Annual Conference Tips from a NASPA GAP!

The NASPA Annual Conference is one of the largest gathering spaces for student affairs professionals, and has been held for over 100 years! Having the opportunity to attend is a tremendous opportunity but can be intimidating if you haven’t attended previously or are new to conferences in general.

I had the privilege of attending as a presenter at the 2024 NASPA Annual Conference in Seattle, Washington, and it was definitely a huge space for growth for me. It was my first time attending a large conference out-of-state with such a specific focus. I met so many people who attended from across the country (including a member of last year’s NASPA GAP Cohort!), ate at so many new restaurants, and was also able to deepen my relationships with the colleagues I attended with. I didn’t necessarily prepare for the conference and still had a great time, but I wanted to share a few pieces of advice that I feel would have helped me take full advantage of my time at the Conference!

1.) Plan Sessions in Advance

At conferences as big as the NASPA Annual Conference, there are so many session options that it can be overwhelming to try to decide which sessions to attend in the moment, especially when you’re one of hundreds of people walking the hallways of the conference hall. You will be able to utilize the NASPA app to view educational sessions with locations with ease. Deciding which sessions to attend in advance saves yourself the stress of deciding in the moment, and you’re able to spend your time more efficiently. 

2.) Take Genuine Interest in People, and Initiate Conversations

One of the biggest benefits of annual is the opportunity to meet professionals and other students from across the country! Take the time to say hi to people you sit next to, ask about where they’re from, and their positions, but also take the time to ask for coffee chats or other low-commitment activities to connect outside of the sessions you’re attending! It can be scary to initiate those conversations, but many (if not all!) people at annual are also looking to make connections with others!

3.) Don't Forget to Take Breaks! 

While you're attending all the amazing sessions and opportunities to network at the NASPA Annual Conferences don't forget to take the time to recharge. Being in a new city comes with a completely new environment – visit new parks, coffee shops, restaurants, or go shopping! Seattle was so close to the water and had so many bookstores and coffee shops near the conference venue, that I wouldn’t feel like I took full advantage without taking time to explore the city.