December 19, 2025
Early Registration Closes
January 16, 2026
Regular Registration Closes
2026 NASPA Florida Drive-In Conference
Regional Drive-in/Small Conference
January 29 - January 30, 2026 Orlando, FL
In student affairs, no two days are ever the same—and that’s what makes the ride both thrilling and transformative. The 2026 NASPA-FL Drive-In Conference, Hold On Tight: Leading Through Change, invites professionals at all levels to explore how we can embrace uncertainty, lead with resilience, and find joy in the twists and turns of our work.
Like a roller coaster, the landscape of higher education can be exhilarating one moment and unpredictable the next. This one-day conference celebrates the energy, creativity, and commitment that student affairs professionals bring to every climb and every drop. Through dynamic sessions and speakers, and collaborative learning, we’ll discover strategies to stay grounded, support one another, and guide our students —and ourselves — through the ride ahead.
So buckle up, lean in, and get ready for a day of inspiration, connection, and growth as we navigate the ever-changing track of student affairs together.
Presented By
Schedule at a Glance
Thursday, January 29, 2026 |
|
| NASPA-FL Social & Early Check-In | 5:00pm - 8:00pm (Location TBA) |
Friday, January 30, 2026 |
|
| Conference Check-In/On-Site Registration/Light Breakfast | 8:00am |
| Welcome & Opening Keynote Address | 9:00am |
| Senior Level Student Affairs Administrators Roundtable | 10:15am |
| Educational Session #1 | 10:15am |
| Educational Session #2 | 11:15am |
| Lunch/NASPA-FL Awards | 12:00pm |
| Educational Session #3 | 1:30pm |
| Educational Session #4 | 2:30pm |
| Closing Coffee Break | 3:20pm |
Suggested Hotels
The NASPA-FL Drive-In Conference does not have an official hotel.
Because of Valencia College West Campus's proximity to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, there are a number of hotels within a 5 mile radius of campus to fit a variety of budgets. Check HERE for up to date availability.
Keynote Speaker
We are pleased to announce the Keynote Speaker for the 2026 NASPA-FL Drive-In, Dr. Stephanie Gordon.
Stephanie A. Gordon, Ed.D. serves as the Vice President for Strategy and Impact at
NASPA–Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, a comprehensive student affairs
association. In this role, she leads a dynamic team, overseeing key areas such as VPSA
initiatives, Corporate Development, Global impact, NASPA Advisory Services, strategic planning
and implementation, and addressing the evolving landscape of the student affairs profession.
Gordon’s journey with NASPA began in 2003 as Director of Educational Programs. She was
later promoted to Senior Director of Educational Programs and served as Vice President for
Professional Development from 2012 to 2025. Her leadership has been pivotal in shaping the
Association’s professional development offerings and advancing its strategic priorities.
Before joining NASPA, Gordon held leadership roles in higher education, including Director of
Residence Life and Coordinator of First-Year Programs at Chatham University, Assistant
Director of Residence Life for Staff Development and Training at Colgate University, and
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Simmons College.
A dedicated scholar and practitioner, Gordon’s research focuses on the professional
competencies of chief student affairs officers and the persistence of first-generation and
first-year student populations. She is also a published author, contributing chapters to several
foundational books and research papers in the student affairs field.
Gordon holds an EdD in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania
Graduate School of Education, an EdM in Higher Education Administration from Harvard
University Graduate School of Education, and a BA in English Literature and Political Science
from Simmons College. Outside of her professional life, she is mom to Benjamin, a fantastically
happy 5-year-old son, and Sadie, a precocious 5-year-old Queen Elizabeth Pocket Beagle.
Register Online for 2026 NASPA Florida Drive-In Conference
2026 NASPA-FL Drive-In Conference