About ERSL
NIRSA members serve diverse populations and demographics and the ERSL Conference encourages diversity in the profession by supporting emerging leaders.
What to Expect
The goal of the Emerging Recreational Sports Leadership Conference—first held in 1992—is to provide minority students who are interested in careers in collegiate recreation with the tools and connections that can help them to succeed in the field of campus recreation and wellbeing.
With learning sessions, opportunities for mentorship, and a platform for career networking, this unique conference empowers young students from underrepresented backgrounds with the skills and foundational knowledge that support meaningful careers in the field of collegiate recreation.
Attendees can earn CEs to apply toward the Student Affairs Educator Certification. Select sessions will offer CE credits.
Networking & Career Services
The learning and networking opportunities at the ERSL Conference are unmatched for young professionals looking for real insights on the changing landscape of recreational sports careers in our current economy.
Take a Student to Lunch
Join us, Friday, February 20, from 12:00pm-1:15pm, to get paired with an established professional for lunch; this event is a great chance to meet a mentor who can support you throughout your career.
ERSL Conference Social
The ERSL Conference Social, happening Friday, February 20 at 6:30pm, is open to all attendees! Join us at [location] to network and have some fun after a full day of learning.
Mock Interviews
Crush your next interview! Hone your interview skills! Volunteer interviewers with expertise in various types of campus rec programming will be available for mock interviews on Saturday, February 21, from 8:15am-8:50am. Expect the process to take 15-30 minutes.
Hotel & Travel
Conference Hotel
Residence Inn by Marriott Dallas Las Colinas
950 West Walnut Hill Lane Irving, Texas, USA, 75038 • 972-580-7773
Rates & Reservations
ERSL Room Rate (February 18 – 21, 2026)
$109 + tax per night with complimentary breakfast and parking.
Attendees can make reservations online through Wednesday, January 28 to confirm the discounted group rate.
Book Your Room in the NIRSA Block
NIRSA encourages all attendees to reserve their hotel accommodations within the NIRSA room block. Attendees staying in the official room block support the success of NIRSA events.
Proximity to Dallas College – North Lake Campus
The hotel is approximately 1.5 miles away from Dallas College, and only about a 5-minute drive, or a 30-minute walk from campus.
Roommates
Looking for a roommate? Find one in the 2026 Emerging Recreational Sports Leaders Conference Connect Community, once registered you’ll be added to the community.
Airport
The best airport to fly into is Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). It is about 10 minutes from DFW to the host hotel.
Program Schedule
Schedule subject to change | Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Thursday, February 19
9:15am-12:30pm
9:15am-12:30pm
2:00pm-5:00pm
3:00pm-6:15pm
6:30pm-8:00pm
Preconference Tour: AT&T Stadium
Preconference Tour: African American Museum of Dallas
HBCU Summit
Registration/Check-in
Opening Keynote, Herman Williams Award Ceremony
Friday, February 20
8:00am-8:45am
9:00am-11:50am
12:00pm-1:15pm
1:30pm-4:00pm
6:30pm
Registration/Check-in
Session blocks 1-3
Take a Student to Lunch Break
Session blocks 4-6
Conference Social
Saturday, February 21
8:00am-8:45am
8:15am-8:50am
9:00am-11:50am
12:00pm
Registration/Check-in
Mock Interviews
Session blocks 7-9
Closing Remarks & Giving of Flowers
Preconference Options
Preconference Tour: AT&T Stadium | $55/person
Join your ERSL colleagues from 9:15am-12:30pm on Thursday, February 19, for a tour of the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, TX—located just 20 minutes from Dallas College’s North Lake Campus. This tour is a great opportunity to explore the venue and ask questions about facility management. Registration is limited to 16 participants and will close once capacity has been reached.
Preconference Tour: African American Museum of Dallas | $25/person
From 9:15am-12:30pm on Thursday, February 19, you can explore the African American Museum of Dallas, the only museum of its kind in the Southwest! Discover four vaulted galleries filled with art, history, and culture. Registration is limited to 16 participants and will close once capacity has been reached.
HBCU Summit | FREE, but registration is required
This year, we’re celebrating 20 years of the HBCU Summit at NIRSA’s ERSL Conference—and it’s all about honoring where we’ve been, who we are, and where we’re going. Join us for a powerful gathering that reflects on two decades of community, leadership, and impact. Through storytelling, shared experiences, and intentional connection, we will explore how historically Black colleges and universities have shaped the recreation and wellness field and how they continue to lead with culture, purpose, and pride. Whether you’re an HBCU student, alumnus, professional, or supporter, this year’s summit, happening from 2:00pm-5:00pm on Thursday, February 19, is more than a reflection. It’s a celebration of identity, a call to action, and a reminder that our legacy is still in motion.
Registration
The term “member” refers to those with a current NIRSA membership both at the time of registration and throughout the conference. If you are unsure about your individual membership status or your institution’s membership status, please send an email to membership@nirsa.org
*Professional and student individual members who are on the staff of an institutional member school are considered Premier Members.
- Student Premier Member*: $110
- Student Member: $125
- Student Nonmember: $145
- Professional Premier Member*: $170
- Professional Member: $195
- Professional Nonmember: $235
- Associate Member: $245
- Associate Nonmember: $395
Who Attends the ERSL Conference?
Staff teams that reflect the diverse communities they serve are better prepared to meet the needs of program, service, and facility users. This event is perfect for the:
Student
who is curious about a career in campus recreation and wellbeing
Early-career professional
looking to grow my career in campus recreation and wellbeing
Program director or established professional
looking to give back and mentor the next generation of campus rec & wellbeing professionals
Presenter
excited to share my experiences and insights with motivated young professionals
Volunteer
who is excited to connect with colleagues and give back to NIRSA
Thank you to our ERSL Sponsors
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Brittany Rejda