Record attendance expected at National Junior College Athletic Association Convention

Kansas City, MO – The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) will welcome hundreds of athletic directors, championship-winning coaches, institutional leaders, and member colleges from across the country for its 2026 NJCAA Convention presented by Nufabrx from April 13–17.

The premier multi-day event focuses on leadership, governance, and the future of collegiate athletics. More than 450 attendees are registered, the most ever for an NJCAA convention. It will feature a comprehensive schedule of business meetings, professional development sessions, networking opportunities, and celebratory events that highlight excellence across NJCAA programs nationwide.

The annual convention brings together representatives from some of the NJCAA's most successful two-year college athletic programs, including championship-caliber schools and nationally recognized coaches across sports such as basketball, football, soccer, baseball, track & field, and more.

"This convention represents the very best of what the NJCAA stands for—collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to student-athlete success," Dr. Christopher J. Parker, President and CEO of the NJCAA, said. "Bringing together our top coaches, administrators, and member institutions allows us to not only celebrate excellence, but to strategically shape the future of two-year college athletics in meaningful and lasting ways."

NJCAA oversees more than 500 member schools across 24 regions and three divisions, featuring a variety of sports coverage, including flag football, beach volleyball, bowling, swimming and cheer.

Coaches association leaders, regional directors, and committee members will participate in sport-specific meetings and governance discussions, helping shape the future of NJCAA competition and student-athlete success.

The convention kicks off on Monday, April 13, with a Welcome Reception to provide attendees opportunities to connect with peers, sponsors, and industry partners.

Throughout the week, attendees will engage with exhibitors and partners showcasing innovations in athletic performance, digital media, compliance, and student-athlete development.

The convention features an extensive lineup of sessions designed to support athletic administrators and coaches, including, governance and championship alignment meetings, NIL education and insights sessions, risk management and compliance discussions, social media and marketing best practices, student-athlete wellness, safety, and financial literacy programming.

Sport-specific committees will meet to address rules, competition structure, and championship planning. These meetings ensure alignment across all three NJCAA divisions and reinforce the organization's commitment to competitive excellence and integrity.

The Aspiring Leaders Program will also provide emerging leaders with targeted sessions, networking, and mentorship opportunities to strengthen the next generation of NJCAA leadership.

A highlight of the week will be the NJCAA Awards Dinner, where the association will honor outstanding coaches, administrators, and member institutions for their achievements and contributions to collegiate athletics. They provide proper recognition to those who have served the association honorably, helped advance the mission of the association or have helped raise the profile of the NJCAA through their accomplishments. There will be special honors for NJCAA alumni who landed in the NFL and MLB.

Additionally, the Service Awards Presentation will recognize individuals who have demonstrated long-standing dedication and impact within the NJCAA community.

The convention will conclude with the NJCAA Board of Regents meeting, where key decisions regarding governance, membership processes, and strategic initiatives will be discussed.

From leadership development to policy advancement, the NJCAA Convention serves as a cornerstone event that drives innovation and collaboration across two-year college athletics.

About NJCAA 

Since 1938, the NJCAA has served as the premier governing body for two-year collegiate athletics, providing student-athletes with opportunities to prepare, compete, succeed, and achieve in both their academic and athletic disciplines. The NJCAA is the second largest national intercollegiate athletic organization in the United States, with over 500 member schools and 3,400 teams competing in 28 different sports. Each year, the NJCAA sponsors 57 national championships and invitationals. 

#SameGameSameRules – visit NJCAA for more information