NACSW Convention 2025: Frequently Asked Questions
What? NACSW’s 3-plus day convention with dozens of workshops & posters and opportunities to earn continuing education hours and network. The convention theme is “Beyond Borders: Compassion, Competency & Action.” This year’s convention will offer both on-site and virtual participation opportunities.
When? November 13 – 16, 2025
Where (onsite convention only)
Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel
777 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, Virginia, USA, 23510
REGISTRATION
Who can attend NACSW Convention 2025?
The NACSW Convention is a good fit for social work practitioners, social work educators, social work students, human services workers, church ministry staff, and anyone interested in social services and social change. NACSW Convention 2025 will be offered both onsite in Norfolk, VA, as well as virtually.
What does my registration fee include?
The full onsite convention registration includes attendance at all plenary sessions, continuing education credits, coffee breaks, workshops, the opening reception on Thursday evening, and the Saturday evening Anniversary Celebration. One day onsite registrations for Friday or Saturday include all plenary sessions, coffee breaks, and workshops for the day you’ve registered (but does not include the Saturday evening Anniversary Celebration). Virtual convention registrations include all of the same sessions with the exception of the preconvention institutes and food events.
How do I register for the event?
You can register for in-person or virtual attendance on our
registration site and or by mail with your payment.
What are the registration rates?
The Convention 2025 early-bird registration rates are listed below.
After September 15, 2025, rates go up.
Full Registration Rates (Does not include Preconvention Training Institutes)
Onsite Registration
- NACSW Member: $395
- Non-Member: $525
- Continuing Education Credit Included
Virtual Registration
- NACSW Member: $225
- Non-Member: $280
- Continuing Education Credit Included
One Day Only (Does not include 75th Anniversary Celebration event)
Onsite Registration
- NACSW Member: $220
- Non-Member: $300
- Continuing Education Credit Included
Student Volunteer On-site (Does not include Preconvention Training Institutes)
- NACSW Member: $120
- Non-Member: $150
75th Anniversary Celebration (Note: Full Registration already includes 75th Anniversary Celebration)
- NACSW Member and Non-Member: $75
Preconvention Institutes
- Full Day: $150
- Half Day: $75
Are meals included in my registration?
Your full convention registration will include, the Friday and Saturday morning coffee breaks which include coffee/tea and a selection of breakfast items like pastries, fruit, and/or yogurt. Full convention registration also includes the 75th Anniversary Celebration event on Saturday evening.
One day registrations do NOT include the 75th Anniversary Celebration event on Saturday evening, but will include the coffee break on the day of your registration.
All other meals, including but not limited to, lunch and Friday dinner, will be on your own. The hotel does have food for purchase available on site and there are many local restaurant options close to the hotel.
Will I receive a refund if I have to cancel my registration?
If your reservation is canceled prior to the Early Bird Registration Date of September 15, 2025, you will be refunded all but a $30 processing fee. If you cancel your registration after October 15, 2025, NACSW is unable to refund your registration.
Will I receive a confirmation of my registration and payment?
If you
register online, you will immediately receive an onscreen confirmation as well as an email confirming your registration. If you register by mail, a confirmation and receipt will be emailed to you within a few days.
I am not a member of NACSW but my co-worker is and cannot attend. Can I use his/her membership to register at the member rate?
Membership rates apply only to the individuals who hold the membership. You can register at the non-member rate, or you can join NACSW for one year and register at the discounted member rate.
My agency is an organizational member of NACSW. Can I register at the member rate?
Organizational members can register up to four agency staff members at the discounted membership rate. Please check with your agency about informing NACSW which organizational staff members will be receiving organizational membership registration discounts.
My agency is paying for my attendance at the convention, and I need an invoice from NACSW. How do I get an invoice?
If you require an invoice to have payment processed by your agency, please contact NACSW directly at 888-426-4712 or co********@***sw.org. An invoice will be e-mailed or mailed to you depending on your preference.
Are reduced conference registration rates available?
If you are retired or experiencing a financial hardship that makes it difficult for you to attend the convention, you may be eligible for a reduced conference registration rate. Contact the NACSW office at co********@***sw.org to request a reduced registration rate. Please do not complete your online registration until you have received confirmation from the NACSW office that you have been approved for a reduced registration rate.
TRANSPORTATION
I will have a car at the convention. Where can I park and is there a charge?
The parking options at Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel are:
Off-Site Parking: Dominion Tower Parking 0.1 Miles
Valet: Daily: $30.00 (Unable to Valet oversized vehicles). Please reach out to our parking partners for additional information.
I am flying to the convention. How do I get to the hotel?
The closest airport to the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel is Norfolk International Airport (ORF).
ORF is located approximately 7.0 Miles from the hotel.
There is not a hotel airport shuttle available. However, Uber or Lyft are available.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
What hotel has been reserved? What are the rates?
Rooms have been reserved at the
Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel (777 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, Virginia, USA, 23510). To make a reservation, phone
() and
be sure to mention NACSW to secure the convention rate of $154/night (plus taxes). The room rate is the same whether it is occupied by 1, 2, 3 or 4 guests. Convention registrants are responsible for booking their own reservations. All convention sessions will be held at the
Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel.
Can I make my hotel reservation now?
Yes. Each individual guest must make their own reservations by calling the hotel directly at
or use this
link. You must mention that you are affiliated with the North American Association of Christians in Social Work (NACSW) to receive the discounted rate. Room reservations must be made by 9/25/25 to guarantee the convention room rate of $154.00 per night plus tax. All reservations need to be confirmed by the group cutoff time of 12:00 AM local time on
Thursday, September 25, 2025, to qualify for the NACSW convention rate. Rooms are subject to availability. All reservations must be guaranteed and accompanied by a first night room deposit or guaranteed with a major credit card.
MAIN PROGRAM
What will be on the convention program?
Thursday Preconvention Institutes are scheduled for Thursday full day or afternoon half day on November 13th before the convention begins – Information still forthcoming.
- 9:00 AM- 4:30 PM Full Day Preconvention Institute:
- “Clinical Supervision, Part 1”
- 9:00 AM- 1:00pm PM Half Day Morning Preconvention Institute:
- 1:00 PM- 4:30 PM Half Day Afternoon Preconvention Institute:
- “Social Work Clinical Competency in Military/Veteran Mental Wellness”
Thursday Night Opening Session and Networking Reception (1 CE):
The convention opening session features keynote speaker TBD.
Join us at the opening convention reception following the presentation. Enjoy complementary refreshments and snacks while browsing poster presentations and convention exhibits. Convention attendees will have the opportunity to meet and network with others throughout the evening.
Friday and Saturday Workshop Program: Attend a rich selection of workshops and earn CE hours. Workshops range from 60 to 90 minutes in length. There are 12 workshop tracks.
Friday Morning Alan Keith-Lucas Lecture (1.0 CE):
Saturday Night 75th Anniversary Celebration Event:
Sunday Morning Worship: Convention participants will meet in the hotel lobby to travel to a local Church in Norfolk. See Schedule for church information.
SPOUSE/GUEST & YOUTH
Can I buy additional individual tickets to the 75th Anniversary Celebration Event? What is the cost?
Additional tickets can be purchased for the Saturday Evening 75th Anniversary Celebration at the cost of $75 each.
I am bringing my family with me. Will there be activities for them to enjoy in Norfolk?
Check out Trip Advisor for a listing of top attractions and things to do in and around Norfolk.
STUDENT VOLUNTEERS
What should I expect as a student volunteer?
In exchange for a 65% discount on your registration rate, as a student volunteer, you will spend 6-10 hours at the convention providing assistance with tasks essential in helping the convention run smoothly. You will be assigned tasks such as monitoring workshops, helping workshop presenters connect their laptops to LCD projectors, or assisting with registration, etc.. The success of the conference relies to a large degree on our student volunteers!
How do I register as a student volunteer?
You may
register online with payment. <Note: if you are attending the convention onsite, we will contact you at a later time to discuss your preferred day for volunteering.>
How do I find out more about being a student volunteer?
To find out more about being a being a student volunteer, go to our
student volunteer FAQ sheet.
MISCELLANEOUS
Can I receive Continuing Education Contact hours (CE Hours) at NACSW Convention 2025?
CE Hours are available for convention participants for workshops and plenary sessions. CE Hours are included in your registration payment. Attendees can earn up to 20 hours for on-site participation, or 14 hours for virtual participation for attending two half-day preconvention institutes (on-site convention only), all workshops, and all plenary sessions. CE Hours are approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), which is widely recognized in the US and Canada. It is important to note, however, that final authority for approving any continuing education activity rests with the state or province in which the participant is licensed.
What is the dress code?
Dress for the NACSW convention varies. Most attendees wear business casual clothing. Some attendees choose to wear more formal attire to the Saturday Evening 75th Anniversary Celebration.
Where can I find a convention schedule?
For an onsite convention schedule, go to onsite
event schedule and for a virtual convention schedule, go to
virtual event schedule. [/ap_toggle]
Where can I find a list of the workshops being presented at Convention 2025?
Workshop schedules (one for the onsite convention program, and one for the virtual convention program) with session abstracts will be accessible on the NACSW website during the summer.
Where can I eat while at Convention 2025 - onsite program only?
Looking for something quick on the go? Whether it’s a cup of coffee, snack or pre-made sandwich, the Café will get you on your way. Join the Waterside Seafood Company Staff for a casual dining experience, where friendly service allows you to focus on the game. Visit the Restaurant serving Breakfast and Lunch, seven days a week.
A list of local restaurants and eateries will be available at registration.
My question is not here. Who should I contact?
Please contact
co********@***sw.org with additional questions.
