This year’s National Leadership Conference is being held in Dallas, Texas, a very pleasant city in one of BPA’s most familiar states. Just saying the conference location brings a sense of normalcy after two years when we either did not have a conference or met virtually to celebrate student members’ achievements.
Whichever idiom works best for you—nifty, dilly or jim-dandy—being back together, in person, will truly be my cat’s meow for a come-back year. I can’t wait to sit and talk with good friends over a cup of coffee before a session begins or listen intently to our National Showcase student presenters explain their projects to a cast of many watching and listening.
What will make NLC special this year is the simple fact that it will provide a sense of belonging as we meet face-to-face and celebrate each participant’s unique talents and abilities. As of today, there are only 50 more days until NLC. Yep, I can’t wait to see—yes, actually see—you in Dallas, May 4–8!
Important Conference Dates
Registration for the 2022 National Leadership Conference, presented by Certiport, is now open, and the Preview Guide contains a sneak peek at the schedule and all the conference events. Attendees should remember these key registration deadlines:
- February 28–April 1: Registration open
- April 1: Competitive event online pre-submissions due
- April 2–8: Late registration (higher fees apply)
- April 14: Conference registration fees due to BPA
- April 21: Last day for refund requests
- April 9–22: Deposit or full payment due to hotel
Pre-submissions Due April 1
Some competitive events require pre-submission of project files, and those pre-submissions must be uploaded by April 1, 2022, at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. The pre-submission site provides detailed instructions for students and advisors who will be uploading files. If you have questions or need technical support, contact Patrick Schultz, Director of Education and Technology Integration, at pschultz@bpa.org.
Save on Travel with Conference Discount Codes
The Housing and Transportation section of the NLC website provides helpful hints and instructions as you plan your trip to Dallas. Visit the page for complete details and the discount codes mentioned below.
- Flights: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are offering discount codes for travel to the conference.
- Ground Transportation: Chapter advisors must coordinate ground transportation between the airport and the hotel. Super Shuttle is offering a discount code for trips between the conference hotels and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) or Dallas Love Field (DAL). Additionally, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Light Rail service is a convenient and cost-effective option for those staying at the Sheraton Dallas.
- Rental Cars: Avis is offering a conference discount.
- Shuttle Service Between Hotels: Complimentary shuttle transportation between the Sheraton Dallas and Hilton Anatole will be available from Tuesday, May 3 to Sunday, May 8.
Texas Hoedown Meals Must be Pre-ordered
The NLC Texas Hoedown is Friday, May 6 from 7 pm to 10 pm. It will be a night of fun, with a mini golf course, caricature artist, arcade and carnival games, 360-degree photo booth, a DJ and line dancing, armadillo races, a live longhorn and more. Meals are available for $21 each and must be purchased during your conference registration. These meal options will not be available for purchase onsite.
- Cold Sandwich Combo: Turkey club sandwich, bag of chips and soft drink or bottled water
- Hot Sandwich Combo: BBQ brisket sandwich, bag of chips, and soft drink or bottled water
- Chicken Combo: Buffalo chicken tenders, celery sticks with ranch dipping sauce and soft drink or bottled water
- Salad Combo: Chef’s salad with grilled chicken and soft drink or bottled water
Tomorrow’s Business Professionals Scholarships
This scholarship established by the Executive Council, BPA’s student leadership team, recognizes the most outstanding Secondary and Post-secondary members. The recipients will exemplify the core values of leadership, service and extraordinary involvement.
Sherrell Wheeler Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to one member who represents the same extraordinary dedication that Sherrell Wheeler, a former National Officer Coordinator, demonstrated in her work with the national student leaders and the organization.
National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to outstanding Secondary or Post-secondary members and are based on academic success, involvement in BPA and membership in the NTHS.
Jason Hendrickson, 1981–2022
Jason Hendrickson, Indiana BPA State Advisor and a member of the National BPA Board of Trustees, passed away March 9. We extend our condolences to his family, friends and the Indiana BPA community. Read the full obituary.
BPA Welcomes MBA Research as Premier Sponsor
Business Professionals of America (BPA) is pleased to welcome MBA Research and Curriculum Center (MBA Research) as a Premier Sponsor. MBA Research is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting educators in the preparation of students for careers in business and marketing and whose work is made possible in part by the Daniels Fund, a foundation in Colorado supporting principles-based ethics education.
“Educators and students involved in BPA gain many benefits from our generous partners such as MBA Research,” said Steve Darnell, BPA’s Interim Executive Director. “Their financial support, educational resources and expertise allow us to deepen and strengthen the programs National BPA is able to offer.”
“We are proud to partner with BPA as they help prepare students for the workplace,” said Holly Atha, MBA Research’s President/CEO. “Our quality resources help educators teach core business skills and ethics in the classroom, and our instructional tools support students preparing for BPA competitive events. This partnership empowers us to create unique opportunities for students involved in BPA.”
“The 2022 National Leadership Conference in Dallas is the first time in two years that we will gather in person,” Darnell said. “We are grateful to MBA Research for supporting this amazing event and others throughout the year.”
MBA Research is dedicated to supporting educators in the preparation of students for careers in the areas of business administration, including business management, finance and marketing. In addition to the National Leadership Conference, MBA Research sponsored the Fall 2021 virtual Advisor Professional Development Conference and Student Leadership Conference. They also sponsored BPA’s Leadership Academy on Ethics and the Ethics Awareness Challenge competition.
A not-for-profit operated by a consortium of state education departments, MBA Research utilizes a systems approach to product development that supports the teaching of business, which focuses on research, industry-validated standards, curriculum, instructional resources, assessments, and professional development.
Ethics Video Contest Winners Announced
Creativity and a persuasive message about ethical principles earned five teams of high school students cash prizes totaling $7,500 in the BPA Ethics Awareness Challenge video competition, sponsored by MBA Research and Curriculum Center. Video public service announcements focused on the eight ethical principles outlined by the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative (Integrity, Trust, Accountability, Transparency, Fairness, Respect, Rule of Law and Viability).Read the complete article and watch the winning videos.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to earn recognition for your individual or chapter achievements! Awards and certificates will be presented at the National Leadership Conference in Dallas. The links below provide complete descriptions and application requirements.
BPA Cares / Service Learning Awards – March 25
Community Service
Environmental Action/Awareness
Safety Awareness
Service Learning Individual
Special Olympics
BPA Cares / Special Recognition Awards – March 25
BPA Marketing and Public Relations
Chapter Activities Award of Excellence
Recruiter of the Year
Social Media
Chapter Distinction Awards – March 25
Quality Chapter Distinction
National Torch Award – March 25
Ambassador Torch Award
Student and Advisor Certifications – April 1
Student Certification - Level One
Student Certification - Level Two
Local Advisor Certification
Officer Candidate Applications Due April 1
April 1 is the application deadline for Secondary and Post-secondary members who are interested in running for a position on the 2022–2023 Executive Council, National BPA’s student leadership team. Upon submitting an application, chapter and state advisors will receive an email prompting them to upload their recommendations. Students should be sure to submit their application with enough time for advisors to provide their recommendations before the April 1 deadline. Want to learn more about this leadership opportunity? Click the link below to access an informational video and candidate handbook.