Innovation Hall

NASFAA's Innovation Hall is where discovery, connection, and fun come together. Located in Prince George's Exhibit Hall D & E on the Lower Atrium level of the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, this interactive hub is your place to explore the latest financial aid products and services, connect with more than 65 exhibitors and sponsors, and experience special activities designed to inspire and engage throughout the conference.

Be sure to learn more about our exhibitors and sponsors and preview the exhibit hall floor plan before you arrive.

Hours

• Monday, June 29: 5:45 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (Welcome Reception)
• Tuesday, June 30: 9:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 1: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Lounges

In celebration of NASFAA's 60^th Anniversary, this year's lounges will feature a "NASFAA Through the Decades" theme, with each space inspired by a different era. Whether you're looking to recharge, play, network, or commemorate the moment, there's a lounge for you.

60^th Anniversary Champagne Lounge (Sponsored by SoFi) 

Raise a glass to 60 years of NASFAA during this special anniversary celebration.

Features: 

• Champagne will be available during the Welcome Reception 
• Special 60th Anniversary Commemorative giveaways

'60s-'70s Photo Lounge (Sponsored by ELFI) 

Strike a pose in this groovy 70's-inspired space.

Features:

• Complimentary professional headshots
• '70s-themed backdrop and keepsake photo booth
• Fun photo moments with colleagues and friends

'80s Gaming Lounge (Sponsored by Juno) 

Grab a Rubik's cube and your favorite mixed tape and step back into the 80s for some retro fun.

Features:

• '80s Theme decor
• Arcade-style games 

'90s Coffee Lounge (Sponsored by Earnest) 

Grab a cup of coffee and a few "Friends" to channel your inner Central Perk. Could it BE more '90s?

Features:

• '90s-themed lounge
• Complimentary coffee served by baristas
• Cozy space for informal networking

2000s Relax and Recharge Lounge (Sponsored by College Ave) 

Take a break and recharge in this 2000's-inspired retreat.

Features:

• Complimentary chair massages (first come, first served)
• Charging station
• Comfortable space to relax between sessions

Department of Education & Office of Inspector General

Visit the "Ask a Fed" booth (Booth #535) in the Innovation Hall to connect with experienced Department of Education staff and discuss Title IV-related questions, including policy guidance, administrative procedures, and operational requirements.

Representatives from the Office of Inspector General will also be available in Booth #635. 

NASFAA Booth

Be sure to stop by the NASFAA Booth (#301) just inside the Innovation Hall! Meet the NASFAA team, snap a photo at our photo booth, try your hand at puzzles and games, and join in some fun throughout the conference.

First-Time Attendee Booth

Attending your first NASFAA conference? Stop by Booth #621 to connect with fellow first-time attendees, get tips for making the most of your conference experience, and ask questions along the way.

Information & Exhibitor Rebooking Booth

For all your Innovation Hall questions, attendees and exhibitors are welcome to visit NASFAA's Information/Re-Booking Booth (Booth #1) at the front of the hall. NASFAA's Corporate Relations Manager, Carissa Uhlman-Campana, will be on hand to assist you. 

Topgolf and Trivia Night Pre-Check-In

Those registered for Trivia Night or Topgolf are also encouraged to visit the Innovation Hall Information/Rebooking Booth to complete pre-check-in and avoid the lines for Tuesday night's events. Here's how:

• Bring your trivia or Topgolf registration QR code/confirmation email to the Innovation Hall Information/Rebooking Booth during the following times on Tuesday:
  • 9:30 - 10:00 a.m.
  • 12:15 - 1:45 p.m.
  • 2:45 - 3:30 p.m.
• Receive your event wristband
• Wear your wristband Tuesday night to proceed directly onto the event buses - no waiting in line!

Gold Ticket Scavenger Hunt

Search for one of 10 hidden Golden Tickets during Innovation Hall hours. Tickets are in public areas only (not inside exhibitor booths). If you find one, bring it to the NASFAA Booth (#301) to claim your prize. The hunt ends when all tickets are found or by 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, whichever comes first. 

Prizes

• 5 winners: $10 Starbucks gift card
• 4 winners: $20 Amazon gift card
• 1 winner: Registration to the NASFAA 2027 National Conference
• Limit: one prize per person

Review the Official Game Rules

Meet Your Match

Conference attendees will receive a Meet Your Match button in their registration bag upon conference check-in. Look for your "match" (those wearing a button number that matches yours) throughout the conference. Multiple matches may exist, so keep your eyes open for more than one conference attendee with a matching button! 

You and your match must check in together at the College Ave Booth (#200) during Innovation Hall hours to submit your individual entries into the prize drawing. All entries must be submitted at the College Ave booth by 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Winners will be notified via email after the conference. 

Prizes

• Amazon gift card
• Free registration to the  NASFAA 2027 National Conference
• Limit: one prize per person

Review the Official Game Rules

Make the Most of the Innovation Hall 

Whether you're exploring new solutions, building relationships, curious what's new in the field, or on the hunt for great swag, here are a few ways to get the most from your time in the Innovation Hall:

Know that the hall is for everyone.

• Myth: Decision makers are the only ones who need to visit the hall and speak with exhibitors.
• Fact: Building relationships is at the heart of this conference, and that applies to exhibitors, too! The exhibitor and sponsor connections you make today can lead to conversations and ideas that may benefit you in future roles or endeavors.

Come with a few questions in mind.

Consider challenges or goals at your institution, and use the Innovation Hall to explore ideas and solutions.

Start conversations with exhibitors.

Exhibitors are there to share expertise, spark ideas, and help you make connections. Consider asking:

• What challenges does your solution help institutions solve?
• What's new or different this year?
• How are other schools using your product or service?
• Can I see a quick demo?

Say yes to demos and discoveries.

Some of the best finds are the ones you weren't looking for. Take time to explore new tools, services, and emerging ideas.

Make time to visit the whole hall.

Set aside dedicated time to walk the floor, visit a variety of booths, and meet both familiar partners and new exhibitors.

Enjoy the swag — and the conversations that come with it.

Giveaways can be a fun draw, but they're also a great icebreaker for meaningful conversations and memorable connections. Consider picking up a little swag to bring back and share with colleagues who weren't able to attend.

Use the lounges and activities as networking opportunities.

Recharge, play, and connect in the themed lounges—and don't miss special features like the Golden Ticket Scavenger Hunt and photo opportunities throughout the hall.