The National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education (NAPAHE) is pleased to announce its 40th Annual National Conference & Business Meeting, to be held February 24–26, 2027, at the El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort, in Tucson, Arizona. This milestone event will celebrate four decades of bringing together executive assistants, chiefs of staff, and professionals supporting senior leaders in higher education.

Building on NAPAHE’s rich history of connection, professional development, and community, the 40th Annual Conference will serve not only as a premier learning event but also as a celebration of the association’s legacy and its vibrant future.

A Destination for Both Learning and Renewal

Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains and surrounded by the beauty and stillness of the Sonoran Desert, the El Conquistador Tucson resort offers an atmosphere ideal for deep learning, reflection, and rejuvenation. The property brings together elevated meeting spaces, comfortable guest accommodations, and a wide range of recreational and wellness experiences.

Attendees will have access to SpaWell, the resort’s full-service wellness sanctuary offering a private saltwater pool, sauna, Himalayan salt room, movement studio, and a menu of restorative treatments designed to quiet the mind and renew the body. For those looking to explore the outdoors, the resort provides complimentary bike rentals and immediate proximity to scenic desert trails, including routes at Linda Vista and Catalina State Park, offering breathtaking views and opportunities to experience Tucson’s distinctive landscapes.

The resort also features nearby world‑class golf options, tennis, and a variety of outdoor spaces that encourage both connection and relaxation. A selection of on‑site restaurants and lounges highlights southwestern flavors and fresh, seasonal dining—perfect for gathering with colleagues after a full day of programming.

Beyond the resort, the Tucson region offers rich cultural and natural attractions, including Saguaro National Park, the Arizona‑Sonora Desert Museum, and a vibrant local arts and culinary scene. NAPAHE is pleased to work with Visit Tucson in planning the conference and enhancing the attendee experience.

NAPAHE partnered with ConferenceDirect to identify and secure a venue that supports both robust meeting needs and the kind of restorative environment that enables meaningful professional growth, an ideal setting for the organization’s 40th anniversary year.

A Milestone Worth Celebrating

Throughout the 2026–2027 year, NAPAHE will honor its 40‑year journey supporting higher‑education executives and the professionals who ensure their work is effective, strategic, and connected. Conference attendees can expect special anniversary elements woven throughout the event, including opportunities to reflect on NAPAHE’s past and look ahead to the organization’s expanding reach and growing community.

“As we mark 40 years of bringing higher‑education leaders and their teams together, NAPAHE continues to evolve in ways that strengthen our community and expand our reach,” said NAPAHE Executive Director Stuart Schmidt. “This anniversary is not only a moment to celebrate our history, but also an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the professionals who support senior leadership across campuses nationwide. We are excited to convene in Tucson, an inspiring setting that encourages both learning and rejuvenation, and to look ahead to the next chapter of NAPAHE’s impact.”

Reflecting on NAPAHE’s ongoing momentum, 2026-2027 Board Chair Lynette Arner shared a message of connection and collective strength during her closing remarks at NAPAHE’s 39th Annual National Conference, held March 11-13, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas: “In the year ahead, let’s continue to build connections: with one another, across our institutions, and across this association. Because when we stay connected, this association will continue to grow stronger, our members will continue to thrive, and together we will build the momentum that carries NAPAHE into the future.”

Looking Ahead to 2027

In November 2025, NAPAHE’s Board of Directors approved the association’s 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, a roadmap guiding the association’s next phase of growth. The plan outlines the evolution of NAPAHE’s programming, conferences, membership benefits, and internal structures, advancing the organization’s vision to be the association of choice for professionals who support higher‑education leaders.

“We are so excited to work with the events team at El Conquistador Tucson,” Schmidt said. “We are even more excited to welcome our attendees to Arizona next spring.”

Registration for the 2027 conference will open in September 2026, with early‑bird pricing returning for the anniversary year. Information about NAPAHE’s hotel room block will be shared soon. Additional anniversary programming, special recognitions, and conference highlights will be announced later this year at napahe.org/conference.

Members and colleagues interested in joining the conference planning committee or supporting the event through sponsorship are encouraged to contact Stuart Schmidt at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..