First-Time Conference Attendee Networking Events

We are looking forward to seeing you in Milwaukee!

This year, we expect there to be several hundred first-time NASFAA conference attendees and we know it can be a bit overwhelming. The 2024 NASFAA Conference First-Time Attendee Task Force wants to enhance the experience for all first-timers.

The task force wants to make your first NASFAA conference a welcoming, enjoyable, and educational experience. With that goal in mind, we have developed a series of events to help you connect with other attendees. You are invited to join us and other first-time conference attendees for activities and networking throughout the conference. You may also wish to seek out a conference mentor. 

We hope you will reach out to other conference attendees and mentors before and while you are at the conference. You can do this through the conference app and our NASFAA 2024 First-Time Attendee Slack channel.

Sunday, June 16

12:30 - 1:45 p.m.

First-Time Attendees Kick-Off Networking Event & Dessert Reception

Meet the NASFAA President, NASFAA National Chair, task force members, NASFAA staff, and other first-time attendees. We will spend this time getting to know one another through activities and a dessert reception. 

This is what a participant had to say about this event in the past: "Attending the NASFAA first-time attendee session provided me with the chance to meet other financial aid professionals and a mentor with similar interests.  The relationships I made there have proven to be invaluable during the conference and afterwards."

4:00 - 5:45 p.m.

Opening Session and Keynote

This is a great time to buddy up so you do not have to sit alone. Discuss your schedule with your conference mentor or other first-time attendees before sessions begin.

5:45 - 7:30 p.m.

Welcome Reception

Join your colleagues, including other first-time attendees, as we kick-off the 2024 NASFAA National Conference with food, drink, and networking.

Monday, June 17

8:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Morning Sessions

Attend the morning sessions with newly met NASFAA friends and members from across the country.

9:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Time

Visit the exhibit hall with your mentor or other first-time attendees. Make plans to meet up the rest of the day. 

12:00 - 1:30 p.m.

Lunch on Your Own & Visit Exhibit Hall 

This is a great opportunity to get lunch with your conference mentor or other first-time attendees.

1:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Afternoon Sessions

Attend afternoon sessions and exchange thoughts about the session content with your colleagues.  Make dinner plans or coordinate attending the evening reception with other first-time attendees.

6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Attendee Reception at the Harley Davidson Museum 

Consider attending with your mentor and getting to know others.

Tuesday, June 18

8:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Morning Sessions

Meet friends and conference mentors outside of the session rooms to sit together, including the Address by FSA Chief Operating Officer Richard Cordray & U.S. Department of Education Federal Update. 

10:00 - 11:15 a.m.

Morning Break in Exhibit Hall

Visit the exhibit hall. Make plans to attend sessions and plan your activities for the rest of the day. 

12:15 - 1:30 p.m.

Lunch on Your Own & Visit Exhibit Hall 

Take this time to share lunch with new friends and/or your conference mentor. Make plans to sit together at sessions during the afternoon.

1:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Afternoon Sessions

Connect with other NASFAA Conference First-Time Attendees or your conference mentor to attend sessions and discuss evening plans.

5:00 - 6:30 p.m. 

Transitions and Toasts

Join other conference attendees for an evening of gratitude, camaraderie, and celebration as we toast the past and the future of NASFAA!

7:30 - 10:00 p.m. 

Tuesday Trivia Night 

Even if you didn’t sign up to be on a trivia team, you are welcome to join other NASFAA conference attendees to watch a fun night of trivia benefitting the conference charity.

Wednesday, June 19

8:30 - 11:00 a.m.

NASFAA Closing Session

Sit with your newly made friends and/or conference mentors for this final session of the conference. This also might be a good time to exchange business contact information and arrange to stay in touch


We hope you enjoyed your first NASFAA Conference and look forward to seeing you at future conferences. Keep in touch with your conference mentor and others you met throughout the conference.