FAQs

1. What is the NAACP?
   1. Vision: We envision an inclusive community rooted in liberation where all persons can exercise their civil and human rights without discrimination.  
   2. Mission: Our mission is to achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color.
2. How can I support the mission of the NAACP?
   1. The NAACP legacy is long: our work is consistent: to build Black political, social, and economic power to end racial injustice. We encourage you to consider investing in our work through individual giving, becoming a champion for change,  or corporate giving and sponsorship, partner with us by becoming a member,volunteering, or by simply opening your networks and resources.
   2. Every dollar you give to the NAACP, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, and NAACP Empowerment Programs, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is used to push our organization's mission forward. We take pride in utilizing your donations to continue the fight toward Black liberation. 

1. What is the NAACP National Convention?
   1. The NAACP National Convention is an empowering and immersive experience held each year to celebrate our community's collective power. The Convention attracts innovative change-makers, thought-leaders, entrepreneurs, scholars, entertainers, influencers, and creatives to network and exchange ideas.
   2. We gather collectively to foster our intergenerational approach to advocacy. Main stage discussions, workshops, and The Hub connect activists, allies, and entrepreneurs from varying backgrounds who are all committed to the same thing: equality and justice for all.
2. What is this year's Convention theme?

   1. "We, The People"

      This country is governed by the U.S. Constitution, which begins with the reminder "We, The People..." Not the politicians. Not the wealthy. The People. As the country celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026, the NAACP continues to fight for the rights overdue to many. We, The People is a reminder that the equal rights, quality education, accessible healthcare, and diversity, equity, and inclusion we seek are within our reach. And it can't be denied by the corporations, politicians, and foreign forces that stand in our way. 

3. Where will the 117th National Convention take place?
   1. The convention will take place at McCormick Place West located at 2317 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL 60616.
4. Planning to bring your kids to Convention?
   1. Click here to let us know if you'd be interested in childcare services. 

Welcome to Chicago, the city that's Never Done and Never Outdone. Named the Best Big City by Condé Nast Traveler readers for an unprecedented nine consecutive years, Chicago is bursting with world-class culture and a welcoming Midwest spirit. You'll feel right at home as you explore the city's famed bars and restaurants, world-renowned museums, jaw-dropping waterfront, groundbreaking live music scene, award-winning theatres, iconic architecture, and stunning parks and green spaces.  

The city's 77 vibrant neighborhoods are each home to their own inclusive communities and unique vibe, with endless things to do and see around every corner. Chicago's welcoming and inclusive spirit means every visitor feels welcome. 

Chicago is home to 272,000+ businesses, two-global exchanges and 35+ Fortune 500 company headquarters. With its two international airports, 119,000+ daily hotel rooms in the Chicago Metropolitan Area, expansive private-sector workforce, and the largest, most flexible convention center in the United States — McCormick Place — Chicago is the leading meeting and convention destination in the country.  

Come experience what makes Chicago a place unlike any other. 

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!  

NEED REGISTRATION ASSISTANCE? 

If you are a part of the general public and have any registration questions, please contact support by email at NAACPConvention@ConferenceDirect.com or by phone at 888-980-8839. Support is available Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM ET, excluding major holidays. 

1. What are the registration rates for the Convention?
   1. Please visit https://naacp.org/convention/registration    
2. What is included with the National Convention registration?
   1. All paid attendees that purchase a convention registration will have access to plenary sessions, advocacy forums (workshops), Continuing Legal Education (CLE), The Hub (exhibit hall) and:
      1. Required Access Badge
      2. Convention Bag
      3. Mobile App and/or Pocket Guide
      4. Regional Meetings & Morning Snack Break
      5. Welcome Reception hosted by NAACP Leadership
      6. LGBTQIA+ Forum & Reception
      7. Young Professionals Reception (21 - 40 years old)
   2. All youth & college attendees receive benefits, PLUS:
      1. Youth and College Welcome Party
      2. Youth socials
      3. Youth advocacy forums (workshops) and panel sessions  
   3. Adult & Youth Delegates Only – receive complimentary box lunch during the Resolutions Plenary Session on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
3. How do I register for the convention?
   1. Registration opens in April. For the convention choose the registration option that you would like on the registration page. Most people will fall into the delegate/alternate or observer category. Please keep in mind that youth registration is for Youth & College members/attendees who are 25 and under.
4. What is the advance registration deadline?
   1. Advance registration ends June 1, 2026.    
5. Are you offering a virtual registration option?
   1. We are not offering virtual registration this year.
6. What methods of payment are accepted?
   1. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and ACH (e-check) payments.
7. If a person is not a delegate, what rate do they pay?
   1. Non-delegates/alternate delegates must register at the general public/observer registration rate.   
8. Can a state conference or a unit attend the National Convention if they are non-compliant?
   1. Yes! Please register as an observer/general public attendee.
9. Do you need a code to register delegates?
   1. No. Delegate registration does not require a code. The link to register was sent to the compliant unit and state conference secretaries listed in the member portal.   
10. Can my state conference or unit attend the National Convention if we are not compliant?
    1. Yes, register as an observer (general public) attendee.   
11. I've updated my membership, and it is showing as an active member in my portal but not showing the membership rate.
    1. We do not have a member rate. We have a registration rate for delegates and observers (non-delegates/general public). If you are a member trying to register as a delegate, please contact your State Conference, Area State Conference or Unit Secretary.   
12. Do you offer group registration discounts or registration packages?
    1. We do not offer group registration discounts or registration packages.   
13. WAIVERS
    1. All attendees of the National Convention must acknowledge and agree to all waivers. If you are registering a group, the attendee confirmation will be in pending status until the waivers are approved.    
    2. All attendees must agree to their own convention waivers, parent or legal guardian for attendees 17 and under.  
14. How do I reserve a scooter?
    1. Cloud of Goods is the official scooter rental vendor of the 117th National Convention.
       
       You can reserve a scooter online via their website.   

HOUSING IS OPEN

1. Contact NAACP Housing 
   Reservations can be made online and over the phone. A Maritz Customer Service representative can be reached Monday through Friday 9am-5pm EST.
   1. Attendees who need 1-4 reservations please contact:
      1. Email: NAACP@maritz.com
      2. Phone: 864-541-0755
   2. For groups who need 5-15 reservations including ACT-SO or Youth & College:
      1. Email: NAACPGroup@maritz.com
      2. Phone: 864-208-2574
2. Is a deposit required for reservations?
   1. Yes. When booking your reservation, a credit card will be required to guarantee your room. The hotel has the right to charge a deposit of one (1) night room and tax after the reservation housing deadline occurs on or after June 28, 2026.
3. How do I reserve a block of rooms?
   1. Reservations for five (5) or more rooms can be made:
      1. Online by clicking here
      2. Via email at NAACPGroup@maritz.com
      3. Or via phone at 864-208-2574
   2. Click here for instructions on how to reserve five (5) or more guest rooms.
4. What is the deadline to assign names to my group block?
   1. May 29, 2026 - all names must be assigned to the block. If you do not assign names to your block by this date the rooms will be released back to the hotel.
5. What is the Cancellation Policy?
   1. 72 Hours for Marriott and Hyatt Regency
      A credit card with an expiration date of August 2026 or later is required in order to secure your hotel reservation. Hotel requires a deposit equal to one night's room & tax to hold your reservation. The hotel will charge your card for deposit on or after June 29, 2026. Should a guest cancel a reservation, the deposit will be refunded if notice is received at least 72 hours prior to arrival. If you fail to arrive on the scheduled arrival date the cancellation fee will be charged, and the remaining nights of the reservation will be released by the hotel. 
      
      IMPORTANT! The card you will add to the reservation will be used to hold your room reservation. The hotel may put a temporary hold on the credit card that is provided upon check-in in case of any incidental charges. Be certain to verify your departure date with the hotel front desk upon check-in to avoid an early departure fee.
   2. 48 Hours for the Hiltons at McCormick Place
      A credit card with an expiration date of August 2026 or later is required in order to secure your hotel reservation. Hotel requires a deposit equal to one night's room & tax to hold your reservation. The hotel will charge your card for deposit on or after June 29, 2026. Should a guest cancel a reservation, the deposit will be refunded if notice is received at least 48 hours prior to arrival. If you fail to arrive on the scheduled arrival date, the cancellation fee will be charged, and the remaining nights of the reservation will be released by the hotel. 
      
      IMPORTANT! The card you will add to the reservation will be used to hold your room reservation. The hotel may put a temporary hold on the credit card that is provided upon check-in in case of any incidental charges. Be certain to verify your departure date with the hotel front desk upon check-in to avoid an early departure fee.
6. What is the cut-off date for reservations?
   1. Starting Friday, June 28, 2026. See the Hotel Information Chart for exact cut-off dates.
7. How do I reserve a suite?
   1. Suites are not available at this time. Please check back in early June for availability.
8. Are ADA rooms available?
   1. If you require an ADA room, please make sure all your requests are included in your hotel reservation.
9. What is the Youth & College hotel(s)?
   1. The Hampton Inn & Suites McCormick Place and the Hilton Garden Inn McCormick Place are designated as Youth & College Hotels.
   2. Reservations must be secured via the Youth & College housing link to receive the discounted resort fee.
10. What are the ACT-SO hotel(s)?
    1. The Marriott Marquis Chicago is the host hotel for the 49th National ACT-SO Competition.
    2. Reservations must be secured via the ACT-SO housing link to receive the discounted resort fee.  

The NAACP is committed to ensuring all attendees have the best experience possible.   

The NAACP will make every effort to honor your accommodations request. If you will be attending the 117th NAACP National Convention and require special arrangements and/or disability-related accommodations, please select the appropriate boxes and provide details on the registration and hotel reservation forms. We ask that you register byJune 30 so that we can help make the 117th NAACP National Convention more accessible for you; otherwise, we may not be able to guarantee the availability of arrangements.   

If you have already registered for 117th NAACP National Convention and need to note additional requests, please email NAACPConvention@conferencedirect.com. Please contact us by June 30 so that we can accommodate your needs.  

If you need accommodation once you are on-site at the 117th NAACP National Convention, please visit the 117th NAACP National Convention Registration Desk at McCormick Place West.  

Our staff and volunteers are trained to provide assistance to attendees with disabilities. If you require any disability-related accommodation or assistance during the event, please don't hesitate to ask. 

The NAACP can provide a wide variety of services and resources for in-person and convention attendees.   

McCormick Place West is a fully accessible facility.  

• The facility is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators available for easy navigation between floors.
• Accessible parking spaces are available close to the entrance for attendees with mobility impairments.
• Restrooms are equipped with accessible facilities for individuals with disabilities.
• There is clear signage throughout the Convention Center to aid in navigation.
• Service animals are welcome at the Convention Center. 

How do I make a request for American with Disability Act (ADA) accommodation? 

• Please submit your accommodations request(s) when you register for the 117th National Convention and when you make your hotel reservations.
• If you have already registered for the 117th National Convention and need to note additional requests, please email us at NAACPConvention@conferencedirect.com. Please let us know by June 30 so that we can accommodate your needs.
• If you need accommodation once you are on-site at the 117th National Convention, please visit the NAACP registration desk at McCormick Place West. 

How do I reserve a scooter? 
Cloud of Goods is the official scooter rental vendor of 117th National Convention.
You can reserve a scooter online via their website.

• What does ACT-SO stand for?
  • ACT-SO stands for Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics. It is a vibrant platform where high school students from diverse backgrounds can showcase their skills and talents. With categories ranging from visual arts and business to performing and culinary arts, there is something for everyone. For more information, visit the ACT-SO website.
• Do you have to register for the National Convention to attend ACT-SO?
  • While registration is not mandatory, we highly value your participation and encourage you to register for the National Convention and ACT-SO. Your presence makes a difference!
• Are all ACT-SO competitions open to the public?
  • Not all competitions are open to the public. The following competitions are exclusively for registered guests:
    • Business
    • Culinary Arts
    • Performing Arts
    • Filmmaking (Visual Arts)
    • The Humanities, STEM, and Visual Arts competitions are closed to the public for contestant interviews.  
• What ACT-SO events are live-streamed?
  • If you can't attend in person, you can still be part of the action! The ACT-SO Opening Kick-Off and the 49th NAACP ACT-SO Awards will be streamed live on the NAACP Convention Stream tab.
• Do we have a deadline for ACT-SO Contestants to register?
  • The deadline for ACT-SO contestant registration is June 6.  
• Is the winner's reception open to the public?
  • The winner's reception is not open to the public. However, national ACT-SO medalists receive two guest tickets for their reception.
• How can I find a list of the National ACT-SO Competition winners?
  • The NAACP releases a list of winners immediately after the 49th NAACP ACT-SO Awards.
• How can I donate to support ACT-SO?
  • You can donate to support ACT-SO through the NAACP's website.  
• How do I become an ACT-SO judge?
  • Applications for judging the National ACT-SO Competition are accepted annually from October to May. Prospective judges will receive notification of participation by mid-June. To request an application, email actsojudges@naacpnet.org. 

Everyone attending ACT-SO, the Convention, participating in a convention event, or visiting The Hub MUST be registered. A badge or ticket is required to participate in all convention events.  

1. What are the COVID-19 protocols for the National Convention?  
   1. Based on current COVID-19 trends, the Department of Health and Human Services lifted the Presidential Declaration of a National Public Health Emergency arising from the COVID-19 pandemic on May 11, 2023. Therefore, COVID-19 will no longer be considered a national health emergency. We will continue to monitor trends and act accordingly based on Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance. Learn more here.
   2. Your health and safety remain our top priority while attending the NAACP Convention and all NAACP events. COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are strongly recommended.  
   3. NAACP recommends that all attendees be fully vaccinated in accordance with the CDC guidelines. Boosters are strongly recommended but are not required.  
   4. Wearing facial coverings throughout the 117th National Convention is also recommended but is not required.    
   5. If you become ill before attending the convention, please stay home and contact your healthcare provider for the safety and well-being of yourself and others. If you feel ill on-site, please self-isolate immediately and contact your healthcare provider.  Should you need a medical professional, we will have EMTs on-site at the convention center who can attend to your medical needs. 

1. How do media register for the National Convention?
   1. All media will need to complete an application to be considered for credentials at the 117th NAACP National Convention. Once your application is approved, you will receive registration instructions. Media will have access to most sessions during the convention and a media center for exclusive interviews. For additional questions, please email communications@naacpnet.org. 

1. What dates are regional meetings taking place?
   1. Regional Meetings are taking place Monday, July 20, and Tuesday, July 21.
2. What is the HUB?
   1. Get ready for the ultimate hotspot for innovation, empowerment, and cultural celebration! TheHUB is a vibrant, buzzing space designed to ignite action and spark meaningful connections.
   2. This year, it's bigger and better than ever, bringing together diverse organizations, businesses, and community leaders who are all about championing equity and justice. From hands-on activities and live demos to immersive exhibits, there's something for everyone — kids, families, and grown-ups alike!  
   3. We're shining a spotlight on Chicago's rich culture and incredible talent, amplifying local voices while elevating national initiatives. Plus, don't miss dynamic main stage conversations and panels featuring thought leaders, activists, and experts who are making waves in social justice and equality.
   4. The HUB isn't just a space — it's a vibe, a movement, and a call to action. Join us and be part of something extraordinary!
   5. Interested in becoming a vendor? Email exhibits@naacpnet.org.
3. Where can I access post-convention virtual content?
   1. On the NAACP YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/NAACP 

1. How do I get information about sponsorship opportunities for the 117th National Convention?
   1. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Development at sponsorconvention@naacpnet.org. 

1. Will the NAACP offer an airport shuttle free of charge for attendees?
   1. No, attendees are on their own for securing their airport to hotel transportation.  

1. How do I register as a volunteer for the 117th National Convention?
   1. Volunteers are managed by the host Branch or State Conference. Volunteering does not provide complimentary access to all benefits and events at the National Convention. It is our preference that volunteers are local. We do not provide any accommodation or transportation assistance. Please click here to sign up to volunteer.
2. Are volunteers paid for their time?
   1. No. We do not compensate volunteers.
3. Are volunteers offered free convention registration?
   1. No. Volunteers will receive a credential and a volunteer t-shirt. If a volunteer would like to attend the parts of or the entire convention, they must register and pay a fee.
4. Does the NAACP provide travel, housing, and/or parking for volunteers?

   1. The NAACP does not provide travel or housing for volunteers. We encourage all volunteers to use public transportation to reach McCormick Place.

      The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers an extensive network of bus and "L" train routes, providing an affordable and environmentally friendly way to travel from anywhere in the city. The Metra Electric Line also offers convenient access, with a station located inside the McCormick Place Grand Concourse. This line runs from downtown Chicago south to University Park, IL.

      Chicago taxis are very familiar with the McCormick Place campus, and rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber include multiple campus locations in their apps (use the West Building's Gate 40 for the quickest pickup and drop-off). Bike-sharing options are also available on campus.

      For more information, please visit: https://www.mccormickplace.com/getting-here/public-transportation/

5. What meals are covered or offered to volunteers?
   1. Meal vouchers are provided for every four (4) hours of work/day.
6. Can I select the events I'd like to volunteer for?
   1. No. Volunteer assignments are determined based on availability, ADA needs, and comfort levels.  

1. Where can I find the most up to date information about the 117th National Convention?
   1. The National Convention website www.naacp.org/convention will have the most up-to-date information on registration and the conference schedule.  
2. Who do I contact if I need registration assistance for the 117th National Convention?
   1. For information related to registration for the 117th National Convention, please contact our registration support team at NAACPConvention@conferencedirect.com or by phone at 888-980-8839. Support is available Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM ET, excluding major holidays. 
   2. Due to the volume of inquiries, response times may vary but we try to respond to all requests within 72 hours. 
3. Who do I contact if I need assistance with securing a hotel room block? 
   Reservations can be made online and over the phone. A Maritz Customer Service representative can be reached Monday through Friday 9am-5pm EST.
   1. Attendees who need 1-4 reservations please contact:
      1. Email: NAACP@maritz.com
      2. Phone: 864-541-0755
   2. For groups who need 5-15 reservations including ACT-SO or Youth & College:
      1. Email: NAACPGroup@maritz.com
      2. Phone: 864-208-2574

1. Who do I contact if I need registration assistance for the 117th National Convention?  
   1. For information related to registration for the 116th National Convention, please contact our registration support team at NAACPConvention@conferencedirect.com or by phone at 888-980-8839. Support is available Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - :00 PM ET, excluding major holidays.
   2. Due to the volume of inquiries, response times may vary but we try to respond to all requests with 72 hours.