NIRSA Campus Rec Expo 2027 Exhibit Booth Builder — Interior Today LLC | Custom Campus Recreation Trade Show Stands Kansas City
NIRSA — the membership association for leaders in collegiate recreation — produces the annual NIRSA Conference and Campus Rec Expo, the premier professional development and trade show event for the campus recreation industry in North America.
The 2027 NIRSA Conference and Campus Rec Expo takes place March 1–4, 2027, at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The Campus Rec Expo specifically runs March 2–3, 2027 — two full days of exhibition where campus recreation directors, facility managers, intramural and sports program coordinators, fitness and wellness professionals, aquatics specialists, and college and university purchasing decision-makers walk the show floor to evaluate products, meet vendors, and make purchasing decisions for their programs and facilities.
NIRSA’s origins trace back to a two-day meeting at Dillard University in February 1950, where Dr. William Wasson gathered colleagues from eleven Historically Black Colleges and Universities to discuss intramural programs. From that foundation, NIRSA has grown into the definitive professional association for collegiate recreation leaders across North America, with over 3,100 members supporting the learning, growth, and wellbeing of college students at institutions of every size.
For companies selling fitness equipment, recreation technology, facility solutions, wellness programs, sports surfaces, aquatics products, outdoor recreation gear, esports infrastructure, and any product or service relevant to college and university recreation departments, the NIRSA Conference and Campus Rec Expo is the single most concentrated and most qualified audience of campus recreation purchasing decision-makers assembled anywhere in the country each year.
Your exhibition stand at NIRSA Expo 2027 is your brand’s professional home base at that event. At Interior Today LLC, we design and build custom campus recreation and collegiate wellness trade show booths and exhibition stands for companies exhibiting at NIRSA Kansas City 2027. We handle everything from first design concept through final teardown at the Kansas City Convention Center.
NIRSA Expo 2027 — Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Event Name | 2027 NIRSA Conference and Campus Rec Expo |
| Organizer | NIRSA — Leaders in Collegiate Recreation |
| Industry | Campus Recreation — Higher Education — B2B |
| Conference Dates | March 1–4, 2027 |
| Campus Rec Expo Dates | March 2–3, 2027 |
| Venue | Kansas City Convention Center |
| City | Kansas City, Missouri |
| NIRSA Membership (Active) | 3,100+ members |
| Official General Contractor | Fern |
| Exhibitor Service Platform | PheedLoop Exhibitor Portal |
| Event App | PheedLoop App |
| Badges Per Booth | 3 per 100 sq. ft. of booth space |
| Additional Badge Cost | $150 each (standard rate) |
| Late Badge Fee | +$25 processing fee after deadline |
| Booth Includes Full Conference Access | Yes — education sessions, keynotes, roundtables, socials |
| Associate Member Booth Discount | 10% off booth square footage |
| Early Bird Registration Deadline | January 20, 2027 |
| Conference Registration Opens | November 2026 |
| Conference Program Live | January 2027 |
| 24/7 Expo Security | Yes — included |
| Lead Retrieval | Available through Fern OneView Exhibitor Kit |
| Attendee Lists | 2 pre-show + 1 post-show — provided to all exhibitors |
| Insurance Required | Yes — COI required; upload to PheedLoop or email coi@nirsa.org |
| Food and Beverage Sampling | Permitted with Gaylord National approval (for 2026 ref. event) |
| Alcohol in Booth | Permitted with NIRSA pre-approval only — must stay within booth space |
| Wi-Fi | Basic provided — enhanced bandwidth must be ordered via Fern OneView |
| Power / Electric | Not included — order through Fern OneView Exhibitor Kit |
| Booth Carpet / Furnishings | Not included — bring own or order through Fern OneView |
| NIRSA Founded | 1950 — Dillard University, New Orleans |
| Strategic Priorities 2024–2027 | Professional Pipeline, Advocacy, Wellbeing |
Conference and Expo Dates, Hours, and Schedule
| Day | Date | Activity | Hours |
| Sunday | March 1, 2027 | Conference Opens — Education Sessions, Registration, Networking | All Day |
| Monday | March 2, 2027 | Campus Rec Expo — Day 1 + Education Sessions | Expo: TBA |
| Tuesday | March 3, 2027 | Campus Rec Expo — Day 2 + Education Sessions | Expo: TBA |
| Wednesday | March 4, 2027 | Conference Closes — Education Sessions, Roundtables | All Day |
Campus Rec Expo runs: March 2–3, 2027 only Conference runs: March 1–4, 2027 (all four days)
Exhibitor badges include access to all conference education sessions, roundtables, keynotes, and socials — not just the expo floor. This means your team can attend sessions, network during evening socials, and build relationships with campus rec professionals throughout the full conference week, not only during expo hours.
2026 NIRSA + IDEA World Reference — Expo Setup and Teardown Hours
| Activity | Date | Hours |
| Large Booths (>400 sq. ft.) Move-In | April 7 (Tue) | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
| All Booths Move-In | April 7 (Tue) | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| All Booths Move-In (Final) | April 8 (Wed) | 8:00 AM – Noon |
| All Booths Setup Deadline | April 8 (Wed) | By Noon |
| Exhibitor Move-Out | April 9 (Thu) | 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
Full Presenter and Registration Timeline — Critical Dates
Every company exhibiting at NIRSA Expo 2027 needs to track these key dates for both exhibit planning and education session participation.
| Milestone | Date |
| Call for Proposals Opens | August 3, 2026 |
| Proposal Deadline — General Education Sessions | September 18, 2026 |
| Proposal Deadline — Panel Session Proposals | September 18, 2026 |
| Proposal Deadline — 20-Minute Expo Session Proposals | September 18, 2026 |
| Proposal Deadline — Virtual Session Proposals | September 18, 2026 |
| Proposal Deadline — Fitness Forum Proposals | September 18, 2026 |
| Proposal Reviewer Application Deadline | September 18, 2026 |
| Conference Registration Opens | November 2026 |
| Proposal Status Notification (accept / decline) | November 2026 |
| Virtual Session Presenter Recording Deadline | December 1, 2026 |
| Proposal Deadline — Poster Presentation Proposals | December 16, 2026 |
| Conference Program Live | January 2027 |
| Early Bird Registration Deadline | January 20, 2027 |
| Session Schedules Shared with Presenters | Early January 2027 |
| Poster Presentation Proposal Status Notification | February 2027 |
| 2027 NIRSA Conference | March 1–4, 2027 |
| 2027 NIRSA Campus Rec Expo | March 2–3, 2027 |
Who Attends NIRSA Conference and Expo 2027?
NIRSA draws the complete professional community of collegiate recreation. Every attendee is a working professional in campus recreation or a student in the field at a college or university somewhere in North America.
| Attendee Type | Role at NIRSA Expo |
| Campus Recreation Directors | Oversee department-wide purchasing, facility decisions, and program investments |
| Associate Directors of Recreation | Manage specific program areas — key purchasing influencers |
| Recreation Facility Managers | Evaluate equipment, surfaces, and facility management products |
| Fitness and Wellness Coordinators | Source fitness equipment, wellness programs, and health promotion tools |
| Intramural and Club Sports Coordinators | Evaluate sports equipment, officiating tools, and program resources |
| Aquatics Directors and Coordinators | Source pool equipment, safety products, and aquatics programming tools |
| Outdoor Recreation Coordinators | Evaluate outdoor gear, adventure programming products, and rental equipment |
| Climbing Wall Coordinators | Source climbing holds, wall equipment, and training tools |
| Esports Coordinators | Evaluate gaming technology, esports facility infrastructure, and programming tools |
| Student Wellbeing and Health Promotion Staff | Source wellbeing programs, mental health tools, and health education resources |
| Campus Recreation Graduate Students | Next generation of purchasing decision-makers — actively learning and discovering products |
| University Purchasing and Procurement Officers | Manage institutional purchasing decisions and vendor qualification |
| Campus Recreation Marketing Coordinators | Evaluate branding, signage, and communication tools |
| Youth Camp and Programming Directors | Source equipment and programs for youth-focused campus recreation |
| Physical Education Faculty | Connect campus PE programs with equipment and curriculum tools |
Why Companies Exhibit at NIRSA Campus Rec Expo 2027
| Reason | What It Means for Your Booth |
| 3,100+ active NIRSA members | Every professional in the room is a credentialed campus recreation practitioner |
| Campus recreation directors are final purchasing authorities | The people walking your booth have budget approval and departmental purchasing power |
| $1.8 billion in collegiate facility construction (2016–2020) | This is an industry actively investing in infrastructure and equipment — buyers have real budgets |
| 108+ colleges active in construction and renovation | Facility projects = new equipment purchases = buyers actively evaluating vendors now |
| All areas of campus rec represented in one event | Fitness, aquatics, intramurals, outdoor rec, esports, climbing, wellbeing — one expo covers all |
| Associate members get 10% off booth fees | NIRSA rewards your investment in the community with a meaningful cost savings |
| Early access to expo floor plan | Associate members see the map before the public — claim prime traffic positions first |
| Expo sessions let associate members present education | Present a 20-minute session on the expo floor — build authority while driving traffic to your space |
| Attendee lists provided pre- and post-show | Two pre-show lists + one post-show list — unusually strong lead intelligence for exhibitors |
| Lead retrieval available through Fern | On-site badge scanning for efficient, accurate lead capture |
| NIRSA member network extends beyond the show | LMTmag-equivalent community via NIRSA Connect — vendor relationships built at the expo continue year-round |
What Is Included with Every Booth at NIRSA Expo 2027?
Understanding exactly what your exhibit space purchase includes — and what it does not — helps you plan your booth build accurately.
| Included Item | Detail |
| Full Conference Registration | Education sessions, roundtables, keynotes, and socials — all included with exhibitor badges |
| Company Listing — Online Floor Plan | Searchable listing on the NIRSA 2027 website |
| Company Listing — Event App | Visible to all attendees using the PheedLoop event app |
| Exhibitor Graphics | Customizable graphics for social media promotion — downloadable from PheedLoop portal |
| 8-Foot Hardwall Back Panel (Fern) | Fireproof hardwall back — standard inline booths only |
| 3-Foot Sidewall (Fern) | Standard sidewall — inline booths (excludes island booths) |
| Aisle Carpet | Provided throughout exhibit hall aisles |
| Basic Wi-Fi | For general browsing and email — not sufficient for streaming or high-bandwidth demos |
| 24/7 Security | Full-time security throughout the expo |
| Attendee Lists | Two pre-show lists + one post-show list per exhibitor |
| Badges | 3 per 100 sq. ft. of booth space |
| Associate Member Sticker | Displayed at front of booth for associate member companies |
| Lunch (Day 2) | Included in the exhibit hall on the second expo day |
| PheedLoop Exhibitor Portal Access | Company profile builder, task management, resource downloads |
Interior Today LLC provides: Custom flooring, furnishings, lighting, and all branded display elements as part of our full-service booth build — so you arrive at Kansas City with everything your stand needs, already installed and ready to operate.
Exhibitor Badges — Allocation, Access, and Additional Purchase
| Detail | Information |
| Standard Badge Allocation | 3 badges per 100 sq. ft. of booth space |
| Badge Access — Included | Education sessions, roundtables, keynotes, and socials |
| Badge Access — Not Included | Preconference workshops and outings (must purchase separately) |
| Who Badges Are For | Exhibitor company employees only |
| Additional Badge Cost | $150 each (through standard deadline) |
| Late Badge Purchase Fee | Additional $25 processing fee after deadline |
| Contact for Badge Billing | billing@nirsa.org |
| DVMs / VTs / CVPMs (not applicable) | N/A — NIRSA is campus recreation not veterinary |
| CE Access | No CEUs offered in 2027 (CSAEd program discontinued) |
NIRSA Associate Membership — Benefits for Exhibitors
Becoming a NIRSA Associate Member before exhibiting is one of the highest-ROI decisions any company can make for their NIRSA Expo participation. The benefits extend well beyond a discount on your booth fee.
Access Benefits
| Benefit | Detail |
| Associate Member Logo | Authorized use of NIRSA associate member branding |
| Member Directory Access | Connect with campus rec leaders across NIRSA’s 3,100+ member network |
| Targeting Filters | Find the right purchasing contact at specific institutions |
| NIRSA Connect Forum | Search, monitor, and contribute to discussions and resource libraries |
| Preferred RFP Status | Preferred consideration for RFPs related to NIRSA events including the Conference and Expo |
| Early Expo Floor Plan Access | See the exhibit floor map before public release — secure prime locations first |
| Sponsorship Opportunities | Access to sponsorships reserved exclusively for associate members |
| Partnership Opportunities | Reserved partnership programs available to associate members only |
Exposure Benefits
| Benefit | Detail |
| NIRSA Buyers Guide Listing | Robust profile with direct links, brochures, videos, and product information |
| New Member Announcement | Company featured in monthly New Members announcement |
| NIRSA News Publishing | Publish company updates (non-solicitation) in NIRSA News |
| NIRSA Foundation Partnership | Opportunity to provide named corporate scholarships or research support |
Resource Benefits
| Benefit | Detail |
| NIRSA Know Newsletter | Curated association news delivered monthly |
| Monthly Staff Updates | Ideas, opportunities, and benefit updates from NIRSA staff |
| Research and Assessment Data | Access to NIRSA’s facility construction, renovation, and program research |
| Facility Construction Reports | Data covering $1.8B in projects, 6.5M sq. ft. of construction, 108 institutions |
| Custom Fee-Based Reports | Custom reports on NIRSA member facilities, programs, and budgets |
Eligibility Benefits
| Benefit | Detail |
| Present at NIRSA Events | Eligible to present at NIRSA professional development events |
| Fitness Forum Leadership | Lead classes at the NIRSA Conference Fitness Forum |
| Member Surveys | Participate in NIRSA member research surveys |
| Volunteer Leadership | Open seats on NIRSA Assembly and Foundation committees |
| Publications | Contribute as an author to NIRSA publications |
Discount Benefits
| Benefit | Amount |
| Booth Square Footage Discount | 10% off at NIRSA Conference and Expo |
| Advertising / Sponsored Content / Webinars | $300–$500 off |
| Attendee Registration Discount | Discounted access to NIRSA professional development events |
| Bluefishjobs.com Posting | Discounted job posting rate |
| NIRSA Mailing Lists | 60% off |
Multi-year rates are available for for-profit companies. Annual fee is subject to increase when for-profit dues increase. No discount offered for multi-year renewals.
ROI perspective: The 10% booth discount alone at a modest 20×20 booth can easily offset a significant portion of the annual associate membership fee — making associate membership financially self-justifying before counting any of the other year-round benefits.
NIRSA Facility Construction Data — Why This Market Matters
NIRSA’s own research data makes the commercial case for exhibiting at the Campus Rec Expo clearer than almost any other trade show in higher education.
| Data Point | Statistic |
| Institutions in construction / renovation / expansion (2016–2020) | 108 colleges and universities |
| Total value of projects | $1.8 billion |
| Total construction square footage (2016–2020) | 6,515,075 sq. ft. |
| Median project size | 70,500 sq. ft. |
| Project types | New construction, renovations, and expansions |
| Report availability | Full report available to all NIRSA members |
| Custom data access | Fee-based custom reports on member facilities, programs, and budgets |
What this means for exhibitors: Campus recreation facilities at U.S. colleges and universities represent $1.8 billion in construction investment over a recent five-year window alone. These are not departments with modest maintenance budgets — they are major institutional investments at universities that expect their recreation facilities to attract and retain students. The departments managing these facilities are the ones walking the NIRSA Expo floor in Kansas City.
Session and Education Formats at NIRSA 2027
Understanding the conference’s education program helps exhibiting companies align their booth messaging and expo session proposals with what campus recreation professionals are actively learning about.
| Session Format | Duration | Deadline | Description |
| General Education Session | 45 minutes | September 18, 2026 | Lecture-style session — classic classroom format |
| Panel Session | 45 minutes | September 18, 2026 | Small group of experts offering perspectives on shared topics |
| 20-Minute Expo Session | 20 minutes | September 18, 2026 | Educational content from associate members — on the expo floor |
| Virtual Session | Pre-recorded | September 18, 2026 | Pre-recorded and streamed via PheedLoop app at the event |
| Fitness Forum Class | Variable | September 18, 2026 | Live fitness class or workout — unique to NIRSA |
| Poster Presentation | Visual / Interactive | December 16, 2026 | Research, pilot programs, case studies, and emerging ideas |
NIRSA Strategic Priorities Guiding 2027 Programming
| Priority | What It Means for Exhibitor Booth Messaging |
| Professional Pipeline | Campus rec workforce development, student employment, talent retention |
| Advocacy | Legislative and institutional advocacy for recreation programs and budgets |
| Wellbeing | Student wellbeing, mental health, holistic campus wellness programs |
Exhibiting companies whose products and services connect to these three priority areas will resonate most strongly with the programming mindset of the 2027 NIRSA audience. Interior Today LLC can help you communicate these connections clearly within your booth’s graphic and messaging design.
Expo Sessions — 20-Minute Presenter Opportunities for Exhibitors
The 20-minute Expo Session format is one of the most valuable opportunities available to exhibiting companies at NIRSA Expo 2027. It is the only speaking format designed specifically for associate members — and it takes place directly on the expo floor.
| Feature | Detail |
| Session Location | On the expo floor — directly within the exhibit hall |
| Session Length | 20 minutes |
| Format | Educational content — best practices and case studies |
| Not Permitted | Sales demos — this is an education format, not a product pitch |
| Best Use | Share data, research, best practices, and insights your campus partners can use immediately |
| Who Should Apply | Associate members with genuine educational content for campus recreation professionals |
| Application Deadline | September 18, 2026 |
| Audio Support | Sound reinforcement is provided so all attendees can hear clearly |
| Contact for Sales Demos | Nick Zumbrun — contact through nirsa.net |
Why this matters for your stand: An expo session creates a dedicated audience moment at your brand’s location on the show floor. Campus rec professionals attending your 20-minute session associate your company name with education, expertise, and value — not just product sales. This authority positioning significantly increases the quality of conversations that follow the session at your booth directly afterward.
Accessibility and Inclusive Conference Features
NIRSA 2027 is designed to be a fully welcoming and accessible conference for all attendees and exhibitors.
Official Contacts — NIRSA Expo and Conference Team
| Role / Department | Contact | Detail |
| General Expo Inquiries | nirsa@nirsa.org | Booth availability, pricing, exhibitor information |
| Billing and Badge Questions | billing@nirsa.org | Additional badge purchases, payment questions |
| Certificate of Insurance | coi@nirsa.org | COI upload alternative to PheedLoop portal |
| Events and Accommodations | events@nirsa.org | Accessibility needs, presenter stage accommodations |
| Advertising / Sponsorship | Megan Castro | megan.castro@nirsa.org — pre-show newsletter ad slots |
| Sponsorship Opportunities | Emily Hughes | Contact through nirsa.net for onsite sponsorship details |
| Sales Demo Interest | Nick Zumbrun | Contact through nirsa.net for demo session information |
| General NIRSA Phone | 541-766-8211 | Main association contact number |
| PheedLoop Support | Exhibitor Portal | Access post-booth purchase — all exhibitor management tools |
| Scam Reporting | nirsa@nirsa.org or FTC | reportfraud.ftc.gov — for housing and attendee list scams |
Venue Details — Kansas City Convention Center
| Detail | Information |
| Venue Name | Kansas City Convention Center |
| City | Kansas City, Missouri |
| Event | 2027 NIRSA Conference and Campus Rec Expo |
| Conference Dates | March 1–4, 2027 |
| Expo Dates | March 2–3, 2027 |
| General Contractor | Fern — all exhibitor services ordered through Fern OneView |
| Event Platform | PheedLoop — exhibitor portal and event app |
| Nearest Major Airport | Kansas City International Airport (MCI) |
| Official Hotel | To be posted at nirsa.net — book only through official NIRSA block |
| Hotel Booking Warning | ONLY book through official NIRSA block — third-party hotel scams are rampant |
| Wi-Fi | Basic included — high-bandwidth ordered through Fern OneView |
| Power | Not included — ordered through Fern OneView Exhibitor Kit |
Future NIRSA Conference Dates
| Year | Dates | Venue | City |
| 2027 | March 1–4, 2027 | Kansas City Convention Center | Kansas City, MO |
| 2028 | April 4–7, 2028 | Baird Center | Milwaukee, WI |
| 2029 | April 3–6, 2029 | Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center | Nashville, TN |
For companies planning a multi-year NIRSA exhibit strategy, these dates provide the planning horizon needed to design stand concepts, schedule fabrication, and coordinate logistics well in advance for each city.
Scam Warning — Attendee Lists and Hotel Block Fraud
| Scam Type | What to Know |
| Attendee List Scams | NIRSA does NOT ever sell attendee lists. Any email or call claiming to have conference attendee lists is a scam. |
| Hotel Block Scams | Only book through the official NIRSA hotel block link. No one from NIRSA will call you about booking unless you already made a reservation and the call comes directly from the resort. |
| How to Report | Email nirsa@nirsa.org or report to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov |
| FTC Reporting Category | Select “An impersonator” → “Well-known or trusted business” — takes 1–2 minutes |
Why Your NIRSA Expo 2027 Booth Design Determines Whether Campus Rec Directors Stop or Walk Past
The NIRSA Campus Rec Expo brings together the most concentrated gathering of collegiate recreation purchasing decision-makers in North America. These are not generalist buyers or casual browsers. They are recreation professionals — people who spend their careers designing, operating, and improving campus recreation facilities and programs for tens of thousands of college students.
They bring a professional eye to everything they encounter at the Expo. They notice when an exhibitor has invested in their presentation and when they have not. They associate the quality of your booth with the quality of your product. And at a professional conference where trust is built on expertise, a well-designed booth communicates that your company takes its relationship with the campus recreation community seriously.
The NIRSA community also has a strong culture of returning attendees. Campus recreation professionals attend the NIRSA Conference year after year — it is the cornerstone of their professional development calendar. Exhibitors who show up with a consistent, professional, and increasingly polished presence earn accumulated brand recognition with the same audience over multiple years. Exhibitors who show up with a generic or underdeveloped stand send a message that their commitment to the community is transactional rather than genuine.
The NIRSA Campus Rec Expo is two days. The Expo floor is active while education sessions run simultaneously — meaning campus rec professionals are moving between learning moments and your booth throughout both days. The booths that capture them in those transitions are the ones that register immediately: clear brand identity, visible product or service communication, and an environment that invites a conversation rather than requiring one.
There is also a practical reality for exhibitors with the 20-minute Expo Session opportunity. If your team delivers an Expo Session on the show floor, the 20 minutes immediately following that session are potentially your highest-traffic moments of the entire two-day expo. The campus rec professionals who just heard your team present educational content will naturally drift toward your booth. A well-designed stand with a clear, organized product area and comfortable conversation space converts that post-session traffic into genuine meetings and qualified leads.
Interior Today LLC builds campus recreation and collegiate wellness trade show booths that earn professional trust, communicate brand clarity, and create the right environment for productive conversations with the people who manage recreation programs for North America’s college students.
Enquiry for Trade Show Booth
Our Exhibition Stand Design Portfolio In Kansas City
At Interior Today we are offering flawless services for the exhibition and trade shows. We are working with brands and businesses of all sizes, designing and installing amazing stands. We believe in combining excellent design and superior project management to deliver high quality custom built exhibition stands. Just take a glance at some of our recent work given below.
Frequently Asked Questions — NIRSA Campus Rec Expo 2027 Booth Builder and Event
What is NIRSA Campus Rec Expo 2027?
NIRSA Campus Rec Expo 2027 is the trade show component of the annual NIRSA Conference, organized by NIRSA — Leaders in Collegiate Recreation. The expo runs March 2–3, 2027, at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The full conference runs March 1–4, 2027. It is the premier B2B event for companies selling products and services to college and university campus recreation departments.
When is NIRSA Campus Rec Expo 2027?
The Campus Rec Expo runs March 2–3, 2027. The full NIRSA Conference runs March 1–4, 2027. Early bird registration closes January 20, 2027. Conference registration opens November 2026.
Where is NIRSA 2027 held?
NIRSA 2027 is held at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
Can Interior Today LLC build my exhibit booth for NIRSA 2027 Kansas City?
Yes. Interior Today LLC designs and builds custom campus recreation and collegiate wellness trade show booths for companies exhibiting at NIRSA Campus Rec Expo 2027. We manage everything from design through teardown, including Fern OneView coordination.
Who attends NIRSA Campus Rec Expo?
Attendees include campus recreation directors, associate directors, facility managers, fitness and wellness coordinators, intramural and sports coordinators, aquatics directors, outdoor recreation coordinators, climbing wall coordinators, esports coordinators, student wellbeing staff, university purchasing officers, and campus recreation students. Over 3,100 NIRSA members attend from colleges and universities across North America.
What is included with a NIRSA Expo booth?
Each booth includes three badges per 100 sq. ft. (with full conference access), a company listing on the NIRSA website and PheedLoop event app, customizable exhibitor social media graphics, a Fern hardwall back panel and sidewalls (inline booths), aisle carpet, basic Wi-Fi, 24/7 security, two pre-show and one post-show attendee list, and lunch on Day 2. Flooring, furniture, electricity, cleaning, and enhanced internet must be ordered through the Fern OneView Exhibitor Kit.
How many badges come with a NIRSA booth?
Exhibitors receive three badges per 100 sq. ft. of booth space. Badges include full conference registration — education sessions, roundtables, keynotes, and socials. Additional badges cost $150 each (plus a $25 late fee after the deadline). Preconference workshops and outings must be purchased separately.
Do I need to be a NIRSA member to exhibit?
No. However, NIRSA Associate Membership provides 10% off booth square footage, early access to the expo floor plan, and significant year-round benefits including the Buyers Guide listing, NIRSA Connect access, and preferred RFP status. Membership rates start at $375 for nonprofits, consultants, and startups and $550 for for-profit companies.
What is the NIRSA Associate Member booth discount?
NIRSA Associate Members receive 10% off booth square footage fees at the NIRSA Conference and Expo — a meaningful saving that in many cases offsets a significant portion of the annual membership cost on its own.
What are NIRSA Expo Sessions and can my company present one?
20-minute Expo Sessions allow associate members to present educational content directly on the expo floor. This is not a sales demo format — it is an education format for sharing best practices, data, and insights that campus recreation professionals can apply at their institutions. Applications are due September 18, 2026. For sales demo interest, contact Nick Zumbrun through nirsa.net.
What is the Fern OneView Exhibitor Kit?
Fern is the official general contractor for NIRSA 2027. The Fern OneView Exhibitor Kit is the ordering system for all additional booth services including flooring, furniture, electricity, internet, cleaning, and material handling. Interior Today LLC coordinates with Fern directly as part of our turnkey booth build service.
What is PheedLoop and how do exhibitors use it?
PheedLoop is the event software platform and mobile app for NIRSA 2027. After purchasing a booth, exhibitors receive access to the PheedLoop exhibitor portal where they can build their company profile, complete required tasks, download exhibitor graphics, assign booth staff, and manage their listing. Profile information syncs directly to the NIRSA 2027 website and event app.
Are attendee lists provided to exhibitors?
Yes. NIRSA provides exhibitors with two pre-show attendee lists and one post-show list. Important: NIRSA does not sell attendee lists. Any outside party contacting you claiming to have NIRSA attendee lists is running a scam — report them to nirsa@nirsa.org or the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
How do I avoid hotel booking scams for NIRSA 2027?
Book only through the official NIRSA hotel block link provided by NIRSA. No one will call you about hotel bookings unless you have already made a reservation and the call comes from the resort directly. Any other calls or emails claiming to have hotel block information are scams. Report them to nirsa@nirsa.org or the FTC.
What are the future dates for NIRSA conferences after 2027?
NIRSA 2028 is April 4–7, 2028, at the Baird Center in Milwaukee, WI. NIRSA 2029 is April 3–6, 2029, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, TN.
How early should I contact Interior Today LLC about my NIRSA 2027 booth?
As early as possible. The NIRSA Campus Rec Expo is in March 2027, but custom exhibition stands require design, fabrication, and logistics lead time of several months. Contact Interior Today LLC well in advance of the move-in window to get the most creative options, proper build time, and seamless Fern coordination.
Does Interior Today LLC handle full teardown after NIRSA Campus Rec Expo 2027?
Yes. Our full-service package includes complete dismantling and removal of your stand after the Campus Rec Expo closes on March 3, 2027. Your team leaves Kansas City — we handle everything after.
What size booth works best at NIRSA Campus Rec Expo?
The right booth size depends on your product portfolio and team size. A 10×10 is effective for focused product presentations and new exhibitors. A 10×20 or corner booth significantly increases traffic capture. A 20×20 island works well for equipment manufacturers with demonstration needs. Interior Today LLC will help you make the right choice for your budget and goals.
Can I walk the NIRSA expo floor without exhibiting?
Yes. Non-exhibitors can walk the expo floor by completing a short form and exchanging a business card for an expo-only day pass at the onsite event registration desk.
Stand Types and Configurations We Build for NIRSA Expo
| Stand Type | Best For |
| 10×10 Inline Booth | New NIRSA exhibitors, single product or service category, first-time presence at Kansas City |
| 10×20 Inline Booth | Two product lines, growing brands, or companies adding an Expo Session presentation element |
| Corner Booth | Two-aisle visibility — significantly higher campus rec professional walk-in traffic |
| 20×20 Island Stand | All four sides open — equipment-forward companies, multiple product categories |
| 20×30 or Larger Island | Fitness equipment manufacturers, large facility product companies, multi-product portfolio brands |
| Peninsula / Endcap | Three-side aisle exposure at competitive cost — strong NIRSA Expo performance |
| Technology Platform Stand | Screen-integrated, software demo-forward design for campus rec tech, esports, and digital products |
| Equipment Demo Stand | Built to accommodate large fitness or recreation equipment with proper floor space and sight lines |
| Expo Session Presentation Stand | Stand designed to function as an education space during your 20-minute session and a sales environment after |
Build Your NIRSA Campus Rec Expo 2027 Exhibit Stand with Interior Today LLC
NIRSA Campus Rec Expo 2027 is two days. 3,100+ campus recreation professionals — directors, facility managers, coordinators, and purchasing decision-makers from colleges and universities across North America — walking the floor at the Kansas City Convention Center in March 2027.
These are the people who manage $1.8 billion in campus recreation facility construction and renovation. They control fitness equipment budgets, facility technology decisions, outdoor recreation program investments, aquatics infrastructure purchases, and the wellbeing program contracts at some of the largest universities in the country.
They are going to walk past your booth. Whether they stop — whether they engage your team, evaluate your product, and begin the purchasing conversation — depends on what they see when they look at your stand.
Contact Interior Today LLC today to start planning your NIRSA Campus Rec Expo 2027 exhibit booth. Tell us your space, your products, and your campus recreation buyer goals — and we will build the stand that makes collegiate recreation directors stop, engage, and trust your brand.
