2026 Conference Title
Location
College University, (link to location’s website)
123 Street
Somewhere, State, Zip
Dates
July 23- 27, 2026
Women, transgender, and nonbinary instructors and attendees ages 12+ are invited to attend the entire NWMAF Conference, or just Super Saturday. Super Saturday is open to EVERYONE, including cis male attendees.
Download Schedule (pdf)
Download Booklet (pdf)
Overview
Thurs. July 17th: Check-in opens on Thursday afternoon.
Friday 18th, Saturday 19th, and Sunday 20th: These are full conference days! Classes, workouts, and workshops from a variety of traditions and practices (martial arts, healing arts, and empowerment self-defense), geared to a wide range of experience levels, from beginner to advanced! Saturday the 19th is what’s known as “Super Saturday” – when classes are open to people of all genders, ages 12+, including cis men. This special day culminates in a silent auction and our members’ performance showcase! (Pssst! We want to see you showing off! Sign up for a Super Saturday demo below!)
Monday morning, July 21st: Check-out time. Breakfast is provided.
Driving Directions to North Central College
COVID Precautions
- Face masks and hand sanitizer will be available in every training space.
- Masking is not required at the conference.
- You may want to wear a mask during close physical contact.
- Please wear a mask if you have any symptoms of illness.
- Please be courteous to those who are masked by offering to mask when working with them in class or in other venues.
Stay On Campus
EDIT this as needed for 2026
North Central College Campus Map
You will need to bring your own pillow and bed linens if you are purchasing a ticket after June 30th and are staying in Patterson Hall.
Reach out to marketing@nwmaf.org to order a pillow.
Pay $5.00 at Synergy Check-In.
Meals are included if you are staying on campus.
Check-in
Wednesday 3:00pm-6:00pm
Thursday 7:00am-12:00pm
Check-out
Sunday 7:00am-12:00pm
Lost Key Fee: $100
Lost ID Tag fee: $10
Meals
Meals are included for all participating registrants and anyone who purchases on-campus housing for the conference.
When you register for the conference you will be asked about any specific food accommodations.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served, buffet-style, in the Dining Hall on campus on Thursday, Friday, & Saturday. Sunday is breakfast only.
Conference Check-In
Check in Date/time:
July ##, 8:00 am.
If you will be arriving late, please email events@nwmaf.org to coordinate late arrivals.
Check-in Location:
Campus Map
Daily Schedule at a Glance
| Start time | End time | Duration | |
| Early Bird Workout | 6:00 AM | 7:00 AM | 60 min |
| Breakfast | 7:00 AM | 8:00 AM | 60 min |
| Classes | 8:30 AM | 10:00 AM | 90 min |
| Break | 10:00 AM | 10:300 AM | 30min |
| Classes | 10:30 AM | 12:00 AM | 90 min |
| Lunch | 12:00 AM | 1:30 PM | 90 min |
| Classes | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | 90 min |
| Break | 3:00 PM | 3:30 PM | 30 min |
| Classes | 3:30 PM | 5:00 PM | 90 min |
| Break | 5:00 PM | 5:30 PM | 30 min |
| Dinner | 5:30 PM | 7:00 PM | 90 min |
| Classes | 7:00 PM | 8:30 PM | 90 min |
| Extra Sessions | 8:30 PM | 10:00 PM | 90 min |
Well, that was awesome!
Thank you to everyone who came and shared their knowledge, experience, and spirit!
Feedback
Be sure to download the Conference Booklet if you haven’t already!
For participants, how was your experience overall and of the individual classes you attended?
For instructors, collect your reflections on your teaching experience.
Not a member yet?
Join NWMAF to become part of a community that celebrates the strength in each of us and spreads empowerment wherever we go. You’ll save a few dollars on next year’s Conference too!
Conference News & Info
Check back here for updates during the Conference.
Pre-registration is now closed.
Join WhatsApp group
Instructions here…
‘Group’ discount offer!
To encourage schools to bring as many members as possible, we’re offering a 10% post-conference refund for attendees from schools that bring at least 5-9 people. And if your school brings 10+ attendees, each of you will receive a 15% post-conference refund! So register now — and be sure to mention your school name when prompted!
NEW! ESD Hybrid Option
We are trying a new option, for people who cannot attend the Conference in-person and would like to participate via Zoom in a selection of our Empowerment Self Defense (ESD) sessions. After registering, you will receive the same confirmation of registration that all attendees receive. Then, we will reach out with a participation link and a reminder of the dates and times of the hybrid sessions. (Note: the sessions will not be recorded.)
Participant letters will go out to Full Conference and Super Saturday attendees within the next day or two. (Be sure to check your spam folder if you haven’t gotten yours!) The letter is full of reminders and useful travel, packing, and other information for conference attendees.