You are Invited to Denver: March 24–28, 2024

We are excited to welcome you to Denver for the 2024 ACUI Annual Conference! Early registration is now open; take advantage of the lowest registration rates before December 14.

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Schedule
Registration
Travel
Justification
Expo & Sponsorship

The 2024 Annual Conference will be an opportunity to come together in a caring community of colleagues who also tie-in to the work you do to rejuvenate, elevate, connect, and celebrate each other.

The focus of our time together will be around the following pillars:

  • Connections and Community
  • Sustainability
  • Belonging and Affirming Spaces

Additionally, the Annual Conference has educational goals to connect with three of ACUI’s Core Competencies—student learning, human resources, and planning.

All-Conference Sessions

Details about additional all-conference sessions will be available soon—with topic areas focused on community engagement in sustainability and human resources and the future of work.

TEMPLE GRANDIN

Temple Grandin is a distinguished professor of animal science at Colorado State University who will share how different kinds of minds add value to building teams and solving problems in the workplace. Appearing on numerous TV shows such as 20/20 and Prime Time, her books include Thinking in Pictures, Livestock Handling and Transport, and The Autistic Brain—with her books Animals in Translation and Visual Thinking having been on the New York Times Bestseller List. Temple was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 2017 and the Colorado Authors’ Hall of Fame in 2023.

Schedule

The 2024 Annual Conference will be full of meaningful opportunities to learn and connect as a community of professionals. Each day will feature a conference-wide experience—keynotes, panel discussions, and adventure experiences. The event will start on Sunday, March 25, with welcome activities, regional gatherings, a dinner, and an opening event. Monday will include educational sessions and the opening of the ACUI Expo. Tuesday will feature educational sessions, lunch in the ACUI Expo, and the unique ACUI Adventure experiences in the afternoon. And Wednesday, March 27, will include educational sessions, a panel discussion, and the Closing Banquet. Learn more about highlights from this year’s schedule below.

Tentative Event Schedule

Saturday, March 23, 2024 | 1–8:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 24, 2024 | 8:30 a.m.–Noon
Registration Fee: Member – $175 / Nonmember – $225

This preconference program is designed for senior managers in the United States and abroad to address hot topics in student unions and student life. Led by content area experts, participants will engage with colleagues through facilitated sessions and roundtable discussions on leadership communication, mental health, and climate resilience. We will also introduce information pertaining to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Attendees will travel to University of Colorado–Boulder on Day 1, and Day 2 will take place at the conference hotel. Weather permitting, we may stop at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre en route to Boulder. Materials, two meals, and transportation to offsite location(s) are included as part of the registration fee.

Saturday, March 23, 2024 | Noon–5 p.m.
Registration Fee: Member – $45 / Nonmember – $65

Who are you as a leader? Do you lead from an authentic version of self? The Community of Practice for Multi-Ethnic Professionals and Allies (COMP) is hosting its annual preconference session designed for participants to learn how to grow as impactful leaders. Facilitators will provide strategies to navigate team dynamics, professional obstacles as well as leading with intentionality. Please bring your lunch to fellowship with participants; the program will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. Materials and a snack break are included as part of the registration fee.

Sunday, March 24, 2024 | 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Registration Fee: Member – $115 / Nonmember – $145

Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. You will learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help. The program will include a two-hour self-paced portion that participants complete prior to attending the instructor-led portion on Sunday, March 24, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Participants who complete the program are certified as a “Mental Health First Aider,” which is a certificate that is renewable every three years. Lunch and materials are included as part of the registration fee.

Sunday, March 24, 2024 | 9 a.m.–Noon
Registration Fee: Member – $50 / Nonmember – $75

From Boomers to Zoomers, we are serving and collaborating with four different generations of women in our unions (with Alphas on their way!). Engage with your colleagues in an experience that will include an overview of the current generations of women in higher ed, a panel featuring distinguished women from all four generations in the profession, and activities to help you identify strategies for communicating with students and colleagues of all ages. This session will be co-led by the leaders of the Women’s Leadership Community of Practice, Kaitlyn Howarth, assistant director for University Commons operations at William Paterson University, and Jessi Eaton, manager of student life for Purdue University Global. Materials and a snack break are included as part of the registration fee.

Sunday, March 24, 2024 | 9 a.m.–Noon
Registration Fee: Member – $45 / Nonmember – $65

The life of a student organization can emulate real life. This preconference will demonstrate how we can best support student organization leaders in managing their organizations. We will highlight how managing a student organization in their work to achieve their mission/purpose will help student leaders become prepared to contribute to an engaged citizenry. Materials and a snack break are included as part of the registration fee.

Sunday, March 24, 2024 | 8 a.m.–Noon
Registration Fee: Member – $35 / Nonmember – $50

Colorado State University is Colorado’s land grant institution. Take this opportunity to visit CSU and the Lory Student Center. Providing programs and services to create an inclusive community and inspire active, engaged learning, the Lory Student Center is the heart of campus. Visit with the staff as they take you on a tour of the newly remodeled spaces and the new initiatives taking place. The registration fee covers the cost of bus transportation to campus, which is just over one hour from the hotel.

Sunday, March 24, 2024 | 8 a.m.–Noon
Registration Fee: Member – $35 / Nonmember – $50

Enjoy the one-hour bus ride south from Denver to the beautiful city of Colorado Springs at 7,000 feet. You will visit the beautiful campus of the University of Colorado–Colorado Springs and the University Center. With unobstructed views of Pikes Peak, the campus offers a robust student life and a unique look at the student union. The University Center offers event space, student government, multicultural services, campus newspaper, athletics, career services, student life, and more. Take the opportunity to ask the staff about their unique relationships with the library and athletics while sharing space in their University Center. The registration fee covers the cost of bus transportation to campus, which is just over one hour from the hotel.

Sunday, March 24, 2024 | 10 a.m.–Noon
Registration Fee: Member – $10 / Nonmember – $15

Located in downtown Denver, the History Colorado Center offers a look at the ever evolving story of Colorado. According to center, “Artifacts and stories are intermingled at the History Colorado Center to tell the tale of Colorado and the American West. The museum is designed for multi-generational audiences with interactive elements in the majority of the more than fifteen exhibits that span four floors and capture the spirit of the Centennial State.” The registration fee covers the cost of admission to the museum, which is a half-mile walk from the hotel.

Sunday, March 24, 2024 | 1–3 p.m.
Registration Fee: Member – $25 / Nonmember – $40

Open since 1892, the history and architecture is sure to impress. Touring the facility and learning of the famed guests, participants will have the opportunity to see beautiful event space. The registration fee covers the cost of the tour, which is a quarter-mile walk from the hotel.

Tuesday, March 26 | 9:30–11 a.m.
Registration Fee: Member – $55 / Nonmember – $80

Home of the Denver Broncos, this experience takes you into areas rarely seen by the public and the unique operations and inner workings of one of the most state-of-the-art stadiums in North America! The registration fee covers the cost of the tour tickets and bus transportation to the stadium, which is approximately 15-minutes from the hotel.

Wednesday, March 27 | 3–5 p.m.
Registration Fee: Member – $55 / Nonmember – $80

Home of the Colorado Rockies, this tour will take you behind the scenes of one of the premier ballparks in Major League Baseball. The registration fee covers the cost of the tour tickets and bus transportation to the stadium, which is approximately 10-minutes from the hotel.

We recognize undergraduate students may have unique needs and interests navigating the annual conference in Denver. Below is an overview of a specially designed schedule to ensure undergraduate student attendees can make the most of their conference experience.

  • Creating a sense of belonging: On the first day of the conference, there will be an Undergraduate Student Welcome where we will cover tips for getting the most out of the conference as an undergraduate student attendee, including highlighting activities throughout the week that are especially beneficial for students.
  • Exploring your college experience from a mile-high view: A workshop exclusively for undergraduate student attendees during the first two educational session blocks focused on building career readiness.
  • Understanding the ACUI Expo: We will offer a specialized educational session called “How do you Expo?” to provide an overview for navigating the ACUI Expo as a student attendee.
  • Spotlighting Educational Content: Educational sessions especially pertinent for undergraduate students will be highlighted in each block throughout the conference.
  • Assisting in Career Exploration: The Annual Conference Career Center tour is a valuable opportunity for students to familiarize themselves with the job search process and receive insightful information on available career-readiness resources, effective job searching strategies, and tips for interpreting job postings.
  • Preparing for Next Steps: There will be an Undergraduate Student Closing Session during the final educational session block to debrief experiences and discuss how they can apply what they have learned to their time back on their home campus.

ACUI Adventure is back! Join us for an ACUI Adventure on Tuesday afternoon. During this educational opportunity, conference participants will get the chance to experience Denver, area campuses, or take a deeper dive on a topic of interest. Conference attendees will be able to select from a number of unique experiences at a later date—all included in your conference registration fee.

Special thank you to our local partners working with the Conference Program Team to make this adventure possible! More details will be available closer to the event.

Interested in skiing/riding at a famous Colorado ski area after the conference on March 28–31? If so, please take some time to read the FAQs and fill out our interest form. We need to determine how many folks might be interested in visiting Copper Mountain to help confirm pricing information and trip details.

Interest Form

Once a group hotel rate is secured, it is recommended that you reserve a room as soon as possible, as this opportunity is during spring break season and space may fill up. When we have a better idea of interest and details, your reservation will be able to be adjusted or cancelled.

Copper Mountain is on a direct line from Denver, off of I-70. There’s a wide variety of slopes with natural terrain, which are easy to navigate with easier to west, harder to east. ACUI Past President Colette Berge is a Copper Mountain Ambassador who is partnering on the planning for this opportunity. The destination is less expensive and crowded than other areas nearby and is known for its hospitality, international training and competitions, and a wide variety of terrain over four peaks.

While we determine what arrangements will meet the interests of those hoping to participate, it is important to acknowledge that a wide range of options exist. Ultimately, we anticipate securing some group transportation and lodging options, and participants will arrange the details of their time at Copper Mountain independently. The costs will greatly depend on what you need, your previous experience with skiing, and how long you plan to stay.

Offerings include: lessons; day pass(es) for 1–4 days; snowshoeing, tubing, skiing, and snowboarding; equipment rentals; and clothing rentals. These websites will help you learn more about what is available and current price ranges:

Group transportation pricing could range from $75–$220 per person, depending on how many want to go and the extent to which individuals are on the same timelines.

Due to the season of this opportunity, lodging on the mountain could approach $400/night, while there are other options being explored in nearby Frisco, CO that are closer to $200/night.

An Ambassador is an official Copper Mountain volunteer who is a host, problem solver, direction giver, on mountain assistant, and tour guide. We offer FREE on mountain ski/ride tours on green and blue runs. We want you to become familiar with the area and to be safe in your piste selection.

For those who celebrate, March 31 is Easter Sunday. Copper Mountain Chapel (interdenominational) will have Easter Sunday service in the chapel at 8:30 a.m. in Center Village, and on the mountain at 12:30 p.m. at the Solitude Station Scenic Overlook Deck, off of American Eagle lift—a ski-in Easter Sunday service! 

For those who observe, this opportunity coincides with Ramadan. Here is an overview of dining options at Copper Mountain and the Islamic Center of Golden being the closest mosque facilities. 

Registration

The 2024 Annual Conference offers valuable professional development opportunities included in your registration fee:

  • Ten educational session blocks
  • Three all-conference sessions
  • Two times to discover product solutions from exhibitors
  • One afternoon of unique learning adventures
Register Now

Each day of the conference will feature multiple programs to facilitate attendees to connect with colleagues, learn best practices, and explore opportunities to elevate their campus community through receptions, showcases, community gatherings, meals, and more.

Three meals are included in the registration: an opening dinner and reception; a lunch in the ACUI Expo, and dinner at the closing banquet.

EARLY REGISTRATION
(THROUGH DECEMBER 14)
  • Professional Member: $825
  • Professional Nonmember: $995
  • Student Member: $425
  • Student Nonmember: $525
  • One-Day Member Registration: $325
  • One-Day Nonmember Registration: $425
  • Retiree Registration: $425
REGULAR REGISTRATION
(DECEMBER 15–FEBRAURY 8)
  • Professional Member: $925
  • Professional Nonmember: $1,095
  • Student Member: $450
  • Student Nonmember: $550
  • One-Day Member Registration: $375
  • One-Day Nonmember Registration: $475
  • Retiree Registration: $425
LATE REGISTRATION
(AFTER FEBRUARY 8)
  • Professional Member: $995
  • Professional Nonmember: $1,195
  • Student Member: $475
  • Student Nonmember: $575
  • One-Day Member Registration: $450
  • One-Day Nonmember Registration: $550
  • Retiree Registration: $425

The cancellation policy for the event is available here.

Interested in just attending one meal or joining us for the closing banquet? Email acui@acui.org to explore these options.

Travel & Hotel

HOTEL

The hub of all conference activities and lodging is at the Sheraton Denver Downtown at: 1550 Court Pl, Denver, CO 80202. Book your hotel by February 23 to secure the ACUI group room rate of $219 (plus taxes and fees).

Book hotel

TRANSPORTATION

The closest airport to the conference venue is the Denver International Airport, located just over 20 miles from the conference hotel.

  • We are pleased to partner with United Airlines for air travel to the annual conference in Denver. To make flight reservations online please click on discount code ZNXA982339. MileagePlus members earn valuable miles for their travel when using the Meetings discount code.
  • You may also call United Meetings Reservation Desk Monday – Friday at (800) 426-1122 for booking assistance. Booking fees are waived for Meeting reservations. International customers may contact their local United Reservation Desk.

To save energy and cost, utilize the RTD A Line for ground transportation, which departs every 15 minutes from the airport to Union Station for just $10.50. Then, catch the Free MallRide from Union Station to Court Place and arrive at the Sheraton Denver Downtown.

Amtrak routes through Union Station are also available to get you to downtown Denver.

Meet the 2024 Conference Program Team

  • Eve Esch, University of Houston, Chair
  • Isaac Barber, University of Connecticut
  • Katie Beaulieu, Wayne State University
  • Larissa Bonnet, Sheridan College
  • Beth Goad, University of Denver
  • Amanda Griffiths, University of Tennessee
  • Aidan Grills, Leeds University Union
  • Clayton Kolb, West Chester University
  • Molly Orr, University of North Texas
  • Mike Schmit, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
  • Scott Shea, Northeastern University
  • Justin Rudisille, ACUI, Staff Liaison

Justifying Your Attendance

With such a variety of cost saving opportunities and valuable experiences available for the 2024 Annual Conference, template letters have been created for you to use to help submit your requests for approval on campus. These templates are intended to provide a structure with key information included, and space for you to fill in specific information based on your campus and professional development needs.

Download the TemPlate Letters

Feel free to use any of the information available through the conference website to include as additional details to the letter. Below are some additional Frequently Asked Questions to help you prepare for the event. Email acui@acui.org with any questions.

The 2024 Annual Conference will be an opportunity to come together in a caring community of colleagues who also tie-in to the work you do to rejuvenate, elevate, connect, and celebrate each other. The focus of our time together will be around the following pillars:

  • Connections and Community
  • Sustainability
  • Belonging and Affirming Spaces

Additionally, the Annual Conference has aligned with the ACUI Education Plan goals to connect with three of ACUI’s Core Competencies—student learning, human resources, and planning.

A variety of learning opportunities will be available across all skill sets important in the foundation of the college union and student activities profession. Aligned with the ACUI Education Plan, particular focus will be placed on:

  • Student Learning
  • Human Resources
  • Planning

Learn more about the ACUI Core Competencies at here. 

Yes! The ACUI Annual Conference will have various sessions for professionals of different levels to network and discuss their experiences. This will range from scheduled networking opportunities such as a first-time attendee session to attendees with similar job responsibilities through our Communities of Practice. There will also be opportunities to network with other attendees from the same region to build stronger regional connections.

  • Attending keynotes/all-conference sessions on current topics & trends
  • Optional community service events
  • College and local landmark tours
  • Social and networking opportunities
  • Learning product solutions at the ACUI Expo
  • Keynotes – featuring our opening speaker Temple Grandin, a distinguished professor of animal science at Colorado State University, who will share how different kinds of minds add value to building teams and solving problems in the workplace; additional all-conference sessions are being developed focused on sustainability and the future of work.
  • ACUI Adventures – an opportunity for attendees to visit other college campuses in the Denver area or other establishments where they will tour and engage in conversation about practices they can put into place on their own campus.
  • ACUI Expo – this is an opportunity to meet vendors including architects, furniture companies, operations software, dining, and more.

Denver is a vibrant city with a variety of colleges and universities nearby and a unique focus on sustainability. While the conference takes place in one central location, attendees will have the opportunity to visit other colleges as a part of the ACUI Adventure.

There are currently five preconference opportunities that attendees can register for. Each opportunity provides unique and specific content from mental health and first aid training to supporting student organization leadership.

A variety of local tours have also been included throughout the conference, with several taking place prior to the official opening event of the conference.

View more information these opportunities in the “Schedule” section of website above.

We are excited to welcome all first-time attendees to Denver! Our Annual Conference typically has over 150 newcomers in attendance—so you will not be alone! We will be offering an orientation virtually prior to the start of the conference and an in-person session on Sunday to provide an overview of the Annual Conference experience and to begin the networking experience.

The ACUI Expo will host a diverse array of vendors, showcasing offerings relevant to attendees’ interests and needs. Expect representation from architects, furniture companies, dining options, student activity vendors, event software, student engagement platforms, and more—providing a valuable opportunity to explore and engage with industry professionals and exciting products.

The conference will be hosted at the Sheraton Denver Downtown at 1550 Court Pl, Denver, CO 80202. All keynotes, educational sessions, exhibit hall, and meals will occur in this hotel, so you’ll want to stay on property for ease of access to all activities and for the full conference experience.

Attendees will be able to book hotel rooms at the hotel through a link on the conference website. ACUI has secured a group room rate of $219, which must be secured by February 23, 2024.

  • The closest airport to the conference venue is the Denver International Airport (DIA)
  • To save energy and cost, utilize the RTD A Line for ground transportation, which departs every 15 minutes from the airport to Union Station for just $10.50. Then, catch the Free MallRide from Union Station to Court Place and arrive at the Sheraton Denver Downtown.
  • Amtrak routes through Union Station are also available to get you to downtown Denver.
  • If attending a pre-conference or navigating long distance travel, we suggest arriving on Saturday, March 23 so that you have time to settle into the hotel space and get checked-in. The hotel block rate opens as early as March 20 and is based on availability. Book your hotel by February 23, 2024 to secure the ACUI group room rates.
  • The conference will conclude with the annual closing banquet on the night of Wednesday, March 27—which includes a celebration of the event experience, presentation of select awards, and the presidential speech. It is recommended that you depart on Thursday, March 28.

Yes! Graduate and undergraduate students can register for the conference with the same process as full-time staff. There will be special activities provided at particular times during the conference for these individuals, but they’ll be able to enjoy the same all-conference sessions, meals, educational content, and conference experiences. Student member rates vary and also have a discount prior to December 14, 2023.

  • Sunday Regional Dinner
  • Tuesday Lunch in the ACUI Expo
  • Wednesday Closing Banquet

Yes. After your initial conference registration, you are able to go back and add additional experiences such as pre-conferences and tours.

  • Visit www.acui.org/myaccount and login using the email address for your registration.
    • If someone else registered you and/or you have not logged in to the website, you will have an existing record—so click on the “Forgot Password” link and complete the process to verify your email and get logged in.
  • On your account dashboard, in the “Event” section, you should see the “2024 ACUI Annual Conference” listed as “Registered.” Select this event.
  • On the list of events you are already registered for, next to the conference, click the “Edit” button.
  • You will then see the list of items available. Add each of the activities you are interested in, noting that you will only be able to add one experience during particular concurrent time blocks.
  • Once you have selected your activities, click the “Checkout” button at the top of the screen.
  • On the summary page, click the “Confirm Order” button to complete your selections.

Consider the following ideas:

  • Register early and save! Early Registration is through December 14, 2023 and for Professional Members is $825. Save $100!
  • Being an ACUI member also saves $200+ on registration compared to non-members.
  • Book your hotel room by February 23, 2024 to secure the ACUI group rate. Book your transportation early to ensure the best rates.
  • Consider connecting with other colleagues who are coming to the Annual Conference to travel together or share hotel rooms.
  • To save energy and cost, utilize the RTD A Line for ground transportation, which departs every 15 minutes from the airport to Union Station for just $10.50. Then, catch the Free MallRide from Union Station to Court Place and arrive at the Sheraton Denver Downtown.
  • We are pleased to partner with United Airlines for air travel to the annual conference in Denver. To make flight reservations online please click on discount code ZNXA982339. MileagePlus members earn valuable miles for their travel when using the Meetings discount code. You may also call United Meetings Reservation Desk Monday – Friday at (800) 426-1122 for booking assistance. Booking fees are waived for Meeting reservations. International customers may contact their local United Reservation Desk.
  • ACUI offers a variety of scholarship opportunities, as well, which will have an application deadline of December 8. Explore those options at www.acui.org/awards/scholarships.

Denver 2024 Graphics Inspiration

In embracing the location of the Annual conference, it was important to integrate key elements of the landscape and culture of the area into our design pieces. The Conference Program Team wanted to incorporate the location into the design and help create a visual identity that connects our Association with our host location to help elevate the conference experience.  

The color palette of dark blue and red were inspired by the flag of Denver while also combining ACUI secondary colors from the brand guide. The official flag of the city of Denver includes four specific elements:

  • The yellow circle represents the sun above and the region’s Gold Rush history
  • The blue represents the unmatched skies experienced in the mile-high city
  • The red represents the sandstone soil, the mountains, and the meaning of “Colorado”
  • The zigzag pattern represents the snow caps and has connections to the indigenous history in the state. Specifically, the Zigzag and “Z” have symbolic meanings of:
    • Navigating sharp turns while moving forward along the path of our lives, facing forces from above and within, with many separate journeys along the way
    • Connection or gateway that links Mother Earth and Father Sky, the spirit world above and the mortal world, and
    • Rapid change, like the lightning striking from the sky to the earth during a cleansing rain

We hope you enjoy these intentional design elements throughout the conference experience.