The NAJAS annual conference moves across the U.S., hosted by a different Japan-America member society each year, and helps us surface insights from the most diverse Japan-America network anywhere. As a core benefit of NAJAS membership, member societies access a focused day of workshops and peer learning for staff and board participants. All attendees are invited to our Thursday evening and Friday programming. 

DRESS CODE

What is the dress code?

• On Wednesday and Thursday, the dress code is business casual.
• On Friday, the dress code is business attire.
• If you are attending Thursday night's Sponsors Appreciation reception, please wear business attire.
• If you are attending Friday night's JASK Gala, please wear business or cocktail attire (no tuxedos). 

Keep in mind that it will be hot in Lexington this time of year, so dress comfortably.

ABOUT Registration

For JAS / JS Member Societies | Access the registration code on the Membership Benefits page

Trouble logging in? Write to sanchezalvarez@us-japan.org for the registration code.

Discounted registration is available to all staff and Board Members of Japan-America / Japan Societies as a key benefit of NAJAS membership.

Full Conference Agenda >

Member Registration includes all conference programming and hosted events:

• Wednesday afternoon workshop
• Wednesday afternoon Toyota Tour (space is limited)
• Wednesday evening JASK Welcome Reception and film screening & director Q&A
• Thursday members-only conference programming (breakfast and lunch included)
• Thursday and Friday access to Solutions Providers tabling during the conference
• Thursday Night Live social outing
• Thursday evening film screening & director Q&A
  
• Friday conference programming and Keynote Luncheon 
• Friday evening JASK Gala & Closing Reception Co-Hosted by NAJAS Network

Members may also sign up with interest in optional activities at a separate cost:

• Tuesday social activities (coordinated by JASK)
• Thursday evening local dining options (with advance signups)
• Saturday local activities (coordinated by JASK) 

Additional members-only information will be added to the Membership Benefits page.

For General Attendees

General attendee registration includes:

• Wednesday evening film screening & director Q&A
• Thursday Night Live social outing
• Thursday evening local dining options (with advance signups)
• Thursday evening film screening & director Q&A
• Friday conference programming and Keynote Luncheon
• Friday access to Solutions Providers tabling during the conference
  
• Friday evening JASK Gala & Closing Reception Co-Hosted by NAJAS Network

Attendees may also sign up with interest in optional activities at a separate cost:

• Thursday evening local dining options (with advance signups)
• Saturday local activities (coordinated by JASK) 

For Speakers, Sponsors & Guests

We will provide you with a code for registration and specifics for your participation.

How do I register?

Registration is closed.

Have questions about the Network Conference? Please reach out to Bianca at sanchezalvarez@us-japan.org.

TRAVEL & LOGISTICS

I would like to stay at the host hotel and save on accommodations with the Annual Conference room rate. How can I make a reservation?

The conference host hotels are the Lexington Marriott City Center and next-door Residence Inn Lexington City Center in the heart of Downtown Lexington. Once you register for the conference, you will receive the link to reserve your room.

The host hotel conference rate of $184 + tax / night is available until Aug 4 at 11:59 pm EST. There is a small block of rooms left available as of Aug 4. 

What airport should I fly into? How can I get to the Lexington Marriott City Center?

The closest airport to the Lexington Marriott City Center is Blue Grass Airport (LEX) located 15 minutes away by car. From there, arrivals can choose to take a complementary airport shuttle, taxi or ride-share to the hotel. To request shuttle pickup, call Lexington Marriott at (859) 253-1000, press 1 for Reservations/Front Desk, and a shuttle will be dispatched to the airport. 

Alternatively, nearby airports also include Louisville International (SDF), located 1 hour 20 minutes or 76 miles away, and Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International (CVG), located 1 hour 20 minutes or 79 miles away. Arrivals at these airports can choose to rent a car and drive to the hotel. For these locations, a shuttle to the hotel is not able to be provided. 

I am a member of a Japan-America / Japan Society (staff, board, or volunteer). How can I access Members-Only conference information?

Please visit the Membership Benefits page  for the registration code to access your discounted rate. We will continue to update this page with more information on hotel subsidies, workshops, and other Members-Only offerings.

Trouble logging in or accessing the page? Please reach out to Bianca at sanchezalvarez@us-japan.org.

Where can I view the schedule and learn more about the speakers?

More information about the detailed schedule and speakers will be added here. View the schedule at a glance on the registration page.

I am interested in the Toyota Tour, Thursday evening dinners, and/or activities coordinated by JASK. How do I learn more?

NAJAS & JASK will be in touch with you at a later date to provide updates and confirm signups for these options. 

The Toyota Tour for JAS/JS members will be on Wed. afternoon, 8/20, with limited space available. Transportation to the tour will depart from Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center at approximately 12:15pm. 

Thursday evening dinners and Tues/Saturday social activities and outings will be coordinated in advance by JASK. You will receive more information and signups for restaurants and/or activities in advance of the conference.

I'm driving in for the day. Where can I park?

Metered street parking is available 8:00am-5:00pm next to Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center. There are also three paid parking lots nearby: Helix on Main (156 E Main St), Central Library (140E E Main St), and Transit Center Garage (150 E Vine St). Visit LEXPARK.org for more information on parking in Lexington. For those staying at the Lexington Marriott, there is paid on-site parking available. Please contact the hotel for more information.

Will wi-fi be available in the host hotel?

Free wi-fi will be available for guests staying at the host hotel.

What are the accommodations for dietary restrictions?

Attendees who provided dietary restrictions for hosted meals will receive further information at registration to access your dietary-safe meals at the conference. Thank you and we are glad to ensure you enjoy safe meals.

Thursday evening optional dining options will include options for vegan and vegetarian attendees.

Are there spaces to work and for small meetings outside of conference programming?

The Marriott host hotel features open gathering areas. There may be additional space at the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center. JAS/JS members interested in space on Wednesday morning may contact Bianca at sanchezalvarez@us-japan.org.

Where can I find the agenda?

Please visit the conference agenda page.

What else can I do while I'm in Lexington?

Recommended:

Uma no Kokoro exhibition at Kentucky Horse Park

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Kentucky Derby Museum

The Mary Todd Lincoln House

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

SPONSORSHIP

Please reach out to NAJAS President Andrew Wylegala at wylegala@us-japan.org about sponsorship opportunities.   

Questions & Support

Have questions about the NAJAS Network Conference, including about registration? Please reach out to Bianca at sanchezalvarez@us-japan.org.