Get ready for Phoenix

Tips to Prepare for Your Trip

Download the app and layout your schedule

The CAMEX planner is the main access point for everything you need during CAMEX. Make sure to set up your personal "My Show Planner" to help you plan for the best possible experience.


The CAMEX App will allow you to view your personalized planner, review educational sessions, events, and trade show specials all on the go!


Missed the email communication on how to set up your account using your attendee ID # and email address.? No problem! Contact support

Pack Smart

Business casual is recommended, but feel free to show off your school spirit! Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes.


Cashless payments: The Phoenix Convention Center is a cashless facility—be prepared to use debit/credit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.


Bag Storage: CAMEX host hotels will offer luggage storage at the front desk.


Weather: Check the Phoenix forecast before you pack.



Plan Your Transportation

  • Ride share services are available from each airport terminal outside of baggage claim, additional information provided in the Lyft/Uber apps.
  • Waymo is offered in Phoenix via their app.
  • Taxi service is available for a $17 flat rate to downtown Phoenix. Follow the signs to the pickup location outside of baggage claim.
  • SuperShuttle offers a 5% discount to make reservations at SuperShuttle.com or on the app using online discount code GR2025. Please call 1-800-258-3826 if you need reservation assistance.

Leadership Institute

Thinking about joining the NACS Leadership Institute? Learn more about the NACS Leadership Institute by connecting with a dedicated representative in the Volunteer Lounge (Booth #325) during the times listed below or by attending the educational session.


Leadership Institute: Is it for you?

Stop by the Volunteer Lounge to meet and connect with Genta Guitron, NACS Leadership Institute Project Manager. 

  • Friday, 2/27 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (MT)
  • Saturday, 2/28 at 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm (MT)


Ignite Your Leadership Journey: Discover the NACS Leadership Institute 

Educational Session

Sunday, March 1

11:15 am - 12:00 pm (MT)



Explore Phoenix

On Thursday, Feb. 26 and Friday, Feb. 27, a Visit Phoenix representative will be available at the visitor information desk in the convention center near CAMEX Registration from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. Attendees and exhibitors are encouraged to stop by for local restaurant and shopping recommendations, as well as suggestions for things to do in downtown Phoenix and nearby areas. 


Visit Phoenix also has a mobile app offering information on area shopping, dining, and attractions

CAMEX Cashback

Stores can earn up to $725 in CAMEX Cashback Rebates and BonusBucks by placing qualifying orders of $500 net or more with CAMEX Exhibitors. Pick up your CAMEX Cashback instructions at Registration. Get more details at camex.org/cashback


Check out the course in NACS University: CAMEX Cashback: What You Need to Know for how to prepare orders, manage the cashback forms, and what to expect after the event. 


CAMEX Celebration 

Friday, February 27 

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm (MT)

The Duce


Important Information:

  • Attendees must bring personal ID and event badge for scanning. 
  • Included in the Full Conference & Trade Show registration and for those that purchased a ticket. Tickets are no longer available.
  • Shuttles will run continuously every 15-20 minutes starting at 5:45 pm from Hyatt Regency Phoenix on Monroe Street.
  • Attendees can use a ride share service at their own expense if they don’t want to take a bus.
  • The last bus departs The Duce at 8:30 pm.

Happy Hour

Join us from 3:30 - 5:00 pm on Thursday and Friday for a special happy hour!

Wear Your Badge

All attendees are required to wear a name badge to gain access to educational sessions, the trade show floor, GCU tour, and the CAMEX Celebration. Pick up your badge at the Registration desk.

Enjoy a coffee on us!

The first 50 store attendees to visit the NACS/NACS Foundation Booth (#325) during the trade show and mention the codeword “CONNECT” will receive a Starbucks gift card. * 


While you’re there, be sure to enter for a chance to win a free CAMEX27 registration.




*Available to registered attendees only. Limited quantities. While supplies last.


Pick Up Your CAMEX T-Shirt

Look in your welcome bag for a ticket for a FREE CAMEX T-shirt! Stop by the NACS/ NACS Foundation booth (#325) with your ticket and pick up your t-shirt while supplies last.



Join the Scavenger Hunt

Explore the trade show floor and complete the CAMEX Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win prizes! *

  • Download the CAMEX mobile app
  • Find the scavenger hunt locations listed in the app
  • Enter the code at each location to be automatically entered to win!


Grand Prize

  • AeroGarden

Learn how you can join the adventure! 


*Store attendees only.

Discover New Vendors

Find new vendors, new products, and new possibilities at the CAMEX trade show. Plan ahead to maximize your experience. 



Trade Show Tips

GM Buying Resource

Unwind in the Volunteer Lounge

The Volunteer Lounge, located within the NACS/NACS Foundation booth, is our thank-you to the many volunteers who helped make an impact this year. Volunteers can pick up their pin at Booth #325, then relax and recharge in the lounge.

Trend Watch: Fresh from the Floor

Jump into this quick-hit session on Saturday morning (before the trade show opens), where we'll connect the dots between Thursday's main session and trend talk and students’ insights from on-the-floor discoveries. 

Win a Free CAMEX Registration

Stop by the NACS booth (Booth #325) to enter for a chance to win a CAMEX27 registration. 



Travel not included. Winner will be notified by email.

Find Your Match – Button Game

Add a little fun to your trade show experience with this interactive networking game. Pick up a numbered button (1–100) from resero (Booth #212) or Third Street Sportswear (Booth #224), wear it on the show floor, and find the attendee with the matching number.


Once you find your match, stop by the NACS Foundation Booth (#325) on February 27 or 28 to check in and be entered into a raffle for prizes.



Store attendees only.



Support the NACS Foundation with Flame Pins

2026 Flame Pins are available for purchase at Registration and the NACS/NACS Foundation booth (Booth #325). Proceeds support industry education and research.

Stay Hydrated

Bring an earth-friendly, refillable water bottle with you. There are water bottle filling stations throughout the convention center! 

Bring Your Ideas, Insight & Inspiration (Interactive Session)

Sunday, March 1

8:30 am - 9:30 am MT


A peer-led exchange highlighting best-sellers, merchandising wins, and marketing ideas across campus stores. Bring photos or product samples, share what’s working, and be entered to win prizes and giveaways. 


Download Flyer

Campus Store Tour

Thursday, February 26

3:30 pm - 7:30 pm (MT)


Featuring Lope Shops, Grand Canyon University! Meet a passionate crew that brings the spirit of GCU to life!


Learn More


*store/institutional attendees only (and sponsoring vendor representatives) who RSVP'd prior to event.

 

CAMEX badges must be available for scanning for the bus ride to and from the event.

Attendees are encouraged not to return to their hotel after the main stage session.

Personal items may remain on the bus during the tour.

 

Schedule

3:30 pm - Board buses at Third Street, outside PCC North Building

3:45 pm - On-time Bus Departure

4:15 pm - Arrive at GCU

6:45 pm - Buses available to board

7:00 pm - On-time Bus Departure

7:30 pm - All buses arrive at Third Street, outside PCC North Building (same as original boarding)