I have very little conference experience. As an undergraduate, I attended the Gender and Communications Conference (GCC), hosted by Western Kentucky University, twice, the Southern Regional Orientation Workshop (SROW) twice, and the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) national conference twice. Until this past weekend i didn't think anything could top SROW, but the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH) national conference did just that.
If you're involved in your college or university's National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) and/or Residence Hall Association, or just have the opportunity to attend this conference, here are 7 reasons why you should attend.
1. Networking
From the moment I stepped onto the campus, I felt that this was a place were networking was going to happen no matter if I wanted it to or not.
As a participant, I saw that NACURH is set up for students to interact with each other even if they have nothing in common, or are rival schools. This happens though the swapping of university clothes pins. Each university decorates clothes pins to the theme of the conference for delegate to trade with one another. Though this trading delegates have something in common to talk about: clothes pins. I found the easiest way to find out more about a person is to then ask where they're from, how long it took to get to the conference, ask if they're NRHH or RHA, then ask about something specific to their answer. For example
Person one: I'm from Western Kentucky University and I'm the NRHH Associate Director of Philanthropy . What about you?
Person two: I'm from Southern Miss and I'm the RHA NCC. I was wondering, does your university have a specific philanthropy that you all raise money for?
Then build from there.
2. Boardroom
A process that is supposed to last a set amount of hours, but sometimes goes over because RHA and NRHH representatives are so passionate about their organizations, and how the legislation will effect their school. Sometimes the legislation passes, other times it fails, and other times it gets tabled to the next conference. No matter what happens, everyone in the room is passionate about the end result, and about the students that will be effected.
3. No sleep
This sounds awful, but check out #4
4. Community
This video explains it all
5. Events
The night time events will definitely make you question why you decided to try and attend all of them, with the knowledge that breakfast is served at 8 A.M.
No matter if you are an introvert, extrovert, athletic or chill, there was an event every night to spark anyone's interest. But if somehow, ice-skating, ice-cream socials and concerts don't spark interest, there were always students socializing in their respective residence hall lobby's.
6. Programs
Students have the opportunity to submit program proposals, and if accepted, are offered the opportunity to present their program at NACURH. At the end of the conference, the best programs presented receive awards.
7. Awards
One of the National Residence Hall Honorary's values is recognition. Every night, at the mass gathering, there were awards presented. Individuals and individual chapters from across the world were recognized for their accomplishments in making their chapter better, and my upholding the values and principals of NRHH.
Going to this conference not only allowed me to network with other universities and learn about how their RHA and NRHH work together to achieve a common goal, but also taught me what it means to lead and that it looks different depending on the region and person. This conference will challenge you to think differently about topics that may seem common and easy to understand.
Overall, you will truly see the National Residence Hall Honorary's values and principals put into action, and that's something to experience.
