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National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education

2027 Conference Schedule-at-a-Glance

Please note all times are in US Mountain Time (GMT-7), and the schedule is subject to change.

Wednesday

February 24, 2027

9:30 AM
Registration Desk Opens

10:30 - 11:30 AM
First-Time Attendee Orientation

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Lunch (on own / in groups)

1:00 - 2:00 PM
Roundtable Conversations

2:15 - 3:30 PM
Welcome & General Session #1

4:00 - 4:45 PM
Development Workshops

5:00 PM
Registration Desk Closes

5:30 - 9:00 PM
"Under the Arizona Stars" Welcome Reception
Ticketed Event

Thursday

February 25, 2027

7:00 - 7:30 AM
Sunrise Yoga

7:00 - 8:00 AM
Morning Walking Group

7:30 AM
Registration Desk Opens

7:00 - 8:30 AM
Breakfast (on own / in groups)

8:45 - 9:45 AM
Concurrent Session #1

10:15 - 11:15 AM
Concurrent Session #2

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Lunch & General Session #2

1:30 - 2:30 PM
Concurrent Session #3

3:00 - 4:00 PM
Concurrent Session #4

5:30 - 7:30 PM
40th Anniversary Dinner & Awards Ceremony

7:30 - 10:00 PM
After Party @ The Oasis

Friday

February 26, 2026

7:00 - 7:30 AM
Sunrise Yoga

7:00 - 8:00 AM
Morning Walking Group

8:00 - 9:30 AM
Breakfast Served

8:45 - 9:30 AM
Annual Business Meeting & Transfer of the Gavel

9:30 - 10:30 AM
General Session #3

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Roundtable Conversations

12:00 PM
Conference Concludes

Updated August 11, 2026

Conference Agenda Highlights

"Under the Arizona Stars" Networking Reception

Wednesday, February 24, 2027 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Saddle up and join us for an evening of Southwestern charm as we celebrate the opening of NAPAHE's 40th Annual National Conference!

On Wednesday evening, attendees will gather at The Last Territory, an Old West-inspired venue at the El Conquistador Tucson resort, for a lively welcome reception filled with Arizona spirit. Enjoy complimentary heavy hors d'oeuvres and snack stations, raise a glass with your included drink ticket, and reconnect with colleagues while making new professional connections.

With rustic surroundings, desert ambiance, and plenty of western flair, this will be the perfect way to begin your conference experience. We encourage everyone to lean into the theme and wear their favorite Southwestern-inspired outfits for a night of fun, fellowship, and celebration beneath the Tucson stars.


40th Anniversary Dinner & Annual Awards Ceremony

Thursday, February 25, 2027, 5:30 - 10:00 PM

On Thursday evening, attendees will come together for one of the signature moments of the conference: the 40th Anniversary Dinner & Awards Ceremony. This special event will celebrate NAPAHE's history, recognize outstanding members and leaders within our profession, and honor the contributions that have shaped our association during the past forty years. This event is complimentary for all registered conference attendees and will include dinner and a cash bar.

Continue the celebration after the awards ceremony at the After Party @ The Oasis, giving attendees the opportunity to informally gather in the hotel lobby and gorgeous hotel courtyard. Additional snacks and beverages will be available for purchase.

Get Ready to Visit Tucson!

Tucson is the perfect backdrop for NAPAHE’s 40th Annual Celebration and National Conference: an inspiring desert destination where professional growth meets effortless relaxation. Surrounded by the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains, El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort, offers a 50‑acre Southwestern oasis featuring sparkling pools, a 143‑foot waterslide, golf, tennis, wellness experiences, and easy access to scenic hikes such as Linda Vista and Catalina State Park. This award‑winning resort blends elevated event spaces with unforgettable desert views, warm hospitality, and amenities that appeal to both conference attendees and accompanying family members.

Beyond the resort, Tucson invites visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert. As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy with more than 350 days of sunshine each year, Tucson offers exceptional dining, world‑class outdoor adventures, renowned museums, and family‑friendly attractions, from the Arizona‑Sonora Desert Museum to the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures. Our attendees will appreciate Tucson’s ease of access, rich multicultural heritage, and an atmosphere that blends inspiration, discovery, and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for meaningful connections, big ideas, and memorable experiences for all ages.

Annual Business Meeting and Transfer of the Gavel

NAPAHE's 40th Annual Business Meeting will be held on Friday, February 26, 2027, at 8:45 AM MT. Join us for breakfast on Friday for the Annual Business Meeting and Transfer of the Gavel. All attendees are encouraged to attend. NAPAHE members are invited to vote.

Meeting materials will be posted in early 2027.