Annual Conference
Get ready—WASFAA is bringing the sunshine, style, and spirit of community to the 2026 WASFAA Annual Conference in beautiful Palm Springs! This year’s theme, “We’re Fabulous,” captures the vibrant, retro-inspired energy reflected in the conference logo and sets the tone for a memorable and engaging event.
With continued changes stemming from the FAFSA Simplification Act and the Big Beautiful Bill (OB3), this year’s programming will provide timely guidance, practical tools, and opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the region.
Why You Don’t Want to Miss This
- Hear directly from three federal trainers who will be onsite to deliver essential updates
- Take advantage of a potential Ask-A-Fed station for real-time questions
- Connect with colleagues, experts, and vendors in a collaborative, high-energy setting
- Enjoy a resort atmosphere perfect for networking, learning, and professional rejuvenation
Getting to the Conference
~10 miles • ~15–20 minutes drive time
~80 miles • ~1.5 hours drive time
~110 miles • ~2 hours drive time
~130 miles • ~2.5 hours drive time
(traffic can be a factor)
~120 miles • ~2.5 hours drive time
About the Conference
The WASFAA Annual Conference is the premier training and networking event for financial aid professionals across the Western United States and Pacific Islands. Hosted each spring, the conference brings together professionals from a variety of institutions and organizations to explore timely topics, share best practices, and build stronger support systems for students.
Whether you're new to the profession or a seasoned leader, the conference offers valuable opportunities to grow your knowledge, engage with peers, and contribute to the ongoing improvement of our field.
What to Expect
- Federal and State Policy Updates from NASFAA, Department of Education, and other experts
- Best Practice Workshops on compliance, enrollment management, and student engagement
- Leadership and Professional Development sessions tailored to different career stages
- Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility conversations that inspire institutional change
- Networking Opportunities with colleagues and solution providers
Sponsorship
Corporate partners: sponsorship opportunities are coming soon. Please do not register yet. Be on the lookout for an announcement very soon. For more information, contact Fund Development Chair, Greg Kerr at gkerr@ecmc.org.
Tentative Agenda
Schedule is subject to change.
- 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Registration
- 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM FAAC Training (Day 1)
- 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM FAAC Training (Day 2)
- 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Registration
- 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Newcomers Session
- 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Lunch (On Your Own)
- 1:00 PM – 1:15 PM Welcoming Ceremony
- 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM Keynote Speaker
- 2:15 PM – 2:45 PM Break
- 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM Breakout Sessions A (4)
- 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM Break
- 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Breakout Sessions B (4)
- 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM President’s Reception (Refreshments served)
- 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Dinner (On Your Own)
- 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM Breakfast (General Session)
- 9:30 AM – 9:50 AM Break
- 9:50 AM – 10:50 AM Session
- 10:50 AM – 11:20 AM Break
- 11:20 AM – 12:20 PM Session
- 12:20 PM – 1:40 PM Lunch (General Session)
- 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Session
- 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM Long break (with food)
- 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Session
- 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM Breakfast
- 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM Business Meeting
- 10:15 AM – 10:30 AM Conference Ends / Checkout
Have questions about the Annual Conference?
We’re here to help! Reach out to your 2026 Annual Conference co-chairs at
conference2026@wasfaa.org
