NACAS C3X - NACAS

2026C3Xlogo-green

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.