NACA Live: My Annual Recharge

There’s something about walking into a NACA event that feels like coming home. The buzz in the hallways, the laughter that echoes between sessions, the hugs from people who have walked this higher ed journey with you—it all feels familiar, grounding, and restorative.

I’ve been attending NACA events since I was a college student trying to find my footing, and through very phase of my 15+ year career, this community has shown up for me. Every conference has been a reminder that while our campuses may look different, our purpose remains the same: to build belonging through engagement and create college communities where everyone belongs.

Each year, I find myself reenergized—not just by the sessions and showcases, but by the people. The ones who share ideas over coffee, who push me to think differently about leadership, who understand what it means to give your all to students day after day. This is my professional home base. My annual recharge.

NACA Live isn’t just another conference—it’s a reunion, a classroom, and a launchpad all rolled into one. It’s where I’ve learned about emerging trends in student engagement, picked up strategies that shaped my programs back on my campus, and built relationships that turned into mentorships, partnerships, and lifelong friendships. It’s also where volunteering opened doors I didn’t even know existed—giving me experiences that stretched and sharpened me in ways that have complemented my career far beyond campus life.

But beyond all that, NACA Live reminds us why this work is essential. In an era where higher education faces increasing scrutiny and shifting priorities, campus activities professionals make the case every day for connection, leadership, and belonging. We create spaces where students discover who they are, practice empathy, and build the skills that make them not just graduates—but whole, engaged citizens. That’s the power of our work. And that’s the case for campus activities.

This year, I get to experience NACA Live a little differently—as the Chair of the Board. And I’ll be honest, it’s hitting me right in the feels. To stand in Columbus this February, surrounded by the same energy that inspired me years ago, is both humbling and exhilarating. I can’t wait to see the spark in new professionals discovering their place in this field, and the familiar faces returning for their yearly dose of connection and purpose.

So come ready to feel that spark. Come ready to remember your “why.” Come ready to breathe in that energy that only NACA can create. When we gather, we lift each other higher, turn ideas into action, and create campus experiences that leave a mark on students and our profession. I can’t wait to see you in Columbus this February—to share in the laughter, the joy, the inspiration, and the connections that make this annual gathering unforgettable. Register for NACA Live today and be part of the energy, the momentum, and the magic that reminds us why we do this work.

N-A-C-A! Yeah, we came to play!

L-I-V-E! It’s time to party!!