Host Bid Planning

Institutions interested in hosting the Student Technology Conference will submit a bid approximately one year prior to the Conference they are bidding for (e.g. bids for the 2026 Conference are due late 2024 / early 2025).

The following information should assist in the planning process for institutions submitting a bid to host.

Gather your team before submitting a bid

  • Chair/Co-chair appointments
  • Web and document information and development
  • Housing contacts
  • Dining Services contacts
  • Database specialist for registration services
  • Physical Plant/Grounds
  • Finance person to manage conference budget
  • Conference Coordinator
  • Conference art designer for advertisement and giveaways (logos)

Produce your Student Technology Conference Bid Web Page

  • Core Host Team
  • On campus conference housing
  • Keynote and presentation
  • Dining Facilities
  • Letters of Commitment
  • Budget
  • Area information

Verify potential dates that your institution can support

  • If possible determine primary and secondary dates for the conference
  • If possible avoid the week before and of July 4
  • If possible avoid Father’s day weekend

Verify Availability

  • Keynote and presentation spaces
  • On campus housing for up to 250
  • Dining Facilities to accommodate 100-300+
  • Opening and closing event location
  • Off campus hotel availability

Verify Financial Responsibilities

  • Contracts and event locations that require a deposit
  • Develop a budget to submit for the bid process following the bid guidelines

Receive support from responsible institution administration

Suggestions include:

  • Letter of Commitment from President/Chancelor
  • Letter of Commitment from your department Vice President/Vice Chancelor
  • Letter of Commitment from leadership within your department
  • Letter(s) of Support from department(s) that will assist you with the conference

Site Visit by Conference Selection Committee members

  • Have proposed on campus housing options available for viewing
  • Have keynote and presentation facilities available
  • Visit projected dining facilities
  • Visit hotel for off campus
  • Visit the Doc Fair Area
  • Visit the Vendor Fair Area
  • Visit options for the Professional Development Seminar (PDS)
  • Show any other areas that you think will help your bid
  • If possible schedule a meal with your institutional support and leadership partners and the site visit team.