These sessions feature engaging lectures, structured learning activities, and interactive presentations facilitated by up to 3 presenters.  Sessions seek to meet a broad range of topic areas, NIRSA Core Competencies, and ongoing strategic initiatives.  

Over 100 general education sessions will be presented concurrently across 12 different time periods in the conference schedule.

An individual showcase session is a 10-15 minute presentation by no more than 2 presenters that focuses on new initiatives or promising practices in the topic area chosen for the session. Presenters showcase ideas with practical tips. 3-4 showcase sessions focused on a single topic area are scheduled sequentially within a 60-minute time period. Presenters entertain audience questions collectively at the conclusion of the series of presentations.

Showcase session topic areas for 2020 include:

• Campus Collaborations
• Communicating the Impact of Campus Recreation
• Infusing Health & Wellness into Programs
• Student Staff Training & Development
• Trends in Facility Design and Technology
• Strategies for Small Program
• Associate Director Issue
• Esports Program Models

Preconference Workshops provide a deeper exploration and discussion of specific issues with a smaller group of attendees.  They are intended to be opportunities that offer skill-building tools focusing on participants’ growth in NIRSA Core Competencies, career advancement education, and overall professional development.

Full-day (6 hours) and half-day (3 hours) sessions are available.  Attendees pay a separate fee to participate in Preconference Workshops.

Research Sessions provide opportunities for NIRSA members to present their research, be it as part of an academic program, a thesis project, or a research project the presenter has chosen to pursue.

An individual Research Session presentation may be 15 to 30 minutes in length. Multiple presentations will be scheduled within a 60-minute session period.

A poster presentation showcases research and/or an institutional program. An effective poster serves as a source of information, a conversation starter, and summary of the presenter’s work.

Poster presentation proposals are accepted from members through the summer.

The maximum space provided for a poster is 4 x 4. Presenters typically create a poster with the following dimensions: 2 x 3 profile or 3 x 2 landscape.

All lead presenters must have a current NIRSA membership when they submit their presentation proposal as well as during the Annual Conference. All confirmed lead presenters and co-presenters must register for the event. Co-authors may be recognized for their contributions to poster presentations, but only registered presenters will be allowed to attend the Annual Conference. Non-registered authors and contributors cannot present in any capacity. All poster presentations that are accepted into the conference must be attended by at least one presenter during the Poster Attending Hour (this will be a 1-hour commitment-date and time: TBD) to answer questions during the conference.

The proposal system opens for Poster Presentation proposals on Wednesday, June 5.

The final deadline for Poster Presentation proposals is Sunday, November 3.

Fitness Forum Sessions are a great way to introduce new and upcoming fitness trends to the NIRSA membership. These high-intensity classes provide an opportunity for attendees to get some exercise while observing the instructor for teaching techniques.

Fitness Forum Sessions are generally 45 minutes in length and occur in a designated space within the Expo Hall.  Associate Members are encouraged to submit proposals for this session type.

The Final Deadline for Fitness Forum Session proposals is Monday, September 9.

NIRSA members share career preparation tips with fellow conference attendees in short mini-sessions in association with the Career Services Center.

The proposal system opens for CSC Coaching session proposals this summer.

The Final Deadline for CSC Coaching session proposals is Monday, September 9.