What is Naval Leadership Weekend?
Naval Leadership Weekend is an annual event hosted by the Naval ROTC unit at the University of Notre Dame. The conference, now approaching its 31th consecutive year, is held in the spring semester and is organized by Notre Dame midshipmen.
What events can I expect at NLW?
NLW is a symposium that consists of 6 leadership presentations with distinguished speakers, community breakout rooms, signature Notre Dame extracurricular events, and a final keynote dinner and address on Saturday evening.
For a general timeline of events, refer to the 2026 conference tab. Please note that these times are subject to change and a finalized scheduled with be sent out after you register for the conference.
Who attends NLW?
Conference attendees include midshipmen from NROTC units nationwide, staff members from these units, and the midshipmen and staff from the University of Notre Dame, totaling approximately 250 midshipmen from over 40 units. Each unit may send no more than four midshipmen and one staff member due to capacity constraints.
How much does NLW cost?
The midshipman registration fee is $160 and the staff registration fee is $190. Find more registration information for our 2026 NLW Conference under the registration tab.
What do registration fees include?
For 2026, the NLW team is unable to provide discount lodging on campus. However, we have reserved discounted lodging for midshipmen and staff at local hotels to be paid for by each individual unit. The registration fee covers all meals Thursday evening through Saturday morning, the Keynote Address Dinner, attendee gifts, coffee and snacks between symposia, and speaker and venue fees.
- Transportation from South Bend Airport to hotels
- Dinner Thursday evening; lunch and dinner Friday-Saturday
- Keynote Address and Dinner
- Attendee gifts
- Coffee and snacks between symposia
- Speaker and venue fees
How do attendees pay for the conference?
Each unit is different; however, it is common for midshipmen and staff to have their expenses covered by department funding from their university or by unit funding. Some midshipmen and staff cover all of their own expenses. Registration payments can be made by individuals or for a group, but be sure to specify all of the attendees’ names to be included in the payment.
Do you accept credit cards?
Payments can be made either by check or credit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover for online payments. Find more payment information for our 2026 NLW Conference under the registration tab.
What is the Tax ID Number for the unit?
The Tax ID Number for the unit is 35-0868188.
What should I pack?
A packing list will be provided to guests prior to the conference.
BE ADVISED: Visiting midshipmen should bring appropriate clothing for cold weather and possible snow as the weather in South Bend in February can be extreme.
How should I prepare for the conference?
Please read the biographies for all speakers once they are announced. You may find them online or in the brochure you will receive at check-in.
Can I buy from the Ship’s Store?
Yes! You can make purchases here: https://nrotc.nd.edu/ships-store/
Additional designs will be available soon! Notre Dame NROTC belt buckles and patches will also be for sale at the conference.
If you would like to receive your merchandise at the conference, please have it shipped to:
Notre Dame NROTC, 213 Pasquerilla Center, Notre Dame, IN 46556