Our 2026 - 2027 Programs Calendar

NSMH Family,

Welcome to a year of purpose, connection, and impact! This National Programs Calendar is your guide to engaging your campus, strengthening connections among members, celebrating the NSMH community, and creating meaningful experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Whether you're leading a service project, hosting a professional development event, or bringing your campus together through an NSMH program, every activity is an opportunity to make a difference and showcase the excellence of your chapter.

We want to celebrate your success! Be sure to share your activities and campus events by tagging @nsmhworld on Instagram and TikTok.

Please note: Some dates on this calendar are subject to change as new opportunities and updates become available throughout the year. To ensure your chapter receives the latest announcements, program updates, and important reminders, make sure your chapter is registered with NSMH Headquarters and that your chapter's contact information is current.

If you have any questions, please contact Izogie Tann, National Programs Director, at [email protected], or NSMH Headquarters at [email protected].

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SEPTEMBER 2026

September | Membership Drive
The start of the academic year is your chapter's biggest opportunity to grow. Recruit new members, reconnect returning members, and encourage everyone to complete their national registration.

Chapter Activation:

• Host an information table in a high-traffic area to recruit new members.
• Visit hospitality classes to introduce NSMH. Remember all are welcome to join our NSMH Family.  
• Hold an engaging interest meeting or open house with a clear “join today” registration station.
• Share member testimonials and “why I joined NSMH” stories on social media to encourage sign-ups.
• Partner with faculty to introduce NSMH in first- and second-year hospitality classes.

September 1 | National Hotel Employee Day
Recognize the hotel professionals who create memorable guest experiences every day. National Hotel Employee Day is an opportunity to thank the people who make hospitality happen.

Chapter Activation: Thank local hotel employees with cards or treats, recognize hospitality professionals and alumni on social media, or invite a hotel leader to speak with your chapter. Learn more at ahla.com/day.

Chapter Leadership Certification (CLC)
Prepare your chapter for a successful year by attending a Chapter Leadership Certification session.

September 10 | 10:00 AM ET

September 17 | 3:00 PM ET

September 24 | 6:00 PM ET

Each chapter must have at least one e-board member participate to learn important national dates, chapter expectations, and connect with members of the National Board.

September 16 | NSMH T-Shirt Day
Show your NSMH pride by wearing your chapter or national apparel. Share photos on social media and encourage members across campus to represent NSMH.

Chapter Activation: Wear your NSMH apparel, gather for a chapter photo, launch a social media challenge, invite alumni to participate, and recognize your most spirited members.

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OCTOBER 2026

October 1 to 3 | Fall Conference & Career Fair
Join NSMH members from across the country at the Hilton Atlanta to network with hospitality professionals, attend professional development sessions, and explore new career pathways. 

October 15 | Spirit Day
Stand with LGBTQ+ youth by wearing purple and promoting kindness, inclusion, and acceptance across your campus.

#SpiritDay is the world’s most visible anti-bullying movement inspiring LGBTQ youth, to live their lives in their truth and authenticity. A visible act of support can send a powerful message of hope and acceptance. This Spirit Day, pledge to go purple on October 15th to show LGBTQ youth that we have their back.

Chapter Activation: Wear purple as a chapter, share photos on social media, and encourage kindness, inclusion, and campus-wide participation. Learn more at glaad.org/spiritday.

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NOVEMBER 2026

November 16 | Friendsgiving Networking Event
Connect with members, alumni, faculty, and hospitality professionals before Thanksgiving to strengthen relationships and celebrate the semester.

Chapter Activation: Host a Friendsgiving gathering that fits your campus, whether it's a potluck, coffee social, dessert reception, or catered event. Invite alumni, faculty, and hospitality professionals. Include networking activities or icebreakers, recognize outstanding members, and encourage attendees to bring a prospective member.

November 28 | NSMH Dollar Days and Small Business Saturday
Support minority-owned and local hospitality businesses by shopping, dining, and engaging with your community throughout November.

Chapter Activation: Expand your support throughout the month of November. Encourage members and your campus community to dine, shop, or visit throughout the month. Highlight businesses on social media, explore partnership opportunities, and encourage your campus community to shop local on Small Business Saturday, the nationally recognized shopping event held each year after Thanksgiving.

November 30 | National Conference Cyber Monday Registration Sale
Save on your National Conference registration with exclusive Cyber Monday pricing.

Chapter Activation: Register on Cyber Monday, November 30, 2026, to take advantage of this special offer. National membership is required to receive the discount code.

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December 2026

December 1 | GivingTuesday (#NSMHGives)
Give back by supporting your campus or community through service, donations, or fundraising on GivingTuesday.

GivingTuesday is a global day of generosity dedicated to giving back through service, donations, and community impact. Join millions of people around the world by making a difference on your campus or in your local community.

Chapter Activation: Give back by collecting donations, supporting a campus food pantry, volunteering with a local nonprofit, or organizing a fundraiser that benefits scholarships or community initiatives.

December 23 | Scholarship Application Deadline
Apply for a national scholarship funded by NSMH industry partners. Applications must be submitted by midnight on December 23. Scholarship recipients will be recognized during the National Conference.

By December 31 | Community Service Event
Serve your community by completing at least one meaningful service project before the end of the year.
Chapter Activation: Complete a community service project by volunteering at a food bank or shelter, participating in a neighborhood cleanup, or partnering with another student organization to make a greater impact.

One Week Before Finals | Fuel for Finals Event
Finish the semester strong by studying together and supporting one another before finals.
Chapter Activation: Host a study session with tutoring, faculty support, study kits, and snacks to keep everyone motivated.

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JANUARY 2027

January | Professional Development Week
Prepare for conference and career fair success by dedicating a week to professional development.
Chapter Activation: Designate a week in January to offer activities such as resume reviews, LinkedIn workshops, mock interviews, business card creation, and professional headshots.

January 15 | National Board Candidate Application Deadline
Impact the future of NSMH by applying to serve on the National Board. Members interested in serving on the National Board must submit their application by midnight.

January 22 | Chapter Awards Submission Deadline
Celebrate your chapter's accomplishments by applying for national recognition. Submit your chapter’s award application to recognize outstanding programming, leadership, and service. Awards will be given at the NSMH National Conference and Career Fair.

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FEBRUARY 2027

February 3 to 6 | National Conference & Career Fair, Nashville, TN
Experience the premier NSMH event of the year featuring professional development, networking, career opportunities, scholarships, awards, and National Board elections.

February 15 | NSMH T-Shirt Day
Celebrate your chapter pride by wearing your NSMH apparel and sharing your spirit across campus.

February 17 | Random Acts of Kindness Day
Spread kindness across your campus through simple acts that make a meaningful difference.
Chapter Activation: Brighten someone's day by writing thank-you notes, handing out encouragement cards, supporting another student organization, or performing simple acts of kindness across campus.

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MARCH 2027

March | March Madness Membership Challenge
Compete with chapters across the country in this month-long membership challenge! Winning chapters will receive national recognition and cash prizes. Contact your Regional Chair for details and more information.

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APRIL 2027

April 5 | Advisor Appreciation Day
Thank the advisors who dedicate their time and talent to helping your chapter succeed.
Chapter Activation: Thank your chapter advisor with a handwritten card, a small appreciation gift, a social media recognition post, or a breakfast or coffee gathering in their honor.

April 12 to 16 | NSMH National Hospitality Week
Celebrate the hospitality industry by showcasing careers, promoting NSMH, serving your community, and inspiring future hospitality leaders.

Suggested Daily Themes
• Monday: Industry Day
• Tuesday: Pre-College Outreach Day
• Wednesday: Alumni Engagement Day
• Thursday: Organization Partnership Day
• Friday: Community Service Day

Encourage members to wear NSMH apparel throughout the week and maintain an information table to recruit prospective members.

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MAY 2027

May | End of Year Celebration
Celebrate the accomplishments of your chapter, recognize graduating seniors and outstanding members, and welcome your incoming chapter leadership team.

One Week Before Spring Finals | Fuel for Finals Part II
Finish the academic year strong by supporting one another during spring finals.

Chapter Activation: Support members during spring finals by organizing tutoring sessions, coordinating faculty office hours, providing study kits, and offering healthy snacks and wellness breaks.