Create

Compete

Connect

4.9.26 thru 4.11.26

Aloft Downtown Dallas

The National Student Show & Conference 2026

Submit work Get Tickets

Questions? Reach out to nssc@dsvc.org

Create
Compete
Connect

The National Student Show & Conference is the largest dedicated student creative conference and competition, recognizing and inspiring college-level design, advertising, illustration, and photography students. Create career-defining memories, compete for a share of over $20,000, and connect with creatives and professionals from across the country.

Grab your conference tickets and join us April 9–11, 2026 in Downtown Dallas for a weekend full of world class keynote speakers, professional portfolio reviews, exclusive studio tours and so much more! Scroll below for additional schedule and location details.

03

days in Dallas, TX

04

keynote speakers

$20k+

awarded in scholarships & prizes

Keynote Speakers

To Be
Announced
To Be
Announced

Ambica Prakash

Eighty2degrees

Ambica Prakash is the Principal and Creative Director of Eighty2degrees, an award-winning social impact design studio in Washington, DC. She brings more than 20 years of design expertise from both the academic and professional realms. Ambica is guided by a firm belief in the ability of design to support and effect positive change.

Afritina Coker

Afritina is a visual storyteller who specializes in art, fashion and commercial portraiture. Her multifaceted approach to visual imagery effortlessly combines photography, styling, and set design to create interesting and meaningful portraiture.

To Be Announced

Jeff Breazeale

The Matchbox Studio

Jeff Breazeale is a 27-year veteran of the design community and has made his mark as a creative leader representing a diverse roster of clients large and small. A Founding Partner at The Matchbox Studio, Jeff is responsible for strategic and creative oversight of all projects – but is most at home focusing on brand strategy – helping guide the direction of projects to align with the vision and goals of his clients.

To Be Announced

Judging Panel

Brandon Murphy

Caliber Creative

Brandon brings 25 years of experience to the judge’s table, shaping brands like Southwest Airlines, Trader Joe’s, and Dickies. His signature style also fuels Texas favorites like Deep Ellum Brewing and Capmaker Bourbon. When he’s not building brands, he’s lecturing at UNT or cycling White Rock Lake.

Jessica Molina

Senior Designer

Jessica is a Nicaraguan-American lettering artist and illustrator known for her vibrant and expressive artwork. Often exploring deep themes of self-love, empowerment, and personal growth, her resume boasts work for national and global clients like Target, Snapchat, Sol de Janeiro, CASETiFY, and Toyota.

Jeff Breazeale

The Matchbox Studio

Jeff Breazeale is a 27-year veteran of the design community and has made his mark as a creative leader representing a diverse roster of clients large and small. A Founding Partner at The Matchbox Studio, Jeff is responsible for strategic and creative oversight of all projects – but is most at home focusing on brand strategy – helping guide the direction of projects to align with the vision and goals of his clients.

Afritina Coker

Afritina is a visual storyteller who specializes in art, fashion and commercial portraiture. Her multifaceted approach to visual imagery effortlessly combines photography, styling, and set design to create interesting and meaningful portraiture.

Ambica Prakash

Eighty2degrees

Ambica Prakash is the Principal and Creative Director of Eighty2degrees, an award-winning social impact design studio in Washington, DC. She brings more than 20 years of design expertise from both the academic and professional realms. Ambica is guided by a firm belief in the ability of design to support and effect positive change.

NSSC Ticket Sponsorship

Pros, pass it on

The NSSC Ticket Sponsorship helps remove financial barriers for students who might not otherwise be able to attend. With direct support from professional creatives, this need-based program gives eligible students access to the conference and the opportunity to advance their creative careers.

For Professionals

Sponsor a student’s conference ticket

Each sponsored ticket sends a student to NSSC and lets you audit the conference as well.

Applications close March 30, 2026

Sponsor Now

For Students

Apply to attend NSSC at little to no cost

If eligible, the NSSC Ticket Sponsorship can help cover the cost of your conference ticket.

Applications close March 30, 2026

Apply Today

Conference Schedule

7:30 am

30 min

Registration Day 1

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Keynote Speaker: To Be Announced

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration Day 2

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Keynote Speaker: To Be Announced

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration Day 3

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Keynote Speaker: To Be Announced

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

7:30 am

30 min

Registration

Activities

Breakout Sessions

Participate in group sessions led by industry professionals. Learn about their career paths, take part in hands-on workshops, and get real answers to your questions through interactive discussions.

Studio Tours

Visit award-winning Dallas design studios and learn what life in a professional agency is like. This is your chance for a behind-the-scenes look at process, craft and culture.

Sign up now

Portfolio Reviews

Agencies hire you for your work, not your GPA. Refine your portfolio with one-on-one feedback from experienced design professionals. Tighten your work and get ready to show off your book!

Round Tables

Sit down with a seasoned creative professional for an open conversation about their career and the realities of working in the industry. Ask your questions, get real advice and walk away with insight you can use.

Volunteers

Looking to help make NSSC 2026 happen? Please visit and fill out our volunteer form and we will contact you about how you can get involved!

Get involved

Location & Parking

Aloft Dallas Downtown

1033 Young St, Dallas, TX 75202

Take advantage of our special conference rate of $159/night for NSSC 2026 attendees. Availability is limited so book your room today!

Aloft is offering $8/night parking for guests, with some size restrictions (check with the hotel for large vehicles). There’s also a public lot next door for $16/day, and the Dallas Public Library offers free parking down the street.

Questions?

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the show and conference.

More FAQs

The NSSC is a national creative competition awarding over $20,000 in scholarships and cash prizes. Helping undergraduates become successful creative professionals, The National Student Show & Conference is a professionally judged creative competition and conference built for students and their educators.

The NSSC is a national creative competition awarding over $20,000 in scholarships and cash prizes. Helping undergraduates become successful creative professionals, The National Student Show & Conference is a professionally judged creative competition and conference built for students and their educators.

The NSSC is a national creative competition awarding over $20,000 in scholarships and cash prizes. Helping undergraduates become successful creative professionals, The National Student Show & Conference is a professionally judged creative competition and conference built for students and their educators.

The NSSC is a national creative competition awarding over $20,000 in scholarships and cash prizes. Helping undergraduates become successful creative professionals, The National Student Show & Conference is a professionally judged creative competition and conference built for students and their educators.

More FAQs