We have three more weeks until the 2025 National Sexual Assault Conference® (NSAC)! We are so excited to bring together more than 1,500 survivors, advocates, prevention practitioners, and community partners in Anaheim, California.
As we look forward to seeing old colleagues, making new connections, and embracing innovative ideas and perspectives to build a more just future, check out this list of tips and tricks that will help you prepare to have your best NSAC ever.
Research ahead of time
- NSAC 2025 will have 71 sessions and three plenaries over three days, as well as self-scheduled networking, downtime, and anything else you may plan during your stay in Anaheim.
- Take a moment to go over the conference agenda before you arrive to roughly plan out the sessions you want to prioritize.
- If you are interested in multiple sessions at the same time, make a plan with your friend or colleague to split up and connect after to share what you learned with each other.
Branch Out – Learn New Things and Meet New People
- Give yourself space to meet new people, learn new things, and build community.
- NSAC is a great place to build on your foundational or specialized knowledge about preventing and ending sexual assault, but it is also the perfect occasion to familiarize yourself with new topics, ideas, and perspectives!
- As the movement’s largest conference, NSAC provides many chances to meet new people. Survivors, advocates, prevention practitioners, and community partners from all over the United States and more are gathering over three days, so embrace branching out and taking space away from those you came with. Grab coffee or dinner with new folks, expand your national network, and connect with people whom you may not have had the chance to meet in person outside of the conference.
- Make sure to check the agenda periodically before you arrive and during the conference, as sessions are subject to change and changes will be noted there.
Take Notes and Reflect
- Time is guaranteed to get away from you during the conference, and plenaries, sessions, and meetings may start blurring together. Remember to bring a notebook, computer, tablet, or your item of choice to take notes, write down questions for later, and reflect on your impact so far and the change you want to create in the movement.
- After NSAC, take the time to review your notes so you can make sure you’re taking everything you learned at the conference with you.
Share Your Info
- Business Cards? AirDrop or text your contact info? Absolutely.
- Remember to bring a handy and easily accessible way to share your information with folks you meet at NSAC.
Wear Comfortable Clothing and Pack What You Need
- While the rest of the country starts experiencing cooler temperatures in August and September, these are the warmest months in Southern California. Be ready for warm and consistent temperatures with plenty of sunshine, evening breezes, and prolific AC use during your time in Anaheim.
- Good News: There are no wardrobe requirements for NSAC. Feel free to pack and wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident. However, temperature differences between inside the hotel conference center and outside may be significant, and don’t forget to consider how much you will be walking, standing, and moving during the day. Make sure to wear breathable and easily adjustable layers, as well as comfortable and supportive shoes that won’t leave you in pain after a long day.
Before you leave, double-check a few things:
- If you’re flying into Anaheim, please note that as of May 7, 2025, there have been significant changes to ID requirements for domestic air travel due to the implementation of the REAL ID Act.
- Make sure you have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card. If you do not have one, you can use a valid passport (book or card) as an alternative.
- You have all of your chargers for your tech, pens or pencils for taking notes, business cards, and anything else you may need during the conference.
- Not sure what to bring? Ask a colleague! As a last resort, there are plentiful online resources on what to pack for professional development conferences.
Be Present
- During your time at NSAC, think about what community means to you.
- If an email, text, or call can wait, let it wait. The world is chaotic right now, not including our own work and personal responsibilities, but try to be in the moment while you’re attending NSAC. Allow yourself space to learn, digest, and apply lessons you were a part of. Participating in professional development at NSAC is part of our jobs, so it’s okay to be less responsive. Set an Out-Of-Office reminder for your coworkers and a personal reminder for yourself that your work will still be there after your time at the conference.
- If you are having a hard time sitting still, get distracted easily, or just know you’re going to be overwhelmed with information, bring a fidget toy to help you keep your hands busy and mind engaged.
Self-Care
- Feeling overwhelmed or triggered by topics discussed at NSAC is normal and understandable. Take time to get water or food, move your body, or just take a break.
- Yogi Hope will be at NSAC on Tuesday, August 26, from 12:15-12:45pm and 3:00-3:30pm in the Calming Room, hosting two mindfulness activities!
- NSAC staff will be in every session and at the registration desk. If you are feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, and/or uncomfortable, find the nearest staff person for assistance. You can also visit our calming room on the lower level to stretch out on a yoga mat, listen to some white noise, borrow a fidget item, or participate in a self-guided reflection activity.
- Dedicate time every day to practice self-care. For some, that might mean an early morning walk or exercise session; for others, meditation or a good book might help them recharge their social batteries. Prioritize your own type of self-care to restore your energy and center yourself.
- Self-care also includes nourishment! Pack snacks and water (or a refillable water bottle) with you at the beginning of the day so you have easy access for when you need hydration or food. Make sure you eat enough to stay energized and keep your brain awake during the long days.
- Take advantage of your hotel. The Anaheim Marriott and Hilton Anaheim provide plenty of amenities to relax, recharge, and have fun during your downtime! Anaheim is home to world-class amusement parks and sports teams, as well as being close to beautiful beaches and other fun activities to fill your cup.
Have Fun and Share it with Us!
- Whether it’s your first or tenth NSAC, let’s celebrate that we are surrounded by people and topics that light our passions to prevent and end sexual assault and create a better world!
- Use our hashtags #NSAC2025 and #VALOR2025 to share all that you are getting out of sessions, what you and your network are getting up to, and how you’re making the most out of your time with us at NSAC 2025!
