Create
Compete
Connect
4.9.26 thru 4.11.26
Aloft Downtown Dallas
The National Student Show & Conference 2026
Questions? Reach out to nssc@dsvc.org
Create
Compete
Connect
The National Student Show & Conference is the largest dedicated student creative conference and competition, recognizing and inspiring college-level design, advertising, illustration, and photography students. Create career-defining memories, compete for a share of over $20,000, and connect with creatives and professionals from across the country.
Grab your conference tickets and join us April 9–11, 2026 in Downtown Dallas for a weekend full of world class keynote speakers, professional portfolio reviews, exclusive studio tours and so much more! Scroll below for additional schedule and location details.
03
days in Dallas, TX
04
keynote speakers
$20k+
awarded in scholarships & prizes
NSSC Ticket Sponsorship
Pros, pass it on
The NSSC Ticket Sponsorship helps remove financial barriers for students who might not otherwise be able to attend. With direct support from professional creatives, this need-based program gives eligible students access to the conference and the opportunity to advance their creative careers.
For Professionals
Sponsor a student’s conference ticket
Each sponsored ticket sends a student to NSSC and lets you audit the conference as well.
Applications close March 30, 2026
Sponsor NowFor Students
Apply to attend NSSC at little to no cost
If eligible, the NSSC Ticket Sponsorship can help cover the cost of your conference ticket.
Applications close March 30, 2026
Conference Schedule
10:30 am
1 hr
Registration + Loading Buses
11:00 am
1 hr
Clampitt Tours
12:00 pm
5 hrs
Studio Tours Take Off
5:00 pm
30 min
Studio Tour Buses Return
7:30 am
1 hr
Registration
8:30 am
3 hrs
Upperclassmen Portfolio Review
11:45 am
1 hr
Underclassmen Portfolio Review
12:45 pm
15 min
Break
1:00 pm
1 hr
Round Tables
2:00 pm
15 min
Break
2:15 pm
30 min
Kick Off Conference Day 1
2:45 pm
1 hr
To Be Announced
3:45 pm
15 min
Break
4:00 pm
1 hr
Workshop + Breakout Sessions 1 - 3
5:00 pm
15 min
Break
5:15 pm
1 hr
Rich Tu
6:15 pm
15 min
Ceremony Announcement & Break
6:30 pm
1 hr
Award Ceremony
7:30 am
1 hr
Registration
8:30 am
30 min
Kick Off Conference Day 2
9:00 am
1 hr
Workshop + Breakout Sessions 4 - 6
10:00 am
15 min
Break
10:15 am
1 hr
Talia Cotton
11:15 am
1.5 hr
Break for Lunch
12:45 pm
1 hr
Workshop + Breakout Sessions 7 - 9
1:45 pm
30 min
Break
2:15 pm
1 hr
Workshop + Breakout Session 10 - 12
3:15 pm
30 min
Break
3:45 pm
1 hr
Emerging Creative Panel
4:45 pm
30 min
Break
5:00 pm
1 hr
To Be Announced
6:00 pm
30 min
Dismissal / Closing of Conference
Activities
Breakout Sessions
Participate in group sessions led by industry professionals. Learn about their career paths, take part in hands-on workshops, and get real answers to your questions through interactive discussions.
Studio Tours
Visit award-winning Dallas design studios and learn what life in a professional agency is like. This is your chance for a behind-the-scenes look at process, craft and culture.
Portfolio Reviews
Agencies hire you for your work, not your GPA. Refine your portfolio with one-on-one feedback from experienced design professionals. Tighten your work and get ready to show off your book!
Round Tables
Sit down with a seasoned creative professional for an open conversation about their career and the realities of working in the industry. Ask your questions, get real advice and walk away with insight you can use.
Volunteers
Looking to help make NSSC 2026 happen? Please visit and fill out our volunteer form and we will contact you about how you can get involved!
Location & Parking
Aloft Dallas Downtown
1033 Young St, Dallas, TX 75202
Take advantage of our special conference rate of $159/night for NSSC 2026 attendees. Availability is limited so book your room today!
Aloft is offering $8/night parking for guests, with some size restrictions (check with the hotel for large vehicles). There’s also a public lot next door for $16/day, and the Dallas Public Library offers free parking down the street.
Questions?
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the show and conference.
More FAQsThe NSSC is a national creative competition awarding over $20,000 in scholarships and cash prizes. Helping undergraduates become successful creative professionals, The National Student Show & Conference is a professionally judged creative competition and conference built for students and their educators.
Tickets are $299. All ticket sales will end on Mar 30, 2026.
We offer a Cyber Sale between November 27 to December 1, 2025. Early bird tickets are offered at a discounted rate from November 10, 2025 to January 12, 2026. Additionally, educators with students attending the conference receive a free ticket (must be marked at checkout). NSSC does not offer discounts on bulk orders.
As of this time, keynotes will not be recorded and therefore would not be available to watch after the event.
