2015 NASPA Annual Conference highlights

Updated Information 2016: If you’re a student affairs professional looking to expand your network, there’s more fun to be had! We’re ramping up for the next annual conference, which is going to be in San Antonio, TX from March 11-15 2017. And since everything is bigger in Texas, this year’s event is going to be BIG. Learn more about what’s in store here; early-bird rates are available through December 19, 2016.

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If you haven’t already heard, the 2015 NASPA Annual Conference broke all kinds of records.

• 1,801 programs submitted
• 1,370 program reviewers
• 750 sessions
• 7,931 attendees in New Orleans
• 450 Virtual Ticket participants
• 135 exhibitors

It’s true that this was one of the most successful conferences yet in the history of NASPA, all thanks to you.

2015 NASPA Annual Conference Photo Slideshow

One of our most exciting achievements was the number of first-time attendees. More than 3,000 individuals joined the crowds in New Orleans to attend their first NASPA Annual Conference. Some even landed front-row seats to the Opening Session by winning a Golden Ticket at the First-Time Attendee Orientation. 

We have the Golden Tickets! Opening Ceremony for #NASPA15 here we come! #new2NASPA #sagrad pic.twitter.com/9HfxfxwGow

— Chelsea Sepolio (@ChelseaSepolio) March 22, 2015

We also had multiple celebrations at this year’s Annual Conference. The International Symposium celebrated 25 years, BACCHUS celebrated 40 years of peer education, and the Regions celebrated their 50^thanniversary.

With multiple celebrations, professional networking receptions, hundreds of presentations to choose from, it was a busy couple of days. Despite the busy schedules, many were able to take advantage of the extra perks NASPA had to offer.

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Ice cream, coffee, and popcorn breaks in the Exhibit Hall, the Headshot Lounge, food trucks, Dear World, and more. We hope you had fun!

With hundreds of fully packed educational sessions, networking throughout the Convention Center, and a lively city for connecting with friends and colleagues, the 2015 NASPA Annual Conference was a huge success.

Closing Featured Speaker Renu Khator left attendees inspired and encouraged to make student success a priority once they returned to campus. 

You are the future. You are the hope. And you are the dream, she said.

In her closing speech, she explains that student affairs professionals need to stay true to the core mission in order to survive the ongoing changes in higher education.

The overall theme for the 2015 NASPA Annual Conference was “Navigating with Courage.” As we heard from speakers throughout the conference - it truly takes courage to accomplish goals on campus and sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone to make change happen. These changes take time, patience, and support.

NASPA is here to help you in this journey.

Thank you for an amazing 2015 NASPA Annual Conference. We couldn’t have done it without you! 

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Updated Information 2016:

As a preeminent professional networking event for student affairs professionals worldwide, NASPA’s annual conference is a prime opportunity to expand your professional network. Every year, we create new memories and forge new connections. In 2016, we convened in Indy, where we enjoyed over 600 educational sessions presented by industry leaders, all while creating lasting friendships and connecting with our peers and colleagues.

Learn more about what’s in store for 2017, check out this post about the 5 reasons you should attend the NASPA annual conference, and don’t miss this prime opportunity to network with leaders in the student affairs profession.