Manheim, PA - The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) has announced details for the 2026 NWCA National Convention, the sport's premier annual gathering for youth, scholastic and collegiate coaches, athletic directors, and media. The event will be held July 30 through August 2, 2026, at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland. The 2026 NWCA National Convention is made possible through the generous support of title sponsors Cliff Keen, Cluffy, Defense Soap, DripDrop, Resilite, and the United States Marine Corps.

The NWCA National Convention brings together the sport's leadership from every level of collegiate wrestling for three days of championship meetings, rules sessions, professional development, and networking at one of the East Coast's most iconic waterfront destinations.

"The NWCA Convention is the single most important gathering on the calendar for anyone leading a wrestling program. This year in Baltimore, we've built a lineup that reflects the depth and momentum of our sport, from championship-level meetings and rules sessions to performance, nutrition, and leadership content that coaches can take straight back to their programs. Baltimore is a world-class destination, and we can't wait to welcome our community there." -- Mike Moyer, Executive Director, National Wrestling Coaches Association

CONVENTION PROGRAMMING

The convention opens Thursday, July 30, with an optional golf outing at Pine Ridge Golf Course, followed by registration, exhibit hall opening, and the annual Exhibitor Social. Full programming runs Friday, July 31, Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2.

Highlights of the 2026 schedule include:

• State of the Union / Morning Keynote -- A landmark address on where the sport stands and where it's heading
• Championship Meetings -- Men's and Women's sessions for DI, DII, DIII, NAIA, and NJCAA
• Collegiate Rules Sessions -- Folkstyle, Freestyle Tough Calls, and Women's rules breakdowns led by the officials who set the standard
• Athletic Director Roundtables -- Sessions for coaches led by athletic directors covering resources, compliance, and program growth
• Keynote Luncheon and Awards Luncheon -- Two marquee events celebrating excellence across collegiate wrestling
• Celebration of Women in Wrestling Dinner -- A signature evening honoring the growth and impact of women in the sport
• Hall of Fame Banquets -- DII Men's and NAIA Men's recognition dinners
• U.S. Marine Corps Fit to Win Panel -- Leadership and performance programming in partnership with the United States Marine Corps
• Nutrition Session with Erin Sparrold -- Applied sports nutrition knowledge for coaching staffs
• OPC Training with FloWrestling -- Sunday content programming for officials and program leaders

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Registration is $400 per coach/credential and includes five meals: the Thursday Night Exhibitor Social, Friday Continental Breakfast, Friday Keynote Luncheon, Saturday Breakfast, and Saturday Awards Luncheon. Registration is open through August 4, 2026.

To register, visit nwcaconvention.com.

Convention attendees will also receive exclusive partner discounts, including 20% off admission to the National Aquarium and 15% off Charm City Watersports jet ski tours (code: NWCA15) -- two of Baltimore's most popular Inner Harbor experiences.