FCCLA

National Leadership Conference

Resources

Get Ready for the 2026 National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.!

Registration is now open in the FCCLA Portal

Get ConneCTEd by joining FCCLA in Washington, D.C. this summer from July 6 - July 10 at the 2026 National Leadership Conference!  This year’s conference is especially meaningful as we gather in the nation’s capital during the celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary!  

All affiliated members and advisers are invited to attend! Centered around the theme “ConneCTEd,” this inspiring event will bring together thousands of FCCLA Members, Advisers, and Guests from across the country. Attendees will have the chance to network with peers, explore the nation’s capital, and take part in engaging, hands-on workshops that will leave you feeling empowered and motivated to lead.

You will also hear from renowned speakers who will share their journeys and insights, sparking new ideas and passions. Throughout the conference, you will build essential skills like effective communication, team-building, and problem-solving—tools that will serve you well not only in FCCLA but throughout your life and career.

Do not miss this incredible opportunity to grow as a leader, make lifelong connections, and experience all that Washington, D.C., has to offer. Get ready to stay ConneCTEd in D.C.—and make 2026 a conference to remember!

← To learn more about the conference, select the specific pages to the left. 

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

    NEW - Chat With Rosie! 🦙

    Have questions about the 2026 National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.? Try the new Chat with Rosie interactive resource!

    Rosie is ready to help you navigate registration, hotel information, schedules, special events, travel planning, packing tips, and even create personalized tools such as fundraising and justification letters. Whether you are preparing for your first NLC or returning for another unforgettable year, Rosie is here to support your conference experience. For all Competitive Events–specific questions, please contact your FCCLA State Adviser or National Staff for the most accurate guidance.

    Registration Deadlines

    FEBRUARY 27, 2026

    • The Top 40 Knowledge Bowl teams must confirm National Championship participation by completing the RSVP Form.

    MARCH 2, 2026

    • National Leadership Conference Registration Opens

    MARCH 5, 2026

    • National Leadership Conference Registration Informational Webinar – Click here to register

    MAY 1, 2026

    • Fashion Show Application Deadline
    • Content Creator Program Application Deadline
    • National Anthem Singer Application Deadline
    • Say Yes to FCS Signing Ceremony Application Deadline
    • Call for Presentations Proposal Deadline

    MAY 7, 2026          

    • Early Bird Registration ends for states with state meetings before April 25
    • Competitive Events Registration ends for states with state meetings before April 25

    MAY 14, 2026          

    • Housing Cancellation Deadline to avoid cancellation fee of $450 per room

    MAY 15, 2026          

    • American Culinary Federation Exam Registration Deadline

    May 21, 2026       

    • Early Bird Registration ends for states with state meetings on or after April 25
    • Competitive Events Registration ends for states with state meetings on or after April 25
    • Special Edition Rosie Pin and Lanyard set pre-order ends

    JUNE 1, 2026

    • Competitive Events Substitution Deadline for team events only

    JUNE 3, 2026

    JUNE 5, 2026

    • Adviser Roundtable Application Submission Deadline
    • FCCLA Showcase Application Deadline

    JUNE 9, 2026

    • Regular Registration Ends
    • ConneCTEd Registration Package Ends, if available
    • Registration Name Change/Substitution Deadline for no additional fee
    • Registration Cancellation Deadline to receive eligible refunds/credits
    • Housing Reservation Deadline to receive FCCLA rate, based on availability
    • Corrugated Tri-Fold Display Board pre-order ends

    JUNE 11, 2026

    • NLC Attendee Orientation Webinar - Click here to register. 

    JUNE 15, 2026

    • STAR Events Online Orientation form due in the FCCLA student portal under the Surveys and Applications tab
    • Confirm NLC STAR Events schedules in the FCCLA portal under Meetings & Events > Confirm STAR Competition
    • Confirm NLC volunteer assignments in the FCCLA portal under Meetings & Events > Volunteer Confirmation
    • Final date to submit Competitive Events schedule accommodation requests 

    JUNE 19, 2026

    • Check payments due to hotels (if paying final hotel payment with a check).
    • Credit card authorization forms due to hotels (if paying final hotel payment with a credit card, not in your possession).

    JUNE 24, 2026

    • Payment Deadline for NLC Registration to avoid a late fee of $25 per invoice.

    Questions?

    Reach out to the National FCCLA Departments below for any additional questions.

    All other questions can be directed to the National FCCLA office at 703-476-4900. Staff is available Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM ET.

    Members develop skills for life through: character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge, and career preparation.