Why should you attend the NACADA Annual Conference in Pittsburgh this year? It can be difficult to justify taking time away with so much going on in our own individual worlds. After all, we spend our days working to help students be as successful as possible, supporting them holistically and going beyond academics. There are times during our academic cycles when we all feel the need to recharge. We do this the best we can by ourselves and within our own teams. We often forget, though, that we have a network of thousands of colleagues who understand and can support each other. This year, the Conference Planning Committee would like to help you remember this!

We will begin with our keynote speaker and welcome reception the evening of Sunday, October 27. Perhaps you want to make your way to Pittsburgh the Friday or Saturday before the conference and enjoy the city on your own. Let it be your own little weekend getaway before diving in. Our Entertainment & Hospitality chairs have you covered for ideas and group outings prior to and during the conference!

Unsure of how much content may be relevant to you? Over the summer, a listing of conference presentations with descriptions will be available on the website. Additionally, you will gain access to the NACADA app a few weeks prior to the conference. The app allows you to easily keep track of the sessions that sound interesting to you and map out your unique conference experience. Conference information will become available a few weeks beforehand for you to begin your planning.

Both during and after the conference, you can do anything from download session content to making plans to share an Uber to the airport. You can hang on to those connections you made in passing or during a session. From check-in to check-out, you will form collegial bonds that you’ll have for years. Who knows when you might visit the city of a NACADA friend and pop in to check out their campus? Our Social Media chairs are working hard to make sure you have all this and more at your fingertips!

If you think you might let those healthy habits slip because you’re out of your element, think again! Our Health & Wellness chairs have plenty of ideas to get us up and moving throughout the week. Maybe a change of scenery will help your state of mindfulness and give you the recharge you need to go back to your campus refreshed and energized.

Wondering how other institutions have found success? Wishing you could connect with colleagues on a few niche topics? Need something new to take back to your team? Our Concurrent Sessions chairs and Poster chairs are excited to have many options for us to learn, grow, and think in new ways!

Perhaps you’re interested in helping at the conference because sitting through an entire day full of sessions isn’t up your alley. We’d love your help. Volunteers are needed in a variety of ways from start to finish, and our Volunteer & Evaluations chairs are eagerly waiting to give you your first task!

Maybe your institution is looking for different software, or you might be looking to try out something new. Our Exhibitor chairs are helping us make those connections by bringing them all to one place!

Can’t make the trip but are considering attending virtually? Each committee has ideas to get you involved, keep you engaged, and make the most out of your conference experience.

So why should you join us this October? To network with friends you haven’t met yet. To gain insight from institutions similar to yours. To learn about some of the newest trends in advising. To meet colleagues who span all generations. To have a change of scenery. To champion yourself and your peers

as helpers. Because who knows when we will be in your hometown that you might assist in planning? And because it’s always “a beautiful day in the ‘Burgh”!

Still have questions? Feel free to contact the co-chairs or the entire team directly.