SOAcon
Friday, May 1, 2026, 12:00-5:00pm
Norris University Center, 2nd Floor
REQUIRED EVENT!
SOAcon is an in-person experience that celebrates student leadership in our undergraduate RSOs, fraternity & sorority chapters, and TGS-sponsored groups. The event is open to all undergraduate and TGS students and specifically intended for those returning to or assuming responsibility in one of the above organizations. For undergraduate RSOs, representative attendance is required to maintain registered status for 2026-27.
The event includes a campus resource and vendor fair, an exhibit of student-produced promotional items and materials, topic-focused sessions on themes relevant to the student leader experience, and an appreciation of the student organization community at Northwestern.
RSVP via 'Cats on Campus (netID required) and you will receive communication leading up to the event date highlighting sessions, presenters, and other offerings.
All undergraduate RSOs are expected to send at least one representative who will be a leader of the group for the 2026-27 academic year to check-in and join at least one session of interest during the afternoon. Though this is a conference, students are encouraged to dress as they are comfortable and check-in via 'Cats on Campus app upon arrival (instructions available on site).
Please RSVP for this event by Monday, April 20. TGS student leaders are also encouraged to RSVP accordingly.
Campus Life works with several experts at Northwestern to offer meaningful learning opportunities to kickstart your leadership role in your student organization or chapter. Below is a tentative schedule of offerings. If you represent a Northwestern department and are interested in leading a session, email reece.frederick@northwestern.edu to schedule a consultation.
| 1:00-1:45pm | TGS Event Planning and Execution, hosted by Lauren-Ashley Buchanan & Cindy Thompson (Arch Room) Elevating Your Organization's Graphic Design Output, hosted by Student Affairs Marketing (Rock Room) Retaining Your Membership After the Fair (Armadillo Room) |
| 1:55-2:4pm | Accountability Without the Awkwardness: Healthy Approaches to Expectations and Feedback, hosted by Kendra Oyer (Arch Room) Event Planning Success (Rock Room) Communicating with Campus Partners Effectively and Developing Beneficial Relationships (Armadillo Room) |
| 2:50-3:35pm | Budgeting for Your Org: From Setup to Expertise (Arch Room) Marketing Your Student Org Involvement, hosted by Tracie Thomas (Rock Room) Student Group Fundraising Through Catalyzer, hosted by KellyAnn McGowan (Armadillo Room) |
| 3:45-4:30pm | Student Activities Assistance Fund: How Tos and How To Nots, hosted by Reece Frederick (Arch Room) Leadership Transition: Do's and Don'ts, hosted by SOA (Rock Room) Crisis Management at the Student Organization Level (Armadillo Room) |
Student organizations work with several on-campus resources and non-Northwestern enterprises. This event will build connections between these valued partners and the student organization community. Food and beverage will be available in the Louis Room, and conference delegates can collect extra entries into our prize opportunity by engaging with the vendor/resource fair tables.
If your company or campus department is interested in participating, please complete our online interest form.
2025 Participating Vendors & Resources
- 4imprint
- Associated Student Government (funding application due April 18, 2025)
- Catalyzer/Alumni Relations
- Celebration Authority/Clowning Around Entertainment
- Club Colors
- Corporate Imaging Concepts
- Dance Marathon
- M.S. Higher Education Administration and Policy Program at Northwestern
- Norris University Center Event Management
- Norris University Center Programs, Arts & Recreation
- Northwestern Catering/Compass
- Northwestern Office of the Ombudsperson
- Student Organizations & Activities (SOA)
- Student Organization Finance Office (SOFO)
New for 2026, SOAcon will include a gallery exhibit featuring the best promotional items, social media/online content, and print materials from the TGS and undergraduate communities. Enter on behalf of your org via online form.
Prizes for best-in-show include annual subscription to Canva Premium, credit with a local print/customization vendor, and a free banner print from the SOURCE.
Students who check-in to topic-focused sessions will receive the opportunity to win one of our event prizes. Last year the prize list included a 4-pack of Cubs Tickets to NU Day at Wrigley May 19th, a group outing on Wendella Cruises, and more.