Student Leadership Conference
8th Annual Student Leadership Conference February 27, 2026
Robert F. Hatcher, Sr. Conference Center (Macon Campus)
The MGA Student Leadership Conference is a free event for current students to network and connect with other students interested in developing as leaders. The conference will help you develop skills necessary for student leadership positions on campus, and professional and community leadership roles by participating in sessions that introduce new ideas, challenge ways of thinking, and empower you to make a difference .
If you have never been to a professional conference before, click here for some tips to get the most out of it.
Our keynote speaker for the 2026 Student Leadership Conference is Mr. Marz Bishop. Mr. Bishop, a Long Island, NY native, is a two-time author, resilience advocate, and a dynamic speaker who transforms personal adversity into empowerment. Upon being diagnosed with Sickle Cell by age 5, and after surviving two strokes, Marz uses his journey to inspire students and professionals to overcome obstacles, focus on solutions, and unlock their potential.
Keynote Address: "Igniting a Winner's Mindset - How Resilient Minds Rise Under Pressure"
Leadership begins with mindset. This keynote empowers student leaders to strengthen essential functional skills - communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and self-management through the LIFE Framework (Learn, Initiate, Fortify, Execute). Drawing from real-life lessons in perseverance and purpose, Marz shows how clarity, commitment, and resilience transform pressure into progress. Students will discover practical ways to lead with confidence, overcome setbacks, and stay focused when challenges arise. More than inspiration, this session equips participants to think critically, communicate effectively, and execute consistently in academics, organizations, and life. Igniting a Winner's Mindset reminds student leaders that success isn't defined by titles - it's built by those who learn to rise, adapt, and lead with purpose under pressure.
Employers are invited to participate in the conference as a sponsor of the Networking Luncheon. Various sponsorship levels provide increased engagement with students at one of the spring career fairs and the Student Leadership Challenge. Learn about our sponsorship options and contact us for more details. We work with each organization to ensure that their engagement needs match the career and leadership development needs and interests of students.
Check back frequently since the page will be updated with more details about the conference's keynote and breakout speakers as we get closer to the conference date.If you are curious about topics that have been covered in past conference, click on the links below.