Looking for a way to get connected?! Join us at our next Regional Conference to become more engaged with ACUI. Regional Conferences focus on building community, offering professional development, expanding networks, connecting with mentors, and learning skills that can translate to any career. Regional Conferences have been designed with a renewed focus on emerging professionals and students to help them connect with others, share ideas, and learn best practices.
2026 Region II Conference
October 16–18 | Oklahoma State University
“Ripple Effect, Small Actions, Big Impact”
We are looking forward to hosting an unforgettable experience centered on building community and recognizing actions, no matter how small, having the power to influence and inspire positive change. Our theme this year is “Ripple Effect: Small Actions, Big Impact”.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Stillwater, Oklahoma! Our goal is to have you leave this conference feeling revitalized and connected to peers across the region. Let’s rediscover and reinvigorate meaning in our work together, while learning tangible ideas to implement back home.Stay tuned for further updates on the schedule and all-conference session announcements.
Registration
REgular (through September 21)
- Professional Member: $350
- Professional Nonmember: $395
- Student Member: $250
- Student Nonmember: $300
- Retiree: $250
- One-Day: $200
Late (September 22–October 2)
- Professional Member: $400
- Professional Nonmember: $445
- Student Member: $300
- Student Nonmember: $350
- Retiree: $250
- One-Day: $200
Schedule
Undergraduate & Graduate Students: There will be a dedicated student track at the Region II Conference consisting of a student welcome, social, educational session track, scavenger hunt, and more. See the entire schedule below!
Friday, October 16
- 3–5 p.m. – Registration Open & Optional Tour
- 5 p.m. – Conference Welcome
- 5:15–5:45 p.m. – Newcomer Session, Student Track Session, Business Meeting
- 6–7:45 p.m.– Opening Dinner & Keynote
- Keynote Speakers: Ann Hargis & Dr. Paola Sainz Sujet
- Topic: Pete’s Pet Posse’s Impact at Oklahoma State University
- 8–9 p.m. – Reception
Saturday, October 17
- 8–8:50 a.m. – Tours
- 9–9:50 a.m. – Educational Session Block 1
- 10–10:50 a.m. – Roundtables
- 11–11:50 a.m. – Educational Session Block 2
- Noon–1 p.m. – Lunch, Silent Auction, Dollar Store, Steal this Idea
- 1:15–2:05 p.m. – Educational Session Block 3
- 2:15–3:15 p.m. – Panel
- Panelists: Vanessa Bell, Tracie Brown, Deepti Chadee, Victoria Culver Rice, Dr. Rob Stagni
- Topic: Proving Value – How Assessment, Budgeting, and Marketing Work Together
- 3:30–4:30 p.m. – Service Project
- 4:30–5:45 p.m. – Break
- 6–7:30 p.m. – Dinner, Awards & Recognition
- 7:45–9 p.m. – Singo FUNraiser
- 9 p.m. – Silent Auction Closes
Sunday, October 18
- 8:30–8:55 a.m. – Donuts & Directors
- 9–9:50 a.m. – Student Social & Professional Staff Roundtables
- 10–10:50 a.m. – Educational Session Block 4
- 11–11:50 a.m. – Educational Session Block 5
- Noon–1:20 p.m. – Lunch & Closing Keynote
- Keynote Speaker: Dr. Mike Finnegan
- 1:20–1:45 p.m. – Closing & Announcements
Travel & Lodging
Hotel
Region II has confirmed room blocks at these two lodging locations. Both include free breakfast and parking. October 1 is the booking deadline.
Home2 Suites by Hilton
306 E Hall of Fame Ave.
Stillwater, Oklahoma 74074
1 Queen- $119 rate
2 Queen- $129 rate
Best Western Plus Cimarron Hotel & Suites
315 N Husband Street, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74075
1 Queen/King- $119 rate
2 Queen- $129 rate
Airport
Participants can fly into Stillwater Regional Airport (SWO), an estimated 10 minutes from campus, or Will Rogers International Airport (OKC), an estimated 1.5 hours from campus.
Sponsorship
Interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities for the Region II Conference? Reach out to Grace Ann Thompson at graceann@ksu.edu.
Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!
2026 Conference Planning Team
Paige Jenkins
2026 Conference Coordinator
University of Texas–Dallas
Grace Ann Thompson
Fundraising & Sponsorships
Kansas State University
Imani Jennings
Keynotes & Panels
Oklahoma State University–Tulsa
Ryan Santoni
Student & Professional Engagement
Missouri State University
Dylan Kimery
Educational Sessions
Texas Christian University
Jodi Cortez
Educational Sessions
University of Houston
Garrett Hargrove
Communications
Oklahoma State University
Austin Pace
Business Manager
Texas State University
Request approval to attend the ACUI Region II Conference with this justification letter template. It highlights the benefits of attendance, from professional growth to institutional impact, empowering you to build a strong case for your request.