Around 5,500 student affairs professionals from around the globe are headed to San Antonio to be inspired and to hear from industry leaders on topics relevant to their campuses.

Organization: NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education

Conference: 2017 NASPA Annual Conference

Venue: Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

City: San Antonio, Texas

Following two days of workshops, board meetings, and other preconference activities, the 2017 NASPA Annual Conference officially begins with Sunday evening’s opening session featuring CNN’s Anderson Cooper. He’ll help to frame #NASPA17 with his years of experience telling stories and seeking answers to questions that matter to attendees. Also on the schedule:

Innovation in the spotlight. New this year is a unique space NASPA is calling its Innovation Station. Its goal is to connect attendees to innovative programs and new ways of thinking on campuses other than their own. Sessions will cover a range of topics, including technology, assessment, and sexual violence prevention.

Lip sync battle. Attendees can take part in the meeting’s March Madness Lip Sync Competition. Teams of five will bring their best lip sync rendition of their favorite songs, and the audience will determine the winners. The grand champion team will win complimentary member registrations to the 2018 NASPA Annual Conference in Philadelphia.

Social justice. NASPActs will engage conference participants in encouraging a socially just community in Texas and beyond. Activities include an exhibit booth with sample letters to legislators, an Instagram photo challenge to demonstrate that NASPA celebrates diversity in all its forms, and a vigil on Tuesday evening that will shine a light on action that needs to happen across the country. A track of sessions focused on public policy and social justice will also be part of it.

The usual social spaces—Facebook, Twitter (#NASPA17), and Instagram—have other details and behind-the-scenes footage.

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