What’s New in 2026
The AVCA is excited to bring the volleyball community back together again in December. We all look forward to the laughs, conversations, and storytelling that takes place at the convention and are eager to create new memories and experiences with friends in San Antonio. AVCA has planned several new programs and activities around the convention including:
Don’t want to attend the NCAA semifinal matches in person this year? Meet up with your friends at Smoke Skybar for a watch party! Smoke Skybar offers multiple large screens for viewing as well as private indoor/outdoor rooftop space for AVCA coaches overlooking the city. The party will include games, music, prize giveaways and fun. Smoke Skybar is located a 6-minute walk from the Marriott Rivercenter/Riverwalk and Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
The Timeout Lounge is a dedicated space designed to help coaches refresh their spirit, mind, and body. Enjoy complimentary chair massages to ease tension, spend a few minutes playing with a puppy to boost your spirit, or relax in a comfortable lounge away from the hustle and bustle of the convention.
Onsite Badge Printing
Experience a faster and more efficient check-in experience with AVCA’s new onsite badge printing technology. Badges will be printed in real time, ensuring attendee information is accurate and updated upon arrival in San Antonio. This technology provides greater flexibility for late registrations and changes while creating shorter lines and a seamless start to your convention week.
Community Service Opportunity – Feast of Sharing
Make your Saturday truly meaningful by giving back to the community of San Antonio at the Feast of Sharing. Spend part of the day creating a welcoming experience for local families by helping serve meals and share kindness. The event will be held from 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. in Hall 1 of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center on Saturday, December 19. Coaches are invited to volunteer for as much time as their schedule permits.
AVCA Season Celebration (presented by The Marines)
Whether you are wrapping up a successful women’s indoor season or gearing up for the men’s or beach season, this is your opportunity to connect and celebrate with your fellow coaches. Grab a drink and meet up with friends as you get your weekend started. Whether you want extra time to visit with exhibitors, take on the challenge of saving the Alamo in the mobile escape room, play a few games of corn hole, or create your own customized hat or bag you will find an evening of laughs and fun at the Season Celebration.
Increased Opportunities for Small Group Learning – Mobile Escape Room & Coach Solution Sessions
Small group learning sessions give coaches a chance to discuss specific topics, share ideas, and learn from each other. The convention education schedule will continue to include coaching camps, learning labs, book clubs, roundtable discussions, and the USAV NTDP training sessions. 
New this year the education program includes coach solution sessions where coaches can receive feedback and suggestions on challenges they are facing as well as coach teambuilding through an Alamo themed mobile escape room.
Technology Focused Education
Step into the future of volleyball coaching by participating in technology focused education sessions during the convention. The changing landscape in volleyball means coaches need to stay informed on the latest innovations in the sport. The AVCA education schedule includes multiple technology based sessions on topics ranging from strategies for using AI in coaching and understanding performance analytics to video analysis tools and wearable technology.
Wireless Headphones for On-Court Education Sessions
New at the convention this year, AVCA will provide a limited number of wireless headphones to improve the audio quality of on-court education sessions. Each court will have a dedicated channel that can easily switch between sessions to pick-up the speaker audio. This is great way for coaches standing courtside observing drills to hear the presentation without competing background noise.
