Special Events at NATA 2026
Subject to change.
AT Central
Tuesday, June 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday, July 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
PCC, AT Expo
AT Central is your must-visit hub inside the AT Expo. Stop by to connect with NATA Membership Services and Governmental Affairs staff, update your professional headshot and explore programs such as ATs Care. Meet with volunteer leaders for guidance on submitting proposals for convention sessions or the Journal, support the profession by donating to NATAPAC and visit Member Perks Providers to discover new ways to save money just by being a member. Strategic Alliance partners will also be nearby, offering a unique, comprehensive opportunity to connect with key players across the profession in one place.
This is also the place to pick up the NATA 2026 T-shirt and celebrate member milestones and achievements. AT Central brings community, support and opportunity together in one dynamic space. Be sure to stop by!
Wednesday, July 1
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
PCC, room TBD
Keynote speaker: Linda Mazzoli, MS, LAT, ATC
The Chuck Kimmel NATAPAC Luncheon is the premier event and annual fundraiser for the NATA Political Action Committee (NATAPAC). Attendees get to hear from an exciting keynote speaker, enjoy a plated lunch and network with AT leaders and HOF members, all while supporting NATAPAC advocacy!
Tickets must be purchased in advance. Sponsored tickets must be assigned by purchaser and will not be allocated by staff.
2026 Ed Lecerte Bone Marrow Registry Drive
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 30-July 2
The Free Communications Program is a platform where athletic trainers have the opportunity to present their research and clinical case studies for the first time during the NATA Convention. With over 9,000 oral and poster presentations to date, this program showcases the latest research in athletic training. Abstracts selected by the Free Communications Committee are published in the supplement to the Journal of Athletic Training and are featured at the NATA Convention through engaging rapid fire or poster presentations. Be sure to check out the session schedule in the app for these exciting presentations!
7:30–10:30 p.m. EST | Monday, June 29 | Philadelphia, PA
Get ready to roll, rock, and relive the 90’s!
Join the NATA Research & Education Foundation for an unforgettable night of bowling, live music, great food, and fundraising as we celebrate 35 years of advancing the athletic training profession.
Rock & Bowl at Lucky Strike Philadelphia brings together unlimited bowling, interactive games, and high-energy live entertainment from The Flying Ivories, a dueling piano act playing your favorite 90’s hits. Whether you’re hitting the lanes, singing along in the lounge, or catching up with colleagues, there’s something for everyone.
Break out your best 90’s outfit or band T-shirt and help us celebrate this milestone anniversary in style!
Why Should You Attend?
- 3 Hours of Non-Stop Fun: Bowl to your heart’s content, dance and sing along to 90’s classics from dueling pianos, challenge friends at pool and ping pong, and enjoy a lively, social atmosphere.
- Food & Drinks Included: Enjoy a pizza and fajita buffet, plus an open bar featuring beer, wine, and soda throughout the evening.
- Exciting On-Site Fundraising Games: Take part in a wine pull, browse and bid in the silent auction, and join in additional fun games—all supporting a great cause.
- Support a Worthy Cause: All proceeds benefit the NATA Foundation, helping fund research, scholarships, and educational programs that strengthen the future of athletic training.
Important Information
- Limited Tickets Available: Space is limited- tickets must be purchased by June 15. Be sure to secure yours when registering for NATA 2026.
- Why You Shouldn’t Miss It: Celebrate 35 years of impact, connect with colleagues, enjoy a high-energy night out, and support the profession- all in one unforgettable evening.
For more information, visit the NATA Foundation website.
Gary Vitti NBATA Blood Drive
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
July 1
NATA Happy Hour
5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Monday, June 29
Pick up your convention badge at registration and kick off your convention experience by grabbing a free drink at the NATA Happy Hour attendee reception from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. June 29 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC). One complimentary beverage (beer, wine, soda or water) per paid registrant. Additional beverages available for purchase.
NATA District Meetings
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 29
Hear from your district leadership and connect with peers from your area during the NATA District Meetings.
12:45 to 2:45 p.m. EST Wednesday, July 1
Join us at the NATA Foundation’s Distinguished Scholars Presentation to engage with groundbreaking research and celebrate the achievements of the NATA Foundation’s award recipients. This session offers athletic trainers a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research from leading health care professionals and to hear presentations from esteemed athletic training speakers. Don’t miss out on this dynamic exchange of knowledge, featuring presentations from top representatives of organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine, American Medical Society of Sports Medicine, and American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.
Additionally, we’ll be celebrating the NATA Foundation’s 2026 research award recipients and Free Communications awards—an event you won’t want to miss!
Tuesday, June 30
1 to 2:30 p.m.
PCC, room TBD
Join us as we celebrATe the outstanding athletic trainers and volunteers whose leadership, service and dedication have made a meaningful impact on our profession and the association. Together, we’ll honor our peers and recognize their exceptional contributions to athletic training.
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST Tuesday, June 30
Be part of the NATA Foundation’s Mentor Meetup, a unique gathering for participants of our 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 Mentorship Programs! This engaging event offers the perfect opportunity to connect with peers, share goals and accomplishments, and build meaningful professional relationships. Celebrate collaboration, advocacy, and mentorship as you network with fellow participants and AT leaders and strengthen your ties within the athletic training community.
Advanced registration is required. Event and registration details can be found on the NATA Foundation website.
NATA 2026 Opening Reception
7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 30
3 to 3:45 p.m. EST Wednesday, July 1
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect and celebrate at the Pinky Newell Scholarship and Student Leadership Reception, hosted by the NATA Research & Education Foundation. This premier networking event honors the NATA Foundation’s scholarship recipients, Deloss Brubaker Awardees for Student Writing, and NATA Bobby Gunn Student Leadership Award recipients. This reception promises an unforgettable time of recognition and connection. Secure your spot when registering for NATA 2026—or add it to your existing registration. Sign up now and be part of this special celebration!
Monday, June 29
Time: (committee day schedule is still TBD)
Location TBD
The State Leadership Forum brings together state leaders from across the country to network, receive leadership-focused training and education tailored to state associations and connects them to peers facing similar challenges.
Invitation only.*
Secondary School
The NATA Secondary School Athletic Trainers' Committee (SSATC) Town Hall provides athletic trainers in or interested in the secondary school setting a place to network and interact. SSATC will provide updates and information on committee initiatives as well as ways to get involved. The 2026 Servant’s Heart Award and Athletic Trainer of the Year district and national winner will also be celebrated.
Early Professionals
Join the NATA Early Professionals’ Committee (EPC) as they host their first standalone Town Hall to highlight accomplishments from the past year, recognize the Early Professionals’ Excellence Award recipient and engage directly with ATs in the first six years of certification. This town hall provides a dedicated space to network with peers, learn about new resources and help shape the committee’s priorities for the year ahead. Come ready with questions and ideas on how NATA can better support your growth and success within the profession.
Career Advancement
The NATA Career Advancement Committee (CAC) will host its first standalone Town Hall at NATA 2026 to connect with athletic trainers certified for seven to 12 years, recognize the 2026 NATA CAC National Distinction Award recipient, and highlight resources for career-advancing professionals. Gain practical insights, connect with peers, and leave energized with new ideas and connections.