Recently, the Region III Student Lead On Planning Committee met in Columbus, OH at the Ohio State University. Friendships were forged, ideas were cast, plans were made and Pokemon were captured.

The 2017 Student Lead On Coordinator, Andrea Collins hails from Ohio State University – the conference location – but is originally from San Francisco, California. She served as the Marketing and Sustainability Co-Chair in 2016 and also brings her experience from Region VI. With Ohio State insider knowledge, she scheduled tours of potential social sites and facility spaces for programs and presentations. Her passion for student development showed when she facilitated team building activities such as learning which “shape” best represents ones personality. A true square herself, (with a hint of circle!) she encouraged committees to outline goals for the year and to create a timeline to stay on track.

Committee members were excited to tour Ohio State University’s premier facilities and sight see in the surrounding Columbus area. As an addition to this year’s planning efforts a Community Engagement Committee has been created to bring together engagement efforts throughout the conference. Headed by chair, Ben Justice of Ohio University, this committee will focus on the all-conference social for attendees and also additional opportunities that promote attendee engagement at the conference and the Columbus community.

Another teammate, Krista Bonikowske of Ohio State University, will serve as the Registration Committee Chair. The responsibility of managing and organizing over 500 attendee details is not taken lightly! Her attention to detail (she’s also a square!) made her successful when in 2016 she organized the community service project and volunteer assignments. This year, she will manage both registration and volunteers in an effort to streamline attendee schedules and information.

With a line-up of both experienced committee members and fresh faces, we hope to bring you a conference you won’t forget. Join us January 26-28 in Columbus for the 2017 Region III Student Lead On Conference. Maybe this will be the conference that convinces you to apply to be a committee member for 2018!

Until next time – #region3istheplacetobe

Margie – R3SL