Schedule & Speakers

National Leadership Conference Bag Policy

FCCLA is enforcing a strict bag policy for all General Sessions of the National Leadership Conference. This policy helps support a safe environment and an efficient entry process for thousands of attendees.

Only bags measuring 14” x 14” x 6” or smaller are permitted. All bags are subject to inspection by FCCLA, convention center, and security personnel prior to entry. Attendees are highly encouraged to review and confirm that their bag meets the size requirements before arriving at General Sessions.

The bag policy requirements include:

• Size Restriction: Bags may not exceed 14” x 14” x 6”.
• Permitted Bags: Any bag within the size limit is permitted, including backpacks, drawstring bags, cinch sacks, crossbody bags, sling bags, tote bags, purses, and laptop bags.
• Prohibited Bags: Any bag exceeding 14” x 14” x 6” is not permitted inside General Sessions.
• Bag Size Verification: Multiple bag sizing signs will be located outside the General Session area to help attendees confirm that their bags meet the 14” x 14” x 6” size requirement. If a bag is not clearly within the permitted dimensions, attendees may be asked to verify the bag’s size before entry.
• Bag Check: Complimentary bag check will be available for bags that exceed the permitted size limits. Bag check will open 30 minutes prior to doors opening for each session and remain available for pickup for 30 minutes following the conclusion of the session.
• Security Screening: All bags are subject to inspection prior to entry.
• Personal Belongings: Attendees are responsible for their personal belongings. FCCLA recommends leaving unnecessary valuables in hotel rooms whenever possible.
• Medical & Family Exceptions: Medical equipment bags, mobility device bags, and diaper bags are permitted and may be subject to security screening.
• To help reduce wait times and improve traffic flow at bag check, FCCLA recommends that each chapter designate one (1) adult representative to drop off and pick up checked bags on behalf of the group.

NLC General Sessions are as follows:

• Opening General Session | Monday, July 6
• National Officer Candidate Speeches | Tuesday, July 7
• Business Session | Wednesday, July 8
• Member Recognition Session | Wednesday, July 8
• Adviser Recognition Session | Thursday, July 9
• STAR Events Finalist Session | Friday, July 10
• Closing General Session | Friday, July 10

GENERAL SESSIONS

At the National Leadership Conference, attendees will experience a series of inspiring and impactful general sessions led by the National Executive Council. These sessions will feature keynote speakers, award presentations, member and adviser recognitions, and exciting events like the Fashion Show, STAR Events recognition, and National Officer elections. Each session is designed to celebrate accomplishments, conduct essential business, and build momentum for the upcoming year. Don't miss the opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate with FCCLA Members and Leaders from across the nation!

• Opening General Session

  Monday, July 6, 2026
  6:00 – 9:00 PM (Doors open at 5:00 PM)

  Join us as we kick off the National Leadership Conference with the National Executive Council. Key events occurring during this session include:

  • Introductions of Current National Officers
  • Presentation of Awards
  • Keynote Speaker – Magie Cook
  • Introduction of the National Officer Candidates
• Top 20 National Officer Candidate Speeches

  Tuesday, July 7, 2026
  1:00 – 2:00 PM (Doors open at 12:30 PM)
  and 2:15 – 3:15 PM

  • Listen to the top 20 National Officer Candidate speeches prior to the 2026-2027 National Officer Elections.
• Business Session

  Wednesday, July 8, 2026
  10:00 – 11:00 AM (Doors open at 9:30 AM)

  The National Executive Council conducts the organization's official business, reporting on key topics to all members and facilitating the vote on proposed bylaw amendment(s) approved through the National Board of Directors. All attendees are welcome.

  Key events occurring during this session include:

  • Official Business and Reports
  • Voting on Proposed Bylaw Amendment(s)
• Member Recognition

  Wednesday, July 8, 2026
  6:00 – 9:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)

  Join the National Executive Council and peers from across the nation to celebrate the successes of outstanding accomplishments of fellow members, and chapters. Key events occurring during this session include:

  • Presentation of Awards including Member of the Year Award
  • Say Yes to FCS Signing Ceremony
  • Skill Demonstration Event and Challenge Test Awards
• Adviser Recognition, Fashion Show, & Knowledge Bowl Finals

  Thursday, July 9, 2026
  6:00 – 9:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)

  Join the National Executive Council and peers from across the nation to honor the outstanding accomplishments of chapter advisers, and their chapters. Key events occurring during this session include:

  • FCCLA/ LifeSmarts Knowledge Bowl Final Round
  • Presentation of Awards including Adviser of the Year Award
  • Fashion Show
  • 2026-2027 National Officer Introductions
• STAR Events Finalist Session

  Friday, July 10, 2026
  9:00 – 11:30 AM (Doors open at 8:30 AM)

  FCCLA will recognize the top ten STAR Event finalists from each event at each level. Come cheer on these finalists and support their hard work throughout the year, and see the top three in each event and each level receive recognition and applicable scholarships.

• Closing General Session

  Friday, July 10, 2026
  4:00 – 5:30 PM (Doors open at 3:30 PM)

  Join us as we close out the conference with these key events:

  • Scholarship presentations
  • Say farewell to the 2025-2026 National Executive Council
  • Welcome the incoming 2026-2027 National Executive Council
  • Conference in Review
  • Special Entertainment

Conference Speakers and Presenters

At the National Leadership Conference, attendees will have the unique opportunity to be inspired by an exceptional keynote speaker and engaging workshop presenters.

• Keynote Speaker

  Magie Cook

  Award-winning keynote speaker Dr. Magie Cook energizes audiences to face challenges head-on to unlock hidden opportunities. 

  As a successful Latina businesswoman, Magie was the CEO and founder of Maggie’s All-Natural Fresh Salsa’s & Dips, a company that grew into a multi-million-dollar business within 4 years and distributed products across 38 states to major supermarkets such as Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Whole Foods, and many more.

  Her personal journey to success didn’t come easy. From her childhood and throughout her young adulthood, Magie had to overcome a number of economic and business setbacks that forced her to get resourceful and look for other paths to reach her goals.

• Workshop Presenters

  Stay tuned for the announcement of dynamic workshop presenters who will bring their expertise and passion to sessions designed to educate and empower attendees. Check back soon for updates!

Mobile App

National FCCLA has a new conference app, FCCLA Events, for the 2026 National Leadership Conference. As we get closer to the conference, you will receive an email (to the email identified in your NLC registration) to download and sign in to the FCCLA Events app. The app will be the go-to location for the most current conference schedule and other pertinent information:

• Speaker/Presenter bios and information
• Description of each session offered
• Maps of the conference location
• Exhibitor and Sponsor information
• National Officer Candidate photos and bios
• And more

A unique email will be needed per attendee to access the conference app. Ensure each student has an email they can access over the summer that is unique to them. This email needs to be included in the registration process for FCCLA to load into the conference app.