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2026 Annual Conference

 

NSE recognizes that conferences can be costly and competitive. We are challenging and reshaping event practices to engage our community and support affordable and accessible participation.

The 2026 NSE conference will be hosted on member university campuses with local accommodations. We invite you to join representatives from campuses throughout the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, October 12 – 16, 2026 in the Bay Area, Northern California.

NSE-2026-Conference

 

Conference Details

Attendance  Registration and attendance at the annual conference is a requirement of NSE membership. Please contact NSE-HQ with questions. Campuses unable to attend should complete the NSE Conference Non-Attendance Request Form. A conference justification letter is available upon request. 
Travel & Accommodations Travel Planning
Attendees should plan to arrive on Sunday, October 11 or Monday, October 12.

Conference Welcome Reception will be on Monday, October 12.

Local coordinator networking events will be on Monday, October 12.

Conference meetings, concurrent sessions and campus familiarity tours will be held Tuesday, October 13 through Friday, October 16.

If not participating in the Thursday or Friday tours, plan for flight departure after 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14 to allow for attendance at the consortium business meeting (required for campus members).

Attendees planning to participate in the familiarity tour on Thursday, October 15 should plan for departure on Friday, October 16. If planning to participate in the familiarity tour on Friday, October 16, you should plan for departure on Saturday, October 17

When planning your travel itinerary, build in time to explore campuses that may not be included in the schedule and local attractions.

Hotel Information
NSE has contracted for room blocks at several hotel properties near the San Jose Airport and will provide shuttle service to host campuses for meetings and familiarity tours.  

There are many hotels and short-term rentals available in the area which can be found on typical booking sites. Participants not staying at the conference hotels will be responsible for their own transportation. 

BART is the Bay Area Rapid Transit system, with connections to Oakland, San Francisco, and the airports.

Conference sessions will take place at sponsoring campuses San Jose State University and California State University East Bay.

Airport Information
Travel is recommended to and from the following area airports:
San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK)

Tours

Familiarity Tours allow coordinators to experience regional campuses as exchange destinations. Registration is first come first served for coordinators; guest registration will be considered on a space available basis.

Costs for all familiarity tours are included in the conference registration fee, but space is limited. Please plan your availability and travel schedule before signing up for a tour.

Silent Auction National Student Exchange created the NSE Application Fee Award to support exchange-bound students in meeting the expense of the NSE application fee. The award is supported by coordinators and friends via donations and the Conference Silent Auction.
Registration

Registration opens June 1, 2026.

Conference Schedule

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
NSE Council Meeting

Coordinator Networking events

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Conference Check In
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Welcome Reception
Conference Check In
Conference Sessions
Luncheon and Keynote Presentation
Conference Sessions and Campus Tours
6:00 p.m.
Conference Dine Around
Conference Sessions and Campus Tours
Zone Regional Meetings
Luncheon and Keynote Presentation
Business Meeting and Conference Sessions
Dinner On Your Own
7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Familiarity Tour
Lunch On Your Own
Dinner On Your Own
7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Familiarity Tour
Dinner On Your Own