Fri, Nov 13
|Oacoma
2026 Student Leadership Conference
Better Because You’re Here. Your presence matters. Join students across South Dakota for real conversations, practical skills, and connection. Leave with clarity, confidence, and next steps you can use right away.
Time & Location
Nov 13, 2026, 1:00 PM CST – Nov 14, 2026, 5:00 PM CST
Oacoma, 1500 Shoreline Dr, Oacoma, SD 57365, USA
About the event
The 2026 Student Leadership Conference will take place at Cedar Shore Resort in Oacoma, South Dakota, on Friday, November 13 – Saturday, November 14, 2026. This two-day experience brings student leaders together from across South Dakota to build skills, connect with peers, and leave with something they can use.
This year’s theme, “Better Because You’re Here,” centers on a direct idea: leadership is shaped by presence. What you bring into a space changes it. Sessions and activities focus on real choices, everyday leadership, and the impact students have on their communities, whether they hold a formal role or not.
Conference Experience The conference is designed to be useful, direct, and grounded in student experience.
Friday begins with registration and an opening session that sets expectations and builds early connection. The evening includes a business casual etiquette dinner with structured networking, followed by optional social time.
Saturday opens with a shared activity…
Registration
Student Registration
Sale ends
Nov 06, 7:05 PM CST
For the purpose of this conference, a student is any individual enrolled in at least one credit-bearing course at an institution of higher education in South Dakota. This includes undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, whether degree-seeking or non-degree-seeking. Students must be able to provide proof of current enrollment if requested. SDHEA Institution Student A student enrolled at an institution that is a 2026/2027 institutional member of the SDHEA.
From $50.00 to $75.00
$50.00
+$1.25 ticket service fee
$75.00
+$1.88 ticket service fee
Guest Registration
Sale ends
Nov 06, 7:05 PM CST
Guest registration is intended for non-student participants, such as community partners, organizational representatives, or individuals interested in tabling or connecting with student leaders. Guest registrants are welcome to attend all general conference sessions, meals, and networking opportunities.
$75.00
+$1.88 ticket service fee
Advisor Registration
Sale ends
Nov 06, 7:05 PM CST
Advisors provide important support for their students during the conference. Each institution may register one advisor at no cost for every ten students attending. This complimentary ticket ensures that advisors can accompany their group, attend sessions, and serve as a resource to their students. If an institution wishes to send additional advisors beyond the 1:10 ratio, those advisors must register at the standard advisor rate listed.
From $0.00 to $15.00
$0.00
+$0.00 ticket service fee
$15.00
+$0.38 ticket service fee
SDHEA Board Registration
Sale ends
Nov 06, 7:05 PM CST
This registration is reserved for current members of the South Dakota Higher Education Association Board. It provides access to all conference sessions, networking opportunities, and evening activities at a reduced rate. The board registration fee helps offset administrative costs while recognizing the service and contributions of board members.
$15.00
+$0.38 ticket service fee
Total
$0.00