NIRSA Region III Student Lead On

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Student Lead On 2026: Purdue University

February 5-7, 2026

Taking the Lead: Meet your Student Lead On Coordinators

Katie Kennedy, University of Wisconsin
Sarah Messing, Bowling Green State University
Nina Velasco, University of Illinois Chicago

These outstanding student leaders will guide the vision and planning for Region III’s signature student-led conference, working to ensure it reflects and empowers the diverse voices of our community.

Let’s Make 2026 Unforgettable

We’re excited for Student Lead On 2026 and hope you’ll be part of it.

Spread the word, and help us build the next great chapter in Region III’s student leadership journey.

France A. Córdova Recreational Sports Center

Are you ready?

Registration is open!

Early Bird Registration (Ends January 23)

Early Bird Registration (Ends January 23)
$65 – Student
$100 – Professional (Member Institution)
$120 – Professional (Non-member Institution)

Registration

$65 – Student (No increase for students!)
$120 – Professional (Member Institution)
$140 – Professional (Non-member Institution)

Proposals are no longer being accepted.

Presenting offers an incredible opportunity for you and your team to share expertise, ideas, and experiences with fellow attendees. Submit by December 15. After submission, expect a response from our team shortly after.

Conference Schedule & Activities

Thursday, February 5, 2026

1:00pm – 4:00pm	Pre-Con Activities
4:00pm – 6:00pm	Overnight guests – items must be moved to MP5 for overnight accommodations.
6:00pm – 9:00pm	Thursday Night Social – Nine Irish Brothers
9:00pm – 11:30pm	Rec Activities
11:59pm	Overnight Doors Close – Lights Out

Friday, February 6, 2026

9:00am – 10:20am	Opening General Session
10:30am – 11:30am	Ed Sessions Round 1 • Leadership – it’s more than a title • Navigating Next Steps: Helping Students Prepare for Post-Grad • Interview Do’s and Don’ts
11:30am – 12:00pm	The Lead On Experience
12:00pm – 1:30pm	Take a Student to Lunch
1:15p – 1:45p	Vendor Expo & Job Fair
2:00pm – 2:50pm	Ed Sessions Round 2 • Five Micro-skills to enhance your relationship building • Fat or Fit: A review of anti-fat bias in campus recreation • The Pursuit of Happiness • Personal Training: Programming for Clients with Chronic Conditions
3:00pm – 3:50pm	Ed Sessions Round 3 • Exploring Different Paths for Students to Progress in Campus Recreation • Building a Staff, Team or Club using Icebreakers and Initiatives • From Ingredients to Impact: Cultivating a Connected Campus Rec Community • Resume reviews/mock interviews
4:00pm – 4:30pm	Ed Sessions Round 4 • Leadership Doesn’t Start With a Title: Growing Into the Leader I Needed • Game Changers: How Club Sports Transform Campus Culture • Using AI – How to use it as a Tool, not a Crutch • Resume reviews/mock interviews
7:00pm – 9:00pm	Friday Night Social – Game On Arcade
9:00pm – 11:30pm	Overnight Rec Activities / Friday Night Life
11:59pm	Overnight Doors Close – Lights Out

Saturday, February 7, 2026

9:30am – 10:00am	Ed Sessions Round 5 • Saying Yes with Intent: Marine Corps Leadership and Capacity • Make it About You • Rejection – How to Not Hate it
10:10am – 11:00am	Roundtables • Fitness • Facilities • Esports • Intramurals/Sport Clubs • Marketing • Outdoor Programing • Aquatics
11:15am – 12:00pm	Closing Speaker/Remarks

Meet the Team!

The Student Lead On planning team is made up of passionate students from across Region III. In partnership with the host institution, they lead every aspect of the experience, from logistics and engagement to student development, marketing, and outreach – bringing the conference to life through student-driven leadership and collaboration.

Katie Kennedy

SLO Coordinator

University of Wisconsin

Sarah Messing

SLO Coordinator

Bowling Green State University

Nina Velasco

SLO Coordinator

University of Illinois Chicago

Matthew Asato

Intramural Sports Head Supervisor

Purdue University

Jason Maynard

Associate Director – Sport Programs

Purdue University

Paige Perkins

Assistant Director – Fitness Programs

Purdue University

Travel & Lodging

Student Lodging at the CoRec

Students will have the option of staying at the France A. Córdova Recreational Sports Center during the conference free of charge. Please indicate this when you register. Check-in time and complete details will be sent the week prior to the event.

355 N Martin Jischke Dr
West Lafayette, IN 47906

Preferred Hotels

Holiday Inn Lafayette-City Centre

Purdue University also has an extensive list of preferred hotels and can be found here.

Navigating Lead On

Main Conference location

France A. Córdova Recreational Sports Center
355 N Martin Jischke Dr
West Lafayette, IN 47906

Pre-Conference Social (Thursday)
Nine Irish Brothers
119 Howard Ave, West Lafayette, IN 47906

All Conference Social (Friday)
Game On Arcade & Bar
209 N 5th St, Lafayette, IN 47901

Parking

A $5.00 visitor daily permit is available and may park in any “A”, “B” or “C” space and must be purchased online here.

*Overnight guests will receive additional information*

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