Registration Opens Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 10 a.m. EDT

The Advocacy Institute is dedicated to advocating for policies that foster inclusive learning environments for K-12 public schools. This event will explore the latest developments in education policy and legislation to empower school board members and education leaders with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to navigate policy conversations, influence decision-makers, and lead on behalf of their students and communities.

Keynote Speakers

Schedule-at-a-Glance (As of July 27, 2026)

The schedule is subject to change.

Sunday, Jan. 31

7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Registration
12:30 – 1 p.m. Coffee & Conversations
1 – 3 p.m. Opening General Session and Panel Discussions
3 – 3:15 p.m. Break
3:15 – 4:15 p.m. General Session: NSBA Federal Advocacy 101
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Welcome Reception

Monday, Feb. 1

7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Registration
9:30 – 10 a.m. Coffee & Conversations
10 – 11:45 a.m. General Sessions
Noon – 1 p.m. Lunch 
1 – 1:45 p.m. General Session
1:45 – 3:15 p.m. Advocacy Policy Cohort Capstone
3:15 – 3:30 p.m. Coffee & Conversations
3:30 – 4 p.m. Advocacy Policy Cohort Final Ceremony

Tuesday, Feb. 2

7:30 – 11 a.m. Registration
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Capitol Hill Visits

Registration Fees

Registration Registration Deadline  State Association Staff/Officers District Members, CUBE Districts, & COSA Districts Districts in Member State Associations  Unaffiliated School Board Member & General Public
Early  Before
November 20		  $590 $645 $775 $880
Standard  After November 20  $700 $755 $890 $990


*Participating Member State Association Executive Directors receive a complimentary registration. For more information, contact info@nsba.org.

Event Information

Taxicabs & Ride Sharing
Taxicabs and rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft offer transportation to and from the airport. Download the app of your choice and book in advance to help ensure availability. Estimated fares are listed below and may vary based on traffic, demand, and service availability:

DC Metro System
DC Metro System serves Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas. The Mount Vernon Square/7th St–Convention Center Station (Green and Yellow Lines) is the closest Metro station to the Marriott Marquis (approximately 0.2 miles, a 3–5-minute walk).  

Additional nearby stations include: 

  • Gallery Place–Chinatown (Red, Green, Yellow Lines) – 0.3 miles
  • Metro Center (Red, Blue, Orange, Silver Lines) – 0.4–0.5 miles 

Hotel Parking
Valet parking is available at the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC. The overnight rate is $75.00 plus 18% tax and includes in/out privileges. Rates are subject to change. 

Headquarter Hotel: Marriott Marquis Washington, DC
901 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20001

You must be registered for the conference before you can reserve housing in the NSBA hotel block. NSBA has negotiated a special rate for conference attendees. Booking information will be provided in the registration confirmation email. All reservations should be made before Thursday, Jan. 7, 2027. Room availability and conference rates cannot be guaranteed after this date.

Requests for refunds will be honored only if made in writing to NSBA by Thursday, Jan. 7, 2027, and will be subject to a $150 cancellation fee per registrant. After that date, no refund will be issued, however, you may still transfer your registration to another district participant. 

Exceptions to the cancellation policy for medical emergencies or other significant unforeseen events may be considered. Requests must be submitted in writing to memberservices@nsba.org with appropriate supporting documentation for review. 

Please feel free to contact our registration team at memberservices@nsba.org with any questions you may have about your Advocacy Institute registration.