NACAS C3X - NACAS

C3X-26-Finallogo

Cultivate Campus Commerce

Do campus business differently. Work smarter, with more impact on student success.

The C3X Annual Conference & Expo brings together over 1,000 leaders in higher education and NACAS Business Partners to share crucial knowledge and forge connections vital to their work.

The 2026 conference will spotlight emerging trends and opportunities, empowering professionals to articulate the significant impact of auxiliary services on student success and campus experiences. With keynote speakers igniting fresh perspectives and interactive sessions challenging conventional thinking, participants will emerge with:

Compelling narratives showcasing the value of auxiliary services in fostering student success.
New potential revenue streams for your organization.
Tactics to boost institutional and student success.
Creative and innovative approaches for talent retention and engagement.
Insights into the future of technology in auxiliary services.
New partnerships and collaborations for life-long connections

At NACAS C3X, be prepared to reimagine the future of auxiliary services and equip yourself with the tools to lead the industry forward.

As a first time attendee, it was a great networking opportunity with like-minded peers. Loved to hear what other universities and colleges are doing in this space. Will definitely attend again.

Karen Gallimore

Assistant Director, Conference & Events Services - University of Toronto, Scarborough

It was truly a fantastic opportunity to learn and grow alongside professionals from all over the country. Throughout the entire conference, I felt a profound sense of place and accomplishment. The sessions were insightful, the discussions were enriching, and the networking possibilities were endless. I am grateful for the experience and am looking forward to applying the knowledge and connections gained to South Carolina.

Joe Fortune

Director, Business Affairs and Contract Management - University of South Carolina

Come to NACAS C3X with a challenge you are facing in mind and I guarantee you will find someone that has overcome it that you could learn from and someone that is struggling more than you that you can help. I also guarantee this to be true regardless of being an institutional member or a business partner.

Jim Dwyer

Vice Chancellor for University Services - Washington University

NACAS has really become a valuable resource for education, idea sharing, innovation, and networking for me very quickly. Even more than these important aspects, the camaraderie that I have experienced has really helped me build a strong community in my profession that I was missing before I joined NACAS.

Ashley Clark

Executive Director of Events Management - Purdue University Northwest

C3X is a great event to attend if you are looking to engage with the decision-makers and
thought leaders responsible for all aspects of the student and facility experience on campus.
The relationships and experiences obtained from spending time on campus are the cornerstone of higher education. The people that attend C3X nurture the world's brightest minds and future leaders. - Jordan Parsons, CEO, Benbria

I have been a member of a number of different higher education professional organizations in my career. I can say, without hesitation, that the colleagues and business partners you meet at NACAS C3X are the most welcoming and genuine of any organization that I've been a part of. - Bill Cox, Associate Director, Texas A&M University

The NACAS C3X conference is not just an event; it’s a transformative experience that equips attendees with knowledge, connections, and inspiration to lead in our field. I look forward to attending again and continuing to grow within this remarkable community. - Jerry Clemmer, Executive Director of Campus Business Services, University of Richmond

NACAS provides a space to not just learn best practices, but also understand what makes them a best practice, the way to properly incorporate into your individual campus, find understand the impact. - Eric Silber, Associate Vice President, Campus Operations, Concordia University Texas

As a business partner, we call NACAS our Super Bowl every year because of the wide array of
decisions makers who attend every year. - Griffin Harrington, CEO, RecRe

Fantastic space to share ideas, learn, and gain excitement and energy for the work we do. - Klara Kovarova, Associate Dean, Residence Life, University of Toronto

Great opportunity to connect, interact, and share with, as well as learn from colleagues and
business partners throughout the higher education/auxiliary services landscape. - Eddie Daniels Assistant Vice President for Business Services, University of Florida

LEADERSHIP COMMITMENT

Over 450 colleges and universities have signed net-zero commitments, reflecting a broad and deep commitment to sustainability.

WHY NOW?

LARGE-SCALE OPERATIONS

Serving 5 billion meals annually in North America, these institutions have a significant environmental footprint and thus a substantial
opportunity to lead by example.

DYNAMIC, FORWARD-THINKING STUDENT POPULATIONS

The innovative and proactive nature of students positions these institutions as pivotal players in driving climate action, fostering a culture of sustainability that can influence broader societal change.

SHIFTING CONSUMPTION

Promoting sustainable consumption patterns to reduce environmental impact.

CENTERING INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE

Integrating traditional Indigenous practices into menus and collaborating with Indigenous food value chains.

REDUCING WASTE

Implementing strategies to minimize food waste and eliminate single-use plastics.

LAB FOCUS AREAS

BUILDING RESILIENT FOOD SUPPLY CHAINS

Prioritizing local and seasonal sourcing, shortening supply chains, and supporting the transition to regenerative practices.

ENERGY AND WATER CONSERVATION

Enhancing conservation efforts within kitchen and dining facilities

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Your C3X registration provides full access to the Climate Action Lab.

Exhibiting at the 2026 NACAS C3X Conference & Expo

The NACAS C3X Conference & Expo is the premier event for companies that serve higher education auxiliary and campus services. With campus decision-makers from across the U.S. and Canada in attendance, C3X provides direct access to the leaders who influence purchasing, partnerships, and long-term strategy. Exhibiting at C3X isn’t just about booth traffic, it’s about building meaningful relationships, strengthening brand visibility, and positioning your company as a trusted partner in enhancing the campus experience.

After selling out two consecutive years, the 2026 Expo Hall is already filling quickly, making early commitment key for companies looking to maximize their exposure and impact.

Attedeebreakdown25

Premium Exhibit Space

8′ High Draped Backwall — Black
3′ High Draped Siderails — Black
One (1) 6′ Draped Table — Black
Two (2) Side Chairs
One (1) Wastebasket
One (1) 7″ × 44″ Identification Sign with Company Name & Booth Number

CARPET, INTERNET, AND ELECTRICAL ARE NOT INCLUDED.
(These may be ordered through the official decorator.)

Strategic Connections

One (1) Full Conference Registration is included with each 10′ x 10′ booth.
Two (2) Booth Staff Registrations are included per exhibiting company.
- Booth Staff may be upgraded to Full Conference registrations for $600 each.

Full Conference Registration Includes:

Access to the Opening & Closing Receptions
Access to Education & Keynote Sessions
Breakfast and Lunch

Booth Staff Registration Includes:

Access to the Expo Hall only
Access to any meals served in the Expo Hall
Does NOT include access to receptions, education sessions, or keynotes.
- To participate in these events, Booth Staff must upgrade to a Full Conference Registration ($600).

Brand Visibility

Pre- and post-conference attendee lists (Attendees + Business Partners)
Company listing on the C3X website and mobile app

Price per 10x10

Standard - $4,200
Premium - $4,600

Meet our Exhibitors Connect with the business partners shaping the future of auxiliary and campus services.

Sunday, September 27, 2026

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CT | Exhibitor Move-in

Monday, September 28, 2026

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM CT | Exhibitor Move-in

12:30 PM - 4:00 PM CT | Exhibit Hours

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

12:00 PM - 2:30 PM CT | Exhibit Hours

2:30 PM CT | Event Site Freight Receiving Deadline

2:30 PM - 6:00 PM CT | Exhibitor Move-out

Most PopularGold Sponsorship - Booth Add on
              $2,500
              
Two (2) additional booth personnel (with the option to upgrade booth staff to full conference registration for $600 each)
Two (2) additional full conference registrations
Post-conference digital marketing collateral distribution
Scripted app push notifications sent by NACAS
Company logo featured on event signage, mobile app, and conference website (with hyperlink)
Company profile on the conference mobile app
Acknowledgment during Opening Remarks

Silver Sponsorship - Booth Add on

$1,000

One (1) additional booth personnel (with the option to upgrade booth staff to full conference registration for $600)
One (1) additional full conference registration
Company logo featured on event signage, mobile app, and conference website (with hyperlink)
Company profile on the conference mobile app
Acknowledgment during Opening Remarks

Programmatic Advertising (4 Available)

$1,600-$3,200

Programmatic advertising uses location and behavioral data to deliver highly targeted digital ads to the NACAS audience before, during, and after key moments of engagement. Utilizing retargeting and geofencing campaign together, you can strategically keep your brand in front of campus leaders and decision makers beyond the exhibit hall when they’re checking their favorite social sites or planning their next day of the event. By extending your visibility, you increase the likelihood of meaningful engagement with the NACAS community!

0O7A4170

Business Case For Attending

The C3X Annual Conference & Expo offers a comprehensive program designed to support professional growth and operational excellence, including:

50+ educational sessions covering key areas such as dining, retail, housing, facilities, finance, and student engagement
An expansive expo hall showcasing innovative products, services, and solutions from industry-leading partners (170+ exhibitors)
Networking opportunities with peers from 200+ institutions across the country to share insights and best practices
Interactive discussions focused on addressing current challenges and identifying future opportunities in auxiliary services

Download letter to supervisor

Institution Member Full Registration

Early Bird Rate: $995

Early Bird Deadline: July 17, 2026

Regular Rate: $1,095

Institution Non-Member Full Registration

Early Bird Rate: $1,325

Early Bird Deadline: July 17, 2026

Regular Rate: $1,425

Business Partners Full Registration

Early Bird Rate: $1,850

Early Bird Deadline: July 17, 2026

Regular Rate: $1,950

Non-Member Business Partner Full Registration

Regular Rate: $3,200

Institution Member Day Registration

Early Bird Rate: $450

Early Bird Deadline: July 17, 2026

Regular Rate: $500

Institution Non-Member Day Registration

Early Bird Rate: $600

Early Bird Deadline: July 17, 2026

Regular Rate: $675

Business Partner Day Registration

Early Bird Rate: $825

Early Bird Deadline: July 17, 2026

Regular Rate: $900

Non-Member Business Partner Day Registration

Regular Rate: $2,150

Institution Member Guest Registration

Early Bird Rate: $450

Early Bird Deadline: July 17, 2026

Regular Rate: $500

A guest is defined as an individual who is not part of the industry or a business partner and must be over 18 years old. Examples include a spouse, significant other, or family member. All guest passes are limited and do not grant access to concurrent sessions. Guests are welcome to attend receptions and meal functions, as well as the opening and closing events.

Institution Non-Member Guest Registration

Early Bird Rate: $600

Early Bird Deadline: July 17, 2026

Regular Rate: $675

Retiree Full Registration

Regular Rate: $500

To receive the Retiree rate code please email Info@nacas.org before registering for the conference.

Conference App

SOLD OUT

Headshot Studio

1 Available | $10,000

Lunch Sponsorship

2 Available | $5,000

Breakfast Sponsorship

2 Available | $5,000

Campus Tour Transportation

1 Available | $3,500

Innovation Spotlight Session

5 Available | $2,000

This event has passed!

NACAS 2026 C3X Annual Conference Starts In:

00

days

00

hours

00

minutes

00

seconds

C3X Hotel & Housing Information

Important Notice About Unauthorized Housing Companies

NACAS has been alerted that unauthorized third-party companies may contact attendees, exhibitors, or sponsors offering hotel reservations for C3X. These companies are not affiliated with NACAS and are not authorized to sell hotel rooms or travel packages for this event.

To help protect our attendees and partners from potential scams, NACAS has not yet released official hotel or rate information for C3X. Details about the official conference hotel and room block will be shared at a later date once NACAS finalizes the best approach for managing event housing.

Individuals who register for the conference and are verified as legitimate attendees will receive the official hotel information, room rate, and booking link directly from NACAS via email.

We strongly recommend that you do not book hotel rooms or provide payment information to any third-party companies claiming to represent the conference. If you receive a solicitation regarding hotel reservations for C3X and are unsure of its legitimacy, please contact NACAS before making any arrangements.

Hotel & Housing FAQ

When will the official C3X hotel information be released?
NACAS will share official hotel details and room rates at a later date once we finalize the best approach for managing conference housing and protecting attendees from unauthorized housing solicitations.

How will I receive the hotel booking link?
Once you register for the conference and are verified as a legitimate attendee, you will receive your registration confirmation which includes official hotel information and booking link via email from NACAS.

Why isn’t the hotel information posted on the website yet?
Unfortunately, some third-party companies attempt to sell unauthorized hotel reservations for conferences. To help protect our attendees, NACAS is limiting how hotel information is distributed.

Can I book a hotel room in the conference block if I am not yet registered for C3X?
To help protect the integrity of the room block and prevent unauthorized bookings, hotel reservation details will only be shared with individuals who have registered for the conference and have been verified as legitimate attendees. Once your registration is confirmed, NACAS will send the official hotel booking information directly via email.

What should I do if someone contacts me about hotel reservations for C3X?
NACAS does not authorize third-party companies to sell hotel rooms for the conference. If you receive a call or email offering hotel reservations for C3X, we recommend not booking through that company and contacting NACAS if you are unsure whether the offer is legitimate.