The Annual Conference Planning Committee has been hard at work planning all the aspects of Annual Conference that make it such a fun and fulfilling event among membership. We are so excited to be together in person again, and wanted to share a few highlights you can look forward to this Spring!

This year, we revamped our Educational Session tracks to better reflect the direction our industry is heading. We loved reading through all of the Educational Session proposals, and are in the process of putting together the schedule now. As a sneak peak, here are some Educational Sessions and topics you can look forward to:

• Multiple sessions about cultivating more inclusive and diverse ambassador programs and how that affects visits
• Tips and tricks for hosting effective virtual programs, especially as we return to in-person programs
• Planning for the unexpected during your large events
• A session about how to hire students in a world where student employment is down
• How to tailor group tours for younger audiences
• A three-part series from CIVSA’S Research & Assessment Committee covering survey design, data collection, analysis, and report writing
• Utilizing student development theories to help you better manage your ambassador programs
• A session covering updated CAS standards for collegiate information and visitor services, hosted by CIVSA’s Standards Committee
• How to highlight your school’s location as part of your visit programs and recruitment

Another exciting part of Annual Conference is the opportunity to network and get more involved with CIVSA! And whether you're new to CIVSA or simply craving more connection since our last in-person Annual Conference almost three years ago, volunteering is a great opportunity for you! In the coming months, we will be looking for volunteers to help out with working the registration and check in desk, greeting Conference attendees and providing directional assistance, leading discussion groups, moderating panels, and more, so keep an eye out for our pre-conference survey to indicate your interest. Training will be provided pre-conference and you'll help contribute to what will be an amazing 4-day event.

We will also be hosting our first ever CIVSA Involvement Fair in partnership with CIVSA’s Involvement Committee to help you learn more about CIVSA and the different ways you can grow as a professional and shape the future of our organization!

Finally, we will conclude the 28th Annual Conference with a closing dinner at Discovery Cove! 

If you have never been or even seen photos, we highly recommend looking it up, because it is stunning. As you walk from the main entrance to the dining area, you will be transported to a peaceful, lush jungle; palm trees, soft sand, and coral reefs will provide the perfect backdrop for an evening of celebration with new friends and colleagues. Be sure to bring your best beach bash attire, as we’ll close out with an awards ceremony on the beach, followed by a live band!

Don’t forget to book your conference registration and hotel early, as our hotel block is filling quickly and closes on April 26, 2022. We look forward to seeing you in Orlando!