Welcome to NCECA’s 60th Annual Conference, Volumes, in Detroit, Michigan, March 25-28, 2026. Registration Pricing, Hotel, and Airline Information
NCECA’s 60th conference, Volumes, takes place in Detroit, Michigan, March 25 - 28, 2026.
Huntington Place Convention Center
1 Washington Boulevard.
Detroit, Michigan, 48226
Registration for the 2026 Volumes Conference is currently closed. It will reopen online March 23 and in person at Huntington Place starting NOON/ET on March 24, 2026.
NCECA’s 60th conference, Volumes, takes place in Detroit, Michigan, March 25 - 28, 2026
Volumes, the 60th conference of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA), explores material-driven experimentation and conceptual frameworks that animate art created through clay. The essential energy of voices and sounds of the Detroit region catalyzes this conference’s theme.
Like the subterranean networks that connect trees in a forest, the meanings of words have roots that we can connect through etymology. Some of the earliest known artifacts containing writing were produced on scrolling spirals of papyrus that ancient Roman historians called volumen. The same underlying spiraling structure abides within pots, figures, and other forms fashioned from clay coils since ancient times. Today, neural networks carrying and harvesting volumes of information are generating Artificial Intelligence that will change how we learn, work, and create.
The meaning of volumes most integrally embodied in the 2026 conference theme lies within unseeable spaces of our clay works and the firing chambers that transform them. Volumes are forces that give power and shape to the world we experience. Detroit is a place that embodies this sense of interior energy. A real and metaphorical foundry of creative ambition and craftsmanship shaped by waves of migration, industry, and resilience, Detroit has volumes to teach us.
Teaching, learning, and creation through clay involve continual engagement with volumes as action and analysis. Volumes give form to our cultural identities, continuity, and change in a time of environmental crisis. Centered on ceramic art, this 60th NCECA conference will expand access and deepen understanding of ceramic art. Creators of culture, educators, and students involved in pottery, sculpture, design and installation, and performance will be its engines.
2026 NCECA Conference Pricing
Cancellation and Acknowledgement of Terms and Conditions
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Those unable to attend the conference may choose to cancel or transfer their conference registration by the deadlines below.
Request deadlines:
December 31, 2025, will receive a 75% refund or transfer of the full conference registration fee. (Membership fees are non-refundable.)
March 18, 2026, will receive a 60% refund or transfer of the full conference registration fee. (Membership fees are non-refundable.)
All pre-registration cancellation requests must be received via email to office@nceca.net by midnight Eastern Time (ET). Cancellation requests received after the March 18, 2026, deadline are not eligible for a refund or transfer. (This includes refunds due to illness, travel complications, and/or inclement weather.) -
NCECA makes reasonable efforts to comply with applicable health and safety measures, but we cannot eliminate all risks. Registrants are personally responsible for potential risks associated with travel and participation in large events.
During the event, NCECA will observe convention center, local, and state health and safety guidelines. If you've tested positive for a communicable respiratory virus, please do not attend the conference until you are symptom-free and fever-free (without medication) for at least 24 hours.
Face-masking is optional. NCECA will observe all local guidelines developed by Detroit, Michigan, authorities at the time of the event. This may require all attendees to wear a well-fitting face mask during conference-related events.
To maintain a conference experience that is safe and enjoyable for all, NCECA asks conference attendees to be prepared to engage cooperatively with security personnel and measures in place at the Huntington Place Convention Center. Entry to the conference will be more efficient if you carry as few personal items as possible and refrain from using backpacks, oversized purses, and suitcases if possible. Security staff may use metal detectors and require conference attendees to empty their pockets and make bags available for inspection. In Detroit, Michigan, state law prohibits carrying firearms, other deadly weapons, and dangerous substances into public buildings.
At its sole discretion, NCECA reserves the right to refuse or revoke access to the conference for any lawful reason, including refusal to comply with health-related directives or disruptive behavior. You hereby release NCECA (including its directors, officers, employees, and volunteers) from all claims arising from or related to the conference, except only those which, by law, may not be waived in advance by contract. Registering for this conference signifies acceptance of the Admittance Requirements and of these terms.
I acknowledge that I have received and agree to follow NCECA’s Community Guidelines, Respectful Culture, and Privacy Policies. I further acknowledge that I am over 18 years of age and have read and understood the terms and conditions.
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Starting January 1, 2026, Credits held in accounts within a two (2) year period can be used for NCECA purchases. Unused credits will be reviewed after two years and may be cleared from accounts. Refunds on credits must be requested in writing and emailed to office@nceca.net for consideration. All refund requests for credits are subject to a $40.00 processing fee, which will be deducted from the credit balance.
This does not apply to 2020 Conference Cancellation credits.
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NCECA has maintained credit balances from the Richmond 2020 Conference cancellation for over five years. Through the end of NCECA’s fiscal year, June 30, 2027, credit holders may use their balances as noted below. After this date, June 30, 2027, the remaining balance will be considered a donation to NCECA.
For credit balances held in accounts for more than five years.Credits that have been held in accounts for more than five years can be used in full for NCECA purchases online only, including membership, products, advertising, registration, booth/table fees, or donations, during NCECA’s 2025–2026 fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.Credits cannot be used for on-site purchases and are non-transferable.
Credits will no longer be available after June 30, 2027.
NCECA will consider refund requests based on extenuating circumstances, subject to a processing fee of $40.00
2026 NCECA Conference Hotel Pricing
2026 Conference Hotel Pricing
2026 NCECA Volumes Conference, Detroit, Michigan
Thank you for booking NCECA Conference Hotels. If you find NCECA hotels are full, please refer to additional travel sites for hotel bookings in the Detroit area, such as Expedia.com and Booking.com. It is best to make the reservation directly with the hotel after researching on a travel site. Download the NCECA Hotels listing below, updated on October 7, 2025.
Please click to download the NCECA Detroit Conference Hotels PDF.
A limited number of rooms may be available for student groups at a conference hotel. To learn if student rooms are available, please complete the form at this link:
2026 NCECA Conference Airline Pricing
Delta Air Lines Rates for 2026 Conference Travel
Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts
You may also call Conferences and Events® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code: NM4TM
*Please note: There is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via Delta's toll-free reservation number.
*Please note: There is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via Delta's toll-free reservation number.
NCECA is not liable for bookings or cancellations made through Delta Air Lines and other travel and lodging providers. Please contact the airline and/or hotel directly to resolve any issues.
United Airlines Rates for
2026 Conference Travel
To make flight reservations online please click on the discount code below:
MileagePlus® members earn miles for their travel when using the United Meetings℠ discount code.
You may also call United Meetings Reservation Desk from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT, Monday–Friday (closed for major U.S. holidays) at (800) 426-1122 for booking assistance or visit united.com/meetingtravel and enter the code above.
Booking fees are waived for United Meetings reservations.
International customers may contact their local United® Reservation Desk.
2026 NCECA Conference FAQs
2026 Conference FAQs
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Pre-registration begins mid-October and runs through early March, with exact dates varying based on the specific conference schedule. For the most accurate information, please refer to the registration pricing page. Note that all deadlines are set according to Eastern Time (ET).
Early Bird Registration: Mid-October through February 4, 2026
General Registration: February 5 – March 11, 2026
Onsite Registration: After pre-registration closes, conference registration will be available online starting Monday, March 23, and onsite at the convention center on Tuesday, March 24. Only member and non-member onsite pricing will be offered.
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Registration grants access to NCECA's scheduled programs, presenters, and events from Tuesday evening through Saturday morning. Free public events include Projects Space, Gallery Expo, Opening Ceremonies and Keynote, Cup Exhibition & Sale, K-12 Exhibition, Past Masters, and Awards and Honors presentations.
Conference materials included with registration:
1. Conference bag with inserts from sponsors, organizations, and exhibitions.
2. Access to the NCECA mobile app with the program schedule and exhibition listings.
3. Name badge with lanyard.
Please Note: All print publications will be available for purchase as an add-on during the registration process.
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No. Conference registration and membership fees are separate. You must be a current NCECA member for member pricing. Registration bundles, which include membership, are available online. Becoming a member often offsets the cost through discounted registration. Click here for more information on membership types and benefits.
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The conference is a live in-person event and will not be livestreamed but select video content may be available on NCECA's social platforms throughout the upcoming year.
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A purchase confirmation email at the time of registration.
An email with policies, travel info, etc.
An email with onsite check-in instructions closer to the conference.
No printed materials, including pre-ordered print publications, will be sent by mail prior to the conference.
Didn’t receive these emails? Check your junk/spam folder and communication preferences in your NCECA account, then contact the NCECA office if needed.
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There is no need to sign up for specific sessions or events. All NCECA programming is included with the purchase of a 4-day pass or single-day pass. Seating is on a first-come basis.
Please Note: Some presentation spaces can be highly attended. Be sure to arrive prior to the start time of the presentations that you most want to see and seek out any available seats. Please make use of any and all available seating, keeping personal items on your lap or beneath your seat, not on the seat next to you. Lingering near doors and aisles presents a safety hazard and obstructs others willing to occupy seats that may be vacant. Expect a request to move if you are in an aisle or doorway.
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Upon arrival at the convention center, follow signs to NCECA. If you have pre-registered, go directly to the Pre-Registered Express Check-in counter to print out your name badge and receive your conference materials and publications if applicable.
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2026 Onsite Registration Hours
Tuesday, March 24: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday, March 25: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday, March 26: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, March 27: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday, March 28: 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
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Cancellation Policy: Those unable to attend the conference may choose to cancel or transfer their conference registration by the deadlines below.
Request deadlines:
December 31, 2025, will receive a 75% refund or transfer of the full conference registration fee. (Membership fees are non-refundable.)
March 18, 2026, will receive a 60% refund or transfer of the full conference registration fee. (Membership fees are non-refundable.)
All pre-registration cancellation requests must be received via email to office@nceca.net by midnight Eastern Time (ET). Cancellation requests received after the March 18, 2026, deadline are not eligible for a refund or transfer. (This includes refunds due to illness, travel complications, and/or inclement weather.)
Volunteers, please refer to the cancellation policy in your confirmation email or contact volunteer@nceca.net with questions.
All onsite sales are final.
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We are happy to help! Please call 303-828-2811 or 866-266-2322 or email office@nceca.net or support@nceca.net.
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Anything to have an enjoyable and comfortable visit to the conference city. To learn more, visit the official tourism website: Visit Detroit
Check the weather to pack appropriately for NCECA. Visit the convention center website for travel info. We recommend bringing a printed or digital copy (access on a mobile phone) of your purchase confirmation. Full-time college students should bring a school ID for onsite registration if not pre-registered.
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An Event Name Badge is required to be worn at all times during the conference for entry into the Resource Hall and nearly all NCECA conference programming.
EVENT NAME BADGE POLICY AND USE:
The name badge serves as proof of conference registration and is required to be worn at all times for entry into the Exhibitor Resource Hall and nearly all NCECA conference programming. Name badges will be checked upon entry into all NCECA programming rooms and halls. Exceptions include events that are open to the public: Projects Space, Gallery Expo, Opening Ceremonies and Keynote on Wednesday evening, Cup Exhibition & Sale, K-12 Exhibition, Past Masters, and Awards and Honors presentations.A single Event Name Badge will be issued to an individual at the time of registration purchase. (Please note: This also applies to multi-day registration.) No badge swapping or sharing is permitted. Violations of this policy will result in a cancellation of registration and/or a penalty fee. Be sure to secure your name badge in a safe place throughout the conference.
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Lost or misplaced badges will be charged a $30 replacement fee. See onsite registration staff for a replacement. A photo ID is required for replacement.
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Please email Conference Manager MeLisa Zackery at mzackery@nceca.net. Requests made 30 days before the event start date will be accommodated to the best of NCECA’s capacity.
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The K-12 exhibition is not organized by NCECA. Visit the website: K12clay.org for more information.
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The call for volunteer applications opens in November. You can inquire by contacting volunteer@nceca.net.
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Visit with vendors, schools, and nonprofit exhibitors on the second level in Hall C to learn more about products, publications, services, organizations, and schools offering ceramic programs.
Open Hours:
Wednesday, March 25, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday, March 26, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday, March 27, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday – CLOSED -
Location: Second level in Hall C
Gallery Expo Hours
Tuesday, March 24, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Reception)
Wednesday, March 25, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday, March 26, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday, March 27, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday – CLOSEDProjects Space Hours
Tuesday, March 24, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Reception)
Wednesday, March 25, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM /1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Thursday, March 26, 9:00 AM –12:00 PM / 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Friday, March 27, 9:00 AM –12:00 PM / 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Saturday – CLOSED