Thinking about attending your first NSA Annual Conference? We already know the million questions running through your head: Can I afford it? Will I know anyone? What if I feel overwhelmed? Is it just a bunch of boring lectures? (Absolutely not!)
Good news—we’ve got all the answers to help you feel ready and excited.
The Annual NSA Conference is where you can be completely yourself—stutter and all. No judgment, no rushing, no need to explain. Just a community that gets it because we’ve been there, too.
Here, you’ll find people of all ages who stutter, speech-language pathologists, researchers, and loved ones coming together to celebrate, support, and uplift one another. Stuttering connects us, and the NSA keeps us connected.
Pre- NSA Conference Communication
Before your first NSA Conference, you’ll get a welcome call from a past attendee—someone who’s been in your shoes and is excited to help! They’ll introduce themselves, share what to expect, and answer any of those “What am I getting myself into?” questions. (And it’s always fun to finally meet your conference buddy in person!)
We hope this gives you a head start in feeling prepared for an unforgettable experience. Your first conference will be one for the books, leaving a lasting impact in ways you never expected. Still have questions? Reach out to us or ask the friendly voice that welcomed you—we’re here for you every step of the way!
Tips for First-Timers
Pack Appropriate Clothing
During the day, keep it comfy—jeans, slacks, or shorts are all fair game. Just don’t forget a sweater (or two!) because hotel meeting rooms have a habit of feeling like you're in the Arctic.
Have a blast at the Closing Celebration Banquet! It's a great time to dress up a bit and make the evening extra special. While suits and ties are totally fine if that's your thing, we just ask that you skip the shorts, tank tops, and cut-off shirts. Otherwise, feel free to wear whatever makes you feel good!
If you’ve signed up for any Activities & Events, pack comfy walking shoes and attire that fits the adventure. (No one wants to hike in dress shoes!)
Attend Workshops
No matter your age—whether you’re 7 or 97, a stuttering pro or a supportive ally—there’s something for everyone at the Annual Conference! From hands-on workshops to fun activities, you can choose your own adventure.
Check out the Day at a Glance or the Conference Program at your convenience and drop into any session that catches your eye—no need to sign up in advance! Workshops typically run for an hour with a 15-minute break in between, giving you time to recharge and connect.
Many of our sessions are designed specifically for First Timers, so we highly recommend jumping into as many as you can to get the full Conference experience. And if you’ve signed up for an activity, don’t forget to bring your prepaid ticket!
Keep Your Name tag On!
Rock your name tag—especially with your First Timer badge—while diving into conference activities! It’s a great way to help others put a name to a face, making it even easier to spark conversations, meet new people, and turn introductions into lasting friendships. So wear it proudly—you never know who you’ll connect with!
Attend the Opening & Closing Ceremonies
These events are the heart of the Conference—the one time everyone gathers for awards, powerful speeches, and special guests. Trust us, you won’t want to miss these moments of inspiration, connection, and celebration. And when it comes to the Closing Ceremony? Well... let’s just say it’s an emotional rollercoaster (the best kind), so bring tissues! You’ll thank us later.
Talk As Much As You Can
You won’t find a more supportive or welcoming space, so why not use this opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and connect? Chat with as many people as possible, join workshops, share at open mic sessions, and bond over meals and outings.
Not feeling up to talking? No pressure—active listening is just as powerful. But even if things feel a little overwhelming, we highly encourage you to stay engaged. (Translation: don’t hide in your room—you belong here with everyone!)
Celebrate at the Charity Banquet
What better way to wrap up an unforgettable four days than by sharing a meal, swapping favorite moments, making plans, and—of course—hitting the dance floor with your new friends? It’s the perfect ending to an incredible experience!
“If you’ve never encountered anyone else who stutters. If you’ve never spoken about it. If you truly think you are the only one in the world who stutters, that perception will change the moment you arrive at the Conference.” – Vikesh A.
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