First Timer’s Orientation
Tuesday, August 26 | 3:00 – 3:50 pm
New to NSCA events? Join us to meet key volunteers, learn how to get more out of your experience, and discover opportunities to advance your career.
Included with In-Person Registration
Opening Ceremonies & Awards
Tuesday, August 26 | 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Celebrate your 2025 Tactical Awards winners, hear an update on NSCA’s efforts for the tactical profession, and get inspired by Keynote D.J. Shipley.
Included In Person & Streamed Live
Kick-Off Reception
Tuesday, August 26 | 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Close out Day 1 with great conversations and new connections. Join fellow attendees and exhibitors in the Exhibit Hall for complimentary food and drinks.
Included with In-Person Registration
NSCA Party
Wednesday, August 27 | 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Kick back, talk shop, and enjoy food and drinks on us at High Velocity — the resort’s on-site sports bar featuring 120-foot HD video walls as an epic backdrop.
Included with In-Person Registration
Light Breakfasts
Wednesday, August 27 | 7:30 – 9:30 am
Thursday, August 28 | 7:30 – 9:00 am
Friday, August 29 | 7:30 – 9:00 am
Fuel up with a breakfast sandwich, coffee, and whole fruit in the Exhibit Hall.
Included with In-Person Registration
Lunch Breaks
Wednesday, August 27 | 11:30 – 1:00 pm
Thursday, August 28 | 11:30 – 1:00 pm
Grab lunch, catch up with peers, and take time to explore the latest tools and technologies in the Exhibit Hall.
Included with In-Person Registration
Explore exclusive deals to support tactical human performance in the Exhibit Hall. Discover field-tested gear, specialized nutrition, advanced monitoring tech, and rugged training and recovery equipment — all built for high-stakes environments. Test essential products hands-on, speak directly with trusted vendors, and equip your team to enhance readiness and resilience.
Event Itinerary - Tuesday, August 26 - Central Time |
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Exhibitor Move-in/Set-up |
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Registration Open |
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM NSCA Store Open |
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM Optimizing Recovery: A Micro-Dose Sleep Strategy for Peak Performance in Public Safety Training by Joseph Dulla, MA, TSAC-F,*D & Bridget Melton, EdD, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F,*D
Lecture |
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM So what, now what? Making Research Relatable by Annette Zapp, MA, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F,*D, CISSN
Lecture |
3:00 PM - 3:50 PM There Will Be Blood: Boosting Tactical Readiness and Lethality with Performance Bloodwork by Nicholas Barringer, PhD, RDN, CSCS, CSSD & Dan Garner
Lecture |
3:00 PM - 3:50 PM Non Linear Periodization Utilizing Biofeedback for the Tactical AthleteYou're Doing Things Right, But Are You Doing the Right Things? by Joseph "Paul" Bilski, MBA, CSCS*D, RSCC, TSAC*D, USAW2 & John Hofman, MS, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F,*D, RSCC*D
Lecture |
3:00 PM - 3:50 PM Change of Direction/Conditioning Protocols by Ian Jeffreys, PhD, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT,*D, RSCC*E, FNSCA
Hands-On |
3:00 PM - 3:50 PM Continue the Conversation: Optimizing Recovery: A Micro-Dose Sleep Strategy for Peak Performance in Public Safety Training by Joseph Dulla, MA, TSAC-F,*D & Bridget Melton, EdD, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F,*D Chalk talks give the attendee an opportunity to participate in the discussion as Joe Dulla & Bridget Melton is available to delve further into his topic. Chalk Talk |
3:00 PM - 3:50 PM First Timer's Orientation New to NSCA events? Join us and we'll introduce you to some of our key volunteers, explain how to make the most of attending the event, and talk with you about some of the NSCA programs that can help you advance your career. |
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Opening Ceremonies & Awards Join us for a brief update on what NSCA is doing for the Tactical profession, followed by D.J. Shipley as our Keynote presenter. |
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Kick-Off Reception Spend time with the exhibitors and all the attendees while enjoying complimentary food and libations. All exhibitors & attendees welcome |
Event Itinerary - Wednesday, August 27 - Central Time |
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Registration Open |
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM Breakfast in Exhibit Hall See the latest in technology and training tools by visiting the exhibitors. A breakfast sandwich, coffee and whole fruit will be provided. all attendees and exhibitors welcome |
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM NSCA Store Open |
10:30 AM - 11:20 AM Optimizing Soldier Performance: Evidence-Based Nutrition for Injury Prevention and Healing by Christina Deehl, MS, RD, CSCS, CSSD, LDN & Megan Ripperger, MS, RD, CSCS, CSSD, LD
Lecture |
9:30 AM - 10:20 AM UNDEFINED: Resilience, Readiness, Lethality, and Other Words We Use to Justify Our Jobs by Nate Palin, MS, CSCS
Lecture |
9:30 AM - 10:20 AM Weaponizing Your Strength & ConditioningSpeed and Agility for the Modern Infantry Soldier by Mike Caro, MS, CSCS,*D, RSCC
Hands-On |
10:30 AM - 11:20 AM Load Management for the Tactical Athlete by Mark Stephenson, MS, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F,*D, ATC
Lecture |
10:30 AM - 11:20 AM Caffeine Concerns for the Tactical Athlete by Dawn Anderson, PhD, CSCS, TSAC-F
Lecture |
10:30 AM - 11:20 AM Unconventional Training for Unconventional Warfare - How I Used Kettlebell Training to Train German Special Operators by Art Claas van der Heide, CSCS, TSAC-F
Hands-on |
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Lunch Break (provided) Carve out time to visit all the exhibitors – leaders in equipment, nutrition, and cutting-edge technology. We’ll also be providing lunch! Unopposed exhibit hall time |
1:00 PM - 2:20 PM Context is King! by Joseph Denk, CPSS,*D, CSCS,*D, RSCC*D
Lecture |
1:00 PM - 2:20 PM From Lab to Locker Room: Testosterone in Modern Enhancement by Jose Antonio, PhD, FNSCA
Lecture |
1:00 PM - 2:20 PM Injury Risk Reduction from the Ground Up: The Interplay Between Foot, Ankle, and Trunk Strength by Matthew Zanis, DPT
Hands-On |
2:30 PM - 3:20 PM Maximizing Fitness Efficiency: Minimal Effective Dose Training for Military Readiness by Mark Christiani, CSCS, RSCC
Lecture |
2:30 PM - 3:20 PM Bridge the Gap Lecture: Training Through and Around Pain: Using the SINSS Model to Drive Program Modification Decision-Making by Joe DeHope, PT, DPT, MS, OCS, CSCS
Lecture |
3:30 PM - 4:20 PM Implementing Pharmaceutical Aids to Enhance Military Performance by Lee Margolis, PhD, RD, CSCS, FACSM & Devin Drummer, PhD
Lecture |
3:30 PM - 4:20 PM Lead with the Front: Building Better Coalitions with the NCO Core to Influence Holistic Fitness Program Implementation by Beth Bearden, CSCS *D, RSCC, TSAC-F*D & Rod Raeder
Lecture |
3:30 PM - 4:20 PM Energy Systems Development by Victor Hall, CSCS
Hands-On Sponsored by EXOS |
3:30 PM - 4:20 PM Continue the Conversation: Injury Risk Reduction from the Ground Up: The Interplay Between Foot, ankle, and Trunk Strength by Matthew Zanis, DPT Chalk talks give the attendee an opportunity to participate in the discussion as Matt Zanis is available to delve further into his topic. Chalk Talk |
4:30 PM - 5:20 PM From Data to Impact: Enhancing Decision-Making in High-Risk and High-Performance Environments by Pat Burgess, MS, CSCS
Lecture |
4:30 PM - 5:20 PM Human Performance for the Wildland Firefighter by Austin Womack, CSCS, TSAC-F
Lecture |
4:30 PM - 5:20 PM Bridge the Gap Practical: Training Through and Around Pain: Using the SINSS Model to Drive Program Modification Decision-Making by Joe DeHope, PT, DPT, MS, OCS, CSCS
Hands-On |
4:30 PM - 5:20 PM Continue the Conversation: Implementing Pharmaceutical Aids to Enhance Military Performance by Lee Margolis, PhD, RD, CSCS, FACSM & Devin Drummer, PhD Take this opportunity to participate in a discussion as SLee Margolis & Devin Drummer are available to delve further into their topics. Chalk Talk |
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM NSCA Party Join us in High Velocity Bar for complimentary food & beverage. All attendees & exhibitors welcome |
Event Itinerary - Thursday, August 28 - Central Time |
7:00 AM - 7:50 AM Tactical Strength & Conditioning Professional Development Group (PDG) Meeting Grow as a professional and connect with peers during this meeting. Discover resources, share your knowledge, and get your questions answered. |
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Registration Open |
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM Light Breakfast (provided) See the latest in technology and training tools by visiting the exhibitors. A breakfast sandwich, coffee and whole fruit will be provided. Unopposed exhibit hall time |
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM NSCA Store Open |
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM Elite Running Improvement: Long to Short or Short to Long? by Steffen Visk, BS , CSCS, USAW 2, USATF
Lecture |
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM Bridge the Gap Lecture: Innovative Approaches to Performance, Strength and Injury Recovery: Exploring the Impact of Fascia, the Brain by Simone Fortier, BS Develop actionable plans to integrate these strategies into training and recovery protocols for tactical and military personnel, ensuring peak performance and quicker recovery from physical and cognitive demands.
Bridge the Gap Lecture |
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM ELDOA or Spinal Decompression Exercises in the Tactical Population by Joshua Gregoire, CSCS
Hands-On |
10:00 AM - 11:20 AM ROI Unleashed: Transforming Readiness with H2F Performance Teams by Andrew Thompson, PhD
Lecture |
10:00 AM - 11:20 AM Training and Preparation for the Long Game: Leveraging Technology to Enhance Longevity and Performance by Chris Frankel, PhD
Lecture |
10:00 AM - 11:20 AM Enhancing Nervous System Resiliency in Tactical Athletes by Anna August, MS, LAT, ATC, CSCS, Becky Swan, MRSc, CSCS, TSAC-F & Traci Tauferner, LAT, ATC, CSCS, PES, MCTP, CS1
Hands-On |
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Lunch Break (provided) Carve out time to visit all the exhibitors – leaders in equipment, nutrition, and cutting-edge technology. We’ll also be providing lunch! Unopposed exhibit hall time |
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM Bracing for the Tough Conversations: The Back Pain Blind Spot by Brittany Braun, MSEd, LAT, ATC, CSCS & Michelle Parr
Lecture |
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM Bridge the Gap Lecture: Neck Strengthening for The Tactical Setting by Jordan Betz, MS, CSCS
Bridge the Gap Lecture |
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM Implementing Weighted Carries for Durability and Performance in Tactical S&C by Noel Brand, CFSC
Hands-on |
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM Continue the Conversation: Enhancing Nervous System Resiliency in Tactical Athletes by Anna August, MS, LAT, ATC, CSCS & Becky Swan, MRSc, CSCS, TSAC-F & Traci Tauferner, LAT, ATC, CSCS, PES, MCTP, CS1 Chalk talks give the attendee an opportunity to participate in the discussion as Anna, Becky & Traci is available to delve further into his topic. Chalk Talk |
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM Bringing Sport Science to the Tactical Space: A Case Study in Blast Exposure Monitoring by Alexander Morgan, MSc, CSCS, TSAC-F, RSCC
Lecture |
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM Bridge the Gap Practical: Innovative Approaches to Performance, Strength and Injury Recovery: Exploring the Impact of Fascia, the Brain by Simone Fortier, BS Develop actionable plans to integrate these strategies into training and recovery protocols for tactical and military personnel, ensuring peak performance and quicker recovery from physical and cognitive demands.
Bridge the Gap Practical |
3:00 PM - 3:50 PM Building Resilient Recruits: A Pre-Academy Program for Mental, Physical, and Tactical Readiness by Marshall Wieder, CSCS, RSCC
Lecture |
3:00 PM - 3:50 PM Alleviating Data Overload in Tactical Human Performance Metrics by Keith Painter, PhD, CSCS, CPSS
Lecture |
3:00 PM - 3:50 PM Bridge the Gap Practical: Neck Strengthening for The Tactical Setting by Jordan Betz, MS, CSCS
Bridge the Gap Practical |
3:00 PM - 3:50 PM Opportunities with the Army's H2F Program by Serco Staff Looking for a career change? Come talk with the staff from SERCO to learn about new opportunities. Career Connection |
4:00 PM - 4:00 PM Exhibit Hall Closes - Exhibitors begin move-out |
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM Programming and Training Considerations for SOCP; Modern Army Combatives, and for the Combat Operator by Jason Davidson, PhD, RSCC*D
Lecture |
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM Optimizing Warfighter Physical Readiness: A View from the Trenches by Jonpaul Nevin, PhD, CSCS
Lecture |
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM More Power! Employing Scalable Power Training with Minimal Equipment for Maximal Impact by Joel Raether, MAEd, CSCS, TSAC-F, RSCC*E
Hands-On |
Event Itinerary - Friday, August 29 - Central Time |
7:30 AM - 11:00 AM Registration Open |
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM Light Breakfast (provided) See the latest in technology and training tools by visiting the exhibitors. A breakfast sandwich, coffee and whole fruit will be provided. |
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM NSCA Store Open |
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM Structure to the Chaos: Periodization Around the Shift Schedule by Sebastian Olave, MS, USAW1
Lecture |
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM Bridge the Gap Lecture: Fortifying Law enforcement Academy Recruits for Duty by Ian Bonder, MS, CSCS,*D, RSCC
Bridge the Gap Lecture |
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM The 8 Main Movement Patterns: A Programming Framework for Tactical Strength and Conditioning by Nick Tumminello, NSCA-CPT
Hands-on |
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM Effective Leadership Styles and their Influence on the Tactical Strength and Conditioning Coach by Zack Nielsen, MS, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F,*D, RSCC
Lecture |
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM NSCA 10 Pillars of Long Term Tactical Development by Patrick McHenry, MA, CSCS,*D, RSCC*E
Lecture |
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM Practical Strategies for Enhancing Power and Aerobic Capacity - Training with the Concept 2 Rower by Harold Estep & Michael Harper, MEd
Hands-On |
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM From Green to Blue: Coaching and Job Differences between Military and Law Enforcement by Demetrius Bailey, MS, CSCS
Lecture |
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM Silent Impact: Neuromotor Consequences of Repetitive Submaximal Impact Exposure in Military Personnel by Steven Philpott, MS, CSCS
Lecture |
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM Bridge the Gap Practical: Fortifying Law Enforcement Academy Recruits for Duty by Ian Bonder, MS, CSCS,*D, RSCC
Bridge the Gap Practical |
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM The Mediterranean Diet and Shift Work by Megan Lautz, MS, RD, CSCS, TSAC-F
Lecture |
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM Biomechanical Analysis with Prescriptions for Primary Barbell Movement by Donny Bigham, MS, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F,*D, RSCC
Hands-on |
Featuring championship golf courses, 8 restaurants and 5 bars, and a 9-acre water park, the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is the ultimate learning and relaxation hub.
You’ve seen the targeted sessions, valuable networking events, and chance to test out new products. Register now to experience it hands-on and bring back solutions to your unit.
Gain a high-level look at the event, discover the diverse pros who attend, scope out this year’s keynote and featured speakers, and read testimonials from past attendees.