NACAC College Fairs 2026

The NACAC College Fair 2026 will kick off in January and will bring together representatives from hundreds of colleges and universities from across the United States. These fairs are designed to give students direct access to admissions teams and first-hand information about institutions they are considering or may not yet have discovered.

Why Attend a NACAC College Fair?

Attending a NACAC College Fair gives students the opportunity to:

• Ask questions directly to admissions representatives

• Learn more about academic programmes, scholarships, and campus life

• Discover schools you may not yet have considered

• Demonstrate your interest: many colleges track engagement, and attending events like this can positively influence your admissions process. Visit the DEMONSTRATING INTEREST page to learn about additional strategies that can effectively help you register your interest to colleges.

Whether you are in the early stages of exploration or refining your shortlist, these fairs provide valuable insights that are difficult to gain elsewhere.

2026 NACAC College Fair Dates and Locations

Students are encouraged to mark their calendars and attend the location that best suits them:

Atlanta
The NACAC National College Fair – Atlanta will take place on 25 January 2026, at the Georgia International Convention Center.

Miami
The NACAC National College Fair – Miami will take place on 1 March 2026, at the Miami Airport Convention Center.

Boston
The NACAC National College Fair – Boston will take place on 27 & 28 April 2026, at the Hynes Convention Center.

We strongly encourage students to attend and make the most of this occasion to connect with institutions, ask meaningful questions, and explore the pathways available to them.

CLICK HERE to view the list of additional locations and to learn more about these upcoming events.

COLLEGE FAIR DO's & DONT's

Below is a practical guide to help you navigate your next college fair with confidence discussing what to do, what to avoid, and how to make every interaction count.

✅ Dos

• Do research colleges in advance. Choose which colleges from the ones attending interest you the most and create a visit plan to optimize your time at the fair.

• Review each school’s majors, size, location, and admissions priorities so conversations feel purposeful rather than generic.

• Do prepare a short introduction.

• Practice a 15–20 second summary that includes your name, high school, grade level, academic interests, and one specific area of curiosity.

• Do ask thoughtful, specific questions.

• Ask about programs, research opportunities, advising models, internships, or campus culture rather than facts listed on the website.

• Do bring a notebook or phone notes. Write down names, advice, and follow-up steps immediately after each conversation. Do collect contact information. Ask for a business card or confirm the best way to follow up after the fair.

• Do dress neatly and appropriately. Business-casual attire signals seriousness and respect, even though formal clothing is not required.

• Allow the representative to finish speaking, maintain eye contact, and respond thoughtfully.

• Do follow up after the fair by sending a brief thank-you email referencing a specific part of the conversation to reinforce interest.

🚫 Don’ts

• Don’t ask questions easily answered online.

• Avoid questions about application deadlines, acceptance rates, or basic requirements unless clarification is needed.

• Don’t dominate the conversation.

• Keep responses concise so the representative can engage meaningfully and help other students as well.

• Don’t criticize other schools or your current school. Professionalism matters, and negativity reflects poorly on judgment.

• Don’t bring parents into the initial conversation.

• Don’t collect materials without engagement. Flyers matter far less than genuine interaction and name recognition.

SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK...

Thoughtful questions can create string first impressions; here are a few sample questions:

1. What opportunities exist for undergraduates to get involved in research, internships, or hands-on projects early on?

2. What support systems are in place if someone struggles academically or socially?

3. What’s something about your institution that students often discover after enrolling?

4. Are there opportunities to combine STEM with fields like business, public policy, or design? (or questions about majors of your interest)

5. How common is it for undergraduates to participate in biology or health-related research?