What’s the DC Summit Really Like?

Dear Diary… it’s Thursday!

Day 1 — Arrival & Grand Opening

Many schools arrive early and spend part of the day visiting Capitol Hill, touring Washington, D.C., or meeting with members of Congress. Depending on hotel availability, you may be able to check in before the official conference activities begin.

Note to self: eat dinner BEFORE the conference starts at 7:30 p.m.! 🍽️

Most attendees check in at the ASGA registration desk between 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. This is where you’ll receive your conference materials, including your name badge, conference folder, program, and other information. You’ll also have an opportunity to meet exhibitors and fellow attendees.

Be sure to arrive by 7:00 p.m. so you can get seated for the conference’s Grand Opening Session. The opening program begins at 7:30 p.m. and is energetic, interactive, and fun. Expect music, videos, audience participation, and an exciting introduction to the Summit experience.

Around 9:00 p.m., attendees move into roundtable discussions, and advisors are invited to attend the popular ASGA Loves Advisors Reception in the Thornton Room overlooking the U.S. Capitol.

By approximately 10:00 p.m., the official activities begin winding down. However, many students and advisors continue conversations in meeting areas, hotel rooms, and the spacious lobby.

Get some sleep! Friday is a major deep dive into student government leadership, operations, and effectiveness. 😴

Friday — the big day

Day 2 — Workshops, Awards & the Raffle

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel or nearby Union Station. ASGA also provides complimentary coffee and tea service during the morning. ☕

The first workshop block begins at 9:00 a.m. Be prepared to take notes — nearly every session includes practical ideas, strategies, and solutions you can immediately apply back on campus.

There are two morning workshop blocks. During each block, you’ll choose from five different sessions. Your conference program includes detailed descriptions of each workshop, speaker biographies, presentation formats, and expected outcomes so you can select the sessions that best match your current needs.

Noon: The Awards Luncheon 🏆

At noon, attendees gather for the National Student Government Summit Awards Luncheon. This hot sit-down lunch includes the presentation of the:

• Student Government of the Summit Award
• Student Government President of the Summit Award
• Student Government Advisor of the Summit Award

Following the awards presentation is the popular raffle drawing. To participate, simply visit exhibitors throughout the conference and have them stamp your Stamp-to-Win card. Completed cards can be deposited at the ASGA registration desk for a chance to win.

The afternoon push

Additional workshop sessions begin at 1:30 p.m. and continue until approximately 5:00 p.m. It’s a long day filled with substantial content and intensive training. This is not a passive conference — it’s a working conference designed to help you become more effective as a student government leader or advisor.

Fifteen-minute breaks are scheduled between workshop blocks. These breaks give attendees time to network, grab refreshments, return calls or texts, and process what they’ve learned. ASGA also provides quiet spaces for attendees who need a place to study, focus, or recharge.

About that lunch… 🍝

The Summit Luncheon

The Summit luncheon includes a hot pasta entrée, salad, dessert, and iced tea.

Vegetarian and gluten-sensitive options are available. If you have special dietary needs, please contact ASGA well in advance of the conference. We will do our best to accommodate you.

And yes — it’s surprisingly good for hotel food. 😋

What are the workshops like?

Interactive · Practical · Engaging

ASGA presenters are among the nation’s most experienced student government trainers. Many have worked with hundreds of student governments and advised thousands of student leaders over the years.

Think of them as professors of student government — except with more humor, interaction, stories, and real-world examples.

While presentation styles vary, every workshop incorporates visual aids, audience participation, discussion, and practical applications. Many presenters provide handouts, downloadable resources, online tools, and other materials you can use after returning to campus.

Bring your phone, tablet, or laptop — some workshops include interactive activities, online polling, or digital resources. 📱

Most importantly, every workshop focuses specifically on student government. You won’t find generic leadership presentations here. Everything is designed to help you become more effective in your role and make a greater impact on your campus.

The roundtables 💬

Often called the most valuable part

Many attendees say the roundtables are among the most valuable parts of the conference. Why? Because you’re sitting with student leaders and advisors who are facing the same challenges, projects, and opportunities you’re facing.

Want to know how another campus increased student involvement? Solved election problems? Improved communication? Expanded funding? Started a new initiative? This is where those conversations happen.

Come prepared with questions and be ready to take notes — you’ll leave with ideas, contacts, and solutions you may not find anywhere else. ✍️

After sessions end…

Evenings in Washington, D.C.

After Friday and Saturday sessions conclude, many attendees head out for dinner, explore Washington, D.C., or continue networking with other participants. The conversations often continue long after the workshops end.

That said, remember to get some rest. The Summit is often described as a “boot camp” for student government because of the amount of information, ideas, and strategies presented over a short period of time.

You may feel inspired. You may feel challenged. You may even feel a little overwhelmed. That’s normal.

Our speakers understand that attendees are absorbing a tremendous amount of information. That’s why presenters often conclude their sessions by helping participants identify their highest priorities and next steps.

The goal isn’t to do everything. The goal is to return to campus with a clear plan for what to do FIRST. 🎯

Sunday — last entry!

Final workshops & closing ceremony

Many attendees have travel plans on Sunday, but there are two important workshop blocks until about noon. Then there’s the closing ceremony, with a raffle for some great prizes. 🎁

Some attendees have flights or travel and have to leave early. But about half stay until the end — learning, meeting new people, and sharing ideas. There’s a lot of learning left to be done!

The event officially ends around 12:30–1:00 p.m.