About the Conference
What is the National Leadership Conference on Student Government? The National Leadership Conference on Student Government (NLCSG) is an annual conference hosted by the Center for Leadership Development Inc. It is the nation’s longest-running conference dedicated exclusively to collegiate student government (SGA) leaders and advisors, held each fall in Kansas City, Missouri.
How long has this conference been running? The conference has been running for 48 consecutive years, making it the longest-running SGA-focused conference in the United States. It was founded in 1978 by Dr. Pat Bosco.
Who should attend the conference? The conference is designed for collegiate student government leaders and their faculty or staff advisors from two-year and four-year colleges and universities across the United States. Whether you are a new SGA officer or an experienced advisor, the conference offers valuable learning and networking opportunities.
How is this conference different from other leadership conferences? Unlike general leadership conferences, the National Leadership Conference on Student Government focuses exclusively on student government. Every session, speaker, and resource is tailored specifically to the challenges and opportunities faced by SGA leaders and advisors, making it uniquely relevant to collegiate student government.
Logistics
When and where is the 2026 conference held? The 48th Annual National Leadership Conference on Student Government takes place October 24–25, 2026 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Kansas City International Airport in Kansas City, Missouri.
How many people attend the conference? Attendance is intentionally limited to 200 participants to ensure an intimate, high-quality experience where attendees can meaningfully connect with peers and presenters.
How do I register for the conference? Registration is available online at buildingauthenticleaders.com/conference/registration. Spots fill up quickly due to the 200-participant limit, so early registration is strongly encouraged.
Can a group from our college attend together? Yes — groups are welcome and encouraged. Many institutions send their entire SGA executive board along with their advisor. Contact us at bosco@k-state.edu to discuss group attendance.
About Authentic Leadership
What is authentic leadership? Authentic leadership is a leadership philosophy centered on self-awareness, transparency, and serving others. As Dr. Pat Bosco defines it, authentic leaders create healthy environments that promote consensus and a sense of belonging to something bigger than oneself.
Who is Dr. Pat Bosco? Dr. Pat Bosco is the founder of the Center for Leadership Development Inc. and the National Leadership Conference on Student Government. He is a retired Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at Kansas State University with more than 50 years of experience in higher education leadership. He is also the author of “Boscology 101: The Art of Authentic Leadership” and host of the Boscology 101 podcast.
What is Boscology 101? Boscology 101 is both a book and a podcast by Dr. Pat Bosco focused on the art of authentic leadership. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Audible, YouTube, and other major platforms. The book, ISBN 9781735224961, is available on the Center for Leadership Development website and wherever books are sold.
Contact
How do I contact the Center for Leadership Development? You can reach the Center for Leadership Development by email at bosco@k-state.edu or by phone at 785-477-2668. You can also visit us at buildingauthenticleaders.com.