2026 National Leadership Conference
This annual convening brings together art education leaders from across the country for collaborative learning, connection, and dialogue focused on strengthening effective, responsive, and innovative leadership in visual arts, design, and media arts education.
NAEA invites state and provincial association leaders, Interest Group leaders, supervisors and administrators, and School for Art Leaders participants and alumni to gather for the 2026 NLC, taking place July 24-26 in Washington, DC.
Air Travel Information
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), is the closest and most accessible airport servicing Washington, D.C. for the 2026 National Leadership Conference. The airport is about 4.5 Miles from downtown Washington, D.C. and the Grand Hyatt Washington. Travel to the NLC26 headquarter hotel from the airport takes about 13 – 20 minutes, heavily depending on the time of day and traffic.
Alternatively, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), also service Washington, D.C. and are about 30 miles from downtown Washington, D.C. and the NLC26 headquarter hotel.
Save on Travel to NLC26!
Getting to Washington, D.C. for the 2026 NAEA National Leadership Conference just got easier—and more affordable! We’re excited to offer exclusive airfare discounts for NLC26 attendees through our travel partners, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines
Southwest Airlines
NAEA is excited to partner with Southwest Airlines to help ease the cost of getting to and from Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) for the 2026 NAEA National Leadership Conference.
NLC26 attendees can enjoy:
- 3% – 10% off Choice or Choice Preferred Tier Fares
- 25% bonus Rapid Rewards® points for Southwest Rapid Rewards® Members
To access these benefits, book your travel through SWABIZ® using the following link: https://www.swabiz.com/air/booking/index.html?companyId=90052502
Discounts are valid for travel between July 21 and July 29, 2026. Please note that these fares are only applicable for the aforementioned airports & fare tiers. Click here for more information.
United Airlines
NAEA is proud to partner with United Airlines to offer discounted airfare options for attendees traveling to the 2026 NAEA National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.
Attendees can enjoy:
- 2%–7% off eligible fares (discount varies by fare class)
- MileagePlus® members earn miles when booking with the meeting code
- No booking fees when reserving through United Meetings
To book your flight, visit United.com and enter promo code ZR7F667017.
Need assistance? Call the United Meetings Reservation Desk at 800-426-1122, Monday–Friday, 7:00 am–8:00 pm Central Time.
Offer valid for travel between July 21 and July 29, 2026 for flights from Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI), and Dulles international Airport (IAD).
Delta Airlines
Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for the National Art Education Association. Please click here to book your flights.
You may also call Conferences and Events® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code NY4SC
*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation
800 number.
Fare Discounts range from 3% – 8% for Main, Comfort, Premium Select, and Delta One® Fare Tiers – Offer valid for travel between July 19 and July 31, 2026 for flights from Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI), and Dulles international Airport (IAD).
Conference Focus Areas
The 2026 NLC will center learning across three interconnected focus areas designed to support leaders at every stage of their leadership journey. Together, these learning experiences are designed to empower art education leaders to lead with purpose; build sustainable systems; and advocate effectively for equitable access to visual arts, design, and media arts education nationwide.
Leading for Impact: Building Sustainable and Inclusive Art Education Programs
Sessions in this strand emphasize actionable practices that strengthen organizational systems and advance inclusive art education. Participants will explore approaches to courageous, equity-centered leadership; inclusive strategic planning; equitable resource development; and curriculum leadership that reflects diverse voices and learner needs.
Cultivating and Empowering Emerging Leaders in Art Education
This focus area supports the growth of future leaders through innovative mentorship structures, leadership pipeline models, peer-led initiatives, and strategies that elevate educator voices. Sessions may address inclusive leadership cultures, succession planning, and leadership development within state and local associations.
Strategic Advocacy: Leveraging Data, Storytelling, and Partnerships to Elevate the Visual Arts
Sessions in this strand equip leaders with research-based tools and strategies to effectively communicate the value of visual arts, design, and media arts education. Topics include navigating policy landscapes; using data to inform decision making; building cross-sector partnerships;engaging communities; and employing compelling storytelling to advocate for arts education at the local, state, and national levels.