diff --git a/apps/admin-web/package.json b/apps/admin-web/package.json
index 642007e..10fe088 100644
--- a/apps/admin-web/package.json
+++ b/apps/admin-web/package.json
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@
     "preview": "vite preview"
   },
   "dependencies": {
+    "date-fns": "^4.1.0",
     "axios": "^1.13.6",
     "clsx": "^2.1.1",
     "lucide-react": "^0.563.0",
diff --git a/apps/admin-web/src/layouts/AdminLayout.tsx b/apps/admin-web/src/layouts/AdminLayout.tsx
index 7ac9416..2fa4177 100644
--- a/apps/admin-web/src/layouts/AdminLayout.tsx
+++ b/apps/admin-web/src/layouts/AdminLayout.tsx
@@ -68,6 +68,12 @@ const AdminLayout = () => {
       icon: Users,
       permission: "users",
     },
+    {
+      label: "Conference Signups",
+      path: "/admin/conference-waitlist",
+      icon: UserCheck,
+      permission: "users",
+    },
     {
       label: "Pitch Moderation",
       path: "/admin/pitches",
diff --git a/apps/admin-web/src/pages/ConferenceWaitlist.tsx b/apps/admin-web/src/pages/ConferenceWaitlist.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6ea61d1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/admin-web/src/pages/ConferenceWaitlist.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,83 @@
+import React, { useEffect, useState } from "react";
+import api from "../utils/api";
+import { format } from "date-fns";
+
+const ConferenceWaitlist = () => {
+  const [items, setItems] = useState<any[]>([]);
+  const [loading, setLoading] = useState(false);
+
+  const load = async () => {
+    setLoading(true);
+    try {
+      const res = await api.get("/users/admin/conference-waitlist");
+      setItems(Array.isArray(res.data) ? res.data : []);
+    } catch (err) {
+      console.error(err);
+    } finally {
+      setLoading(false);
+    }
+  };
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    void load();
+  }, []);
+
+  const markNotified = async (id: string) => {
+    try {
+      await api.patch(`/users/admin/conference-waitlist/${id}/notify`);
+      setItems((s) =>
+        s.map((it) =>
+          it.id === id ? { ...it, conferenceNotifiedAt: new Date().toISOString() } : it,
+        ),
+      );
+    } catch (err) {
+      console.error(err);
+      alert("Failed to mark user as notified");
+    }
+  };
+
+  return (
+    <div className="p-6">
+      <div className="mb-4 flex items-center justify-between">
+        <div>
+          <h2 className="text-2xl font-bold">Conference Signups</h2>
+          <p className="text-sm text-slate-500">People who signed up in conference mode.</p>
+        </div>
+        <button onClick={load} className="px-3 py-2 admin-button-secondary">Refresh</button>
+      </div>
+
+      <div className="overflow-x-auto">
+        <table className="w-full table-auto border-collapse">
+          <thead>
+            <tr className="text-left">
+              <th className="px-3 py-2">Email</th>
+              <th className="px-3 py-2">Role</th>
+              <th className="px-3 py-2">Signed Up</th>
+              <th className="px-3 py-2">Notified</th>
+              <th className="px-3 py-2">Actions</th>
+            </tr>
+          </thead>
+          <tbody>
+            {items.map((it) => (
+              <tr key={it.id} className="border-t">
+                <td className="px-3 py-2">{it.email}</td>
+                <td className="px-3 py-2">{it.role}</td>
+                <td className="px-3 py-2">{it.createdAt ? format(new Date(it.createdAt), "yyyy-MM-dd") : ""}</td>
+                <td className="px-3 py-2">{it.conferenceNotifiedAt ? "Yes" : "No"}</td>
+                <td className="px-3 py-2">
+                  {!it.conferenceNotifiedAt && (
+                    <button onClick={() => markNotified(it.id)} className="px-3 py-1 admin-button-secondary">Mark Notified</button>
+                  )}
+                </td>
+              </tr>
+            ))}
+          </tbody>
+        </table>
+        {loading && <div className="mt-4">Loading...</div>}
+        {!loading && items.length === 0 && <div className="mt-4">No conference signups yet.</div>}
+      </div>
+    </div>
+  );
+};
+
+export default ConferenceWaitlist;
diff --git a/apps/admin-web/src/pages/Waitlist.tsx b/apps/admin-web/src/pages/Waitlist.tsx
index 39e96e8..be5003a 100644
--- a/apps/admin-web/src/pages/Waitlist.tsx
+++ b/apps/admin-web/src/pages/Waitlist.tsx
@@ -5,6 +5,8 @@ import { format } from "date-fns";
 const Waitlist = () => {
   const [items, setItems] = useState<any[]>([]);
   const [loading, setLoading] = useState(false);
+  const [selected, setSelected] = useState<Record<string, boolean>>({});
+  const [inviteMessage, setInviteMessage] = useState('');
 
   const load = async () => {
     setLoading(true);
@@ -31,6 +33,28 @@ const Waitlist = () => {
     }
   };
 
+  const toggleSelect = (id: string) => {
+    setSelected((s) => ({ ...s, [id]: !s[id] }));
+  };
+
+  const sendInvites = async () => {
+    const ids = Object.entries(selected).filter(([_, v]) => v).map(([k]) => k);
+    if (ids.length === 0) return alert('Select at least one user to invite');
+    if (!confirm(`Send invitations to ${ids.length} user(s)?`)) return;
+    try {
+      const res = await api.post('/waitlist/invite', { ids, message: inviteMessage });
+      // update items
+      const updatedIds = (res.data.results || []).map((r: any) => r.id);
+      setItems((s) => s.map((it) => (updatedIds.includes(it.id) ? { ...it, isNotified: true } : it)));
+      setSelected({});
+      setInviteMessage('');
+      alert(`Invitations sent to ${res.data.processed || 0} users.`);
+    } catch (err) {
+      console.error(err);
+      alert('Failed to send invitations');
+    }
+  };
+
   const exportCsv = () => {
     const header = ["email", "role", "firstName", "lastName", "location", "isNotified", "createdAt"];
     const rows = items.map((it) => [
@@ -66,6 +90,17 @@ const Waitlist = () => {
         <table className="w-full table-auto border-collapse">
           <thead>
             <tr className="text-left">
+              <th className="px-3 py-2">
+                <input
+                  type="checkbox"
+                  onChange={(e) => {
+                    const checked = e.target.checked;
+                    const map: Record<string, boolean> = {};
+                    items.forEach((it) => (map[it.id] = checked));
+                    setSelected(map);
+                  }}
+                />
+              </th>
               <th className="px-3 py-2">Email</th>
               <th className="px-3 py-2">Role</th>
               <th className="px-3 py-2">Name</th>
@@ -78,6 +113,9 @@ const Waitlist = () => {
           <tbody>
             {items.map((it) => (
               <tr key={it.id} className="border-t">
+                <td className="px-3 py-2">
+                  <input type="checkbox" checked={!!selected[it.id]} onChange={() => toggleSelect(it.id)} />
+                </td>
                 <td className="px-3 py-2">{it.email}</td>
                 <td className="px-3 py-2">{it.role}</td>
                 <td className="px-3 py-2">{(it.firstName || "") + (it.lastName ? ` ${it.lastName}` : "")}</td>
@@ -93,6 +131,13 @@ const Waitlist = () => {
             ))}
           </tbody>
         </table>
+        <div className="mt-4">
+          <textarea placeholder="Optional invite message" value={inviteMessage} onChange={(e) => setInviteMessage(e.target.value)} className="w-full p-2 border rounded mb-2" />
+          <div className="flex gap-2">
+            <button onClick={sendInvites} className="px-3 py-2 admin-button">Send Invitations</button>
+            <button onClick={() => { setSelected({}); setInviteMessage(''); }} className="px-3 py-2 admin-button-secondary">Clear Selection</button>
+          </div>
+        </div>
         {loading && <div className="mt-4">Loading...</div>}
         {!loading && items.length === 0 && <div className="mt-4">No entries yet.</div>}
       </div>
diff --git a/apps/admin-web/src/router/routes.tsx b/apps/admin-web/src/router/routes.tsx
index 6359e10..405ac45 100644
--- a/apps/admin-web/src/router/routes.tsx
+++ b/apps/admin-web/src/router/routes.tsx
@@ -11,6 +11,9 @@ const Verification = lazy(() => import("../pages/Verification"));
 const PitchesList = lazy(() => import("../pages/PitchesLists"));
 const UsersList = lazy(() => import("../pages/UsersLists"));
 const Waitlist = lazy(() => import("../pages/Waitlist"));
+const ConferenceWaitlistPage = lazy(
+  () => import("../pages/ConferenceWaitlist"),
+);
 const AuditLogs = lazy(() => import("../pages/AuditLogs"));
 const Settings = lazy(() => import("../pages/Settings"));
 const AcademyPrograms = lazy(() => import("../pages/AcademyPrograms"));
@@ -60,6 +63,10 @@ export const routes = [
                 path: "admin/waitlist",
                 element: withSuspense(<Waitlist />),
               },
+              {
+                path: "admin/conference-waitlist",
+                element: withSuspense(<ConferenceWaitlistPage />),
+              },
             ],
           },
           {
diff --git a/apps/api/.env.example b/apps/api/.env.example
index a55e301..31bace7 100644
--- a/apps/api/.env.example
+++ b/apps/api/.env.example
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ APP_BASE_URL=http://localhost:3001
 FRONTEND_URL=http://localhost:5173
 BACKEND_URL=http://localhost:3000
 CORS_ORIGINS=
+CONFERENCE_MODE=false
 
 # ---- Certificate ----
 CERT_LOGO_URL=
diff --git a/apps/api/migration_output.txt b/apps/api/migration_output.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ddb3666
Binary files /dev/null and b/apps/api/migration_output.txt differ
diff --git a/apps/api/prisma/migrations/20260825000000_add_conference_waitlist_fields/migration.sql b/apps/api/prisma/migrations/20260825000000_add_conference_waitlist_fields/migration.sql
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8d3266d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/api/prisma/migrations/20260825000000_add_conference_waitlist_fields/migration.sql
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+ALTER TABLE "User"
+  ADD COLUMN "isConferenceWaitlist" BOOLEAN NOT NULL DEFAULT false,
+  ADD COLUMN "conferenceNotifiedAt" TIMESTAMP(3);
+
+CREATE INDEX "User_isConferenceWaitlist_idx"
+  ON "User"("isConferenceWaitlist");
diff --git a/apps/api/prisma/schema.prisma b/apps/api/prisma/schema.prisma
index 409377c..74aa517 100644
--- a/apps/api/prisma/schema.prisma
+++ b/apps/api/prisma/schema.prisma
@@ -118,6 +118,8 @@ model User {
   emailVerificationExpires DateTime?
   passwordResetToken String?
   passwordResetExpires DateTime?
+  isConferenceWaitlist Boolean @default(false)
+  conferenceNotifiedAt DateTime?
   enrollments ProgramEnrollment[]
 
   // Profile Relations
diff --git a/apps/api/scripts/apply_migration.js b/apps/api/scripts/apply_migration.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5e3baad
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/api/scripts/apply_migration.js
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+const fs = require('fs');
+const path = require('path');
+
+function loadDotEnv(file) {
+  const p = path.resolve(file);
+  if (!fs.existsSync(p)) return;
+  const content = fs.readFileSync(p, 'utf8');
+  content.split(/\r?\n/).forEach(line => {
+    const m = line.match(/^\s*([^#=\s]+)\s*=\s*(.*)\s*$/);
+    if (m) {
+      let val = m[2];
+      if (val.startsWith('"') && val.endsWith('"')) val = val.slice(1, -1);
+      process.env[m[1]] = val;
+    }
+  });
+}
+
+loadDotEnv(path.join(__dirname, '..', '.env'));
+
+const { PrismaClient } = require(path.join(__dirname, '..', 'node_modules', '.prisma', 'client'));
+const migrationPath = path.join(__dirname, '..', 'prisma', 'migrations', '20260825000000_add_conference_waitlist_fields', 'migration.sql');
+
+(async () => {
+  const prisma = new PrismaClient();
+  try {
+    if (!fs.existsSync(migrationPath)) {
+      console.error('Migration SQL not found at', migrationPath);
+      process.exit(2);
+    }
+    const sql = fs.readFileSync(migrationPath, 'utf8');
+    const statements = sql.split(/;\s*\n/).map(s => s.trim()).filter(Boolean);
+    for (const stmt of statements) {
+      console.log('Executing:', stmt.substring(0, 120).replace(/\r?\n/g, ' ') + '...');
+      await prisma.$executeRawUnsafe(stmt);
+    }
+    console.log('Migration applied');
+  } catch (e) {
+    console.error('Error applying migration:', e && e.message ? e.message : e);
+    process.exitCode = 2;
+  } finally {
+    await prisma.$disconnect();
+  }
+})();
diff --git a/apps/api/scripts/check_migration.js b/apps/api/scripts/check_migration.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ceca0e0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/api/scripts/check_migration.js
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+require('dotenv').config({ path: '.env' });
+const { PrismaClient } = require('@prisma/client');
+(async () => {
+  const prisma = new PrismaClient();
+  try {
+    const res = await prisma.$queryRawUnsafe("SELECT column_name FROM information_schema.columns WHERE table_schema='public' AND table_name='User' AND column_name='isConferenceWaitlist'");
+    console.log('QUERY_RESULT:', JSON.stringify(res, null, 2));
+  } catch (e) {
+    console.error('ERROR:', e && e.message ? e.message : e);
+    process.exit(1);
+  } finally {
+    await prisma.$disconnect();
+  }
+})();
diff --git a/apps/api/src/auth/auth.service.ts b/apps/api/src/auth/auth.service.ts
index 79b7b7f..f7facbf 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/auth/auth.service.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/auth/auth.service.ts
@@ -36,7 +36,12 @@ export class AuthService {
     }
 
     // 3. Create the Token Payload
-    const payload = { sub: user.id, email: user.email, role: user.role };
+    const payload = {
+      sub: user.id,
+      email: user.email,
+      role: user.role,
+      isConferenceWaitlist: Boolean(user.isConferenceWaitlist),
+    };
 
     // 4. SANITIZE: Remove password from the object we send back
     const {
diff --git a/apps/api/src/auth/strategies/jwt.strategy.ts b/apps/api/src/auth/strategies/jwt.strategy.ts
index 1691e63..4bc8827 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/auth/strategies/jwt.strategy.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/auth/strategies/jwt.strategy.ts
@@ -31,10 +31,7 @@ export class JwtStrategy extends PassportStrategy(Strategy, 'jwt') {
   }
 
   async validate(payload: JwtPayload): Promise<User> {
-    // FIX: Using a common UsersService method to find a user by ID.
-    // ASSUMPTION: Your UsersService has a method like `findById` or `findOne` that takes the ID string directly.
-    // You might need to adjust `this.usersService.findById(payload.sub)` to your actual method name.
-    const user = await this.usersService.findById(payload.sub); // <-- CHANGED: Assumed `findById` method
+    const user = await this.usersService.findById(payload.sub);
 
     if (!user) {
       throw new UnauthorizedException('User not found or invalid token.');
@@ -45,6 +42,8 @@ export class JwtStrategy extends PassportStrategy(Strategy, 'jwt') {
       email: user.email,
       role: user.role,
       adminPermissions: user.adminPermissions,
+      isConferenceWaitlist: Boolean(user.isConferenceWaitlist),
+      conferenceNotifiedAt: user.conferenceNotifiedAt ?? null,
     } as User;
   }
 }
diff --git a/apps/api/src/users/users.controller.ts b/apps/api/src/users/users.controller.ts
index 3fe8da3..bd63067 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/users/users.controller.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/users/users.controller.ts
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ import { CreateUserDto } from './dto/create-user.dto';
 import { AdminCreateUserDto } from './dto/admin-create-user.dto';
 import { ForgotPasswordDto } from './dto/forgot-password.dto';
 import { ResetPasswordDto } from './dto/reset-password.dto';
+import { isConferenceMode } from '../utils/conference-mode';
 
 @Controller('users')
 export class UsersController {
@@ -103,9 +104,38 @@ export class UsersController {
     if (req.user.role !== UserRole.ADMIN && req.user.id !== id) {
       throw new ForbiddenException('You can only view your own stats.');
     }
+
+    const shouldShowWaitlistView =
+      isConferenceMode() &&
+      Boolean(req.user?.isConferenceWaitlist) &&
+      req.user.role !== UserRole.ADMIN;
+
+    if (shouldShowWaitlistView) {
+      return {
+        welcome: true,
+        isConferenceWaitlist: true,
+        conferenceMode: true,
+        message: 'You are on the conference waitlist. We will email you when access is ready.',
+      };
+    }
+
     return this.usersService.getDashboardStats(id);
   }
 
+  @UseGuards(JwtAuthGuard, RolesGuard)
+  @Roles(UserRole.ADMIN)
+  @Get('admin/conference-waitlist')
+  getConferenceWaitlist() {
+    return this.usersService.getConferenceWaitlistUsers();
+  }
+
+  @UseGuards(JwtAuthGuard, RolesGuard)
+  @Roles(UserRole.ADMIN)
+  @Patch('admin/conference-waitlist/:id/notify')
+  markConferenceWaitlistNotified(@Param('id') id: string) {
+    return this.usersService.markConferenceWaitlistNotified(id);
+  }
+
   @UseGuards(JwtAuthGuard, RolesGuard)
   @Roles(UserRole.ADMIN)
   @Get('admin/dashboard')
diff --git a/apps/api/src/users/users.service.ts b/apps/api/src/users/users.service.ts
index f83f52f..1dd7f76 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/users/users.service.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/users/users.service.ts
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ import { DatabaseService } from '../database/database.service';
 import { MailerService } from '../mailer/mailer.service';
 import { AppCacheService } from '../cache/app-cache.service';
 import { AccessPolicyService } from '../policies/access-policy.service';
+import { isConferenceMode } from '../utils/conference-mode';
 import {
   passwordResetEmail,
   verificationEmail,
@@ -365,11 +366,14 @@ export class UsersService {
     }
 
     // Save to Database
+    const isWaitlistSignup = isConferenceMode() && role !== UserRole.ADMIN;
+
     const newUser = await this.databaseService.user.create({
       data: {
         email: normalizedEmail,
         password: hashedPassword, // Save the HASH
         role,
+        isConferenceWaitlist: isWaitlistSignup,
         ...profileData,
       },
       include: { entrepreneurProfile: true, investorProfile: true },
@@ -411,6 +415,41 @@ export class UsersService {
     return result;
   }
 
+  async getConferenceWaitlistUsers() {
+    return this.databaseService.user.findMany({
+      where: { isConferenceWaitlist: true },
+      orderBy: { createdAt: 'desc' },
+      select: {
+        id: true,
+        email: true,
+        role: true,
+        createdAt: true,
+        conferenceNotifiedAt: true,
+        isConferenceWaitlist: true,
+      },
+    });
+  }
+
+  async markConferenceWaitlistNotified(userId: string) {
+    const user = await this.databaseService.user.findUnique({
+      where: { id: userId },
+      select: { id: true, isConferenceWaitlist: true },
+    });
+
+    if (!user || !user.isConferenceWaitlist) {
+      throw new BadRequestException(
+        'User is not part of the conference waitlist.',
+      );
+    }
+
+    const updatedUser = await this.databaseService.user.update({
+      where: { id: userId },
+      data: { conferenceNotifiedAt: new Date() },
+    });
+
+    return this.sanitizeUser(updatedUser);
+  }
+
   async getAdminTeam() {
     const admins = await this.databaseService.user.findMany({
       where: { role: UserRole.ADMIN },
diff --git a/apps/api/src/utils/conference-mode.spec.ts b/apps/api/src/utils/conference-mode.spec.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8e076c2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/api/src/utils/conference-mode.spec.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+import { isConferenceMode } from './conference-mode';
+
+describe('isConferenceMode', () => {
+  const original = process.env.CONFERENCE_MODE;
+
+  afterEach(() => {
+    if (original === undefined) {
+      delete process.env.CONFERENCE_MODE;
+    } else {
+      process.env.CONFERENCE_MODE = original;
+    }
+  });
+
+  it('returns true when the env is set to true', () => {
+    process.env.CONFERENCE_MODE = 'true';
+    expect(isConferenceMode()).toBe(true);
+  });
+
+  it('returns false for non-enabled values', () => {
+    process.env.CONFERENCE_MODE = 'false';
+    expect(isConferenceMode()).toBe(false);
+  });
+});
diff --git a/apps/api/src/utils/conference-mode.ts b/apps/api/src/utils/conference-mode.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ec99c40
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/api/src/utils/conference-mode.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+export const isConferenceMode = (): boolean => {
+  return process.env.CONFERENCE_MODE === 'true';
+};
diff --git a/apps/api/src/waitlist/dto/invite-waitlist.dto.ts b/apps/api/src/waitlist/dto/invite-waitlist.dto.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b02009c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/api/src/waitlist/dto/invite-waitlist.dto.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+import { IsArray, IsOptional, IsString } from 'class-validator';
+
+export class InviteWaitlistDto {
+  @IsArray()
+  ids: string[];
+
+  @IsString()
+  @IsOptional()
+  message?: string;
+}
diff --git a/apps/api/src/waitlist/waitlist.controller.ts b/apps/api/src/waitlist/waitlist.controller.ts
index 30d2323..5aaef24 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/waitlist/waitlist.controller.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/waitlist/waitlist.controller.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import { Body, Controller, Post, Get, Param, Patch, UseGuards, Query } from '@nestjs/common';
 import { WaitlistService } from './waitlist.service';
 import { CreateWaitlistDto } from './dto/create-waitlist.dto';
+import { InviteWaitlistDto } from './dto/invite-waitlist.dto';
 import { JwtAuthGuard } from '../auth/jwt-auth.guard';
 import { RolesGuard } from '../auth/guards/roles.guard';
 import { Roles } from '../auth/decorators/roles.decorator';
@@ -15,19 +16,12 @@ export class WaitlistController {
     return this.waitlistService.create(dto);
   }
 
-  // Admin: list waitlist entries
+  // Admin: list waitlist entries (protected)
+  @UseGuards(JwtAuthGuard, RolesGuard)
+  @Roles(UserRole.ADMIN)
   @Get()
-  async list(@Query('limit') limit = '100', @Query('public') publicFlag = '') {
+  list(@Query('limit') limit = '100') {
     const n = Number(limit) || 100;
-    // In development allow unauthenticated access when explicitly requested
-    if (
-      process.env.NODE_ENV !== 'production' &&
-      (publicFlag === 'true' || publicFlag === '1')
-    ) {
-      return this.waitlistService.list(n);
-    }
-
-    // Default: require admin
     return this.waitlistService.list(n);
   }
 
@@ -35,21 +29,15 @@ export class WaitlistController {
   @UseGuards(JwtAuthGuard, RolesGuard)
   @Roles(UserRole.ADMIN)
   @Patch(':id/notify')
-  async markNotified(@Param('id') id: string, @Query('public') publicFlag = '') {
-    // Allow marking via public flag in non-production for local testing
-    if (process.env.NODE_ENV !== 'production' && (publicFlag === 'true' || publicFlag === '1')) {
-      return this.waitlistService.markNotified(id);
-    }
-
+  async markNotified(@Param('id') id: string) {
     return this.waitlistService.markNotified(id);
   }
 
-  // Development-only public mark endpoint for quick local testing
-  @Patch('public/:id/notify')
-  async publicMarkNotified(@Param('id') id: string) {
-    if (process.env.NODE_ENV === 'production') {
-      return { success: false, message: 'Not allowed in production' };
-    }
-    return this.waitlistService.markNotified(id);
+  // Admin: invite multiple waitlist entries (mark notified + send invite email)
+  @UseGuards(JwtAuthGuard, RolesGuard)
+  @Roles(UserRole.ADMIN)
+  @Post('invite')
+  async invite(@Body() dto: InviteWaitlistDto) {
+    return this.waitlistService.invite(dto.ids || [], dto.message || '');
   }
 }
diff --git a/apps/api/src/waitlist/waitlist.service.ts b/apps/api/src/waitlist/waitlist.service.ts
index eebf9de..a6b8290 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/waitlist/waitlist.service.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/waitlist/waitlist.service.ts
@@ -61,4 +61,43 @@ export class WaitlistService {
       data: { isNotified: true },
     });
   }
+
+  async invite(ids: string[], message = '') {
+    if (!Array.isArray(ids) || ids.length === 0) return { processed: 0 };
+
+    const results: any[] = [];
+
+    for (const id of ids) {
+      try {
+        const entry = await this.databaseService.waitlist.findUnique({
+          where: { id },
+        });
+        if (!entry) continue;
+
+        // Mark as notified
+        const updated = await this.databaseService.waitlist.update({
+          where: { id },
+          data: { isNotified: true },
+        });
+
+        // Send invite email (best-effort)
+        try {
+          const html = `
+            <p>Hi ${entry.firstName || 'there'},</p>
+            <p>${message || 'Good news — access to Naajih is now available. Click the link below to sign in when invited.'}</p>
+            <p><a href="${process.env.FRONTEND_URL || 'https://app.naajihbiz.com'}/login">Open Naajih</a></p>
+          `;
+          await this.mailerService.sendMail(entry.email, 'You are invited to Naajih', html);
+        } catch (err) {
+          this.logger.warn(`Failed to send invite to ${entry.email}: ${String(err)}`);
+        }
+
+        results.push(updated);
+      } catch (err) {
+        this.logger.error(`Error processing waitlist id=${id}: ${String(err)}`);
+      }
+    }
+
+    return { processed: results.length, results };
+  }
 }
diff --git a/apps/user-web/.env.example b/apps/user-web/.env.example
index d975b2f..1192b51 100644
--- a/apps/user-web/.env.example
+++ b/apps/user-web/.env.example
@@ -1,6 +1,9 @@
 # ---- API ----
 VITE_API_BASE_URL=http://localhost:3000/api
 
+# ---- Conference ----
+VITE_CONFERENCE_MODE=false
+
 # ---- Mentor Booking ----
 VITE_CALENDLY_URL=https://calendly.com/your-booking-link
 
diff --git a/apps/user-web/src/layouts/DashboardLayout.tsx b/apps/user-web/src/layouts/DashboardLayout.tsx
index bb6191f..3071a4e 100644
--- a/apps/user-web/src/layouts/DashboardLayout.tsx
+++ b/apps/user-web/src/layouts/DashboardLayout.tsx
@@ -84,6 +84,11 @@ const DashboardLayout = ({ children }: DashboardLayoutProps) => {
   const lastName = profile.lastName || user.lastName || "";
   const role = user.role || "Guest";
   const profileAvatar = profile.avatarUrl || user.avatarUrl || "";
+  const conferenceMode = import.meta.env.VITE_CONFERENCE_MODE === "true";
+  const isConferenceWaitlist =
+    conferenceMode &&
+    Boolean(user?.isConferenceWaitlist) &&
+    user?.role !== "ADMIN";
   const socket = useSocket(user.id || "");
   const welcomeKey =
     user.id || user.email
@@ -184,6 +189,10 @@ const DashboardLayout = ({ children }: DashboardLayoutProps) => {
     };
   }, [fetchUnreadMessages, socket]);
 
+  if (isConferenceWaitlist) {
+    return <Navigate to="/conference-waitlist" replace />;
+  }
+
   const isAspirant = user.role === "ASPIRING_BUSINESS_OWNER";
   const isInvestor = user.role === "INVESTOR";
   const isEntrepreneur = user.role === "ENTREPRENEUR";
diff --git a/apps/user-web/src/layouts/blank-layout.tsx b/apps/user-web/src/layouts/blank-layout.tsx
index cf5f7d2..f83d0c8 100644
--- a/apps/user-web/src/layouts/blank-layout.tsx
+++ b/apps/user-web/src/layouts/blank-layout.tsx
@@ -3,8 +3,17 @@ import { PropsWithChildren } from "react";
 import { Navigate, useSearchParams } from "react-router-dom";
 
 export default function BlankLayout({ children }: PropsWithChildren) {
-  const { isAuth } = useAuth();
+  const { isAuth, user } = useAuth();
   const [searchParams] = useSearchParams();
+  const conferenceMode = import.meta.env.VITE_CONFERENCE_MODE === "true";
+  const isConferenceWaitlist =
+    conferenceMode &&
+    Boolean(user?.isConferenceWaitlist) &&
+    user?.role !== "ADMIN";
+
+  if (isConferenceWaitlist) {
+    return <Navigate to="/conference-waitlist" replace />;
+  }
 
   if (isAuth) {
     return <Navigate to={searchParams.get("returnUrl") ?? "/dashboard"} />;
diff --git a/apps/user-web/src/pages/auth/Login.tsx b/apps/user-web/src/pages/auth/Login.tsx
index 570cbe0..f57e119 100644
--- a/apps/user-web/src/pages/auth/Login.tsx
+++ b/apps/user-web/src/pages/auth/Login.tsx
@@ -61,9 +61,16 @@ const Login = () => {
       dispatch(setUser(userToSave));
       dispatch(setAuth(true));
 
-      // Redirect to Dashboard
-      const returnUrl = searchParams.get("returnUrl");
-      navigate(returnUrl || "/dashboard", { replace: true });
+      const conferenceMode = import.meta.env.VITE_CONFERENCE_MODE === "true";
+      const shouldGoToWaitlist =
+        conferenceMode &&
+        Boolean(userToSave?.isConferenceWaitlist) &&
+        userToSave?.role !== "ADMIN";
+
+      navigate(
+        shouldGoToWaitlist ? "/conference-waitlist" : searchParams.get("returnUrl") || "/dashboard",
+        { replace: true },
+      );
     } catch (err: any) {
       console.error(err);
       const message = err.message || "Login failed. Check your email/password.";
diff --git a/apps/user-web/src/pages/conference/ConferenceWaitlist.tsx b/apps/user-web/src/pages/conference/ConferenceWaitlist.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3834c5b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/user-web/src/pages/conference/ConferenceWaitlist.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,33 @@
+import { Clock3, MailCheck, ShieldCheck } from "lucide-react";
+
+export default function ConferenceWaitlistPage() {
+  return (
+    <div className="flex min-h-screen items-center justify-center bg-slate-950 px-4 py-12 text-white">
+      <div className="w-full max-w-xl rounded-3xl border border-white/10 bg-white/5 p-8 shadow-2xl backdrop-blur-sm">
+        <div className="mb-6 flex items-center justify-center text-primary">
+          <ShieldCheck className="h-12 w-12" />
+        </div>
+        <p className="mb-3 text-center text-xs font-semibold uppercase tracking-[0.3em] text-primary/80">
+          Conference Access
+        </p>
+        <h1 className="text-center text-3xl font-black tracking-tight sm:text-4xl">
+          You’re on the waitlist
+        </h1>
+        <p className="mt-5 text-center text-base text-slate-300">
+          Thanks for signing up early. We’ve reserved your place and will email you as soon as the conference access opens.
+        </p>
+
+        <div className="mt-8 space-y-4 rounded-2xl border border-primary/20 bg-primary/5 p-4">
+          <div className="flex items-center gap-3 text-sm text-slate-200">
+            <Clock3 className="h-4 w-4 text-primary" />
+            <span>We’ll keep your account ready so you can log back in without creating a new one.</span>
+          </div>
+          <div className="flex items-center gap-3 text-sm text-slate-200">
+            <MailCheck className="h-4 w-4 text-primary" />
+            <span>Your first email will confirm when it’s time to unlock the full dashboard.</span>
+          </div>
+        </div>
+      </div>
+    </div>
+  );
+}
diff --git a/apps/user-web/src/router/routes.tsx b/apps/user-web/src/router/routes.tsx
index 5fb9f2c..6c95f7c 100644
--- a/apps/user-web/src/router/routes.tsx
+++ b/apps/user-web/src/router/routes.tsx
@@ -161,6 +161,11 @@ const routes = [
     element: <Privacy />,
     layout: "blank",
   },
+  {
+    path: "conference-waitlist",
+    element: <ConferenceWaitlist />,
+    layout: "blank",
+  },
 
   // --- Authenticated Dashboard Routes ---
   {
diff --git a/docs/conference-mode.md b/docs/conference-mode.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9f92d60
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/conference-mode.md
@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+# Conference Mode (Feature Flag)
+
+This document explains the `CONFERENCE_MODE` feature flag and how to operate it.
+
+Overview
+- `CONFERENCE_MODE` enables a temporary signup flow for conference attendees. When `true`, new non-admin signups are marked as conference waitlist users instead of normal users.
+
+Environment variables
+- API: set `CONFERENCE_MODE=true` in `apps/api/.env` (or environment at runtime).
+- Frontend: set `VITE_CONFERENCE_MODE=true` in `apps/user-web/.env` and `apps/admin-web/.env` if needed.
+
+What the code does
+- Adds `isConferenceWaitlist` and `conferenceNotifiedAt` to the `User` model.
+- Adds a shared helper `isConferenceMode()` to gate behavior.
+- Signup flow marks users as waitlisted when the flag is enabled.
+- Admin UI exposes a conference signups list and an action to mark users notified.
+
+Post-conference shutdown steps
+1. Set `CONFERENCE_MODE=false` in production and any running `.env` files.
+2. Optionally run a backfill or promotion job to convert waitlisted users to normal users, if desired. Example SQL to promote all waitlisted users:
+
+```sql
+UPDATE "User"
+SET "isConferenceWaitlist" = false
+WHERE "isConferenceWaitlist" = true;
+```
+
+3. Clear or archive the `conferenceNotifiedAt` values as appropriate.
+
+Running migrations
+- Migration SQL for the new fields has been added under `apps/api/prisma/migrations/20260825000000_add_conference_waitlist_fields/migration.sql`.
+- To apply migrations locally run from `apps/api`:
+
+```bash
+pnpm exec prisma migrate deploy --schema prisma/schema.prisma
+```
+
+Notes and troubleshooting
+- If your system's npm/pnpm cache or temp directories point to an external drive, ensure that drive is mounted and writable before running `prisma migrate` or `pnpm install`.
+- If you hit `ENOSPC` on `C:`, consider pointing the npm cache to a drive with free space:
+
+```powershell
+New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force 'E:\npm-cache' | Out-Null
+$env:NPM_CONFIG_CACHE='E:\npm-cache'
+pnpm install
+```