How do I join NCSA?

Visit our Join Us page to select the membership type that best fits your organization. Complete the application form, submit payment, and you’ll receive confirmation with login instructions shortly after.

What’s the difference between a store membership and a vendor membership?

Store memberships are for campus and school-affiliated retail operations, while vendor memberships are for companies that provide products or services to those stores. Both types include bundle access for multiple representatives.

How do I renew my membership?

You’ll receive an automatic renewal reminder via email. Simply log in, go to your profile, and follow the renewal prompts. You can also visit your account dashboard anytime to renew early.

I forgot my password—how do I reset it?

Click “Login” in the top right corner, then select “Forgot password.” Enter your email address and follow the instructions to set a new password.

 Can multiple people from my organization access the membership?

Store and vendor memberships in NCSA are set up as bundle memberships. This means one person acts as the Bundle Coordinator (the primary contact), and they can add additional members—such as colleagues and employees—under their organization’s account, at no extra cost, up to the number of seats allowed by their membership tier.

This setup is ideal for stores or vendors that want multiple people to access member benefits, participate in events, or receive communications.

What is a Bundle Coordinator?

The Bundle Coordinator is the main contact for your organization’s membership. This person is responsible for managing your store or vendor profile, renewing membership, and adding or updating bundle members.

✅ How to Add Additional Members:

1. Log in to the website using the Bundle Coordinator’s credentials.
2. Navigate to Your Profile (usually via the top right menu).
3. Look for the Bundle Summary section.
4. Click “Add member” to invite a new employee or representative.
5. Enter the person’s details (name, email, etc.) and click Save.

Once added, the new member will receive an invitation to create their own login and gain access to the member-only content, events, and resources.

If you need help identifying your Bundle Coordinator or updating your bundle, please contact us—we’ll be happy to help! You can determine your tier’s member limit on the Membership Overview page.

How do I update my contact information or profile?

Log in using the icon in the top right or in the footer to access your profile. From there, you can update your email, organization name, role, and other details.

Where can I find member-only resources or the discussion forum?

Log in and click “Member Hub” in the main menu. From there, you’ll find links to our resource library, member directories, forums, and more.

How do I subscribe to or manage email newsletters?

You are automatically subscribed when you join. To adjust your preferences, visit your profile and select “Email subscriptions.” 

Not a member yet? You can still stay in the loop! Visit our subscription page to sign up for email updates and receive news, event announcements, and more from NCSA.

Why am I not receiving NCSA emails or event announcements?

Check your spam or promotions folder and make sure you’ve whitelisted our email address. You can also verify your subscription settings in your profile.

Where can I view past presentations or recordings?

Past presentations and conference materials can be found in the “Resources” section of the Member Hub. You’ll need to be logged in to access them.

Please note: We're currently in the process of rebuilding our resource library, and new materials will be added as they become available. Thanks for your patience as we expand this valuable member benefit!

How do I register for an event or conference?

Visit the Events page and select the event you’d like to attend. Click “Register,” log in, and complete the form. You’ll receive a confirmation email shortly after.

Are there discounts for members to attend events?

Yes! Only the Fall Conference requires a registration fee—and as an NCSA member, you’ll receive a discounted rate, along with access to early bird pricing when available. We also offer a limited number of scholarships to help offset Fall Conference costs. If your store would benefit from assistance, please contact us for more information.

All other NCSA events, including virtual programming and the annual K–12 school store meeting, are free for members to attend.

Can multiple representatives from my organization attend the same event?

Absolutely! NCSA encourages participation from multiple team members. If you're a member, only one registration fee is required per organization for full conference attendance. You can add additional representatives from your organization at no extra cost by including them as “guests” during registration—just be sure to use the contact information that matches their NCSA member profile.

Please note: meals are not included in the registration fee and are charged separately on a per-person basis. Be sure to indicate meal selections for each guest when registering.

What is the Fall Conference and what can I expect?

The NCSA Fall Conference is our flagship annual event—a dynamic, two-day experience designed to reconnect, recharge, and rethink what’s possible in campus retail across the Northeast.

Whether you manage a university bookstore, a K–12 campus shop, or support the industry as a vendor partner, the conference offers something for everyone:

• Engaging educational sessions and peer-led discussions
• Actionable insights on trends, challenges, and innovations
• A vibrant vendor trade show where you can explore new products, meet local reps, place orders on the spot, and take advantage of exclusive conference specials and show-only deals available to NCSA members.
• Ample networking opportunities, both structured and informal, to build and strengthen professional relationships

Held at rotating locations throughout the Northeast, the Fall Conference brings together independently operated educational retailers and vendor partners from across the region. It’s your opportunity to share ideas, grow your network, and gain tools that make a difference back on campus.

Make plans to attend—and bring your team. This is where great ideas take root and grow.

Can I volunteer at a conference or event?

Yes! We love and appreciate our volunteers. From registration and setup to session support, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Keep an eye on our newsletter and event listings for upcoming opportunities—or visit the Volunteer Opportunities page to learn more and sign up.

What does it mean to become a conference sponsor or donate to the prize drawing?

Becoming a conference sponsor or donating to the prize drawing is a powerful way to support the NCSA community while showcasing your brand to campus store professionals across the Northeast.

Sponsorship

Conference sponsors help fund event programming and scholarships that make it possible for more independently operated campus stores—including K-12 schools, colleges, and universities—to attend and engage. In return, sponsors receive valuable exposure before, during, and after the conference through:

• On-site signage (registration, booths, meal areas)
• Recognition in printed and digital show materials
• Sponsor acknowledgment at key events like the conference dinner

Whether you're looking to raise brand awareness, launch new products, or connect directly with decision-makers, sponsoring NCSA is a strategic investment in the future of campus retail.

View Sponsorship Levels

Prize Drawing Contributions

The conference prize drawing is a new, fun, energizing way to wrap up the event and encourage attendees to stay through the final session. We ask donors to contribute individual prizes valued at $200 or more—either as a monetary donation or a physical item attendees can take home. Examples include:

• Visa or AMEX gift cards
• Tech items like earbuds or tablets
• Premium apparel or accessories

To keep it special, we focus on unique, ready-to-win items (rather than bulk giveaways).

Prize donors are recognized during the drawing and in our post-event communications—giving you direct visibility with a targeted, appreciative audience of campus store professionals.

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How do I participate in member Zoom calls?

We host 3–4 member Zoom calls per year, focused on education or peer discussion. Invitations are sent via email, and registration links are posted in the Member Hub.

What is the annual K-12 school meeting and who can attend?

The K-12 school meeting is a vendor-sponsored session tailored to independent school retailers. Any K-12 store member can attend, and registration is free for members.

How do I get involved with my state’s meetings or events?

We host annual in-person and virtual meetings by state or region for members. Watch your inbox and the Events page for invitations and details.

Can I post or respond in the member forum?

Yes! All NCSA members have access to the All Member Forum, where you can connect with both campus store professionals and vendor partners. In addition, campus store members have exclusive access to the Store Member Forum—a private space for store-focused discussions, advice, and peer support.

It’s one of the most valuable parts of membership—giving you an easy, direct way to bounce around ideas, ask for advice, share resources, or simply chat with others who understand the unique challenges of running an independent campus store—both in general and specifically in the Northeast.

Just log in and head to the Member Hub to join the conversation!

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How can I become a sponsor?

Visit our Become a Sponsor page to view sponsorship levels and benefits. Opportunities include signage, conference visibility, digital recognition, and more.

What are the different sponsorship levels and benefits?

We offer Gold, Silver, Copper, Program, and In-Kind sponsorships. Each includes varying levels of visibility at our events and in our communications. Details are listed on the sponsorship page.

How do I donate a prize for an event?

Prizes must have a minimum $200 value (monetary or physical product). Items like Visa gift cards, premium apparel, and tech gadgets are welcome. Please contact us if you'd like to donate or you can do so on the Become a Sponsor page.

How can vendors connect with member stores throughout the year?

In addition to sponsoring and attending events, vendors can interact with members via directory listings and by posting to the news blog. Bundle members can also receive our email updates.

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