Registration & Hotel Booking Opens: March 25, 2026
Testing and Submission Window: May 6 | 8 AM (EST) – May 15 | 5 PM (EST)
Senior: June 16-20, 2026
Elementary: June 21-23, 2026
Junior: June 23-27, 2026
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, Tennessee, 37214
National Convention is our culminating event each summer where individuals who have qualified during their respective State Conventions and Regional Leadership Summits join to compete for a national title. On top of the excitement of that attendees also get to:
As we prepare for the 2026 National Convention, several important updates are being introduced to help ensure a smoother, more consistent experience for every club, member, and family. From registration timelines to academic competition formats and leadership challenge divisions, these adjustments are designed to keep our processes clear, fair, and aligned with the growing needs of Beta.
To ensure all clubs have equal access to hotel rooms, regardless of when their state convention takes place, both hotel room blocks and National Convention registration will open on March 25, 2026.
Each item below highlights a key change that may impact how you register, qualify, or participate this year. We encourage all sponsors to read through these updates carefully so your club is fully informed and wired for success heading into Nashville.
Beginning this year, National Convention registration will follow an adjusted timeline and pricing structure. Rates also differ based on whether a club is staying in one of our official room blocks through Orchid.
Day passes will continue to be offered for $25.
Beta members who place 1-3 or 1-5th places in any individual academic test at the state level will continue to be eligible to compete at National Convention.
All qualifying students will complete an online pre-qualification test during the designated testing window [May 6 | 8 AM (EST) – May 15 | 5 PM (EST)]. The top 20 finalists in each subject will then take a paper Scantron assessment test onsite at National Convention.
This update enhances fairness and consistency across all academic events and ensures the integrity of competitions at the national level.
As our Regional Leadership Summits continue to grow, we’re making a few exciting updates to improve the overall participant experience at National Convention. Beginning in Nashville, several Leadership Challenges will transition to a division-style competition format featuring East and West Divisions.
Following the close of the Leadership Summit season in spring 2026, we will release a list of which Summits will be included in each division. If your club qualified in one of the challenges listed below, you’ll compete in that challenge within your respective division. The top 10 teams from each challenge in each division will be recognized as winners.
The following challenges will now be divided into East and West divisions:
These changes are designed to ensure that every participant has the space, time, and opportunity to shine.
Beginning with the 2026 National Convention in Nashville, TN, the online Parent Registration option will no longer be available. This decision follows a thorough review of the process over the past three years. While the original intent was to allow parents and guardians to take an active role in facilitating their child’s participation, the system often led to unnecessary confusion.
This change also ensures alignment with our new Parent & Guardian Communication Policy.
If registration is not completed by the sponsor prior to convention, parents will still be able to register their Beta, themselves, and any guests onsite at the National Convention at the onsite registration rate. Members who qualified at their respective State Convention or Regional Leadership Summit and are registered onsite may participate in all events except the following, as these competitions must be completed or submitted before National Convention begins:
Academics, Being Better Betas, Book Battle, Candidate, Creative Writing, Digital Portfolio, Leadership Ambassadors, Musicology, National Exhibitions, Poetry, Quiz Bowl, and Technology.
To simplify the purchase of Beta Night tickets, the Sponsor Registration Portal will now include a payment feature allowing sponsors to share a ticket purchase link directly with parents. Additional details about this process will be provided prior to the opening of registration.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we continue to refine our processes to best support our members, sponsors, and families. Our goal remains to ensure a seamless, positive experience for everyone attending the National Convention.
Booking within our official National Convention room blocks at the Gaylord Opryland qualifies attendees for the $50 pre-registration rate.
Reservations cancelled between the initial time of booking and Friday, May 8th, 2026 will be charged a $10 cancellation fee for each room cancelled.
Cancellations between Saturday, May 9th, 2026 and 72 hours prior to arrival will be charged a $199 cancellation fee per room cancelled.
Cancellations made within 72 hours of arrival will be charged one night’s room and tax by the hotel.
The hotel website will open March 25, 2026 for new reservations within the official room block at the Gaylord Opryland for the 2026 National Beta Convention.
Registration will open March 25, 2026.
National Convention Registration opens March 25, 2026
The Convention Guide is your one-stop resource for everything related to National Convention. From prop storage and loading docks to schedules and voting details, everything you need is right at your fingertips!
The Fun Guide is your go-to source for all things adventure and entertainment during National Convention! From splash-worthy fun at SoundWaves Waterpark in the Gaylord Opryland to the best local attractions, dining, and exclusive deals, everything you need to make the most of your time in Nashville is right at your fingertips!
First introduced at the 2022 National Convention in Nashville, Beta Serves is a national service project which allows Betas attending National Convention to demonstrate our motto, “Let Us Lead by Serving Others.” Through detailed research, the National Office highlights a need in the host city and partners with local organizations to allow our project to make the greatest impact.
This year, we’re partnering with Pencil and their DG Pencil Box store. Pencil partners with the Metro Nashville Public Schools to provide resources to provide its schools with the resources to help every student succeed. As part of Pencil’s mission, they allow Metro Nashville Public School teachers to shop once a month in their DG Pencil Box store for school supplies. The items collected by clubs this summer will be distributed to the students and teachers in the area.
At National Convention, members can participate in an exciting scavenger hunt that adds a fun and interactive element to their convention experience. As they explore the event, participants will be tasked with finding specific clues and completing challenges, keeping them engaged throughout their time at the convention. Not only is it a great way to connect with fellow Betas and immerse themselves in the convention activities, but it also offers the opportunity to win exclusive Beta trading pins—a highly sought-after prize for collectors and members alike!
Trading pins is a fun and innovative way to connect with other Betas attending National Convention.
Good news! The Pre-Order Trading Pin Pack, which lets you purchase all 2026 National Convention trading pin designs in advance, will be back!
Orders open March 25.
Since 2022, we have partnered with TJM Promos, Inc, and TradingPinsDirect.com as our preferred trading pin vendor. They provide all National Beta clubs with discounted pricing on any orders when you order through the link. They are committed to excellence and service.
Get ready for the second annual National Beta College & Career Fair, happening June 17–18, 2026, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center! Held during our largest event of the year, this fair brings together high school students, parents, and teachers from across the country to explore college and career opportunities.
Whether you’re discovering the right college or exploring career paths, this is the place to be!
Experience the magic of the Grand Ole Opry like never before at Beta Night at the Opry, an exclusive event just for National Beta Convention attendees! Step inside the world-famous Opry House for a one-of-a-kind live show featuring an exciting mix of country legends, rising stars, bluegrass, comedy, and more. With separate show nights for Elementary, Junior, and Senior Beta, your club can enjoy an unforgettable evening of music, history, and celebration — Beta style!
We are thrilled to release the designs of our official 2026 National Convention merchandise. Pre-orders for both the t-shirt and stamp trading pin are available through National Convention registration.
Both the t-shirt and trading pin are a great way to show off your Beta Club pride and commemorate your attendance at this year’s convention. T-shirts are available for $15 each. Pins are $5 each.
Sponsors registering their club for the National Convention will have the option to add both the t-shirt and trading pin to their registration invoice. Sponsors should have the quantity of each shirt size they’d like to order when competing registration.
Get your club Convention-ready with custom Beta apparel! Create your club’s custom tees with Central Screen Printing, the official apparel partner of National Beta. Enjoy premium quality and pricing designed with Betas in mind.
Premier Performers are a group of talented singers and dancers who are featured during the opening session of National Convention. These students are hand-selected during their State Conventions and are invited to perform in a special opening number. Make sure to cheer on their show-stopping performance on during the First General Session!
2027: Fort Worth, TX
2028: Cincinnati, OH
If you have any questions about the National Convention, please contact our National Office.
