About ERSL
Looking to grow as a leader and make meaningful connections in collegiate recreation? ERSL provides the opportunity to learn from others, expand your professional network, and take your next step with confidence.
What to Expect
The Emerging Recreational Sports Leadership Conference, first held in 1992, was created to support minority students interested in careers in collegiate recreation by providing meaningful professional development, mentorship, and connections to help them thrive in campus recreation and wellbeing. Over the years, the conference has grown to include students and entry-level professionals from all backgrounds who share the same mission: to grow, lead, and succeed in collegiate recreation.
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.
Presentation Proposals
Submit your proposal! The Call for Proposals is now open until October 18, 2026
Registration
| Member Type | Early Bird Price (December 15, 2026) | Post Early Bird Price | Onsite Registration Price (starting Feb 3, 2027) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Premier* Member | $95 | $110 | $130 |
| Student Member | $110 | $125 | $145 |
| Student Nonmember | $130 | $145 | $165 |
| Professional Premier* Member | $165 | $180 | $200 |
| Professional member | $180 | $195 | $215 |
| Professional Nonmember | $230 | $245 | $265 |
| Associate Member | $225 | $240 | $255 |
| Associate Nonmember | $365 | $380 | $395 |
| All Conference Social Guest Ticket | $50 | $50 | $50 |
*Individual members who are on staff of an institutional member school are considered Premier Members. Students who attend an institutional member school are considered Student Premier Members.
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.
Before registering, attendees are required to read and agree to follow NIRSA’s event policies.
Program Schedule
Schedule subject to change. Last Updated: October 4, 2026
Wednesday, February 3
| Time | Agenda |
|---|---|
| 9:00am – noon | Pre-conference |
| 9:00am – noon | Pre-conference |
| 11:00am – 1:00pm | HBCU Summit |
| 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Pre-conference Activity: Mock Interviews |
| 5:30pm – 6:45pm | Opening Session, Herman Williams Award & Emerging Leader Award Ceremony |
| 6:45pm – 8:30pm | Welcome social (Meet & Greet) |
Thursday, February 4
| Time | Agenda |
|---|---|
| 6:00am – 7:30am (Optional) | Pickup Basketball and Fitness Center Access |
| 8:00am – 8:45am | Registration/Check-in |
| 9:00am – 11:50am | Session blocks 1-3 |
| noon – 1:15pm | Take A Student to Lunch |
| 1:30pm – 4:30pm | Session blocks 4-6 |
| 7:30pm | All conference social |
Friday, February 5
| Time | Agenda |
|---|---|
| 6:00am – 7:30am (Optional) | Pickup Basketball and Fitness Center Access |
| 8:00am – 8:45am | Registration/Check-in |
| 9:00am – 11:50am | Session blocks 7-9 |
| noon | Closing Remarks |
Preconference Options
Preconference events are on
Wednesday, February 3
Mercedes Benz Stadium Tour
February 3, 10:00am – noon
Join us for a behind the scenes tour in the heart of the city at Atlanta’s iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium, exploring the people, spaces, systems, and strategies that bring a world-class sports and entertainment venue to life.
- Registration: $55
- Registration closes 1/20/2027 OR when capacity is reached
- Max Cap: 30
- Lunch & transportation is included
College Football Hall of Fame Tour
February 3, 10:00am – noon
We’re going to Atlanta’s College Football Hall of Fame for a preconference experience that explores the history, traditions, people, and experiences that have shaped college football.
- Registration: $55
- Registration closes 1/20/2027 OR when capacity is reached
- Max Cap: 30
- Lunch & transportation is included
HBCU Summit
February 3, 11:00am – 1:00pm
This year, we’re celebrating 21 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 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: Free
Mock Interviews
February 3, 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Whether you’re exploring internship opportunities, preparing for your first professional role, or seeking feedback from experienced recreation professionals, this session offers a supportive environment to practice, learn, and grow. Through meaningful conversations and personalized feedback, participants will gain insight into their strengths, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies for success.
- Registration: Free
Apply for a scholarship to attend ERSL
The NIRSA Foundation Founders Endowment was established in honor of the twenty African American Founders of NIRSA. The Founders Endowment is supporting three registration scholarships to attend NIRSA educational events, including student and professionals’ registration for ERSL. The Gartenburg Endowment is supporting three professional, and three student registration scholarships for ERSL 2027.
Applications are open now! The deadline to apply is October 15, 2026. Applicants will be notified via email of their selection status on the week of November 13, 2026.
Hotel & Travel
Conference Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton – Atlanta Kennesaw Town Center
620 Chastain Rd, Kennesaw GA, 30144 • 770-420-2505
Rates & Reservations
ERSL Room Rate
- $149 + tax per night with complimentary breakfast for a 2 room, 2 queen Suite
- $169 + tax per night with complimentary breakfast for a 2 room, king Suite
Parking is complimentary
Attendees can make a reservation online using this link. Reservations need to be made no later than Sunday, January 10, 2027, to confirm the discounted group rate.
Book Your Room in the NIRSA Block
NIRSA encourages all Conference attendees to reserve their hotel accommodations within the NIRSA room block. NIRSA relies on strong room block usage to secure ample meeting space, increase negotiation leverage for future institutes, and offset event expenses.
Proximity to Kennesaw State University
The hotel is approximately 2.6 miles away driving distance from Kennesaw State, this is about a 7-minute drive. It’s approximately 1 mile walking distance away from Kennesaw State, this is about a 22-minute walk.
Roommates
Looking for a roommate? The best way to match with a roommate is to post that you are looking for one in the 2027 Emerging Recreational Sports Leaders Conference Connect Community; once registered you’ll be added to the community.
Airport
The best airport to fly into is Cobb County International Airport. It is about 10 minutes from Cobb County Airport to the host hotel. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is approximately 1 hour to the host hotel.
Awards at ERSL
Herman Williams Founders Outstanding Service Award
Learn about the award and how to nominate your colleagues rooted in honoring innovative leadership toward the achievement of substantial improvements of minorities in the field of collegiate recreation.
Iisha Voltz, Texas Southern University, 2026 Herman Williams Award recipient
Emerging Leader Award
Learn about the award and how to nominate your colleagues rooted in honoring emerging leadership toward the achievement of substantial improvements of minorities in the field of collegiate recreation.
Kathleen Langley, University of Michigan- Ann Arbor, 2026 inaugural Emerging Leader Award recipient