Create
Compete
Connect
4.9.26 thru 4.11.26
Aloft Downtown Dallas
The National Student Show & Conference 2026
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
Announced
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 NowFor 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 TodayConference Schedule
7:30 am
30 min
Registration Day 1
7:30 am
30 min
Registration
7:30 am
30 min
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7:30 am
30 min
Registration
7:30 am
30 min
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7:30 am
30 min
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7:30 am
30 min
Keynote Speaker: To Be Announced
7:30 am
30 min
Registration
7:30 am
30 min
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7:30 am
30 min
Registration
7:30 am
30 min
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7:30 am
30 min
Registration
7:30 am
30 min
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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
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7:30 am
30 min
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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.
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!

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 FAQsThe 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.