A State Officer’s Perspective of State Leadership Conference

Alex Lopez, Ohio Association President

The Business Professionals of America, Ohio Association, State Leadership Conference is more than just an event; it is a combination of everyone’s work…students preparing for competitive events, advisors ensuring registration is complete, facility crews setting up meeting rooms and computers, stage crews setting up the facilities, and the officers rehearsing script for the sessions.

The last part is something I know about, because I am a state officer.  Ever wonder what it is like to be in charge of such a big day?  Well, sit back and relax as I take you through a day in the life of a state officer at the Ohio Association State Leadership Conference.

For the officer team, the event begins the day before the thousands of students arrive at the State Leadership Conference.  On this day, the officers witness the calm before the storm as the hotel is more like a ghost town.  Our voices echo through the halls and convention facilities while the officer team practices their script.  After several practice runs, we finally feel ready for the sessions and turn in for the night. 

The alarm is buzzing in my ear, and I slowly drag myself out of my comfy bed and begin the normal routine of waking up.  As breakfast comes to an end, I start to see a few BPA members slowly drifting around.  Little did I know how quickly the onslaught of students would arrive.  I quickly made my way to the bus drop-off.  What I saw there blew me away.  Hundreds of young adults arrived in a matter of minutes, immediately clogging the area.  I put myself in a position and began to address the crowd.  Projecting my voice, I told them where to register and where to go for the opening session.  I also had time to speak to my class and see my friends before I had to run off again.

After the mass of members are settled in their seats, the opening session began.  The officer team walked on stage and provided the best session that we could.  Thankfully, the applause from the audience solidified my belief that we officers did a great job.

Later that night, after the endless contests and greetings, all the members go to the fellowship dance.  The officers have a surprise for them.  An auction would be held where members could bid on a dance with an officer.  Proceeds were donated to our service project…Special Olympics.  To my surprise, my class and friends pitch in money to have my girl friend dance with me.  The entire fellowship dance went great, and everyone had a fantastic time.

On the second day, the members are taken to Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium where they learn the results of their hard work for competition.  Although the state officers looked like a well-greased machine, we were all very nervous and excited, too.  The Grand Awards turned out to be just that…grand!  It just goes to show you what hard work can do