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NatCon FAQs

Questions About NatCon?

We've Got You Covered.

Attendees are also required to review SVA’s General Policies before attending NatCon. 

Before you head to Grapevine, Texas, we encourage you to review our Know Before You Go Guide (coming soon). It includes important information on travel, hotel details, conference logistics, what to bring, and key reminders to help soak up all the adventure NatCon has to offer!

If you have additional questions or need support, reach out to us at [email protected]. 

Registration

When does NatCon registration open and close?

Registration for the 19th Annual NatCon opens in September 2026; while you can register any time up to and even at the event, it is highly recommended attendees register as early as possible, and no later than December 1, 2026. Take advantage of early bird pricing!

When should I register?

As soon as possible! You will be able to take advantage of lower registration rates. Once you register, don’t forget to book your lodging, as the Gaylord Texan Resort will fill up quickly.

Is anything else required for registration?

A current resume is required for all student registrations. Your resume will be available to SVA’s employer partners, helping them identify student veterans for career, internship, and other professional opportunities before, during, and after NatCon. That means the resume you upload matters. Take a few minutes to make sure it reflects your most recent experience, education, skills, and accomplishments and is tailored to the kinds of opportunities you want to pursue.

Need a refresh before you upload? Our partners at RSM are here to help. Use this quick guide to build an outstanding resume that translates your experience, highlights what you bring to the table, and helps you stand out to employers.

Check out RSM’s resume guide below to get started.

NatCon_RSM_Resume-Guide_2500x1406

Do I have to remit payment when I register, or can I pay later?

  • You can register now to lock in the current, discounted rate and opt to pay later.
  • Payment must be remitted before December 1, 2026 or the rate will increase to the registration rates posted in the month of December.
  • Those who register after December 1, 2026 should remit payment at the time of their registration.
  • Any registrants with outstanding balances after December 15, 2026 are susceptible to cancellation of their registration unless arrangements have been made, and confirmed in writing, for the balance to be paid on site. Balances on site can be paid with check or credit card.

Are there any discounts available for attendees?

  • Attendees should register before September 30 to take advantage of early bird rates. Rates increase October 1 and December 1. Current registration rates and the next price point are posted on the SVA NatCon webpage.
  • Payment for early bird and regular registration rates must be remitted before December 1 or the rate will increase to the current registration rates posted in the month of December.

What forms of payment are accepted for registration?

Options to pay by check or by credit card are available. If paying by check, make sure the check is received at the Student Veterans of America headquarters by December 10, 2026. Please mail to 655 15th St, Suite 320, NW, Washington DC 20005.

I already registered and now I need to remit payment. How do I do that?

Simply access the NatCon Registration webpage and log in with the same account information you used when you completed your registration. Scroll to the bottom of the webpage where you will find the “Already Registered?” link.

I’m doing some fundraising to cover the cost of attending NatCon. Do you have resources that could help me?

  • Yes! On the SVA NatCon webpage, you’ll find a section for assistance, which includes a template letter to request funding, a sample sponsorship PowerPoint, and a cost estimator to help you plan your budget.
  • If you need additional support in finding funding to attend NatCon, don’t hesitate to connect with your region’s Chapter Success Coach.

I’m an advisor looking to register a group of people from my institution – can I do that?

Yes, but if you are listed as the primary contact, you will be responsible for remitting payment for all attendees in your group.

I know I’m bringing a group of attendees, but I’m not sure who they will be. Can I register now to hold the spots and update our registration later when I know who will be attending?

Yes, complete their registration to the best of your availability now. When you know who will be attending, follow the instructions below for remitting substitutions. The sooner you can provide the names of your attendees, the better!

I or someone in my group can no longer attend, but I’d like to substitute someone else in for them. Can I do that?

  • Yes, and we highly recommend you let us know ahead of time, if possible. If you are submitting a substitution before NatCon, email [email protected] with the name and confirmation number of the original registered attendee and the first, last name, and email of the individual who will be their substitute.
  • If you must submit a substitution on site at NatCon, please visit the on-site registration desk during the check-in process.

I need to cancel my registration, or the registration of someone in my group. How do I do that?

Cancellation requests are only accepted via email. Please submit your cancellation request, including your full name and confirmation number, as soon as possible to [email protected].

If I need to cancel my registration, will I be refunded?

  • If you need to cancel your registration for any reason, a $50 administrative fee will be retained.
  • No refunds will be provided after December 8, 2026.

How do I get a receipt for my NatCon registration?

To obtain a receipt, email your request to [email protected] with your first and last name and confirmation number.

Are meals included in my NatCon registration?

For attendees registered for the full NatCon experience, several meals are included:
  • Monday, January 4: Opening Reception with light hors d'oeuvres
  • Tuesday, January 5: Continental Breakfast and Lunch,
  • Wednesday, January 6: Continental Breakfast, Lunch, and Reception with light hors d'oeuvres

We recommend bringing extra funds if you would like meals or snacks outside of what is provided in your registration. The Gaylord Texan has several options on campus for dining, and there are many nearby stores and restaurants as well.

Transportation

What’s the closest airport to the Gaylord Texan?

  • The Dallas Fort Worth Internaional Airport (DFW) is closest; it is approximately 10 minutes from the Gaylord Texan.
  • If you are flying on Southwest Airlines, the alternate airport is Dallas Love Field (DAL), which is 19 miles (25-30 min) from the Gaylord Texan. A typical Uber ride from DAL is around $30, but we encourage you to budget between $35-$50 each way, to account for surge rates, depending on the time of day.
  • Attendees flying into the airport can explore rental car or ride share options for travel to and from the Gaylord Texan at their own expense.

I plan on driving my own vehicle or a rental vehicle - how much is parking at the Gaylord Texan?

  • Self-parking in the garage is $24 (+tax) per day
  • Overnight valet parking for hotel guests is $49 (+tax) per day.

Lodging

When is check-in and check-out at the Gaylord Texan?

Check in begins at 4:00 PM, and check out is 11:00 AM. You can visit the front desk upon arrival to store your luggage and enjoy the property, check out their dining options, or explore Grapevine until your room is ready.

The Gaylord Texan no longer has room availability, what should I do?

Many additional lodging options are also available in nearby Dallas; however, attendees will be responsible for their own travel between those locations and the Gaylord Texan.

I have campus funds to utilize this fiscal year, and need to pay for my hotel in full now. Can I do that?

Yes! You can book your room at the Gaylord Texan Resort now.

What are the total room and tax charges?

Group Rate - $249
SCR Fee - $3.98
State Tax (6%) - $14.94
City Tax (7%) - $17.43
Resort Fee - $28.00
State tax (6%) - $1.68
City tax (7%) - $1.96
Total = $316.99 per night

On-Site Experience

How soon can I complete a nomination for Student Veteran of the Year, Advisor of the Year, or Chapter of the Year?

Visit our Honors Awards webpage to review the criteria or talk to your Chapter Success Coach to get more information. All nominations are due by Saturday, October 17, 2026. Honors and award finalists will be notified of their status in early December. Award finalists are required to attend NatCon to receive their award.

Can you tell me who else is attending NatCon?

Attendees will be able to browse other attendees, organizations, breakout sessions, and more through the NatCon app as soon as it’s live.

What is the app and where can I download it?

You can download the “SVA Events” app free from the app store now. Inside the app, you will be able to access all of SVA’s programs, and the 19th Annual NatCon will be available for you to explore immediately before you arrive in Grapevine, Texas.

I want to present a breakout session at NatCon. How do I do that?

Breakout sessions have closed.

Our call for speakers will open on June 1 and close on July 31. Make sure to visit the NatCon webpage to access the “Call for Speakers” application page and complete the application if you are interested in being considered.

Which employers and organizations will be on the NatCon campus this year?

Many employers, exhibitors, and other organizations will continue to be added throughout the year. You can visit the “Sponsors” tab of the event site regularly to see who you can anticipate on campus.

I’m interested in being a sponsor or exhibitor at NatCon. Where can I learn more?

Please access our sponsor and exhibitor webpage for more information.

What else should I know about the Gaylord Texan Resort?

We know service animals are important, and they are welcome at NatCon and at the Gaylord Texan! View property map

How You Can Help

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