Events and Activities in the Exhibit Hall

Exhibit Hall Events & Activities

Come experience GSA 2026, where the Exhibit Hall is packed with exciting activities—from poster sessions and networking over snacks to professional headshots, pickleball, board games, and more.

Exhibit Hall Hours

Wednesday, November 4—5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Thursday, November 5—11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday, November 6—11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday, November 7—11:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Poster Session Hours

Session 1: Wednesday, November 4—6:00 PM - 7:15 PM
Session 2: Thursday, November 5—1:45 PM - 3:00
Session 3: Friday, November 6—1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Session 4: Saturday, November 7—1:45 PM - 3:00 PM

President's Welcome Reception & Exhibit Hall Opening

Dates: Wednesday, November 4
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Join GSA as we kick off the GSA 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting—featuring appetizers, cash bars, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Meet and mingle with exhibitors, explore our first poster session (Poster Session 1, 6:00–7:15 PM), and connect with colleagues during this festive opening event. Be sure to stop by the GSA Booth for a special meet-and-greet with GSA Presidential Officers Marilyn R. Gugliucci, Board Chair; Tamara A. Baker, MA, PhD, FGSA, President; and Blanca Rogina, Vice President.

Dance for Brain Health

Dates: Wednesday, November 4
Time: 6:30 PM – 6:50 PM

As part of the President's Welcome Reception and Exhibit Hall Opening, don't miss this special moment of movement, music, and fun! At 6:30 PM, join GSA Board Chair Marilyn R. Gugliucci on the dance floor in the Exhibit Hall for a Footloose dance lesson inspired by this year's lineup of favorite 80s hits.

Dancing isn't just enjoyable. It's also great for the brain and body. Research shows that social dancing can help improve memory, coordination, and executive function while supporting overall well-being as we age. Combined with the energy of familiar music and the opportunity to connect with friends and colleagues, it's a perfect way to celebrate the start of the meeting. So, kick off your Sunday shoes and join us on the dance floor!

The dance floor is located at the rear of the Exhibit Hall, in front of the stage.

Learn more about the science behind dancing and brain health: NIH: Dancing and Cognitive Health.

Cornhole and Board Games

Dates: Wednesday, November 4 – Saturday, November 7

Grab a friend (or 4!) and enjoy a pickup game of cornhole or grab a spot at a table for a board game. Enjoy some fellowship and some healthy competition!

Tai Chi Demo Class in Exhibit Hall

Join us in the Exhibit Hall on Thursday, November 5th for a Tai Chi demonstration. Take a few minutes to move and breathe with us as you learn to explore movement as a meditative practice. Just inside the Exhibit Hall, to the right of the entrance, pop in and get centered with us.

Exhibit Hall Snacks

Dates: Thursday, November 5– Saturday, November 7
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Join us for snacks and beverages in the exhibit hall each day of the conference!

Professional Headshots

Dates: Thursday, November 5– Saturday, November 7
Time: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Get a complimentary professional headshot at GSA 2026! Whether you're updating your photo or getting your first headshot, we’ve got you covered. Headshots are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so please plan to arrive early to secure your spot. Due to vendor contract requirements, the line may close before 2:30 PM to ensure all attendees in line are photographed before closing.

Pickleball Free Play

Thursday - Friday, November 5 - 7| 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday, November 7| 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Price: Free, no signup required.

Join us in the exhibit hall for pickleball free play with fellow attendees. We’ll have a pro pickleball coach on-hand to teach you the game basics and/or how to hone your strategy and skills.

Equipment will be provided; attendees need to wear appropriate shoes. Find us in the back of the exhibit hall from 11:30AM – 3:30PM, and see why everyone is loving this fun and social sport!

Paws for People (TBD - Placeholder)

Friday, November 6 | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Take a well-deserved break and enjoy the comfort of furry friends! The Human-Animal Interaction Interest Group, in partnership with Paws for People and volunteers from Tufts University, is bringing therapy dogs to the GSA Booth for all to visit, pet, and share some love.

If you can’t make it to the exhibit hall, don’t worry—the pups will also join the Human-Animal Interaction Interest Group meeting later that afternoon in Potomac Ballroom Breakout 2, from 3:00–4:15 PM.

Chair Yoga Break: Reset & Recharge in the Exhibit Hall

Friday, November 6 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Price: Free

Step away from the slides for a few minutes and join us for a Chair Yoga Break, a quick, energizing reset designed specifically for busy professionals.

>No experience or equipment required. Come as you are, we have the chairs! Jess will give you movement to shake off tension, awaken your spine, and come back to your breath. Just inside the Exhibit Hall, to the right of the entrance, stop by for a relaxing stretch.

GSA Fun-Run/Walk

Saturday, November 7 | 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Price: $25* registration required

Runners, joggers, and walkers of all skill levels are invited to participate in a fun-filled morning in National Harbor. Everyone is a winner in this race and no timing will be done. Come out simply for the health benefit and for fun.

All proceeds from this event will go to The Doris Schwartz Gerontological Nursing Research Award.

Pickleball Doubles Tournament

Saturday, November 7| 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Price: $45 * registration required

Join us on Saturday, November 7th for our series of Doubles tournaments. Come with a partner or we’ll assign you one, bring your paddle or we’ll have one there for you! Participation is on a first come, first served basis and we cannot guarantee any additional spots once registration is full. Additional information to come.

Salsa Dance Class in Exhibit Hall

Saturday, November 7 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Price: Free * registration required

Spice up your day with an energizing salsa class! Join us inside the Exhibit Hall, to the right of the entrance, for a lively session where you’ll learn fun, easy-to-follow moves while enjoying upbeat music and great company. Open to all attendees, this class is perfect for beginners and seasoned dancers alike, no partner required.

Come ready to move, laugh, and add a little rhythm to your experience. We can’t wait to see you on the dance floor!

View Program Website for Location (available 9/15)

Children in the Exhibit Hall

Children under the age of 18 are only allowed in the Exhibit Hall when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Out of respect for our exhibitors, poster presenters, and attendees, we ask a parent or guardian to closely monitor any disruption in the exhibit hall.