NASSP's National Education Leadership Awards (NELA)
Honoring Outstanding Principals
April 15-18, 2026 | Capitol Hilton | Washington, DC
The National Education Leadership Awards (NELA), hosted annually by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), is the premier invitation-only event honoring excellence in school leadership and student achievement.
More than an awards ceremony, NELA is an inspiring multi-day gathering of principals, assistant principals, and student scholars, united by a shared purpose to make a lasting difference in education.
Through recognition, leadership development, and connection, NELA elevates the stories and voices of the nation’s top education leaders and students, inspiring them to return to their communities with renewed vision and energy.
Who Attends
The Nation's Top Leaders and Rising Scholars
- 100 Assistant Principals of the Year
- 100 Principals of the Year
- 25 NHS Scholarship Finalists & Advisers
- 5 NASC Scholarship Winners
- 3 Advocacy Champion of the Year Finalists
- Plus NASSP Board Members, state execs, and key partners
Why It Matters
Celebrating & Elevating Leadership
- Recognition: National honorees and scholarship winners celebrated on stage.
- Connection: Peer networking, mentorship, and advocacy training.
- Impact: Attendees return inspired to lead change in their schools and communities.
*Select sessions also receive national press coverage (Education Week).
Sponsorship Packages
Sponsorship Opportunities
Welcome Reception (Exclusive)- $5,000
- (2) Conference and gala registrations
- Sponsor logo recognition on the Welcome Reception signage
- Verbal recognition during welcome session
- Gift bag insert
Photo Booth Sponsor (Exclusive)- $3,500
- Branding on the photo booth
- Creation of your own digital background
- Logo inclusion at the bottom of photos
Wi-Fi Sponsor (Exclusive) - $2,000
- Sponsor recognition where the Wi-Fi and password are mentioned
- Use of company name in the Wi-Fi code
Mobile App Sponsor (Exclusive)- $2,500
- Banner ad in the mobile app with link to webpage
Coffee Station Sponsor (3 Left) - $2,500
- Recognition on signage during the coffee break
- Opportunity to leave a postcard at the coffee station
Gift Bag Sponsor - $6,000
- Sponsor logo inclusion on the gift bag
- Gift bag insert
Lanyard Sponsor- $2,500
- Sponsor logo inclusion on the lanyard worn by all attendees
Gift Bag Insert - $750
- 8.5 x 11 in insert or sponsor provided item
Sponsor a Student or Principal - $500
- The nominee, school principal, superintendent/district and State Association will be notified that you sponsored the nominee. A short blurb and your contact information will be provided to the recipients, along with a handwritten note.
Customize Your Own Experience
Customize your impact and create a fun experience or outing for our attendees!
We’re open to ideas! Want to host a game show, talent show, debate, concert, slam poetry session, meet ups, wellness lounge? The possibilities are endless as we work together to create a memorable conference for our award winners! The customized sponsorship is subject to approval. Sponsor will coordinate the experience with the NASSP planning team.