CAB leaders at Pittsburgh conference gather info for Eastern events

two students at conference — Nikki Flynn, left, and Taylor Thompson toured the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh.

Two student members of the Campus Activity Board (CAB) at Eastern Connecticut State University gathered ideas for future events and networked with staff and students at other universities at the recent National Association of Campus Activities (NACA) conference in Pittsburgh.

“I learned so much that I am able to bring back to CAB, and I have so many ideas for events in future semesters,” said Nikki Flynn ’25, a communication major.

“The conference provided us with so many options for future events, we were almost overwhelmed with all of the possibilities,” said Taylor Thompson ’26, an English major.

Front to back, Melody Ochoa, Nikkie Flynn and Taylor Thompson at the NACA conference

Actor Daniel Franzeze with, left to right, Taylor Thompson, Nikki Flynn and Melody Ochoa

The students and CAB graduate-intern Melody Ochoa met Daniel Franzeze, the actor known for his role as Damien in “Mean Girls.” The conference provided showcases where acts previewed their work on stage to show what they would do if they were booked for a campus event.

The students also attended education sessions and workshops and visited a campus activities marketplace. “I attended a session on ‘Life after Student Leadership,’ which discussed how to utilize the experience that you gain as a student leader after graduation,” said Flynn. “I am looking to go into the field of student affairs in higher education after I graduate, so getting the opportunity to meet so many people in the field was incredibly beneficial to me,” she added.

The conference’s welcome reception was held at the Heinz History Center, an interactive museum “with lots of information regarding Pittsburgh and Heinz ketchup!” said Thompson. “Through networking with other schools and vendors, I learned more about what it takes to plan a successful event and how to work to create an environment that all students feel welcome to participate in,” she said.

Written by Lucinda Weiss

Categories: Student Activities