NHSC2026 KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Event Location 

Kentucky International Convention Center: 221 S. 4th St., Louisville, KY 40202
For information on getting to the convention center, click
here
Experience Louisville while you're at the conference. Learn more about attractions, dining, and things to do around the city
here
 

Conference Schedule

Registration Hours (South Pre-Function, Upper Concourse)
•    Sunday, August 9: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
•    Monday, August 10: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
•    Tuesday, August 11: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
•    Wednesday, August 12: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
•    Thursday, August 13: 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Exhibit Hall Hours (Hall AB)
•    Tuesday, August 11: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
o    Exhibitor Social: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
•    Wednesday, August 12: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Explore the convention center floor plan here.

Monday and Thursday Tours

If you are registered for one of our tours on Monday, August 10, or Thursday, August 13, you will receive specific information on meeting times and locations via email before the conference.

Wednesday Host Social

The Host Social for full conference attendees will take place at the First Turn Club at Churchill Downs on Wednesday, August 12, from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m.
•    Transportation will be provided from the convention center. Additional transportation details will be shared with attendees before Wednesday's event.
•    You must have your conference badge to attend.
•    No weapons of any type are permitted, and there are no storage facilities available.
•    Address: 700 Central Ave., Louisville, KY 40208.

Venue Information

•    The Kentucky International Convention Center is cashless. Credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted.
•    Visit the convention center website for
frequently asked questions
The facility is fully ADA accessible, with elevators, accessible restrooms, and wheelchair access. Service animals are welcome. If you have questions, email NHSA or visit the registration desk onsite.

Meals & Dining

•    Lunch will be provided on Tuesday and Wednesday in the exhibit hall.
•    Coffee breaks will be available throughout the conference.
•    All other meals are on your own.
•    Downtown Louisville offers a variety of restaurants within walking distance of the convention center. Learn more
here

Dress Code

The suggested dress code is business casual.
Wednesday, August 12, is World Cup Wednesday! To celebrate this year's FIFA World Cup and Wednesday's general session, we invite you to wear your favorite soccer jersey throughout the day. Don't have one? Stop by the NHSA Store to purchase a limited-edition 2026 NHSC soccer jersey while supplies last.

Conference Store

Visit the NHSA Store, located next to the registration desk on the upper concourse of the convention center, for official conference merchandise.

Store Hours
•    Monday, August 10: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
•    Tuesday, August 11: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
•    Wednesday, August 12: 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
•    Thursday, August 13: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Available while supplies last:
•    Limited-edition 2026 NHSC soccer jersey: $30
•    Official 2026 NHSC commemorative challenge coin: $10

Be sure to stop by early to pick up your conference gear before it sells out.

Conference App

•    Download the conference mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
•    Instructions for downloading the app are available
here.
•    View the full conference agenda
here

Policies & Safety

Safe Events Pledge
•    NHSA supports the Emergency Management & Homeland Security Safe Events Initiative.
•    We are committed to providing a conference environment free from harassment and discrimination.
•    Review the Safe Events Pledge
here
Firearms Policy
•    The Kentucky International Convention Center prohibits firearms and weapons of any kind.
•    Churchill Downs, the site of Wednesday's Host Social, also prohibits firearms and weapons.

Registration & Payments

•    Need an invoice? Email NHSA with your name and confirmation number.
•    To pay by credit card, click the Already Registered button
here

Cancellations
•    The refund deadline has passed. View the cancellation policy
here.
•    Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via
email.
•    Verbal cancellations cannot be accepted.

Stay Connected

Follow the National Homeland Security Association on X, LinkedIn, and Facebook for conference updates, photos, and highlights throughout the week.
Be sure to share your experience using
#NHSC2026.