NIA Sites > Fall Summit 2025 > Tips and Resources for First-Time Fall Summit Attendees

NIA’s Fall Summit 2025

October 28-29, 2025
MGM National Harbor
National Harbor, Maryland (located just outside of Washington, DC)

Tips and Resources for First-Time Fall Summit Attendees

For new members, first-time attendees, or anyone wanting to get the most out of NIA’s Fall Summit, October 28-29, 2025, at the MGM National Harbor, located just outside of Washington, DC, we have some helpful advice and insider tips for you. As a first timer or new member, know that you are not alone! On average, 15% of Fall Summit attendees are first timers or new members.  If you don't find an answer to your questions here, email Ashley Bartley at events@insulation.org.

Thank you to our First-Time Attendee Fall Summit Sponsor!

Ambassador Program

Take advantage of NIA’s Ambassador Program: When you register and check the box that you are a first-time attendee, you are matched with a Membership Committee member who will reach out to you prior to Fall Summit to answer any questions you may have and provide additional information that would be helpful for your first Fall Summit. For any questions, contact  membership@insulation.org.

Maximizing Your Fall Summit Experience 

Tips and To-Dos Before Fall Summit

  • Book your hotel room by October 7—which is the cut-off date for NIA’s discounted room block. We suggest booking as soon as possible before our discounted (first-come, first-served) block sells out!
  • Plan to arrive by Tuesday, October 28 by 5:00 p.m.—events start this evening with a networking reception. Pack business casual attire—suggestions range from dressy casual to business casual, such as khakis, golf shirts, etc.
  • Bring plenty of business cards and carry them with you—networking is a key component of NIA’s Fall Summit. You can also connect with new members through the Fall Summit app.
  • Make contact with a Membership Committee member when they reach out to you and learn about the Fall Summit through our Ambassador Program.
  • Look for an attendee email from NIA about a week before the Fall Summit—it has last-minute details that will help you be better prepared for the Fall Summit.

Tips and To-Dos During Fall Summit

  • Attend the committee session that matches your company’s membership category. An open committee meeting means that you are welcome to attend and participate. Note that some of the sessions have speakers too, and closed meetings are indicated on the schedule. To learn more general information about committees, click here. After you attend the meeting, you will be added to the roster and will receive committee updates.
  • Don’t miss NIA’s meal events—Breakfast on Wednesday, and 2 evening receptions.
  • Be ready to tell fellow attendees about yourself and your company—your badge will help identify you as a first-timer and our members are friendly.
  • Speak up if you have questions—industry-specific sessions are an ideal place for questions and sharing information. Most industry sessions are open, and all are welcome to attend and participate.
  • Share your Fall Summit highlights with colleagues and on social media—we have a hashtag! #NIAmeets
  • Stop by the NIA Registration Desk or find a NIA staff person for any on-site questions you might have—they are happy to assist you.

Insights from a First-Time Fall Summit Attendee

“Attending the NIA Fall Summit was an awesome experience…. For anyone wondering if attending an NIA FAll Summit would be beneficial for them, I assure you the answer is yes. The amount of information made available to you as an attendee is invaluable, and it really is a great opportunity to meet other people outside of your realm of the industry and deepen your understanding of the importance behind what we do.”

– Nicole Barwick, Irex