UNITED: The National Conference on School Leadership in Seattle, July 11–13, is packed with opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate alongside fellow NAESP school leaders from across the nation. From community service to reunions, networking meetups, and recognition, this year’s lineup is designed to elevate your leadership journey. Here’s what’s in store for NAESP members only—and why these events are must-attends!   

Community Service Day  

July 10 | 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m. | Meet at 6th Floor, 613/614 | Arch Center

Kick off your conference experience by giving back! NAESP’s annual Community Service Day is a chance to make a tangible impact on the local community. This year, we’ll be beautifying Bailey Gatzert Elementary School, including building new playground structures thanks to our sponsor, Landscape Structures. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow leaders while creating something meaningful for students.

Note: You must sign up for this in advance. Spots are limited, so reserve your spot now before it’s too late!  

Member Meetups  

Whether you’re already an active member of NAESP’s communities of practice or you’re looking to connect, NAESP community of practice meetups offer you the chance to meet with your colleagues in-person and find a support network you can count on well beyond the conference.  

Joint Assistant Principals and Early Career Principals Meetup 

July 11 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | 3rd Floor, Room 310 | Arch Center 

Assistant principals (APs) play a vital role in school leadership. This meetup is a space for APs to connect, share strategies, and find inspiration to grow in your leadership role while networking with peers who share your unique challenges.   

Plus, starting your leadership journey can be overwhelming—this meetup is early career principals’ chance to connect with others in the same stage of their careers. Share tips, get advice, and build a support network that will help you thrive as a principal.   

Latino+ Network Meetup 

July 11 | 3:30–4:30 p.m. | 3rd Floor, Room 304 | Arch Center  

Celebrate and connect with leaders shaping inclusive schools. This meetup is a chance to share your experiences and champion equity in education while networking with peers who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of serving diverse communities.

NAESP Advocacy Advisor Lunch (Invitation Only)

July 11 | 12:30-1:30 p.m. | 3rd Floor, 304 | Arch Center

This invitation-only networking lunch is an opportunity to for NAESP Federal Relations Coordinators to connect with each other and be updated on legislative developments in Washington, D.C.

NAESP Breakfast Meetup for Women Leaders (Invitation Only)

July 12 | 7-8 a.m. | 35th Floor, Pike St. Tower, Cirrus | Sheraton

This invitation-only breakfast is for members of the NAESP Center for Women in Leadership to build meaningful relationships, exchange valuable insights, and explore the enriching learning opportunities available through the center.

NAESP State Editors Meetup

July 12 | 10:30-11 a.m. | 4th Floor, NAESP Exhibit Booth #2723 | Arch Center

If you lead communications for your state association, then this meetup is for you. Join a community of others responsible for magazines, e-newsletters, podcasts, and social media for state-level communications.

Principals of Color Network Meetup   

July 12 | 3:30–4:30 p.m. | 2nd Floor, Grand Ballroom B | Sheraton 

Join a dynamic group of leaders of color committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in education. This meetup is a space for meaningful conversations about equity, representation, and how to lead schools that empower every student.   

NAESP Zone Meetings    

NAESP Zone meetings are a great chance to meet in-person with fellow school leaders in your region.

Why should you attend? Whether you’re navigating state-specific policies, funding challenges, or community dynamics, these meetups create a space for shared experiences and localized solutions. It’s also your chance to expand your professional network with colleagues who share your challenges and aspirations. Plus, these meetups feature resources, ideas, and strategies curated specifically for your region.   

Below is the schedule for the NAESP Zone meetings at the UNITED conference. Find your zone, mark your calendar, and get ready to connect with school leaders from your region!   

• Zone 1 (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont): July 12 | 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. | 3rd Floor, Room 304 | Arch Center 
• Zone 2 (New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania): July 12 | 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. | 3rd Floor, Room 307/308 | Arch Center 
• Zone 3 (District of Columbia, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia): July 12 | 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. | 3rd Floor, Room 3 A/B | Arch Center 
• Zone 4 (Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee): July 12 | 2–3 p.m.  | 3rd Floor, Room 307/308 | Arch Center 
• Zone 5 (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky): July 12 | 2–3 p.m. | 3rd Floor, Room 304 | Arch Center 
• Zone 6 (Iowa, Michigan, Missouri): July 12 | 2–3 p.m. | 3rd Floor, Room 3 A/B | Arch Center 
• Zone 7 (Alaska, Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming): July 12 | 3:30–4:30 p.m. | 3rd Floor, Room 304 | Arch Center 
• Zone 8 (Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas): July 12 | 3:30–4:30 p.m. | 3rd Floor, Room 3 A/B | Arch Center 
• Zone 9 (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington): July 12 | 3:30–4:30 p.m. | 3rd Floor, Room 307/308 | Arch Center 

NAESP Reunions and Recognition Programs 

NAESP National Distinguished Principal (NDP) Reunion  

July 11 | 4:45 p.m.–5:45 p.m. | 4th Floor, Union St. Tower, Jefferson A | Sheraton 

Reconnect with fellow NDP honorees and reflect on your growth as a leader since earning this prestigious recognition.    

National Outstanding Assistant Principals Reunion   

July 11 | 4:45 p.m.–5:45 p.m. | 4th Floor, Union St. Tower, Jefferson A | Sheraton

This reunion is your chance to connect with peers who have been recognized for their excellence in the assistant principalship.    

NAESP Awards and Recognition General Session  

July 12 | 4:45 p.m.–5:45 p.m. | 4th Floor, Room 4E | Arch Center 

Celebrate the accomplishments of school leaders who are driving change and making an impact. This session is your chance to show support for colleagues while gaining inspiration from their stories of success. Join us as we thank outgoing NAESP President Kevin Armstrong and welcome incoming NAESP President April Knight. Plus, we’ll be recognizing assistant principals who received the 2025 National Outstanding Assistant Principals Award.

NAESP Governance

NAESP State Representatives

July 11 | 12:30-2:45 p.m. | 3rd Floor, 307/308 | Arch Center

This meeting is just for state representatives.

NAESP State Representatives Nominating Committee Meeting

July 11 | 2:45-3:15 p.m. | 3rd Floor, 307/308 | Arch Center

This meeting is just for NAESP state representatives who serve on this selection committee, which is responsible for identifying candidates for NAESP vice presidents.

NAESP/NASSP State Executive Directors Session (Invitation Only)

July 13 | 8-9 a.m. | 35th Floor, Pike St. Tower, Cirrus | Sheraton

This invitation-only meeting is for state executive directors of NAESP and NASSP state associations.

NAESP Merch Market 

July 10, Grand Opening | 4-7 p.m. | 4th Floor, Exhibit Hall | Arch Center 

Show off your NAESP pride with exclusive merchandise available at the NAESP Merch Market! From apparel to accessories, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the chance to take home a piece of your UNITED experience. Come see us during exhibit hall hours July 10-13.  

Still Haven’t Registered for UNITED?  

What are you waiting for? There’s still time to secure your spot at UNITED! Head over to theunitedconference.org/register to join us in Seattle, July 11-13.   

This is more than just a conference; it’s a celebration of school leadership, a chance to grow, connect, and shine. See you in Seattle! 

Pro Tip: Download the UNITED Events app to find up-to-date details about these events and stay updated on all things conference.