Get ready for a great experience at the Chicago Student Government Training Conference.
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)
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.
5. Reserve a rental car, catch a cab, or take the “L”
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 ($29 for self and $35 for valet) and at sightseeing locations throughout Chicago. Parking is free on the North Park University campus.
6. Review and print directions
You can find directions to the conference site at our Directions page.
7. Wear “business casual”
Your attire should be “business casual” at all conference functions.
8. Bring business cards & college paraphernalia
Make sure you bring business cards, brochures, and fliers to exchange with other delegates.
9. Check the local weather
It’s called the Windy City for a reason – be prepared for chilly weather in mid October and dress accordingly.
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.
