2025 Annual Banner
REGISTRATION
AGENDA
LODGING
SPONSORS
CONTINUING EDUCATION
FAQs
The NAGDCA Annual Conference is the can’t-miss event for the public sector defined contribution retirement plan industry. The event is an opportunity for you to build a national network of plan sponsors and industry representatives, share ideas with peers, learn innovative techniques for improving retirement outcomes, and much more.
Whether it’s educational sessions, receptions, roundtable discussions, or networking events, NAGDCA volunteers develop the program specifically for our unique audience to ensure that all aspects of the conference are valuable for attendees.
WHEN : Sunday, September 28 – Wednesday, October 1
WHERE : Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Registration Information

Advance registration closed on Wednesday, September 24th at 11:59pm EST. Onsite registration will be available on Sunday, September 28th. 

Questions? Please contact registration@nagdca.org for assistance.

Guest Registration – The link to the guest registration form is included in the registration confirmation email.

Click here to download fee information.

Registration Type
Registration Fee
Early-bird
Registration Fee
After July 22
Government Member¹ $750 $850
Government Non-member² $950 $1,050
Industry Member $1,400 $1,500
Industry Non-member $2,000 $2,100

¹ 2025 membership dues must be paid by July 31. If your organization does not pay dues by that date, you will be switched to the Non-member rate and must pay the balance to attend. 

² Government Non-member registration includes complimentary NAGDCA membership beginning on the date of purchase through Dec. 31, 2025. Only available to entities who have not been members within the past three years. If you are unsure if you qualify for the non-member rate, please review our Plan Sponsor Membership Map here or contact us at registration@nagdca.org.

Registration Type Registration Fee
Early-bird		 Registration Fee
After July 22
Retired Government Member/Past NAGDCA President $150 $150
Government Member-in-Transition¹ $300 $300
Industry Member-in-Transition¹ $500 $500
Guest² – social events only $150 $150
Media Complimentary Complimentary

¹ Individuals who have been NAGDCA members for a minimum of two years within the past three years may attend the annual conference one time at a reduced registration fee in the 12 months after which they become unemployed. Please reach out to registration@nagdca.org prior to registering for details about signing up as a member-in-transition. 

2 Guest registration includes access to social events only. This includes Sunday evening Welcome Reception and Tuesday evening offsite event.

SUBSTITUTIONS

NAGDCA accepts substitutions at any time including onsite. Only one substitution is permitted per original registrant. All substitution requests should be emailed to registration@nagdca.org.

REFUNDS

  • Full Refund – cancel by August 29
  • Full Refund less a $25 administrative fee – cancel between August 30 and September 5
  • No refunds after September 5 unless in the event of a special circumstance such as a serious illness, accident, or death of a family member. Documentation to support the special circumstance (e.g., a physician’s statement) will be required in order to process the refund.

EVENT CANCELLATION

The NAGDCA Annual Conference will be cancelled due to inclement weather or other acts of God if the venue and/or location of the event is closed or provides notice to NAGDCA of its inability to hold the event, or if the local, state or federal government declares an emergency status is in effect for the location of the event. If the NAGDCA Annual Conference is cancelled due to inclement weather or other acts of God as set forth herein, every attempt will be made to reschedule the event and your registration fee will be applied to the rescheduled event date.

If the NAGDCA Annual Conference is cancelled due to inclement weather or other acts of God as set forth herein, and is not rescheduled, your registration fee will be refunded, and sponsor monies will be refunded. Any travel expenses that may have been incurred cannot be refunded by NAGDCA under any circumstances. If the NAGDCA event is held but conditions (whether forecasted or actualized) prohibit you from traveling, NAGDCA cannot refund your registration fee.

Agenda

Agenda subject to change.

DOWNLOAD AGENDA

Day 1 | Sunday, September 28
12:30 – 2:30 p.m. NAGDCA Executive Board Meeting
2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Registration Open
3:00 – 4:30 p.m. PRE-CONFERENCE SESSIONS

SECURE and SECURE 2.0 – Hot Topics for Governmental Plans
Join this 90-minute interactive session for a deep dive into key issues under SECURE and SECURE 2.0 impacting governmental defined contribution plans. Topics will include catch-up contributions, distribution options, and IRS correction guidance. Attendees will engage in small-group discussions to share implementation strategies, challenges, and outstanding questions.

Speakers:

Fiduciary Best Practices for California Plans
Tailored for California public sector plan professionals, this interactive 90-minute session will explore fiduciary responsibilities, legal obligations, and practical strategies for managing retirement plans. Through a dynamic game show format, panelists will present real-world scenarios and discuss fiduciary best practices from legal, administrative, and recordkeeping perspectives. Attendees will engage in audience polling, share peer experiences, and gain insight into California-specific requirements and evolving best practices.

Speakers:
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERS’ HEADSHOTS

Open to 2025-2026 committee members. 

Committee members are invited to have a headshot taken by the professional conference photographer. Headshots will be shared with committee members for personal use.
5:00 – 6:30 p.m. WELCOME RECEPTION

A can’t miss event! Connect with the NAGDCA community over drinks and hors d’oeuvres during this conference kick-off reception.

Day 2 | Monday, September 29
8:00 – 4:00 p.m. Registration Open
8:00 – 8:45 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. CONFERENCE OPENING AND KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO and President of Ariel Investments

In a dynamic one-on-one conversation with NAGDCA Executive Director Matt Petersen, Mellody will share insights from her extraordinary career—spanning her leadership at Ariel and her board service with Starbucks and JPMorgan Chase.

Recognized as one of Fortune’s “100 Most Powerful People in Business” in 2024, Mellody is known not only for her work in business strategy and management, but also for her advocacy for financial literacy, education, and equity.
10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Break
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Fee Benchmarking of Service Providers and Investments

Understanding and managing plan fees is a critical fiduciary responsibility, and a key driver of participant outcomes. This session will provide plan sponsors with practical tools and insights to evaluate the costs associated with investments, recordkeeping, and advisory services. Panelists will break down different fee types, explain benchmarking methodologies, and discuss strategies for negotiating more favorable terms. Attendees will walk away better equipped to assess the value their participants receive and ensure their plan’s fees remain reasonable, competitive, and transparent.

Speakers:

The Right Choice for Public Retirement Plans: Understanding Collective Investment Trusts (CITs)

As public sector defined contribution plans seek to improve participant outcomes, Collective Investment Trusts (CITs) are emerging as a compelling alternative to mutual funds. This session will provide a foundational overview of CITs—what they are, how they work, and why they are becoming more widely used in governmental plans. Panelists will explore the key benefits of CITs, including cost efficiencies, regulatory oversight, and suitability for institutional investors. They’ll also address common concerns about transparency, operational complexity, and participant education. The session will include a practical look at the adoption process, including what plan sponsors should expect, and provide an update on federal legislation that could expand access to CITs for 403(b) plans. Whether your plan already uses CITs or is considering them for the first time, this session will equip you with the insights needed to make informed decisions.

Speakers:

Blueprint for Retirement Income: Real-World Strategies for Public DC Plans

As public defined contribution plans evolve to meet the shifting needs of today’s workforce, plan sponsors are exploring ways to help participants convert savings into sustainable income. This session brings together consultants and product experts to outline a practical “blueprint” for implementing retirement income solutions. Panelists will walk through key decision points—such as guaranteed vs. non-guaranteed income, in-plan vs. out-of-plan approaches, and participant communication strategies. With a focus on practical steps and real-world examples, this session will help attendees better understand the retirement income landscape and how to navigate it with confidence.

Speakers:
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Opening Luncheon
Open to attendees only.
1:15 – 2:15 p.m. ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION DECK

Designed exclusively for the conference, this interactive session encourages thoughtful conversation in a roundtable discussion format. Each group discussion is unique and allows members to learn from each other by discussing a range of engaging and interesting questions.
2:15 – 2:45 p.m. Break
2:45 – 3:45 p.m. GENERAL SESSION

AI and the Future of Public Sector Retirement: Trends, Strategy, and Impact

Artificial intelligence is poised to fundamentally shift how public sector retirement plans operate and serve participants. This general session provides a high-level exploration of the transformative potential of AI—what it is, why it matters now, and how it’s beginning to shape the retirement landscape. Speakers from Empower, RVK, and MERS of Michigan will discuss emerging trends, strategic considerations for responsible adoption, and the evolving role of AI in improving outcomes. Real-world examples will illustrate how organizations are beginning to integrate AI tools while laying the groundwork for broader implementation.

Speakers:
4:00 – 4:45 p.m. Leadership Award Winner Photos

2025 Leadership Award Winners, pick up your plaque and have a group picture taken.

Day 3 | Tuesday, September 30
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Registration Open
8:00 – 8:45 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. GENERAL SESSION

The Century Club: Redefining Longer Retirement

The traditional three-legged stool for retirement—pensions, Social Security, and personal savings—has become increasingly unsteady. Today, just 11% of Americans have access to a pension, and public confidence in Social Security is declining. This has placed more weight than ever on personal savings, often driven by defined contribution plans. As more Americans live well into their 90s and beyond, including a projected fourfold increase in centenarians over the next 30 years, our concept of retirement must evolve. This session will explore new consumer research from the Nationwide Retirement Institute and The American College of Financial Services, as well as perspective from the National Council on Aging, regarding how public sector plans can adapt to support longer lifespans, changing needs, and financial longevity.

Speakers:
10:00 – 10:15 a.m. Break
10:15 – 11:15 a.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS 

Practical Applications of AI in Public Sector DC Plans: Tools, Insights, and Participant Impact

Building on the earlier session, AI and the Future of Public Sector Retirement: Trends, Strategy, and Impact, this practical applications session takes a hands-on look at how AI is being applied today to improve decision-making, personalize participant experiences, and enhance plan insights. Industry experts will demonstrate real-world tools, including a digital advisor, that are helping participants make smarter financial choices and enabling plan sponsors to track and support overall plan health. From data strategy and content customization to the ethical challenges of AI integration, speakers will cover what it takes to implement AI effectively and responsibly. Whether you’re evaluating new technologies or looking to optimize your current approach, this session will give you a clearer picture of how AI can be leveraged to support better outcomes in public sector defined contribution plans.

Speakers:

Guiding the Journey: Strategic Messaging from Hire to Retire

What does it take to keep participants engaged from their first day on the job through retirement—and beyond? This session explores how to design and deliver communications that evolve with participants, using both data-driven insights and an understanding of career-stage behaviors.

Speakers:

Private Assets in Public DC Plans: Opportunity, Risk, and Real-World Perspectives

As traditional pension benefits decline and lower expected future returns challenge public market performance, public sector DC plan sponsors are considering private assets as a potential tool to enhance participant outcomes. This session brings together legal, investment, and plan sponsor perspectives to explore the evolving role of private market investments—including private equity, credit, and real assets—in defined contribution plans. Panelists will offer a candid discussion on the investment rationale, fiduciary and operational considerations, and practical implementation strategies. Attendees will gain a well-rounded understanding of the risks, rewards, and realities of integrating private assets into DC plan portfolios.

Speakers:
11:15 – 11:30 a.m. Break
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. GOVERNMENT PEER GROUP DISCUSSIONS
Government attendees only. Join your peers from plans of a similar size to discuss common issues.

  • Session #1: $100 million or less | Moderator: Ashley Berrington, Washoe County
  • Session #2: $101 million – $250 million | Moderator: Kevin Mikesell, Tulare County
  • Session #3: $251 million – $499 million | Moderator: Denise Gaffor, State University System of New York (SUNY)
  • Session #4: $500 million – $999 million | Moderator: Max Schwartz, City of Austin
  • Session #5: $1 billion – $3 billion | Moderator: Lea Anne Porter, Texas Hospital Association
  • Session #6: > $3 billion | Moderator: Danielle Templeton, Employees’ Retirement System of Georgia
  • Session #7: First Responders (Police/Fire) | Moderator: Kevin Bailey, City of Tempe
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Government Members’ Lunch
Government attendees only.
1:45 – 2:45 p.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS (repeated)

Practical Applications of AI in Public Sector DC Plans: Tools, Insights, and Participant Impact

Building on the earlier session, AI and the Future of Public Sector Retirement: Trends, Strategy, and Impact, this practical applications session takes a hands-on look at how AI is being applied today to improve decision-making, personalize participant experiences, and enhance plan insights. Industry experts will demonstrate real-world tools, including a digital advisor, that are helping participants make smarter financial choices and enabling plan sponsors to track and support overall plan health. From data strategy and content customization to the ethical challenges of AI integration, speakers will cover what it takes to implement AI effectively and responsibly. Whether you’re evaluating new technologies or looking to optimize your current approach, this session will give you a clearer picture of how AI can be leveraged to support better outcomes in public sector defined contribution plans.

Speakers:

Guiding the Journey: Strategic Messaging from Hire to Retire

What does it take to keep participants engaged from their first day on the job through retirement—and beyond? This session explores how to design and deliver communications that evolve with participants, using both data-driven insights and an understanding of career-stage behaviors.

Speakers:

Private Assets in Public DC Plans: Opportunity, Risk, and Real-World Perspectives

As traditional pension benefits decline and lower expected future returns challenge public market performance, public sector DC plan sponsors are considering private assets as a potential tool to enhance participant outcomes. This session brings together legal, investment, and plan sponsor perspectives to explore the evolving role of private market investments—including private equity, credit, and real assets—in defined contribution plans. Panelists will offer a candid discussion on the investment rationale, fiduciary and operational considerations, and practical implementation strategies. Attendees will gain a well-rounded understanding of the risks, rewards, and realities of integrating private assets into DC plan portfolios.

Speakers:
2:45 – 3:00 p.m. Break
3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Economic Outlook & Washington Update

This year’s Washington Update returns with an expanded format to give you a broader view of the forces shaping public sector retirement. The 90-minute session opens with a 30-minute Economic Outlook, featuring expert insights on the current state of the economy, market trends, and the broader financial landscape impacting plan sponsors and participants. Following the outlook, a panel of national policy experts will deliver a 45-minute Washington Update highlighting critical legislative and regulatory developments, including CIT access for 403(b) plans, DOL and SEC guidance on private assets, fiduciary rulemaking, litigation reform, SECURE 3.0, and more.

Speakers:
6:00 – 8:30 p.m. OFF-SITE NETWORKING EVENT | City Lights Cruise – Inspiration Hornblower

Open to all attendees and registered guests. A name badge is required to attend.

Join fellow attendees for an unforgettable evening aboard the Inspiration Hornblower, NAGDCA’s private charter for the evening. Experience views of San Diego from the water while enjoying drinks, curated dinner stations inspired by the city’s neighborhoods, and a live DJ.

  • Transportation provided from the Hilton Bayfront beginning at 5:30 p.m.
  • The last bus will leave the Hilton at 6:30 p.m.
  • All guests must be on board by 6:55 p.m.
  • Cruise time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • Departs from Pier 1, Hornblower Landing (1800 N. Harbor Dr.)
  • Attire: Business casual. We recommend dressing in layers to stay comfortable during the cool evening breeze on the water.

Day 4 | Wednesday, October 1
8:00 – 10:15 a.m. Registration Open
8:00 – 8:45 a.m. Breakfast
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Luggage Storage

Please note, luggage must be picked up by 12:00 p.m. 
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS – Case Studies

Implementing an Effective Auto Enrollment Strategy

This session brings together two compelling case studies, from the Illinois State Board of Investment (ISBI) and San Bernardino County, to demonstrate how thoughtful plan design, strategic communication, and stakeholder collaboration can overcome legal and cultural hurdles while driving long-term success. Panelists will discuss key design decisions, data-informed strategies, and lessons learned from implementing auto-features in environments with complex pension structures and legislative constraints. Attendees will gain insights into how public sector plans can develop auto-enrollment strategies that support participant behavior, comply with legal and collective bargaining requirements, and meaningfully contribute to closing the retirement income gap.

Speakers:

Exploring Different Paths: Creating Effective Participant Engagement Strategies for Government Plans

In this session, we will explore different paths to enhancing participant engagement in government retirement plans. A panel of experienced plan sponsors will share innovative strategies, proven tactics, and real-world insights to drive better engagement. From personalized communication and targeted education to leveraging technology and plan design, we’ll discuss a variety of approaches tailored to meet the unique needs of government employees. The session will provide practical examples of how plan sponsors can adapt engagement strategies to help achieve a variety of plan outcomes.

Speakers:

Using AI to Transform Public Sector Communications

Speakers:
10:00 – 10:15 a.m. Break
10:15 – 11:15 a.m. GENERAL SESSION

Retirement by the Numbers: The State of Public DC Participants

This closing mainstage session features new research that sheds light on how public sector employees are saving and investing for retirement. Experts from J.P. Morgan, MissionSquare, and PGIM DC Solutions will present findings from two major studies examining participant behavior, with a focus on savings habits, loan trends, and default investment patterns. The session will offer valuable data-driven insights to help plan sponsors improve plan design and participant outcomes.

Speakers:

Lodging & Meeting Venue

Hotel reservations are only available to registered attendees.
The booking link is included in your registration confirmation email and must be used to receive the group rate.
Host Hotel: Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Room Rate: The NAGDCA Room Block at the Hilton is closed. Rooms can be booked directly with the Hilton here.

The Hilton San Diego Bayfront is the host hotel for the NAGDCA Annual Conference. When you reserve your hotel through the link provided by NAGDCA in your registration confirmation, your reservation is secure. NAGDCA has not authorized any travel companies to make reservations on members’ behalf. Please do not share your credit card or personal information with unauthorized hotel solicitors or fraudulent websites.

There are a number of Gaslamp-area hotels within 0.5 miles (10-minute walk) of the host hotel, Hilton Bayfront.
Rates are as of August 18 and may fluctuate depending on demand. Links provided are to book directly with the hotel. NAGDCA does not have a block at any of the alternative properties. Transportation to the host hotel is the responsibility of the attendee. 

 

San Diego International-Lindbergh Field Airport is 3 miles from the Hilton Bayfront.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION
Visit the San Diego airport website for information.

PARKING
Valet and self-parking are available.

Continuing Education Credit

Please contact Carly Abernathy at cabernathy@amrms.com if you have any continuing education questions. 

National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators 108617 is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.learningmarket.org.

National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators (NAGDCA) is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDC) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. The total number of PDCs this program will be listed once approved (credits awarded based on session attendance). For more information about certification or recertification, please visit www.shrmcertification.org.

NAGDCA is also eligible to offer continuing education credits for CFP and CRC designations. For more information about the CFP program, please visit www.CFP.net, and for more information regarding the CRC program, please visit www.InFRE.org.

For the sessions at the NAGDCA Annual Conference, no advanced preparation nor prerequisites are required.

Please click here to view the learning objectives and credits for each eligible conference session.

Attendees seeking CFP*, CPE, CRC and/or SHRM credit MUST complete a CE session survey for each session attended. The surveys can be found attached to each qualifying session on the mobile app under “Survey.” You must be logged in to the app to complete surveys.

Each session that qualifies for credit will have a code word associated with it, which will be displayed on the last slide of each presentation. Be sure to make note of the code word; you will be asked to enter it at the beginning of each session survey to prove your attendance. If you miss a code word, please ask for it at the registration desk.

*If you are seeking CFP Credit, you must email your CFP Board ID number to Carly Abernathy at cabernathy@amrms.com. 

Your certificate(s) of completion will be emailed to you following the conference.

Sponsors

Click here to learn about NAGDCA sponsorship opportunities.

VISIONARY

PREMIER

PARTNER

Fiduciary Consulting Group logo

SUPPORTER

National Life Group logo
Northern Trust Logo

FAQs

Regular registration includes access to all sessions, unless otherwise marked, and the meals and events listed below. See below for specific menu details.

Sunday, Sept. 28:

Welcome Reception

Station #1- Bao Bun Station

    • Pork Belly with pickled vegetable slaw, siracha aioli, jalapeno (gluten-free, dairy-free)
    • Char Sui Beef with pickled onions, cilantro slaw, five spice peanuts (gluten-free, dairy-free, *contains nuts)
    • Vegan with tofu, fermented soy bean sauce (Vegan)

 Station #2: Carving Station

    • Roasted turkey breast with cranberry orange marmalade, sage gravy and dinner roll (gluten-free without roll)

Station #3: Small Bites Station

    • Shrimp Kimono with sweet chili sauce
    • Beef Negamki with green onions and soy ginger (dairy free)
    • Wild Mushroom Filo Pouch (vegetarian)

Station #4: Petite Pie Station

    • Apple crumble
    • Chocolate cream pecan *contains nuts

Open Bar

Monday, Sept. 29:
  • Buffet breakfast
    • Bayfront Classic Breakfast Buffet
    • Seasonal Carved Fruit (Vegan, Gluten Free)
    • Assorted Breakfast Pastries (Vegetarian, Contains Nuts)
    • Sweet butter & gourmet seasonal jams
    • Cage-Free Scrambled Eggs (Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Vegetarian)
    • Pork Sausage (Dairy Free, Gluten Free)
    • Applewood-Smoked Bacon (Dairy Free, Gluten Free)
    • Rosemary Sea Salt Roasted Potatoes (Gluten Free, Vegan)
    • Orange juice & Cranberry Juice
    • Freshly Brewed Regular Coffee
    • Freshly Brewed Decaf Coffee
    • Hot tea
  • Opening Luncheon – Buffet Lunch
    • Frisée & Radicchio Salad – romaine lettuce, watermelon radish, red peppers, cucumber, basil, red wine vinaigrette (gluten-free, vegan)
    • Tabbouleh Salad – quinoa, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, mint, basil, cilantro (gluten-free, vegan)
    • Lemon-Thyme Chicken – lavender pan jus, summer vegetables (gluten-free, dairy-free)
    • Wild Mushroom Ravioli – plant-based Bolognese, fennel pollen, crushed San Marzano tomatoes (vegan)
    • Broccoli Rabe – cippolini onions, rosemary, fig vincotto (gluten-free, vegan)
    • Herb Roasted Marble Potatoes – sea salt, olives, lemon, rosemary (vegan, gluten-free)
    • Salted Caramel Butterscotch Panna Cotta (vegetarian, gluten-free)
    • Iced Tea, coffee & decaf
  • Coffee, tea, and snack breaks
Tuesday, Sept. 30:
  • Buffet breakfast
    • Seasonal Carved Fruit (Gluten Free, Vegan)
    • Assorted Pan Dulce (Vegetarian)
    • Baja Scrambled Eggs with roasted Hatch chiles, caramelized onions (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegetarian)
    • Chorizo Sausage sautéed peppers & onions (Dairy Free, Gluten Free)
    • Birria Chilaquiles with slowly simmered Birria, ranchero sauce, corn tortillas, pickled red onions (Gluten Free)
    • Papas Bravas – diced potatoes, onions, bell pepper, parsley (Dairy Free, Vegetarian)
    • Accompaniments cotija cheese, sour cream, house-made salsa, pickled red onions (Gluten Free, Vegetarian)
    • Orange and cranberry juice
    • Regular and Decaf Coffee
    • Hot tea
  • Government Members’ Lunch – Plated Lunch (for government attendees only)
    • Herb Marinated Chicken Breast heirloom tomato & artichoke ragout (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
    • VEGAN & Gluten-free entrée for those with dietary card: Butternut Squash Pave, Harissa Whipped Tofu, Tri-Colored Quinoa, Bloomsdale Spinach,
    • Chickpea Falafel, Lemon Puree (Vegan, Gluten-free)
    • Roasted Pee Wee Potatoes with Charred Romanesco Cauliflower (Vegan, Gluten Free)
    • Blackberry Key Lime Bar with blackberry caramel sauce (Vegetarian)
    • Roasted Pee Wee Potatoes with Charred Romanesco Cauliflower (Vegan, Gluten Free)
    • Blackberry Key Lime Bar with blackberry caramel sauce (Vegetarian)
    • Chef’s choice of VEGAN/Gluten-free dessert for those with dietary card
    • Iced water on tables
    • Coffee and iced tea service
  • Coffee, tea, and snack breaks
  • Offsite Event
    • Gaslamp Station:
      • Hand-Carved Rosemary Marinated Tri Tip (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Nut Free)
      • Tri-Color Roasted Potatoes (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Nut Free, Vegetarian)
      • Balsamic Demi-Glace( Dairy Free, Nut Free)
      • Caramelized Onions (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Nut Free)
    • Point Loma Station:
      • Mini Old Bay Spiced Crab Cake Sliders with Lemon Aioli and Arugula
      • Clementine Poached Shrimp with Mango Salsa (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Nut Free)
      • California Seafood Chowder
      • Old Town Mexican Station:
      • Carnitas Tacos with Pork Shoulder (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Nut Free)
      • Corn and Flour Tortillas – (Corn Tortilla is Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Nut Free)
      • Black Beans (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Nut Free, Vegetarian/Vegan)
      • Mexican Rice (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Nut Free, Vegetarian/Vegan)
      • Street Corn (Gluten Free, Nut Free, Vegetarian)
      • Avocado Crema (Gluten Free, Nut Free, Vegetarian)
      • Pickled Jalapenos (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Nut Free, Vegetarian)
      • Fire Roasted Salsa (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Nut Free, Vegetarian)
    • Pacific Beach Dessert Station: some desserts may contain nuts
      • Cakes
      • Brownies
      • Mini Confections with a Local Flair
    • Beverages:
      • Open bars
      • Water stations available
      • Coffee station
Wednesday, Oct. 1:
  • Buffet breakfast
    • Seasonal Carved Fruit (Vegan, Gluten Free)
    • Assorted Breakfast Pastries (Vegetarian, Contains Nuts)
    • Sweet butter & gourmet seasonal jams
    • Cage-Free Scrambled Eggs (Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Vegetarian)
    • Pork Sausage (Dairy Free, Gluten Free)
    • Applewood-Smoked Bacon (Dairy Free, Gluten Free)
    • Rosemary Sea Salt Roasted Potatoes (Gluten Free, Vegan)
    • Orange juice & Cranberry Juice
    • Freshly Brewed Regular Coffee
    • Freshly Brewed Decaf Coffee
    • Hot tea
  • Coffee and tea break

Guest registration includes access to social events only. This includes the Sunday evening Welcome Reception and the Tuesday evening offsite event only.

Only registered attendees can book a hotel room. Upon registering, you will receive a registration confirmation email containing the link to make your hotel reservation at the group rate.

Room Rate Update: The NAGDCA Room Block at the Hilton is sold out, but rooms can still be reserved here for a rate of $349 + taxes and fees. A limited number of rooms at the discounted $289 rate may become available if cancellations are made before August 29; however, it is the attendee’s responsibility to check with the hotel and secure or update their reservation.

The Hilton San Diego Bayfront is the host hotel for the NAGDCA Annual Conference. When you reserve your hotel through the link provided by NAGDCA, your reservation is secure. NAGDCA has not authorized any travel companies to make reservations on members’ behalf. Please do not share your credit card or personal information with unauthorized hotel solicitors or fraudulent websites.

All sessions and conference activities will take place at the host hotel, Hilton San Diego Bayfront, aside from the Offsite Event on Tuesday evening.

Yes, please click here to review the Conference Code of Conduct prior to registering for the event.

NAGDCA will not provide virtual livestreamed sessions. Recordings and slides of general sessions, and slides from breakout sessions will be available to all NAGDCA members at the beginning of 2026.

Confirmation emails are commonly delivered to junk or spam folders. If you can not locate your confirmation email, please contact registration@nagdca.org to request a resend.

SUBSTITUTIONS

NAGDCA accepts substitutions at any time including onsite. Only one substitution is permitted per original registrant. All substitution requests should be emailed to registration@nagdca.org.

REFUNDS

  • Full Refund – cancel by August 29
  • Full Refund less a $25 administrative fee – cancel between August 30 and September 5
  • No refunds after September 5 unless in the event of a special circumstance such as a serious illness, accident, or death of a family member. Documentation to support the special circumstance (e.g., a physician’s statement) will be required in order to process the refund.

EVENT CANCELLATION

The NAGDCA Annual Conference will be cancelled due to inclement weather or other acts of God if the venue and/or location of the event is closed or provides notice to NAGDCA of its inability to hold the event, or if the local, state or federal government declares an emergency status is in effect for the location of the event. If the NAGDCA Annual Conference is cancelled due to inclement weather or other acts of God as set forth herein, every attempt will be made to reschedule the event and your registration fee will be applied to the rescheduled event date.

If the NAGDCA Annual Conference is cancelled due to inclement weather or other acts of God as set forth herein, and is not rescheduled, your registration fee will be refunded, and sponsor monies will be refunded. Any travel expenses that may have been incurred cannot be refunded by NAGDCA under any circumstances. If the NAGDCA event is held but conditions (whether forecasted or actualized) prohibit you from traveling, NAGDCA cannot refund your registration fee.

Access to advance registration lists is a benefit reserved for Visionary, Premier, and Partner level conference sponsorship packages. A link to access the attendance roster will be sent to the sponsorship point of contact in early June or upon purchase.

All attendees may access the preliminary conference roster utilizing the conference mobile app. Registration lists are provided as a service for conference attendees, offering a convenient way to network with colleagues. The data provided in these lists may not be harvested, sold to others, incorporated into any type of database, used to generate mailing lists, or employed for any promotional purpose.

Business casual attire is appropriate for all conference activities. Please keep in mind, the meeting rooms will be air-conditioned so you may want to bring a blazer or sweater for the sessions.

Yes, please remember to wear your badge while attending all NAGDCA functions. This allows you access to conference sessions, meals, and receptions. Your badge is proof of registration. Without it, you will not be allowed to participate in any conference activities.

Badge holders are magnetized. We will have a small amount of lanyards available for those unable to utilize magnets.

Yes, luggage storage will be available on Wednesday, October 1 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Please note, luggage must be picked up by 12:00 p.m. 

NAGDCA takes photographs and videos during its meetings and events for use in association advertising, newsletters and other promotional materials, whether in print, electronic or other media, including the NAGDCA website. By participating in this conference, you grant NAGDCA the right to use your name, photograph and/or video for such purposes.