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.
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
Parking for attendees staying overnight at the CoRec:
- Park in the TREC Lot, located west of the TREC building.
- Once parked, it is strongly recommended that you do not move your vehicle until Saturday.
- While the lot will not be enforced for overnight towing, spaces may fill after Thursday. Parking here and leaving your car for the duration of the conference is the best option.
Parking for attendees staying at a hotel:
- Visit: Purdue University Campus Events Parking | ParkMobile
- Select “Region 3 Lead On 2026”
- Click Filters & Access Codes (top left)
- Enter access code: RLO26
- Click Apply
- Click the green Reserve button under A Permit Locations
- Continue as a guest and complete parking registration
- The A Permit allows parking in any A, AB, or ABC space on campus. We recommend the large lot northwest of the CoRec (see parking map for reference).
- Once you purchase the digital parking pass, it is valid for the entire duration of the conference, so you do not need to repeat the process each day.
- It is very important that you complete parking registration before or immediately upon arrival, especially at check-in, to avoid being ticketed.
- If you are staying overnight and move your vehicle from the TREC Lot to another campus lot, you will need to use the digital parking pass. Outside of the reserved TREC Lot, a valid pass is required at all times.