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National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education

Annual National Conference and Business Meeting

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 CLOSED.

Thank you for your interest in NAPAHE's 39th Annual National Conference. Registration for this year's event closed on January 30, 2026. More information will be available soon for current registrants and partners.

"Know Before You Go" Webinar

Thursday, February 19, 2026, 2:00 PM Central Time
Get conference‑ready with our “Know Before You Go” webinar, designed especially for first‑time NAPAHE attendees. We’ll walk you through the conference layout, highlight key general and concurrent sessions, and share tips for planning your schedule without the need for pre‑registration. You’ll also get a preview of networking events—from the welcome reception to wellness activities—plus guidance on what to wear, what to bring, and how to make the most of the conference app and the Ambassador & Buddy Program. Join us to feel confident, connected, and prepared before you arrive in San Antonio!

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!

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

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)


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

February 17, 2026

Hotel Block Closes

March 11, 2026

Conference Begins

March 13, 2026

Conference Concludes

Thank you to our 2026 Conference Sponsors!

Title Sponsor

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

NAPAHE Sponsors

Special Thanks To...

NAPAHE's Board of Directors