When: Thursday, December 3, from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m.
VPs and Fraternity Chief Staff Officers Meeting from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Relationship-building Dinner from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Where: The Hilton Chicago
Cost: Complimentary for BIG Ten Vice Presidents
Registration: Link to be provided by NIC staff in the final draft
Registration Deadline: November 1, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What topics will be covered?
- Relationship building
- Insight sharing
- Review of key trends impacting the student and fraternity experience
Who should attend from my campus?
This program is intended for the senior-most student affairs officer at BIG Ten institutions.
Who should attend from a inter/national fraternity?
This program is intended only for chief staff officers from inter/national organizations.
How many people will participate in this event?
Program leadership will keep the participation level balanced between campus-based and and inter/national organization participants to help keep conversations productive. We plan to keep the total number of participants under 20.
Who is organizing this event?
The program leaders are Dr. Patty Perillo, Vice President for Student Affairs from the University of Maryland, Jud Horras, President and CEO of the North American Interfraternity Conference, and Russell Best, Chief Operating Officer of the North American Interfraternity Conference.
Do I need to register for the AFA in order to participate in this program?
Ideally, yes. However, registration to attend the AFA Annual Meeting is not required. There is a separate registration form for this event.
Note that AFA is hosting the SSAO Convening on December 4 in conjunction with its Annual Meeting. Learn more.
Is there a deadline to register?
Please register by November 1. Space is limited, and we are seeking the right mix of participants, so we encourage you to register early.
Does this program interfere with the Senior Student Affairs program AFA is hosting?
No. That program is on December 4 at the same hotel. Registration for that program is separate from this one.
Who should I contact if I have logistical questions about the event?
Please reach out to Russell Best at russell.best@nicfraternity.org for any logistical questions.
When will a complete agenda for the program be distributed?
The program leaders will distribute a final agenda by November 5.
If I have a suggestion for a topic of discussion, where should I send it?
Please email your suggestions to Patty Perillo (pperillo@umd.edu) or Jud Horras (jud.horras@nicfraternity.org) by October 1.
I can’t make it — can I send the next person on my staff in line of authority?
Ideally, no. This program is designed to build relationships among key executive leaders in the BIG Ten and inter/national organizations. Please reach out to Patty Perillo (pperillo@umd.edu) or Jud Horras (jud.horras@nicfraternity.org) if you’d like the planning committee to consider an alternate from your campus.
Do I need to participate in the entire program?
Yes. The program is designed around a balance of leaders from college campuses and fraternity organizations, and the most meaningful outcome of the meeting will be relationship-building, which will take up the full allotted time.
Is a hotel room block available at the Hilton Chicago?
Yes. You can find the room block details here.
