting-related events, in-person or virtual, including those sponsored by organizations other than NAFSA but held in conjunction with NAFSA events, in public or private facilities.

NAFSA has zero-tolerance for any form of discrimination or harassment, including but not limited to sexual harassment by participants or our staff at our meetings, in-person or virtual.

NAFSA reserves the right to take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including immediate removal from the meeting without warning or refund, in response to any incident of unacceptable behavior, and NAFSA reserves the right to prohibit attendance at any future meeting.

If you experience or observe any incidents of harassment that may be in violation of this policy, please contact [email protected], so that NAFSA can evaluate the circumstances and take any appropriate action.

Unacceptable Behavior

• Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form.
• Physical or verbal abuse of any attendee, speaker, volunteer, exhibitor, NAFSA staff member, service provider, or other online participant or meeting guest.
• Disruption of events organized by NAFSA or convened at NAFSA-contracted facilities, including, but not limited to, in-person or virtual presentations, programs, meetings, convention and exhibits space, or hotel space.
• Other examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to: verbal comments related to gender or gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, national origin, inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images online, in public spaces, or in presentations, or threatening or stalking any attendee, speaker, volunteer, exhibitor, NAFSA staff member, service provider, or other meeting guest.

Personal Safety and Security

NAFSA works diligently to provide a safe and secure environment at its meetings, programs, and events by working to ensure that all participants are safe. We ask that all attendees report any questionable or concerning activity to NAFSA staff so that they can take necessary action.

In-Person Meetings and Events

NAFSA advises participants at all meetings, programs, and events to be proactive to ensure their physical safety.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Use the buddy system when walking to and from the event venue, networking event locations during early or late hours.
• Don't wear your meeting badge on the street. Take it off as soon as you leave the building/venue.
• Don't carry a lot of cash or credit cards. Leave in your hotel room safe.
• Don't leave personal property unattended anywhere, anytime.
• If there is an emergency or if you need immediate assistance, you can ask any NAFSA staff member or the on-site security personnel to help you.

Responsible Drinking

At most NAFSA networking events both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are served. NAFSA expects participants at our events to drink responsibly. NAFSA and meeting host event staff have the right to deny service to participants for any reason and may require a participant to leave the event.