Get ready for a great experience at the Spring Student Government Summit.
1. Raise money for conference
Here are six ways to raise money to pay for this ASGA conference.
Here’s how to save money at the conference.
2. Register for conference
Complete the registration form and e-mail ASGA at conferences@asgaonline.com to confirm. Register early and save money. ASGA members also save $100 per person.
- See conference registration tips to help you save money
- See sample “excuse letter” that your attendees can give to professors so they can miss class to attend this conference (optional)
- See sample delegate contract that each of your attendees should sign (optional)
- See conference attendance form that each of your attendees should sign and have signed by an ASGA representative (optional)
- See sample press release that you can send to your campus and local newspapers, radio, and TV, as well as your institution’s public affairs office (optional)
3. Reserve hotel room(s)
Start at the Hotel page.
4. Purchase airline ticket(s)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is the closest airport to the conference location (10.2 miles). LaGuardia Airport (LGA) (12.8 miles), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) (22.5 miles), and Westchester County Airport (HPN) (42.3 miles) are other airports that may provide cheaper or more convenient flights.
5. Reserve a rental car, catch a cab, or take the subway
Remember that you will need transportation to and from the conference location.
ASGA recommends using the New York area’s plentiful, convenient, and inexpensive taxi, train, bus, or the famed subway as an alternative.
It’s very easy to get to the conference location once you’re at the conference hotel! The PATH train station (Exchange Place) is right next to the hotel. The cost is $2.75 per person one way. The conference location, the Culinary Center at Hudson County Community College, is just a one-block walk from the second stop, Journal Square (take the Newark train). If you want to go into Manhattan (New York City), it is just one stop to the World Trade Center in Manhattan (take the WTC train).
A taxi from Newark is about $45, while a taxi from LaGuardia will cost $55, and Kennedy $80 or more. A shared van from the 3 main airports will cost at least $25 per person, with discounts for larger groups.
Uber or Lyft may be less expensive options.
Unless you’re coming from a nearby institution, ASGA doesn’t recommend driving yourself. Parking is a challenge and is quite expensive in the nation’s largest city. If you drive, please be prepared for $40 or more parking fees per day at your hotel.
6. Review and print directions
Here are Directions.
7. Wear “business casual”
Your attire should be “business casual” at all conference functions.
8. Bring business cards, brochures, and college/university materials
Make sure you bring business cards, brochures, and fliers to exchange with other delegates.
9. Check the local weather
While the nightlife is hot, it’s usually pretty cool in the Big Apple in April. Expect highs in the 60s and lows dipping into the 40s.
10. Review and print the Conference Schedule
Then you can decide on which workshops to attend and be aware of when the conference starts and ends.
11. Read these conference articles
Responsible Student Government leaders and advisors make sure they get as much as possible from the conferences they attend.
- Make the Most of Conventions
How to save money and use your time wisely
Before jetting off to your next conference, scan this checklist of time and money savers. - Members Behaving Badly
Mind your manners at conferences
Here are some tips on how to make a lasting, positive impression about the quality of your school’s student leaders while at conferences. - Getting the Most Out of Conferences
Student Government leaders at the University of North Dakota use their “Homework Sheet” as a networking tool
Do you want to get more out of attending your next leadership conference than just jet lag? Follow the example set by Student Government officers from the University of North Dakota. - Action Plan for When We Return to Campus
SG Advisor at Illinois State develops tool to take the conference momentum back to your campus
This worksheet will help you develop a plan on how to take back what you learned at this ASGA conference. - 10 Ways to Be a Good Conference Roommate
Even if you’ve known someone for years, staying together in a hotel can be an awkward – or awesome – experience.
Here are 10 suggestions for making your next conference slumber party the awesome kind.
