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Cultivate Campus Commerce

Do campus business differently. Work smarter, with more impact on student success.

The C3X Annual Conference & Expo brings together over 1,000 leaders in higher education and NACAS Business Partners to share crucial knowledge and forge connections vital to their work.

The 2026 conference will spotlight emerging trends and opportunities, empowering professionals to articulate the significant impact of auxiliary services on student success and campus experiences. With keynote speakers igniting fresh perspectives and interactive sessions challenging conventional thinking, participants will emerge with:

Compelling narratives showcasing the value of auxiliary services in fostering student success.
New potential revenue streams for your organization.
Tactics to boost institutional and student success.
Creative and innovative approaches for talent retention and engagement.
Insights into the future of technology in auxiliary services.
New partnerships and collaborations for life-long connections

At NACAS C3X, be prepared to reimagine the future of auxiliary services and equip yourself with the tools to lead the industry forward.

As a first time attendee, it was a great networking opportunity with like-minded peers. Loved to hear what other universities and colleges are doing in this space. Will definitely attend again.

Karen Gallimore

Assistant Director, Conference & Events Services - University of Toronto, Scarborough

It was truly a fantastic opportunity to learn and grow alongside professionals from all over the country. Throughout the entire conference, I felt a profound sense of place and accomplishment. The sessions were insightful, the discussions were enriching, and the networking possibilities were endless. I am grateful for the experience and am looking forward to applying the knowledge and connections gained to South Carolina.

Joe Fortune

Director, Business Affairs and Contract Management - University of South Carolina

Come to NACAS C3X with a challenge you are facing in mind and I guarantee you will find someone that has overcome it that you could learn from and someone that is struggling more than you that you can help. I also guarantee this to be true regardless of being an institutional member or a business partner.

Jim Dwyer

Vice Chancellor for University Services - Washington University

NACAS has really become a valuable resource for education, idea sharing, innovation, and networking for me very quickly. Even more than these important aspects, the camaraderie that I have experienced has really helped me build a strong community in my profession that I was missing before I joined NACAS.

Ashley Clark

Executive Director of Events Management - Purdue University Northwest

C3X is a great event to attend if you are looking to engage with the decision-makers and
thought leaders responsible for all aspects of the student and facility experience on campus.
The relationships and experiences obtained from spending time on campus are the cornerstone of higher education. The people that attend C3X nurture the world's brightest minds and future leaders. - Jordan Parsons, CEO, Benbria

I have been a member of a number of different higher education professional organizations in my career. I can say, without hesitation, that the colleagues and business partners you meet at NACAS C3X are the most welcoming and genuine of any organization that I've been a part of. - Bill Cox, Associate Director, Texas A&M University

The NACAS C3X conference is not just an event; it’s a transformative experience that equips attendees with knowledge, connections, and inspiration to lead in our field. I look forward to attending again and continuing to grow within this remarkable community. - Jerry Clemmer, Executive Director of Campus Business Services, University of Richmond

NACAS provides a space to not just learn best practices, but also understand what makes them a best practice, the way to properly incorporate into your individual campus, find understand the impact. - Eric Silber, Associate Vice President, Campus Operations, Concordia University Texas

As a business partner, we call NACAS our Super Bowl every year because of the wide array of
decisions makers who attend every year. - Griffin Harrington, CEO, RecRe

Fantastic space to share ideas, learn, and gain excitement and energy for the work we do. - Klara Kovarova, Associate Dean, Residence Life, University of Toronto

Great opportunity to connect, interact, and share with, as well as learn from colleagues and
business partners throughout the higher education/auxiliary services landscape. - Eddie Daniels Assistant Vice President for Business Services, University of Florida

LEADERSHIP COMMITMENT

Over 450 colleges and universities have signed net-zero commitments, reflecting a broad and deep commitment to sustainability.

WHY NOW?

LARGE-SCALE OPERATIONS

Serving 5 billion meals annually in North America, these institutions have a significant environmental footprint and thus a substantial
opportunity to lead by example.

DYNAMIC, FORWARD-THINKING STUDENT POPULATIONS

The innovative and proactive nature of students positions these institutions as pivotal players in driving climate action, fostering a culture of sustainability that can influence broader societal change.

SHIFTING CONSUMPTION

Promoting sustainable consumption patterns to reduce environmental impact.

CENTERING INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE

Integrating traditional Indigenous practices into menus and collaborating with Indigenous food value chains.

REDUCING WASTE

Implementing strategies to minimize food waste and eliminate single-use plastics.

LAB FOCUS AREAS

BUILDING RESILIENT FOOD SUPPLY CHAINS

Prioritizing local and seasonal sourcing, shortening supply chains, and supporting the transition to regenerative practices.

ENERGY AND WATER CONSERVATION

Enhancing conservation efforts within kitchen and dining facilities

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Your C3X registration provides full access to the Climate Action Lab.

Exhibiting at the 2026 NACAS C3X Conference & Expo

The NACAS C3X Conference & Expo is the premier event for companies that serve higher education auxiliary and campus services. With campus decision-makers from across the U.S. and Canada in attendance, C3X provides direct access to the leaders who influence purchasing, partnerships, and long-term strategy. Exhibiting at C3X isn’t just about booth traffic, it’s about building meaningful relationships, strengthening brand visibility, and positioning your company as a trusted partner in enhancing the campus experience.

After selling out two consecutive years, the 2026 Expo Hall is already filling quickly, making early commitment key for companies looking to maximize their exposure and impact.

Premium Exhibit Space

8′ High Draped Backwall — Black
3′ High Draped Siderails — Black
One (1) 6′ Draped Table — Black
Two (2) Side Chairs
One (1) Wastebasket
One (1) 7″ × 44″ Identification Sign with Company Name & Booth Number

CARPET, INTERNET, AND ELECTRICAL ARE NOT INCLUDED.
(These may be ordered through the official decorator.)

Strategic Connections

One (1) Full Conference Registration is included with each 10′ x 10′ booth.
Two (2) Booth Staff Registrations are included per exhibiting company.
- Booth Staff may be upgraded to Full Conference registrations for $600 each.

Full Conference Registration Includes:

Access to the Opening & Closing Receptions
Access to Education & Keynote Sessions
Breakfast and Lunch

Booth Staff Registration Includes:

Access to the Expo Hall only
Access to any meals served in the Expo Hall
Does NOT include access to receptions, education sessions, or keynotes.
- To participate in these events, Booth Staff must upgrade to a Full Conference Registration ($600).

Brand Visibility

Pre- and post-conference attendee lists (Attendees + Business Partners)
Company listing on the C3X website and mobile app

Meet our Exhibitors Connect with the business partners shaping the future of auxiliary and campus services.

FREE KIT DOWNLOAD See where industry leaders have already reserved space and find your spot.

Most PopularGold Sponsorship
              $2,500
              
Two (2) additional booth personnel (with the option to upgrade booth staff to full conference registration for $600 each)
Two (2) additional full conference registrations
Post-conference digital marketing collateral distribution
Scripted app push notifications sent by NACAS
Company logo featured on event signage, mobile app, and conference website (with hyperlink)
Company profile on the conference mobile app
Acknowledgment during Opening Remarks

Silver Sponsorship

$1,000

One (1) additional booth personnel (with the option to upgrade booth staff to full conference registration for $600)
One (1) additional full conference registration
Company logo featured on event signage, mobile app, and conference website (with hyperlink)
Company profile on the conference mobile app
Acknowledgment during Opening Remarks

2026 C3X Call for Programs

NACAS invites you to submit proposals for engaging and innovative sessions that align with our theme, Building a Winning Hand. Just like a well-played game, success in auxiliary services requires strategy, adaptability, and the right mix of resources. We are looking for dynamic presentations that showcase best practices, creative solutions, and impactful leadership strategies that help institutions stack the deck for success. Share your expertise and help shape the future of auxiliary services by contributing to a program that empowers professionals to lead with confidence and build a strong foundation for growth. Submit your proposal today!

Details & Deadlines

February 17: Call for Programs Opens
March 27: Call for Programs Closes
March 30 - April 3: Committee review of submissions
April 7: All speakers will be notified of submission status
June 5: Accepted speakers must register for the conference
July 1: Speakers upload presentation materials

Submission and Session Information

We are seeking education that provides auxiliary services with the information, resources and tools that help guide the future of business operations as well as help students become more engaged in their campus environment, more successful in their college experience, and more likely to stay enrolled in the institution.

Studies show that adult learners respond best to education that provides actionable takeaways, session interaction, and peer to peer engagement. Please indicate how you plan to incorporate these components in your submission to present in one of the formats noted below. Please note that NACAS will provide opportunities for audience response through polling which is one option you can leverage for session interaction.

C3X Session Formats

**Attendees have expressed the desire for more interactive formats with takeaways that can be immediately applied for positive outcomes. As such, priority will be given to submissions that align with formats that foster robust speaker and peer to peer interactivity and tangible takeaways.

**Industry Roundtable discussion

45 Minutes

This session fosters peer to peer learning and engagement. The speaker will present a number of topics (three-five) to the attendees for an open discussion that focuses on solutions (e.g. overcoming staffing challenges, innovative revenue opportunities, leveraging technology advancements, managing inflation).

**Business Case Discussion

45 Minutes

The speaker presents a business operations case scenario highlighting a situation, event, and/or process and take the audience through the journey of how to manage the scenario for best outcomes.

**Point/Counterpoint

45 Minutes

This debate style session will focus on two points of view (supporting and opposing) about an issue or resolution in evolving trends in auxiliary services related to any of the topic areas for this year’s conference. The session should include the two presenters with opposing views and a moderator. The moderator will invite the audience to participate in the questions posed to the presenters.

Panel session

45 Minutes

This multiple presenter format will feature a discussion among three-four panelists. The session facilitator will have 5-10 minutes to walk the audience through an overview of the topic. This will be followed by a robust question and answer discussion among the panelists. The final 15 minutes will be a facilitated audience Q&A.

**In Conversation With

45 Minutes

In this interview-style format, a facilitator and industry expert will have the opportunity to discuss a trending topic and how they have applied knowledge, attitude, and skills for effective results. Ideally, the facilitator will guide the speaker to introduce a scenario where he/she has been able to foster good outcomes. The facilitator will ask pertinent questions and engage the audience in the discussion. Submissions to this format must include the names of both the facilitator and the speaker.

Standard Presentation with Q&A

45 Minutes

The speaker presents a traditional session which includes time for audience question and answer.

Data Analysis

Demonstrating value beyond revenue contribution (story telling)
Data analysis to support decision making
Analysis of cashless vs non cashless

Financial Management

Cost saving measures
Resources for brand new programming
Managing the ongoing increase of cost of labor
Inflation

Revenue Drivers

Alternative revenue streams
- Innovative Solutions (hair services, massage, doggy daycares, breweries)
More revenue opportunities with declining enrollment
Balance of revenue generation and student support services

HR Management

Services for All
Staffing shortages
Employee development (team care, staff engagement & ethical decision making, leadership programs)
Succession planning – next generation of professionals
Recruitment and retention
Multi-generational management (habits of new generation)
Post-pandemic workplace - Crisis/Change Management (Weather, Administration Functions, Legal Updates)
Student employee development - mentorship programs/leadership training
Legal Updates in Higher Education

Operational Areas

Student housing crisis
Future of learning resources
Bookstore operations - equitable access
Digital bookstore (how to manage transition)
Food service (food insecurity)
Parking (policies, revenue challenges, climate control, EV charging)
Meal plan management (DOE proposal)
How to make self-operated services more profitable
Renovations/construction versus inflation and rising labor costs
Card Services, mobile credentials
Central reservation, events, conference and event services
Centralized services
Communication & marketing
Transportation

Technology

How does going digital impact services
AI integration in services and operations

Learning Levels

Emerging Professional (fewer than 5 years experience)
Mid-level (5 plus years with minimal oversight responsibilities)
Senior Executive (5 plus years with multiple oversight and decision making responsibilities)

Proposal Submission

Please include the following:

Session Format: Select among one of the following formats noted above.
Session Title: Limited to 25 words or less
Actionable takeaways: List up to three practical takeaways the audience will gain for immediate action in their practice setting.
Session Description: Provide a summary of the session. Limited to 300 words or less.
Presenter name, title, institution/company, and bio
High-resolution headshot
Learning Level: Note which learning level your session will be designed to reach. See above for descriptions.

Presenter Requirements:

All presenters must register for at least one Day Pass during the conference.
All presenters must plan to attend C3X and cover their own travel costs. Guest rates do not apply.
Exhibiting NACAS Business Partners are welcome to submit sessions. Business Partners who submit are encouraged to co-present with an institution. Business Partner presenters must have an active membership but are not required to exhibit.
Presenters must sign and agree to the NACAS speaker policy.

To submit an abstract please click Submit Abstract. You will need to create an account to complete your submission.

This is not associated with your NACAS login.