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NORTHEAST CAMPUS STORES ASSOCIATION

FALL CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW



Connect. Learn. Discover What’s Next for Campus Stores.

Each fall, the Northeast Campus Stores Association (NCSA) brings together campus store professionals, vendor partners, and industry experts for our annual Conference & Trade Show.

This event is designed to give stores and vendors meaningful time to connect, share ideas, explore new products, and strengthen the partnerships that support campus retail.

ABOUT THE EVENT


This event is designed to give stores and vendors meaningful time to connect, learn from one another, support professional growth, explore new products and services, and strengthen the partnerships that help campus retailers operate more effectively and efficiently.


DAY 1: EDUCATION & NETWORKING

Attend educational sessions, peer discussions, and networking opportunities focused on the challenges, trends, and opportunities shaping campus retail.


DAY 2: TRADE SHOW

Connect with vendor partners, explore new products and services, discover merchandising ideas, and take advantage of purchasing and networking opportunities.


BONUS LEARNING EXPERIENCES (NEW THIS YEAR!)

Visual Merchandising Hands-On Workshop

Step onto the sales floor for an interactive, hands-on workshop focused on the fundamentals of effective visual merchandising. Through a live demonstration, practical exercises, and group feedback, participants will explore techniques for product presentation, customer engagement, and creating displays that drive sales. Attendees will leave with fresh ideas and actionable strategies that can be applied in stores of any size.


Local Stores Tour

Explore campus retail locations throughout the Pioneer Valley and see different approaches to merchandising, product assortment, store design, customer experience, and operations in action.

This tour offers an opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow campus retail professionals and gather practical inspiration to bring back to your own store.


Full agenda coming soon! 

WHY ATTEND

STORES

The fall conference is a valuable opportunity for campus store teams to step away from the day-to-day and connect with others who understand the unique work of serving a campus community.

Attending stores can:

    • Learn from educational sessions and peer conversations
    • Discover new vendors, products, and services
    • Build stronger industry relationships
    • Gather ideas for merchandising, operations, marketing, and customer experience
    • Network with other campus store professionals across the region
    • NCSA members receive a discounted registration rate.
    • Invest in professional development for themselves and their teams
    • Take advantage of conference specials and purchasing opportunities

We’re committed to making the NCSA Annual Conference accessible to all campus stores. To support participation, NCSA offers scholarships to help cover conference-related expenses. 

VENDORS

The Trade Show gives vendors direct access to campus store buyers, decision-makers, and staff from across the Northeast region.

Participating vendors can:

    • Showcase products and services directly to campus stores
    • Build new relationships with store teams
    • Strengthen existing partnerships
    • Gain insight into campus retail needs and trends
    • Increase visibility within the NCSA community
    • Present conference specials and promotions directly to buyers
    • Connect with decision-makers from institutions of all sizes
Sponsorship opportunities are also available for vendors looking to further elevate their brand presence throughout the conference. Sponsorships offer additional visibility and recognition before and during the event. Learn more!

REGISTRATION

Registration will open July 1.

NCSA members receive discounted registration rates. 

Early bird pricing is available until October 2nd, 2026.

STORE REGISTRATION

TICKET TYPE

 MEMBERS

 NON-MEMBERS

Full Conference Registration (includes 2 attendees)

Access to all conference programming on both days for up to 2 attendees. Meals may be added separately during registration. The Day 1 Reception is included at no additional cost for all registrants. Additional attendees may be added for an extra fee.


Early Bird - $300

Standard: $400

Early Bird - $400

Standard: $500

Day 1 Only Registration (includes 2 attendees)

Access to all conference programming on Day 1 only for up to 2 attendees. Meals may be added separately during registration. Additional attendees may be added for an extra fee.


Early Bird - $200

Standard: $300

Early Bird - $300

Standard: $400

Day 2 Only Registration (includes 2 attendees)

Access to all conference programming on Day 2 only for up to 2 attendees. Meals may be added separately during registration. Additional attendees may be added for an extra fee.


Early Bird - $200

Standard: $300

Early Bird - $300

Standard: $400

Additional Attendee

For institutions already registered for the conference. Add additional attendees beyond the two included with your institutional registration. Meals must be selected separately. The Day 1 Reception is included at no additional cost for all registrants.


$15 $25
OPTIONAL ADD ONS  ALL REGISTRANTS
All Meals Package

Includes all meals offered during the conference (4 meals total). The Day 1 Reception is included at no additional cost for all registrants.

$150 
Day 1 Meals Package

Includes Lunch and Dinner on Day 1. Lunch features the conference roundtable discussions and peer networking sessions.

$90 
Day 2 Meals Package

Includes Breakfast and Lunch on Day 2. Breakfast includes a conference general session.

$70 

*Pricing listed is for Fall 2026 Conference & Trade Show


VENDOR REGISTRATION

TICKET TYPE

MEMBERS

 NON-MEMBERS

Booth Registration (includes 2 representatives)

Includes one booth space with a 6' table and two chairs, plus conference access, the Day 1 Reception, Day 2 Breakfast and Lunch, and refreshments for up to two vendor representatives. Additional representatives, booth upgrades, and other add-ons may be selected during registration.


Early Bird - $550

Standard: $650

Early Bird - $750

Standard: $850

Additional Vendor Representative Package

For vendors with a registered booth. Includes conference access, the Day 1 Reception, Day 2 Breakfast and Lunch, and refreshments for one additional vendor representative beyond the two included with booth registration.


Early Bird - $75

Standard: $85

Early Bird - $90

Standard: $100

OPTIONAL ADD ONS MEMBERS NON-MEMBERS
Additional Booth Space

Adds an adjacent booth space with one 6' table and two chairs.

Early Bird - $250

Standard - $350

Early Bird - $350

Standard - $450 

Guaranteed Corner Booth

Guarantees a corner booth location for increased visibility and traffic.

$25 $45
Access to Power

Includes access to a standard 120V electrical outlet. Extension cords are not provided.

$50 $50
Pipe & Drape

Includes pipe and drape backdrop and side rails for your booth space.

TBD TBD
Day 1 Dinner

Includes admission to the Day 1 conference dinner and networking event.

$50 $70
Attendee List

Receive a conference attendee list with names, institutions, and contact information (where permitted) one week before the event.

FREE! $75

*Pricing listed is for Fall 2026 Conference & Trade Show


HOTEL INFORMATION

Hotel UMass

  • Start Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
  • End Date: Monday, November 2, 2026
  • Special Group Rate: 169.00 USD per night
  • Last Day to Book: Friday, October 2, 2026
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