ISLC is a great opportunity to meet and make new globally-minded friends with the purpose to explore and share different leadership concepts in a global context! The theme and the keynote speaker are different with every conference, but the energy, the camaraderie of the participants, the laughter, and the learning remain consistent from year to year.

The International Student Leadership Conference in Harrisonburg, Virginia began in 2001 with just over 100 participants. Hosted and sponsored each year by James Madison University and Eastern Mennonite University, the most recent conference welcomed more than 250 participants from 65 countries and 23 institutions.

The conference generally takes place the last Friday and Saturday of the Month of March.  The 2017 confernce will take place March 24 and 25.

Plan to attend both the Friday and Saturday portions of the conference considering that the Saturday sessions are closely tied with Friday night activities. 

  • Friday Evening (6pm - 10:30pm) - Your group will need to report to the registration desk. Come prepared to have dinner, then enjoy creative activities with students from around the world.
  • Saturday (8:30am – 11:30pm) - More group activities will be provided along with many different breakout sessions to give you the tools to become a more effective leader. On Saturday, we also feature a special keynote speaker, dinner and entertainment during which you want to dress to impress, and last but certainly not least a dance party.

Although international students currently studying at institutions in the Virginia/Maryland/DC area are targeted for participation, both U.S. and international students from around the country are welcome, with schools as far away as Georgia, Idaho, and California represented.

While most of the conference attendees are involved in a student organization on their own campuses,  many attendees use this opportunity to develop their leadership development and/or their cultural awareness.

Please note that this conference is restricted to students who are currently studying in a US institution/university.

Lodging is not included in the overall conference cost. Conference attendees or university advisors are responsible for making their own hotel reservations. Hotels listed below offer competitive prices, flexible lodging arrangements for groups of individuals and close proximity to one another and to the conference location. Room blocks will be available at:

Comfort Inn - $91 per night

1440 E. Market St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Call (540) 433-6066 and ask for the ISLC Room Block (for room rate, reserve by February 28)

Sleep Inn and Suites - $79 per night

1891 Evelyn Byrd Ave, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Call (540) 433-7100 and ask for the ISLC Room Block (for room rate, reserve by Feburary 24)

In addition to the room blocks there are a number of nearby hotels which may provide more economical and convenient options for lodging. 

Due to liability reasons, we cannot provide any transportation assistance.

Driving directions and parking information will be provided to all of the participants closer to the time of the conference.

Individuals wishing to register should contact their university advisor first (prior to completing the registration form) as there may be others in your university wishing to register and who may also have the same transportation and logistical concerns as you do.  Once your final group is formed, please:

Indiduals who have paid the registration fee,

  • will obtain a namegadge which gives them free access to all the conference related events (keynote speech, workshops, evening entertainment, and dance party)  
  • will be able to eat at all meals and refreshments (free of charge)
  • will also be provided 1 voucher to redeem a free gift (typically an ISLC t-shirt)

These are also the reasons why non-students (faculty, and staff members) who take part in the conference need to register.

  • The Registration Fee is $60 per participants. Deadline- March 17 at 5pm (EST)
  • University/Group Participant List must be received before March 17, 2017, at 5pm. Your university/group’s final and complete participant list must be turned-in to Delo Blough.

No refunds will be issued for any cancellations after March 17th at 5pm.

Feel free to contact Delo Blough – ISLC Chair – for any questions, comments, or concerns:

Tel: 1 (540) 568-6119 – E-mail: bloughda@jmu.edu

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