2026 APCA National Campus Activities Conference Ed Sessions

Fearless & Unstoppable: Overcoming Stage Fright and Self-Doubt

Andrew Hoyt — The Rock Star Project™

Description: Stepping into the spotlight can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re on stage, leading a meeting, or delivering a presentation, confidence isn’t something you’re born with – it’s something you build. In this fun, high-energy, and interactive session, touring songwriter Andrew Hoyt shares practical strategies to conquer stage fright, silence self-doubt, and own your voice with confidence. Drawing from 3,000+ live performances, Andrew provides real-world tools to help you step forward, take control, and inspire those around you.


Advisor Round Table

Campus Life Advisors

Description: Join colleagues around the region to discuss current challenges in your field, share successes and best practices, and network with your peers. This session is for veteran Student Life Pros and those new to the field.


Just Keep Watching: Reels That Spark Action and Campus Connection

Cheyenne Olson — Hillsborough College SouthShore Campus

Description: Everyone scrolls, but few stop. The content that actually grabs attention, sparks engagement, and motivates people to act is strategic, authentic, and relatable. This session teaches student leaders how to plan, batch, and create Reels and short-form videos that stop the scroll, spark action, and strengthen campus connections.


Beyond Likes: Creating Meaningful Student Engagement Through Social Media

Cheyenne Olson — Hillsborough College SouthShore Campus

Description: Social media engagement isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about creating real connections. Learn how analytics, interactive posts, and inclusive content strategies foster meaningful engagement.


The Art of Keeping Calm

Daniel Caron — Original Play, LLC

Description: Explore techniques for staying calm in chaotic environments and learn how emotional regulation strengthens leadership.


Be a Positive Force for Change as a Visionary Leader

Dave Kelly — America’s Student Leadership Trainer

Description: Students explore advocacy, civil discourse, critical thinking, and persuasive communication to drive meaningful change.


Closing the Sale: Membership Recruitment for Clubs and Organizations

Dave Kelly — America’s Student Leadership Trainer

Description: Learn proven recruitment strategies that engage students and grow membership across any campus organization.


Playful Leadership Lab: Practicing Core Leadership Skills

Dawn Daria & Paul Miller — Playful Campus

Description: Practice self-awareness, curiosity, and vulnerability through playful activities that build trust and connection.


60 Awesome Programming Ideas

Del Suggs — Del Suggs, M.S.Ed.

Description: Walk away with at least sixty affordable program ideas that cost under $350 and can be implemented immediately.


Top 3 Leadership Skills

Del Suggs — Del Suggs, M.S.Ed.

Description: Learn the three core skills all great leaders possess: personal leadership, organizational management, and interpersonal effectiveness.


Bigger Crowds, Better Shows

Del Suggs — Del Suggs, M.S.Ed.

Description: Discover promotion, production, and planning strategies that lead to successful campus events without major headliners.


Beyond the Game: Turning Discipline Into Direction

Dr. Darrin “Boomer” Williams — Pro Athlete Advantage | Ambassy International

Description: Learn how discipline and mindset translate into leadership growth, career readiness, and life success.


Orientation: Best Practices and How to Engage Your Students!

James D’Amico — SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech

Description: Explore best practices, tools, and updates for creating engaging orientation and welcome programs.


Leadership Transitions in Student Organizations

James D’Amico — SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech

Description: Learn strategies for branding, recognition, and leadership transitions within student organizations.


Mental Health Communication with Pet Therapy

Larry Grogan — Delta Omega Gamma

Description: Discover how therapy animals support mental wellness, empathy, communication, and stress reduction.


Networking – How to Meet the People You Need to Meet

Larry Grogan — Delta Omega Gamma

Description: Learn effective strategies for building authentic professional and personal connections.


Belonging by Design: How to Create Programs That Make Students Feel Seen and Stay Engaged

Linda Kuriloff — Linda Kuriloff Global

Description: Gain frameworks and tools for creating inclusive programs that foster belonging and sustained engagement.


Infinite Marketing Ideas: Getting Creative to Overpower the Noise

Marissa F. Cohen — Marissa F. Cohen

Description: Learn creative marketing strategies that help student-led initiatives cut through campus communication clutter.


Master Your Influence: Body Language Secrets for Connection and Influence

Michael Vanderplas — Michael J. Vanderplas

Description: Unlock the power of subconscious communication to build trust, confidence, and influence.


Doing More With Less: Strategies for Small Board Success

Mya Maloney & Meredith Roman — Lebanon Valley College

Description: Learn how small boards can deliver high-impact events through delegation and creativity.


Rising Together: The Heart of Resilience

Orsika Julia — Out of the Quicksand

Description: Reframe resilience as a community-driven practice grounded in connection, honesty, and growth.


Leadership to Career: How Campus Involvement Shapes Your Professional Future

Rachel Shaw — Dominican University New York

Description: Learn how campus involvement translates into transferable career skills and professional confidence.


Managing Stress and Anxiety: A Session for College Students

Sailesh Jiawan — Metropolis Management

Description: Practice mindfulness, meditation, and cognitive strategies to manage stress and anxiety.


Marketing Roundtable – STEAL THIS IDEA!!

Stacey Sottung — OnCampusText

Description: Share and learn proven marketing tactics that increase student attendance and engagement.


PACS Presents: Mini-Concert Mastery

The Plymouth Activities Counsel for Students — Plymouth State University

Description: Learn step-by-step strategies for planning, promoting, and executing successful mini-concerts.


LGBTQ+ Visibility & Belonging on Campus: Why It Matters Now

Tim Evanicki — Drag Me to the Stage, LLC

Description: Explore how visibility, representation, and inclusive programming support student well-being and campus climate.