NATA 2026: Know Before You Go
We’re days away from the 77th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo June 29-July 2 in Philadelphia. To help you prepare and get the most out of your NATA 2026 experience, here’s some reminders and need-to-know information. Keep reading so you can hit the ground running and navigate convention like a pro – no matter if this is your first or 15th time attending.
Before Convention Starts
Download the NATA 2026 App
From maps and handouts to the schedule and AT Expo exhibitor list, it call can be found in the NATA 2026 app. If you haven’t already done so, download the NATA 2026 app, and start outlining your convention experience. Note: Some features, such as bookmarking your favorite sessions and exhibitors, require creating a profile.
Navigating Airport Transportation
If you’re flying into Philadelphia International Airport, there are several ways you can navigate to Center City and the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC), where NATA 2026 is taking place. If you head there by taxi, you can expect a fare around $35, while public transportation, including commuter rail and bus, will run you $6.75. Of course, the cost of rideshares and rental cars will vary.
What Are You Going to Wear?
As previously outlined in the “Don’t Forget To Pack” post, the recommended attire for NATA 2026 is business or smart casual. This includes dress shirts or blouses, polos, blazers, slacks, skirts and dark jeans. The goal is to balance comfort with the professional nature of the meeting.
Keep in mind that many sessions include hands-on labs and interactive learning experiences. Dress comfortably and in a way that allows you to participate so you can make the most of your convention experience.
And don’t forget your comfortable walking shoes.
Keep an Eye on the Weather
In addition to your comfortable walking shoes, you may want to also pack an umbrella. This time of year, the average temperature in Philadelphia is 85 and sunny; however, that doesn’t mean the possibility of rain isn’t on the horizon.
Stop By Registration
The first thing you’ll want to do is pick up your registration materials in the Express Check-In, located in the PCC East Registration Bridge. Your registration packet will include your name badge, any guest badges and pre-purchase event tickets and a complimentary drink ticket to use at the NATA Happy Hour, taking place from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. June 29. Be sure to have your registration email confirmation and photo ID ready.
Registration is open:
- 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. June 29
- 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 30
- 7:30 a.m. to noon July 1
- 7:30 a.m. to noon July 2
Also, it’s not too late to sign up to volunteer at convention. Go to Volunteer Check-In, also in Registration Bridge East, and see what shifts are available. Volunteers who serve eight hours or more will be reimbursed a portion of their registration fees.
Special Accommodates Are Available
The online registration process included the ability to request assistance to be able to fully participate (mobility, hearing, vision, etc.) in official convention events. If requested, NATA staff will contact you for details.
Wheelchair-accessible seating is available in all meeting rooms, and the front-row seats are reserved for those who need to sit close to the stage.
If you need to rent a mobility scooter during convention, the Unconventional Gift Shop located outside PCC, Hall B, offers scooters for rent for about $70 a day. To have a scooter delivered and picked up from your hotel, you can order one through Scootaround.com.
Friends of Bill W. is available at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown from 7 to 9 p.m. June 29-July 1.
Plan Where You Want To Explore
As four local ATs shared earlier in the year, Philadelphia has a lot to offer as far as entertainment, food and things to do – especially the week NATA is in the city. See what they recommend and create your own must-see Philly list.
Review the Policies
Before you start your convention experience, be sure to review the NATA 2026 policies, including the guest policy, badge reprint policy, unsecure items policy and privacy policy, among others.
Also, just a reminder that this is a cashless event and PCC, in general, operates as a cashless facility. On-site NATA 2026 payment options are credit and debit cards only, with American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa being accepted. PCC accepts credit and debit cards as well as NFC mobile payments, such as Apple Pay.
During Convention
Getting Around – Shuttle and Parking
Select NATA hotels will have shuttle service to PCC for official NATA convention events. Shuttle service will begin June 29 and end July 2. You can access the shuttle schedule in the NATA 2026 app, under “General Information.”
If you’re driving yourself, there are several parking options near the convention center, including garages and surface lots. Rates for parking around PCC will very, however, you can often snag a deal if you book your parking garage space in advance – just check out their app.
Pickup Your Ribbons and Fill Your Water Bottle
Before you head to your first event, be sure to swing the ribbon wall located in PCC, Registration Bridge East. From your practice setting and professional interest to milestones, such as newly BOC certified or first-time attendee, there’s a variety of ribbons offered for attendees to attached to their badges.
Also, water bottle refill stations are provided throughout PCC. Bring your own bottle so you can stay hydrated throughout NATA 2026.
Stay Connected
Conventiongoers can access free Wi-Fi in all public spaces and meeting rooms throughout the convention center. However, we encourage attendees to bring a portable charger as wall power may not be readily available.
Get Connected
Located in the AT Expo, among the 250-plus exhibitors, is AT Central. As the place to celebrate member milestones, AT Central brings together community and support in one space. Stop by to chat with NATA Membership Services and Government Affairs staff, get your free professional headshot and explore NATA programs including ATs Care, Member Perks and the NATA Political Action Committee. NATA volunteer leaders will also be there to answer your volunteering-related questions. AT Alliance partners will also be nearby, furthering your opportunity to connect with leaders in the profession.
Keep the Equipment Clean
Several Learning Labs will be held throughout convention, giving attendees hands-on learning experiences like no other. Learning Labs are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and limited to 150 attendees.
Equipment for the Learning Labs will be provided as will Lysol sprays that can be used to sanitize the equipment after use.
Need Help Finding Something?
Whether you’re looking for a room or the lost and found, the NATA Info Counter, in Registration Bridge East, is here to help. (Note: After convention, you’ll need to email the NATA Events Department for lost items.)
Some other helpful locations to keep in mind:
- First aid facilities are located outside PCC, Hall D.
- The Quiet Room is located in PCC, 100A, and offers a space to rest and reset.
- Portable “Mamava” lactation suites are located near the PCC Concierge Desk on the second level between Halls A and B and on the street level on the Broad and Arch Concourse. The units are self-contained, mobile pods with comfortable benches, an electrical outlet and a door that can be locked for privacy.
Your Personal Safety
As with any destination, we recommend that conference attendees practice common sense while traveling. Avoid deserted areas and walk with a buddy when possible. While you’ll be required to wear your name badge when you’re in the convention center, it should be removed when you’re in public.
If there is an emergency, dial 911 and provide details of your location in convention center, such as “exhibit hall” or “meeting room.” Less emergent safety or security risks should be reported to NATA staff at Registration.
Your After-Convention Checklist
After returning home from NATA 2026, there are still a few things to do or keep in mind:
- Be sure to fill out your speaker evaluations by the July 17 deadline. They can be found in the NATA 2026 app.
- NATA will issue your Statement of Credit by the end of July. Read the NATA Now for more information about your in-person and on-demand Statements of Credit.
- Your convention experience continues with NATA 2026 On-Demand July 31-Dec. 31. Watch recorded sessions from Philly and earn up to 25 CEUs.
- The post-convention survey will be sent to attendees in the coming days. Respondents can enter to win complimentary registration to the 78th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo June 21-24, 2027, in New Orleans.
