MGMA Student Leader Conference Program

Incorporate student involvement into your conference by including students as student leaders. This updated version of the previously titled student ambassador role moves away from utilizing students as volunteers, and into providing students with an exclusive networking experience. If you have any questions regarding the MGMA Student Leader Conference Program, please reach out to Amanda Jensen at ajensen@mgma.com. 

STEPS IN PROGRAM SET UP: 

1. If possible, survey current student members to see what they want out of a conference experience.  

2. Based on survey feedback, consider what you can offer for the conference student experience. 

3. Most of the time, students value: 

• Networking opportunities. 

• Learning about how to maximize the benefits of their membership

4. Consider the ways you could provide an exclusive experience that fosters connection for students at your conference. Examples: 

• Coffee with the board of directors. 

• Sit-down meeting with leaders who share details of member benefits. 

• Mentoring connections (formal or informal).  

• Networking events.  

• Career Resources (Headshots, job board assistance, etc.)  

5. Consider: 

• Budget 

• Timing 

1. Both of when messaging for sign-ups needs to be communicated, as well as lead time to conference for student scheduling. Students usually need a few months’ clearance for their schedules. 

2. Consider making the program one exclusive day. This ensures a student focus, and that students only need to take one day off of work/away from classes. 

• How many students this program could be offered to. 

• Number of individuals that it will take to assist in facilitation. 

• Point person. 

6. Once the necessary logistics are established, begin marketing the program. Students to sign up via survey or form. 

• Market to: Student members, early careerists, state universities, etc. 

7. Point person to interview students who sign up. 

• Focus on getting to know the student and what they want out of the program.  

• Consider capacity for any of their suggestions to be incorporated. 

8. Set up program based on student feedback and your association capabilities.  

9. Communicate with students throughout. 

10. On the day of the event, ensure events are carried out, and all students are included. 

11. Follow up with a survey and/or request anecdotal feedback from students regarding their experience. Use their feedback as a starting place for the following years’ program.