Press release courtesy of NACE
KANSAS CITY, MO (March 5, 2026) – The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) is proud to announce that the 2026 NACE National Convention will be hosted by the University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville, Florida, from July 29th–31st. The annual convention serves as the premier gathering of Varsity esports administrators, directors, partners, and industry leaders from across the United States & Canada.
The NACE National Convention brings together member institutions and industry partners for three days of professional development, educational sessions, networking, awards, and the annual business meeting focused on advancing the Varsity collegiate esports ecosystem.
“We’re excited to bring the 2026 NACE National Convention to the University of North Florida,” said Riley Long, Executive Director of NACE. “Our National Convention is where leaders across Varsity esports come together to connect, share best practices, and shape the future of our sport. I’m ecstatic for our membership to experience UNF and the City of Jacksonville’s commitment to Varsity esports, as we will integrate the new UNF Flight Deck esports space into the convention footprint.”
Convention Overview
The 2026 Convention will feature a NACE Member Staff track, a non-member track, and a brand new student track with a reduced ticket pricing option for NACE Member students. 2026 Convention attendees will experience two full days of programming on Wednesday, July 29th & Thursday, July 30th, concluding with a half day of programming on Friday, July 31st.
A light breakfast will be available each day, with lunch being served on Wednesday & Thursday. Additionally, a social event will occur on the evening of Thursday, July 30th alongside the 2026 NACE Awards Show. Entry to this event is included in the ticket price for non-students, with food & drink being provided.
Visit the Official 2026 NACE National Convention webpage to keep up to date on future schedule releases, speaker announcements, and ticket pricing. Additional programming details, and official hotel blocks will be released in the coming months.
Spotlight on the University of North Florida
As the official host institution, the University of North Florida will welcome 2026 NACE National Convention attendees to its Jacksonville campus, showcasing the new UNF Flight Deck.
“It’s a privilege to be hosting the annual convention as a brand new program. UNF along with the city of Jax has invested in making this a space for everyone, and part of that includes bringing the nation’s best coaches and directors to town to experience the university and city. Our program has been built with the goal of hosting as many events as possible, and I am proud to be bringing NACE to Jacksonville,” said Tom Screech, Esports Program Manager at UNF.
Ticket Pricing
Registration for the 2026 NACE National Convention is now LIVE with early-bird pricing. Visit the registration page to purchase your tickets.
Early-Bird Pricing will run through April 30th:
- NACE Member Staff: $250
- Non-NACE Member: $290
- NACE Member Student: $60
About UNF (University of North Florida)
Located in Jacksonville, Florida, halfway between downtown and the beach, the University of North Florida is the ideal backdrop for learning. UNF is one of 12 public universities in Florida, the No. 1 state for higher education as ranked by U.S. News & World Report. It is a destination for visionary minds — fostering innovation and progress through purpose-driven research, community support and a collaborative spirit that fuels prosperity. The University is home to six exceptional colleges: the Brooks College of Health, the Coggin College of Business, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction, the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services and the Hicks Honors College.
About NACE (National Association of Collegiate Esports)
The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) is the largest and most established association of varsity esports programs at colleges and universities across North America. Founded in 2016, NACE supports more than 150 member institutions and over 4,000 student-athletes, offering premier leagues, championship events, and strategic partnerships that enhance the student-athlete experience and promote success in education, competition, and future careers
Media Contact: Riley Long, Executive Director, NACE, longri@nacesports.org
