Checklist

Here are six ways to raise money to pay for this ASGA conference.
Here’s how to save money at the 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.

Not sure exactly who will be attending? No problem! Fill out the registration form and enter “TBD” in the attendee’s name box. By registering early, you ensure that you lock in a discount; you can always change the names of attendees later.

• 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)

Start at the Hotel page.

Either of Chicago’s airports, O’Hare or Midway, is convenient to North Park University (Campus Map), and to the hotel. Chicago’s O’Hare airport may be less expensive, and may provide more flight choices.

Remember that you will need transportation to and from the conference location.

You may wish to consider using a taxi and/or GO Airport Express (about $25 per person one way; $46 round-trip. Group fare: $14 per person one way; $27 round-trip) to take you from the airport to your hotel. You will need transportation to city Chicagoland attractions and restaurants, however.

Another cheaper option is to ride Chicago’s famed “L”  (elevated subway train).

Uber or Lyft may be less expensive options.

Please note: Parking is a challenge and is quite expensive in a major city such as Chicago. Please be prepared for parking fees at the conference hotel, and at sightseeing locations throughout Chicago. Parking is free on the North Park University campus.

You can find directions to the conference site at our Directions page.

Your attire should be “business casual” at all conference functions.

Make sure you bring business cards, brochures, and fliers to exchange with other delegates.

It’s called the Windy City for a reason – be prepared for chilly weather in mid October and dress accordingly. Check the local weather here.

Then you can decide on which workshops to attend and be aware of when the conference starts and ends. The schedule is here.

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.