By Matthew R, innkeeper, American Guest House · Published October 10, 2026 · Updated October 10, 2026
NAEYC 2026: Good to know
- Dates: Saturday, December 5 to Tuesday, December 8, 2026. Pre-conference workshops are Friday, December 4. The Expo runs December 5 to 7.
- Venue: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC (Expo in Halls A and B)
- How to register: Through NAEYC at naeyc.org/events/annual
- Nearest Metro: Mt Vernon Sq/7th St-Convention Center (Green and Yellow lines)
Table of Contents
When is NAEYC 2026, and why does this one feel different?
NAEYC turned 100 this year, and the 2026 Annual Conference is its Centennial, held in Washington, DC, the city where the conference began, according to the Annual Conference page. It runs Saturday, December 5 through Tuesday, December 8. NAEYC’s call for proposals page flags that the conference falls on different days of the week than usual, starting Saturday and ending Tuesday. If you’re used to a midweek pattern, double-check your flights and time off.
How does registration work?
Registration is open through NAEYC. The Annual Conference page links to individual registration and hotel reservations, a Spanish-language registration page, presenter registration and group registration. Several of those pages are marked members-only, so log in to your NAEYC account first. If your center or district is paying, NAEYC also posts a conference toolkit with a budget narrative workbook and a funding request letter template, which can save time on the paperwork.
What does the conference schedule look like?
NAEYC’s schedule at a glance gives the overall shape:
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Friday, Dec 4 | Pre-conference workshops and program tours; registration 1 to 7 PM |
| Saturday, Dec 5 | Sessions in the morning, Opening Session 2 to 3:30 PM, Expo Grand Opening 3:30 to 5:30 PM |
| Sunday, Dec 6 | Sessions all day, Expo 10 AM to 6 PM, NAEYCLand poster session and networking 4:30 to 6 PM |
| Monday, Dec 7 | Sessions, Expo 9 AM to 2 PM, Annual Business Meeting and Town Hall, Roaring ’20s Party 7 to 10 PM |
| Tuesday, Dec 8 | Morning sessions, Closing Policy Rally 12:30 to 1:45 PM |
The Expo page describes more than 200 exhibitors in Halls A and B. Lunch options on Sunday and Monday are sold in the Expo.
How do I get to the Convention Center?
Take Metro to Mt Vernon Sq/7th St-Convention Center on the Green or Yellow line. From the Red Line, ride to Gallery Place, where the Red, Green and Yellow lines meet, and transfer to a Green or Yellow train toward Greenbelt or Mount Vernon Square for one stop. You can pay at the faregates with a SmarTrip card, SmarTrip in your phone wallet, or a contactless bank card. Check first and last trains on wmata.com. Saturday and Sunday service starts later in the morning, which matters for 8 AM sessions on December 5 and 6.
What should I pack for early December in DC?
Early December in Washington is usually cold, especially in the mornings and after dark, and it can be wet. Bring a warm coat, gloves for the walks to and from the station, and an umbrella. Inside, plan for long days on your feet: comfortable shoes matter more than anything else on the list. A tote for Expo materials helps too, and if you’re shopping for your classroom, leave room in your luggage.
What can I see in DC between sessions?
The Smithsonian museums on the National Mall are free. Closest to the conference, the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum share a building at Gallery Place, a short walk from the Convention Center and right at the Metro transfer. Monday’s Expo closes at 2 PM, which leaves a window before the evening party. If you have Friday free before pre-conference registration, the Mall is an easy Metro ride.
Any tips for the final day?
Tuesday’s program ends with the Closing Policy Rally at 12:30 PM. If you’re flying home that afternoon, sort out your bags before you leave in the morning so you’re not hauling luggage through sessions. Most hotels and guesthouses can hold bags after checkout; ask ahead.
Where can educators stay in a quieter neighborhood?
American Guest House is a historic 1893 bed and breakfast at 2005 Columbia Road NW in Kalorama, a residential neighborhood northwest of downtown. Dupont Circle Metro is a 10-minute walk, and the Red Line route above takes you to the Convention Center.
- 12 guest rooms, each with a private ensuite bath and one bed (queen or double)
- Homemade breakfast is included only with the Standard Rate and the 2-Day Refundable rate, served at 8:30, 8:45 or 9 AM and booked in advance
- Check-in is 4 to 10 PM; checkout is 11 AM. Late checkout is a paid add-on, available until 2 PM at the latest
- Bags can stay in the parlor from 8 AM on check-in day, and until 5 PM after checkout, which fits Tuesday’s midday close
- Rates are dynamic, so check your own dates
Frequently asked questions
What are the NAEYC 2026 dates?
December 5 to 8, 2026, with pre-conference workshops on December 4 and the Expo from December 5 to 7.
How do I get from American Guest House to the Convention Center?
Walk 10 minutes to Dupont Circle Metro, ride the Red Line to Gallery Place, then take a Green or Yellow train one stop to Mt Vernon Sq/7th St-Convention Center.
Can I leave my bags after checkout on the last day?
Yes. Bags can stay in the parlor until 5 PM after checkout.
Is breakfast included in every rate?
No. Breakfast is included only with the Standard Rate and the 2-Day Refundable rate.
Matthew R, innkeeper, American Guest House
