As we approach the 73rd National NACAC Conference, we wanted to help you prepare for the event! Here are a few things that you must do while you’re in Boston for #NACAC17:

1. Plan Your Schedule Ahead of Time.

NACAC 2017 will have over 150 sessions, which can seem a bit overwhelming—especially if it’s your first time attending. Our best advice we can give is to plan ahead! Run through the session schedule and plan out which sessions you’ll be attending. Typically the sessions at NACAC fill pretty quickly and seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis—you’ll want to grab a seat so that you can have your laptop out, take proper notes, be able to hear/see, etc.

And don’t miss our session, “The Maturation of Mobile and Social for Admissions: Key Findings from the 2017 Social Admissions Report” on Thursday, September 14th at 3:15 PM in Exhibit Hall C. Learn how students use college help sites, social media platforms, and mobile technology during their college search and selection process.

2. Visit the Exhibit Hall.

We totally get it—the exhibit hall can seem a little scary at first, a large amount of people vying for your attention, an overload of swag, etc. But we promise it’s a fun time! Visiting the exhibit hall is your chance to meet companies that can help you and your staff meet your goals and help make your lives easier.

Most exhibitors usually have contests and games running throughout the entire conference with awesome prizes—and who doesn’t love free stuff? Be sure to stop by the TargetX Booth (#737) and enter to win one of our giveaways (like an iPad Pro!) We’ll also have a coffee bar set up throughout the entire conference that you won’t want to miss—the perfect place to recharge your battery!

3. Network, Network, Network!

NACAC is one of the best opportunities you’ll have in your higher ed admissions career to network! With over 7,500 secondary and postsecondary college admission professionals, you’ll be able to share ideas and best practices, hear about student issues others are facing, and learn from the top professionals in higher education—and don’t forget to bring your business cards!

4. Sightsee in Boston!

Boston is a beautiful, historical city that definitely deserves a portion of your time. Here are a few places to add to your Boston agenda:

Faneuil Hall (pronounced FAN-yull) — Known as the site of multiple speeches by the country’s Founding Fathers encouraging independence from Great Britain, Faneuil Hall is one of the most visited tourist sites in the country. And don’t forget to visit Faneuil Hall Marketplace that houses Quincy Market, North Market, and South Market. It is now occupied by an assortment of shops and restaurants.

Fenway Park — Home to the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park is a staple of Boston and known as “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark”. Lucky for NACAC attendees, the Red Sox are in town September 12th through the 14th, going up against the Oakland A’s. Why not spend your first night in Boston at a ballgame?

Harvard University — Just a quick 15-20 minute Uber ride away is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States, Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. Take a tour of the historic campus or walk along the Charles River to catch a glimpse of the Crew team — whatever it may be, enjoy your time at this iconic university!

Boston Harbor — From boat cruises and sightseeing tours, the Boston Harbor has a lot to offer! Take a walk along the HarborWalk to see the entire waterfront, which houses cafes, art, and parks!

5. Have Fun! 

You’re out of the office, spending time with your peers you may only see a couple times a year, meeting new people—now’s your chance to make the most of your trip! Plus, you get to hang with cool people like us 😉

Speaking of cool… have you heard about our Happy Hour? We’re taking over the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum on Thursday night and we want you to join us! You may even be able to throw some tea overboard just like they did in 1773. Visit our booth (#737) to learn more!

See you in Boston!