July 13, 2026 – July 16, 2026
IPDS is a New Professionals Seminar designed for individuals beginning their careers in higher education, within college union and student activities roles. This seminar lays a strong foundation for a successful career in the field. Through an immersive multi-day experience, participants have the opportunity to enhance their skills, broaden their networks, and chart a clear path for success. This year, we will be collocating IPDS with the Aspiring Directors Institute (ADI). Participants of IPDS will have the opportunity to engage with seasoned professionals in shared educational sessions to promote cross-institute networking.
Topics for IPDS often include the role of college unions, supervision, budgeting, assessment, marketing, student learning, the law and higher education, and career development. Building connections with your professional network is a key component to the program.
What are past participants saying?
“I had an incredible experience at IPDS connecting with professionals from diverse institutions and acquiring new skills that will benefit me for years to come.”
“I am very grateful for this experience, as it helped me to figure out that higher education really is what I want to be doing!”
“I can honestly say it was one of the most enjoyable and impactful conferences I have been to.”
Schedule
You may now find the full schedule online (subject to change as event is finalized). We are thrilled to announce that IPDS participants will be able to have access to tour both the IU football stadium, and IU basketball arena as tours included in the cost of registration for IPDS!
Event Guide Details
Some information related to the event is only available to registered attendees.
- Either visit the desktop site or download the Eventsential app from your phone’s app store (once downloaded, search 2026 IPDS: New Professionals Seminar to add the guide).
- Select “Log In” in the upper right corner. As prompted, enter the email address used when you registered.
- If you have never created an account with Eventsential, it will ask for your first and last name, then send an email for you to sign in to the event (as confirmation of your identity).
- If you have created an account with Eventsential before, it will simply send an email that will allow you to sign in to the event.
- When logging in to Eventsential in the future, you will simply need to provide your email address, then use the link provided via email to access your account. There is no requirement to create a password.
If upon initial access of the conference program website, you are unable to access the locked down sections, please refresh or navigate to another content area. This should dismiss the message about restrictions. If access issues persist, please request assistance through the “Need Help” feature on the program website.
Registration
Meals included are dinner on Monday; lunch and dinner on Tuesday; lunch on Wednesday; and lunch and dinner on Thursday.
REgular (Through June 1)
- Professional Member: $675
- Professional Nonmember: $775
Late (June 2–July 2)
- Professional Member: $850
- Professional Nonmember: $950
Travel and Hotel
IPDS will be hosted at Indiana University–Bloomington.
Hotel
A room block is available at the Biddle Hotel in the Indiana Memorial Union, with lodging options from $109–139 per night. If you are interested in having a roommate during IPDS, please select the option in the registration form.
Hotel Group Code: ACUI26.
Parking
Day Parking Rate: $5 per hour, maximum daily rate is $28
Airport
The closest airport is the Indianapolis International Airport. Go Express Travel offers an Airport shuttle service between the airport and the Indiana Memorial Union. Tickets include one standard bag size plus one carryon for $33 one way.
Please note that tickets are for one-way travel. You will need to book a ticket to get from the airport to the Indiana Memorial Union, and a second ticket to get from the Indiana Memorial Union to the airport.