NATA 2026 FAQs

On-Site Registration Hours 
PCC, Registration Bridge East 

For your safety and security, NATA does not allow badge reprints.

Airport Transportation
Arriving via Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) – The Pennsylvania Convention Center lies in downtown Philadelphia, and there are several easy ways for attendees to get from PHL to Center City and the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

• Taxi - Average Fare: ~$35 - https://www.phl.org/getting-around/taxis-and-limousines
• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) – Price Varies - https://www.phl.org/to-and-from/taxis-and-limousines/rideshare
• Public Transportation (Commuter Rail/Bus) – Fare: $6.75 one-way - https://www.phl.org/getting-around/public-transportation
• Rental Cars – Price Varies - https://www.phl.org/getting-around/rental-car-information

Daily Convention Shuttle
Select NATA hotels will have shuttle service to the Pennsylvania Convention Center for official NATA convention events. Shuttle service will begin on Monday, June 29 and end on Thursday, July 2. More info about daily shuttles can be found here.

There are many parking options, including garages and surface lots, conveniently located within blocks of the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The rates for parking along the perimeter of the building vary.

Convention Center Parking Facility
If you choose to park at the Convention Center Parking Facility, you can use this coupon for $5 off. Note that this discount does not apply to the Early Bird Special, Night Rate or One-Hour Rate. Printed copies of the coupon will also be available at registration.

Tips & Considerations
• Rates vary significantly depending on the garage, time of day, and whether you reserve in advance — many garages show lower rates on apps when booked ahead.
• For multi-day attendees (e.g. staying for several convention days) -a garage near the Convention Center may run around $30-40/day; reserving early is strongly recommended.
• If you're just coming for a couple of hours or a single session, street parking or short-term garage options might be more economical — but check signage carefully to avoid tickets.

The online registration process includes an opportunity for registrants to request assistance 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. Front-row seats are reserved in all meeting rooms 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 Hall B at the PCC offers scooters for rent at $70/day.  

To have a scooter delivered and picked up from your hotel, order it through the Scootaround.com website.

Friends of Bill W. is available at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, June 29 – Wednesday, July 1. 

Lysol sprays will be provided during Advanced Tracks and Learning Labs to sanitize lab equipment after use. Please use caution if you are sensitive to aerosol products. 

As a first-time NATA convention attendee, you’re embarking on an adventure filled with opportunities to learn and network with your colleagues and friends. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you navigate your first NATA convention.   

Before You Go 

• Review the full convention schedule to familiarize yourself with all the great events and networking opportunities, such as the NATA Happy Hour, District Meetings, Opening Sessions, and Opening Reception (ticket required). Add your favorites to your completely customizable convention schedule in the NATA 2026 app. 

• Peruse the educational programming and add your favorites to your convention schedule.  

• Consider the exhibitors you want to visit at the AT Expo by checking out the floor plan and using the exhibitor listing/booth search.  

• Check out the maps feature to get the lay of the land before arriving in Philadelphia. 

On-Site 

• When you arrive, the first thing you will want to do is pick up your convention registration materials at Express Check-In located in the East Registration Bridge at the PCC. Your registration materials will include your name badge, guest badges, pre-purchased event tickets (if any) and a complimentary drink ticket to use at the NATA Happy Hour. Be sure to have your registration email confirmation and photo ID handy. 

• Stop by the Ribbon Bar to pick up your first-time attendee ribbon. 

• Kick off your convention experience by swinging by the NATA Happy Hour to grab a drink and meet friends (old and new) from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 29, in PCC, Ballroom AB. This is a great opportunity to meet up and network with friends and colleagues.  

• After the NATA Happy Hour, head to your District Meeting from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to connect with your local peers and receive important updates before heading out to enjoy the city. 

• Each morning from Tuesday, June 30 to Thursday, July 2, kick off your day at the 8 a.m. Opening Session to learn about important association updates followed by a compelling keynote address. 

• As you attend your favorite educational programming events and the AT Expo each day, be sure to reserve some time to explore the NATAGear Store, engage with NATA Hall of Fame members at the Hall of Fame booth, liaise with NATA staff and other leaders at ATCentral, advance your career at Career Center Live, and more. 

• Take the family or meet up with friends at the Opening Reception in the Grand Hall at the PCC from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 30 (tickets required). 

All guests must be registered to attend official convention events. See the Guest Policy section of the convention website for details.  

In-person attendees can earn a maximum of 40 CEUs: Up to 15 on-site and the rest – up to 40 total - from NATA 2026 On-Demand. 
 
NATA issues Statements of Credit after the event. Eligible attendees will receive an email with instructions to access and print their statement. Attendees are responsible for verifying the accuracy of their statement and reporting the actual hours spent in educational sessions. For questions, email education@nata.org.

Business or smart casual – dress shirts, polos, blazers, slacks, skirts or clean, dark jeans – is recommended. Attendees in athletic or overly revealing clothing may be asked to change. 

Many sessions include hands-on labs and interactive experiences, so please dress in a way that allows you to fully participate. 

Pro tip: You’ll be doing A LOT of walking so be sure to pack comfortable shoes.  

In late June/early July, the average daily high temperature in Philadelphia is 85°F. They say it’s always sunny in Philadelphia, but we still recommend you pack an umbrella!  

Onsite, payment options for NATA 2026 are limited to credit/debit cards only. We accept American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.

The Pennsylvania Convention Center generally operates as a cashless facility for most transactions, prioritizing credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments (like Apple Pay). Visitors should be prepared with digital payment methods, as cash may not be accepted at food service locations or for on-site services.

The Pennsylvania Convention Center offers two portable “Mamava” lactation suites for nursing mothers to breastfeed infants or to use breast pumps in privacy. The units are self-contained, mobile pods with comfortable benches, an electrical outlet and a door that can be locked for privacy. The 4-foot by 8-foot pod is meant for individual use, but can fit more than one person, including mothers with infants, breast pumps, or luggage. One is positioned near the Concierge Desk on the Convention Center’s second level between Halls A and B and a second unit is located on the street level on the Broad and Arch Concourse. 

If you need a break from the action, you can take a moment to rest and reflect in the Quiet Room, located in room 100A at the PCC.

Stop by the NATA Info Desk in Reg Bridge East to turn in something you’ve found, or to see if your lost item has been turned in. Post-convention, email events@nata.org.  

First aid facilities are located in PCC, 101. 

In the event of an emergency, please dial 911 and provide details of your location within the facility (exhibit hall, meeting room, etc.). Report less emergent safety or security risks to NATA staff at registration.

General Safety Tips
As with any destination, we recommend that conference attendees practice common sense and avoid deserted, non-tourist areas of the city. Always wear your name badge while in the convention center. Don’t wear your name badge out in public. Walk with a buddy whenever possible.

Unsecured Items Policy
Personal belongings shouldn’t be left unattended. Unattended items are subject to removal by security. NATA isn’t responsible for unattended items that are destroyed, damaged or stolen. The Lost & Found is located at the Information counter near registration (PCC, Reg Bridge East).

Center City Public Safety
Throughout Center City Philadelphia, where the Philadelphia Convention Center is located, the Center City District (CCD) provides dedicated Community Service Representatives (CSRs) and Public Safety teams to help create a clean, welcoming, and secure environment. Easily recognized by their distinctive teal uniforms, CSRs patrol on foot and can provide directions, basic first aid, local information, or request police assistance when needed. CCD's bicycle and foot patrols maintain a visible presence throughout high-traffic areas, transit hubs, and parks, working closely with the Philadelphia Police Department, transit police, and emergency services to ensure a coordinated response and enhance public safety for everyone visiting the city.

PCC offers free Wi-Fi in all public spaces and meeting rooms throughout the convention center.  

We encourage you to bring a portable charger as wall power may not be readily available at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.