Welcome Reception FAQ
Questions about the Welcome Reception? We've got answers.
General Information
- When & where is the Welcome Reception?
Universal Epic Universe
Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2027
7–11pm- Who can attend?
Registered NADA Show attendees are welcome to attend. Guest attendance may be available based on ticket availability and main attendee registration type.
- How much are Welcome Reception tickets?
For badge types that do not include admission, tickets may be purchased for $279. Children ages three and under may enter the park for free.
- Is the Welcome Reception included with registration?
Admission is included with select registration types: NADA members, including Dealers, Managers and International Affiliates, receive a ticket with their badge. Guests of Dealer/Manager NADA members also receive a ticket with their badge.
Non-NADA member Dealer/Managers, guests of non-members, international non-affiliates, OEMs, Allied Industry attendees and Exhibitors may purchase a ticket for $279.
- Where can I pick up my NADA Show badge?
Show badges may be picked up before the Welcome Reception at any NADA Show registration desk or at the Welcome Reception registration desk.
- Do I need a separate ticket or badge?
Your badge is required for entry.
- Can guests or spouses attend?
- Guests and spouses may attend with a valid Welcome Reception ticket. Not all guest badges include reception admission, so some guests may need to purchase a separate ticket.
- NADA Dealer/Manager Members may purchase up to four additional tickets for family members. Children ages three and under do not need a ticket.
- Can I purchase additional tickets?
Select registration types may purchase additional tickets for guests and family members. Tickets are $279 each. Children ages three and under do not need a ticket.
- Where do I pick up additional tickets I purchased?
Additional tickets purchased can be picked up at Will-Call, located in the Ticketing Office, at the Entrance to Universal Epic Universe.
- Is there an age requirement?
All ages are welcome. Children three and under do not need a ticket to enter.
Transportation + Arrival
- How do I get to Universal Epic Universe?
NADA shuttles will run between official hotels and Universal Epic Universe beginning at 6:30pm on the day of the reception.
- What time do shuttles run?
Shuttles will run from 6:30–11:30pm The NADA Show mobile app will link to an online shuttle tracker.
- Is parking available?
Yes. Paid parking is available.
- Which entrance should attendees use?
All attendees must use the Main Entrance Gate. The Hotel Entrance Gate connected to Helios will not be open.
- Where should my taxi/rideshare drop me off?
There is a dedicated rideshare area for pickups and drop-offs outside of the main gates of the theme park. Please note, there is no entry into the theme park from the Hotel Entrance Gate, attached to Helios. Only the Main Entrance Gate will be open. Please confirm the correct drop off location with your driver, prior to exiting the vehicle.
- How early should I arrive?
The park gates will open at 7pm. Because this is a private event, early entry will not be available. Attendees should plan to arrive at or after the scheduled opening time.
- Will security screening be required?
Yes. All attendees and guests must go through security screening before entering the park.
- If I visit the park earlier in the day, will my daytime ticket allow me to attend the evening Welcome Reception?
If you have purchased a ticket to visit Universal Epic Universe earlier in the day, your ticket does not include admission into NADA’s Welcome Reception. A separate ticket must be purchased for NADA’s Welcome Reception.
- If I visit the park earlier in the day, can I remain in the park until the Welcome Reception begins?
No. Universal Epic Universe will close to the public at 6pm, and all daytime guests must exit the park at that time. The park will reopen at 7pm for NADA’s private Welcome Reception.
What to Expect
- What is included with admission?
Admission includes food, beverages, entertainment and access to all available park attractions during the event.
- Will rides and attractions be open?
Yes. Rides and attractions are open during the reception. The park will be open exclusively for NADA Show attendees and guests.
- Are food and drinks included?
Complimentary food and beverages will be available throughout the evening. Additional specialty items may be available for purchase.
- Will alcoholic beverages be served?
Yes. Alcoholic beverages are included with Welcome Reception admission for attendees who are of legal drinking age.
- Will vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or allergy-friendly options be available?
A variety of food options will be available. Attendees with dietary needs should ask onsite staff for assistance.
- Is the event indoors or outdoors?
The park is primarily outdoors, so attendees should dress accordingly. Indoor restaurants and entertainment locations will also be available throughout the park.
- What is the dress code?
Comfortable attire and walking shoes are recommended. Proper attire is required. For additional information, please review Universal Epic Universe’s clothing and costume policy.
- Will there be networking opportunities?
Yes. In addition to rides and attractions, the reception will offer opportunities to connect with fellow attendees throughout the park.
- Will there be music or live entertainment?
Entertainment will be offered throughout the evening.
- Is there somewhere I can store my belongings?
A limited number of lockers are available to rent for bags and backpacks. Select rides also offer single-use lockers for valuables while riding.
Accessibility + Guest Services
- Is the venue ADA accessible?
Yes. Universal Epic Universe is ADA accessible. Universal provides a safety and accessibility guide with additional information which you can access here.
- Are wheelchairs or mobility accommodations available?
A limited number of wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis. Rental facilities are located inside the theme park entrance to the left. For More information, please view Universal Orlando’s Guide for Safety and Accessibility.
- How can I request accommodations?
Questions about accommodations may be directed to Universal Guest Services at guestservices@universalorlando.com. Guest Services Coordinators are available seven days a week from 8:30 am–7 pm EST. For immediate assistance, call Universal at 407.224.4233, option 5.
- Will there be quiet or rest areas?
Rest areas are located throughout the park. A quiet room is available at the Family Care Center.
- What if I lose something during the event?
Lost items may be recovered at the NADA Show office beginning Thursday morning.
Policies + Logistics
- What should I bring?
Bring your NADA Show badge for entry. If you have not picked up your badge yet, you may do so onsite.
- Can I bring a bag or backpack?
Yes. Bags and backpacks are allowed but are subject to additional security screening.
- Are there prohibited items?
Yes. Please review Universal Epic Universe’s park policies for the full list of prohibited items.
- What happens if it rains?
The event will take place rain or shine.
- Will the event take place in severe weather?
If severe weather occurs, NADA will monitor the situation and share updates with attendees through official communication channels.
- Can I leave and re-enter?
No. Tickets are valid for one-time entry only. Re-entry is not permitted.
- Will photos or video be taken?
Yes. Photos and videos taken on standard mobile phones are welcome. Professional recording equipment is not permitted in the park.
Contact + Support
- Who should I contact with questions before the event?
For questions before the reception, please email events@nada.org.
- Where can I get help onsite?
Universal staff will be available to assist attendees throughout the park.
- Can I register for NADA Show onsite?
Yes. Registration can be completed onsite at NADA Show registration desks or online through NADA Show website.
