Annual Conferenec Heading

NADTA CONFERENCE 2026 in Albuquerque, New Mexico 
  
  
  
Hot Air Balloons City Skyline in ABQ, NM San Felipe de Neri Church in ABQ, NM

 

 

Conference Theme: Holding the Whole Story: A Retrospective Conference

This conference invites the NADTA community to explore and generate knowledge about our field: how drama therapists engage with its history and lineage, honor analog foundations, integrate emerging research and support colleagues across the professional lifespan. Grounded in presence, embodiment, relationship, and shared space, #NADTA2026 centers the story of the field while creating space to examine disruption, adaptation, and growth. Through a timeline approach, programming moves from the roots of drama therapy, through periods of disruption and innovation, to the thoughtful integration of emerging practices. This year, the conference itself becomes a site of inquiry, asking how drama therapists reflect on, practice, and carry forward the evolving story of our field with care and accountability.

Addressing the Rise in Registration Costs

As many of us have experienced since 2020, the cost of gathering has increased significantly. While the annual conference remains NADTA’s largest source of income, it is also our largest expense. Rising venue costs (even when selecting the most affordable options), anticipated fluctuations in attendance related to ongoing health and global concerns, and the reality that we have historically undercharged for the true cost of producing this conference have made it necessary to realign our pricing.
 This shift reflects a commitment to transparency and sustainability. The pricing you’ll see this year is closer to what it actually costs to host a conference of this scope, while continuing to prioritize access across financial diversity.
 We are supporting the long-term health of both our members and the organization by introducing a new tiered registration model.

Conference Registration Rate
Registration Types
ONE DAY PASS
fULL cONFERENCE pACKAGE
Non-Member

$285 USD

$740 USD
Member

All member types excluding Student Member

$250 USD

$698 USD
Student Member

Only available for NADTA Student Members

$250 USD

 

$435 USD
Sustain the Community

Includes your registration and helps offset discounted student and new professional rates. 

$950 USD
Support the Future

Includes your registration, covers the costs OF reduced-rate registrations, and supporting long-term sustainability.

$1,250 USD
  
Click Here to Register

 

*To receive the appropriate discounted rate, please ensure you log into the system prior to completing your event registration.  For more information on membership options, please click here.

Click here to view the Event Cancellation Policy

Conference Venue

Hotel ABQ at Old Town Exterior

Hotel ABQ at Old Town Lobby

Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town

800 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104 
 

Book your room on the property to save time and help maintain NADTA's partnership with the location!

Rooms starting at $189.00 USD per night excluding taxes and fees. 

Located at the gateway to historic Old Town Albuquerque, Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town offers an immersive stay where culture and hospitality meet. Positioned between Old Town and the lively Sawmill District, the hotel places guests within walking distance of iconic landmarks, local dining, and unique Southwestern shopping, making it an ideal home base for exploring the city. 

Blending elegant accommodations with the rich artistic heritage of the Southwest, the property reflects the diverse influences that define New Mexico - from Native American and Spanish traditions to contemporary regional design. The hotel is part of Heritage Hotels & Resorts, Inc., whose mission is to embody the culture, spirit, and tradition of the state by creating culturally distinctive hotels that tell the story of New Mexico through design, art, and guest experiences.

Book your stay through the NADTA's official Room Block link in this email or call (866) 505-7829. 

Call In Code: 2610NADTA2

Group Name: NADTA Annual Conference
Click here to Book Your Room

 

Event Logo

 

2026 Conference Leadership Team
Vice President:  Emily Faith
Program Chairs: Nicole Ventura
 

Continuing Education (CE)
NADTA Conference sessions may be accepted for the following types of Continuing Education:
  • NADTA RDT/BCT/CHED CE Hours
  • NBCC CE Hours North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6819. Programs that do not qualify for National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) credit are clearly identified.  NADTA is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Please contact your licensing or credentialing organization to ask if they will accept these CE Hours
Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit or NYS LCAT credit will be identified in the schedule. Instructions will be given at the conference for the procedures to follow in order to obtain CE Hours. Please note that you must request your NBCC or LCAT Certificate within 30 days after the conference.