First-Time Conference Attendee Networking Events

We are looking forward to seeing you in Anaheim!

This year, we expect there to be several hundred first-time NASFAA conference attendees and we know it can be a bit overwhelming. The 2025 NASFAA Conference First-Time Attendee Task Force wants to enhance the experience for all first-timers.

The task force wants to make your first NASFAA conference a welcoming, enjoyable, and educational experience. With that goal in mind, we have developed a series of events to help you connect with other attendees. You are invited to join us and other first-time conference attendees for activities and networking throughout the conference. You may also wish to seek out a conference mentor (sign-up form coming soon).  

We hope you will reach out to other conference attendees and mentors before and while you are at the conference. You can do this through the conference app (coming soon) and our NASFAA 2025 Slack channel.

Tuesday, June 24

12:30 - 1:45 p.m.

First-Time Attendees Kick-Off Networking Event & Dessert Reception

Meet the NASFAA President, NASFAA National Chair, task force members, NASFAA staff, and other first-time attendees. We will spend this time getting to know one another through activities and a dessert reception. 

This is what a participant had to say about this event in the past: "Attending the NASFAA first-time attendee session provided me with the chance to meet other financial aid professionals and a mentor with similar interests.  The relationships I made there have proven to be invaluable during the conference and afterwards."

4:00 - 5:45 p.m.

Opening Session and Keynote

This is a great time to buddy up so you do not have to sit alone. Discuss your schedule with your conference mentor or other first-time attendees before sessions begin.

5:45 - 7:30 p.m.

Welcome Reception

Join your colleagues, including other first-time attendees, as we kick-off the 2025 NASFAA National Conference with food, drink, and networking.

Wednesday, June 25

8:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Morning Sessions

Attend the morning sessions with newly met NASFAA friends and members from across the country.

9:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Innovation Hall Time

Visit the Innovation Hall with your mentor or other first-time attendees. Make plans to meet up the rest of the day. 

12:15 - 1:45 p.m.

Lunch on Your Own & Visit Innovation Hall 

This is a great opportunity to get lunch with your conference mentor or other first-time attendees.

1:45 - 5:45 p.m.

Afternoon Sessions

Attend afternoon sessions and exchange thoughts about the session content with your colleagues.  Make dinner plans or coordinate attending the evening reception with other first-time attendees.

7:30 - 10:00 p.m.

Charity Trivia Night & Silent Disco

Consider attending with your mentor and getting to know others. Register ahead of time to attend one of these events. 

Thursday, June 26

8:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Morning Sessions

Meet friends and conference mentors outside of the session rooms to sit together.

10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Morning Break in Innovation Hall

Visit the Innovation Hall. Make plans to attend sessions and plan your activities for the rest of the day. 

12:00 - 1:30 p.m.

Lunch on Your Own & Visit Innovation Hall 

Take this time to share lunch with new friends and/or your conference mentor. Make plans to sit together at sessions during the afternoon.

1:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Afternoon Sessions

Connect with other NASFAA Conference First-Time Attendees or your conference mentor to attend sessions and discuss evening plans.

4:30 p.m. - Midnight 

NASFAA Night at Disneyland

All registered attendees are invited to an optional evening at Disneyland Park. View NASFAA Night at Disneyland FAQs. 

Friday, June 27

8:30 - 11:00 a.m.

NASFAA Closing Session

Sit with your newly made friends and/or conference mentors for this final session of the conference. This also might be a good time to exchange business contact information and arrange to stay in touch


We hope you enjoyed your first NASFAA Conference and look forward to seeing you at future conferences. Keep in touch with your conference mentor and others you met throughout the conference.