What are the dates of the 2025 AOA Annual Conference?
Conference attendees may check in and pick up their name badges starting at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 12, 2025.  The conference will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, and will end at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

What are the COVID-19 expectations and procedures?
Your safety is important.  In light of COVID-19 and for precautionary measures, AOA continues to closely monitor current conditions and will follow guidance provided by local and state agencies and the Centers For Disease Control.

What is the general dress code, including the Annual Conference Banquet?
The dress code for the annual conference is business casual.  For the Annual Conference Banquet, the dress code is dressy casual (tie optional). Weather in January can be unpredictable, so remember to pack layered clothing and consider bringing an umbrella.

What are the requirements for wearing my AOA conference name badge?
We ask that all conference attendees, including business partners and presenters wear their conference name badge on site and at all times during the conference.  Badges provide attendees with access to sessions, business partner exhibitor spaces, social events and official conference meals.  If you lose or misplace your name badge, conference registration staff will be able to reprint a replacement name badge for you, but you will be required to provide registration staff with your i.d.

When should I arrive at the conference?
All Newcomers are encouraged to arrive early on Sunday in order to attend the AOA Newcomers Orientation session.  This session starts at 1:00 p.m., and covers such important topics as the history and structure of AOA and membership benefits.  Participants will leave this session with a wealth of information and valuable resources.

Do I need to be a member of a specific subject matter group to attend the Sunday meetings?
All are welcome to attend any of the AOA subject matter group meetings (Associated Students/Student Unions/Recreation Centers, Business and Financial Services, Commercial Services, Human Resources, Information Technology, Philanthropic, and Research Administration) that are traditionally held on the opening day of the conference.  Individuals are welcome to attend any of the meetings offered that correspond to their level of interest. The Chair of each subject matter group leads the meeting and all are welcome to attend.

Do I need to register for individual sessions in advance?
Individuals do not need to register in advance for individual sessions.  AOA provides a mobile conference app that is convenient and easy to use.  The conference app provides important conference information and includes a description of all meetings, events and sessions including locations and times. Utilizing the information contained in the app, individuals may create their own customized schedule.  It is recommended that individuals arrive early to their selected sessions, as Session Coordinators have been requested to begin each session on time and seating space in meeting rooms fills quickly. 

Can I receive continuing education credits at the conference?
Given the complex continuing education provider requirements of various licensing authorities (including, but not limited to the California Board of Accountancy), AOA is unable to provide evidence of attendance necessary to satisfy continuing professional education credit requirements for sessions offered at any AOA-sponsored conference.

Who are regular attendees of the conference?
Over the past several years, the average conference attendance has been comprised of the following:

Attendees who either work or are directly affiliated with an AOA auxiliary = 300
Attendees who work directly for a CSU campus = 100
Attendees who work directly for the CSU, Office of the Chancellor = 50

In addition to the above, AOA welcomes on average 50 Business Partners and approximately 140 Business Partner attendees at each yearly conference.