By Chloe Stanley, NASFAA Communications and Engagement Assistant

With NASFAA’s 2025 National Conference in Anaheim, California, just a few months away, we are eager to dive into this year’s agenda filled with powerhouse speakers and dynamic networking opportunities. Today’s News caught up with Alicia Keaton, chair of the 2025 National Conference Program Task Force, to get an inside look at the in-person sessions attendees can expect and some details about July’s Virtual Conference.  

The NASFAA 2025 National Conference, held June 24-27 in Anaheim, California, is the premier event serving the financial aid community. Thousands of financial aid administrators from across the country attend the national conference each year to teach, learn, network, and share best practices. 

This year’s programming consists of sessions tailored to the diverse needs of members, regulatory changes, and emerging trends in financial aid. Alicia emphasized her excitement about this year’s Opening Session with Keynote Speaker LeVar Burton. 

NASFAA is also bringing back the popular Charity 5K Run/Walk and Trivia Night events to benefit Higher Ground Youth & Family Services, a nonprofit organization that provides wrap-around services, family support and community resources to youth and families in Orange County, CA. 

Along with the in-person conference, a virtual conference will take place online July 7-11. Alicia shared that she is excited about the innovative session on AI in financial aid packaging at NASFAA’s 2025 Virtual Conference. 

Read on to learn more about NASFAA’s 2025 National Conference and the upcoming Virtual Conference.

How does the National Conference Program Task Force shape the conference experience each year?

As a former member and now chair of the Conference Program Task Force, I’ve seen firsthand how we strive to create a meaningful and enriching experience for attendees. We look at emerging trends in financial aid, regulatory changes, and valuable feedback from past participants to ensure the agenda reflects the diverse needs of our membership across all sectors. Our goal is to provide relevant sessions tailored to different campus environments and student populations. We carefully review session proposals to ensure a wide range of session selections, giving attendees the opportunity to gain insight, gather actionable information, and build lasting professional connections.

What can attendees expect from the national conference, especially those who have never attended in the past?

For our first time attendees, NASFAA is the premier conference for professional growth in our field. It’s where we gain deeper insights into regulatory changes directly from FSA and have the chance to provide them with feedback — an invaluable partnership we can’t take for granted. FAFSA Simplification has been anything but simple, and this conference provides a platform to share both the student experience and our own as aid administrators. 

Beyond policy and compliance, NASFAA is a space where we can learn from one another. Each year, I come away with new ideas and strategies to bring back to my team. And let’s be real — this profession is challenging! The NASFAA Conference is a rare opportunity to be surrounded by people who truly get it. It’s a place to learn, vent, laugh, and leave feeling supported and reinvigorated. 

What are you looking most forward to at the national conference? Any particular sessions or speakers of interest?

For me, the NASFAA Conference always feels like a family reunion! I love reconnecting with colleagues from across the country, sharing experiences, and learning from one another. With so many incredible sessions to choose from, it’s nearly impossible to pick just one as a standout. That said, I must admit, I’m especially excited to hear LeVar Burton speak at the Opening Session. You better believe I’ll be getting there early to snag a great seat — after all, it’s not every day you get to hear from a legendary storyteller and champion for education. Let’s be real — this is LeVar Burton we’re talking about. Whether you know him as Kunta Kinte from Roots, Geordi La Forge from Star Trek: The Next Generation, or the man who made reading the coolest thing on TV with Reading Rainbow, he has been inspiring and educating generations. I can’t wait to hear his insights and wisdom!

Why should NASFAA members attend the national conference?

Attending the NASFAA Conference isn’t just about staying informed—it’s about staying ahead. With ongoing regulatory changes, shifting student needs, and evolving best practices, this conference provides the insights and resources financial aid professionals need to navigate challenges effectively.

Beyond learning from FSA and subject-matter experts, NASFAA is where real collaboration happens. It’s an opportunity to exchange ideas with peers, hear innovative solutions from institutions nationwide, and bring back fresh perspectives to improve processes at your own campus. Whether you’re looking for guidance on FAFSA Simplification, compliance strategies, or student support initiatives, this conference delivers practical takeaways you can implement immediately. Plus, the connections you make here will serve as a valuable support network long after the conference ends. Let’s not forget the amazing NASFAA staff that keeps us informed. They are a vital part of our success and will be there serving as a resource for attendees as well.

How does this year’s conference differ from previous years?

This year is all about resilience and growth. We’ve weathered the storm of FAFSA Simplification and tackled the complexities and challenges of Gainful Employment reporting. There have been missteps, lessons learned, and victories along the way. Now, it’s time to focus on what’s next. 

This year’s sessions will highlight how institutions have adapted, improved service delivery, streamlined processing, strengthened compliance, and, most importantly, enhanced student success. We’ll also hear from institutions that have faced natural disasters and other crises — sharing how they navigated those challenges and continued to support their students. Simply put, this year is different because we’ve faced the beast that was FAFSA Simplification — and we won! Now, we’re coming together to share strategies for overcoming future challenges, supporting each other, and continuing to elevate our profession.

What can attendees expect from the virtual conference?

Those attending the virtual conference can expect a great opportunity to stay ahead of key developments in the financial aid field and enhance their professional skills. With a wide range of expert-led sessions, attendees can expect to dive into topics like building stronger collaboration between financial aid and other campus departments, staying updated on important policy changes, and gaining tools to effectively manage difficult conversations with students and colleagues. 

Additionally, sessions focused on navigating FAFSA data sharing and understanding the essential components of enrollment management will provide valuable insights to help align financial aid with broader institutional goals. Beyond the content, this conference provides an opportunity to network with peers across the country, exchange ideas, and discuss best practices, all from the convenience of your workspace. 

What is something about the virtual conference you are looking forward to?

I'm especially looking forward to the session on AI in financial aid packaging, as it offers a timely opportunity to explore how artificial intelligence can streamline our processes. Given the complexity of our work and the ongoing challenges of managing large volumes of student data and navigating periods of staff turnover, AI has the potential to create significant efficiencies.

The NASFAA 2025 National Conference in Anaheim is quickly approaching, but it's not too late to register! Be sure to use our resources to justify your attendance, and if you can’t join us in person, consider registering your office for the NASFAA Virtual Conference just two weeks later.

Publication Date: 4/11/2025

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