Programs and Events
At the National Leadership & Skills Conference, we’ve got something for everyone! This week is packed full of activities and events, including the SkillsUSA Championships, SkillsUSA TECHSPO, SkillsUSA University and much more.
Schedule of Events
We’re so excited for you to join us – there’s no limit to what you can achieve at NLSC.
Pre-Conference
Leverage
Reach new heights of leadership and success with Leverage!
Leverage is a two-and-a-half day, intensive leadership conference for SkillsUSA state officers. During the conference you'll learn essential SkillsUSA Framework skills such as Leadership, Teamwork, Communication and Job-Specific Skills to help fulfill your role for the year. At Leverage, you'll have the opportunity to establish your role within a team, learn how to effectively communicate on behalf of SkillsUSA and gain insights into the responsibilities of being a state officer. Get ready to reach new levels of success by registering for Leverage today!
Conference Activities
Kick-off the NLSC with the Opening General Session!
Prepare for a high-energy, exciting experience with the Opening General Session of this year's National Leadership & Skills Conference! With its participatory and recognition aspects, you won't want to miss out on this unforgettable event. Be sure to attend and get set for an inspiring week by jumping right into this spectacular occasion at the start of your NLSC experience.
Don't miss out on this incredible networking and education opportunity!
SkillsUSA TECHSPO is one of the highlights of an in-person National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC). Attendees will have direct access to industry partners, making it a unique opportunity for those looking to engage with top professionals. This event is held amidst the competition of more than 6,500 career and technical education students from all over the nation – each competing in different trades, technicalities, and leadership fields. Check back in spring 2025 to view the full list of all of TECHSPO’s exhibitors so you can get a jump start on your personal list of must-see exhibits.
SkillsUSA TECHSPO
Try-a-Skill
Try-a-Skill
Explore NLSC’s interactive experience and immerse yourself in real-world careers like never before! Kick off your journey in the automotive industry by trying hands-on activities like changing a tire or jump-starting a vehicle. Stay tuned for more thrilling spaces to be unveiled!
Champion’s Festival
Join us for a night of fun, food and games in Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park to celebrate our accomplishments throughout the week. The festivities include outdoor games and activities, numerous food truck vendors and a live DJ on the SkillsUSA Champions Main Stage. This event is the perfect way to mark your successes at NLSC, giving you motivation and confidence to utilize the skills you have attained throughout the conference as you prepare for the future, all while having a ton of fun!
End Your NLSC experience on a high note with the Awards Session!
The culminating experience of the National Leadership & Skills Conference is the Awards Session, which summarizes the entire NLSC experience. This high-energy session will recognize the accomplishments of the attendees who participated in NLSC activities, including the SkillsUSA Championships, National Officer Election Process and more. Attendees will leave the conference inspired to achieve greatness in their own leadership roles within the organization and with a spirit of celebration for self and others.
Student Programs
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The competition we have all been waiting for!
The SkillsUSA Championships are a highlight of the conference. Thousands of outstanding career and technical education students will compete hands-on in 115 different trade, technical, and leadership competitions. Students will test their skills as they work against the clock and other competitors to prove their expertise in various industries – such as electronics, computer-aided drafting, precision machining, medical assisting, culinary arts and more! Industry partners run these events guided by the competencies that are demanded by their industry. Leadership contestants even showcase their speaking skills or demonstrate how to conduct meetings using parliamentary procedure. Ready to see what America's future workforce is capable of? Join us for the SkillsUSA Championships today!
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Make Your Mark: Join the SkillsUSA National House of Delegates
Are you looking for a way to use your voice to advocate and shape the future? SkillsUSA is the perfect platform for this. As a student-run organization, members have the responsibility to govern the associated affairs of its student constitutions. Student voting delegates from each state association are given proportional representation in the National House of Delegates so motions can be made and their views can be heard and taken into account. Don't miss this amazing opportunity!
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Celebrate and Recognize the Top Chapters!
Celebrate the achievements of your peers and get the chance to witness your local chapter compete with the SkillsUSA Models of Excellence program! The SkillsUSA Framework defines specific characteristics within each skill area — personal, workplace and technical — to help ensure tangible benchmarks for student achievement. 24 finalists from each component area of the SkillsUSA Framework will compete and present their ideas. Presentations and interviews will decide the three final winners as the 2025 Model of Excellence chapters in each SkillsUSA Framework component area.
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Get Involved: Become a Member of SkillsUSA's National Courtesy Corps
Would you enjoy a behind-the-scenes role to make sure the National Leadership & Skills Conference runs without a hitch? Join the National Courtesy Corps and show your support! Not only will your work be appreciated, but you'll also get to network with industry partners and experience all aspects of the national conference firsthand. This is your chance to make an impact and get involved. Get inspired today!
Advisor Programs
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Unlock Your Teaching Potential
Are you looking to develop your skills as a teacher or an advisor? Then you won't want to miss out on the Academy of Excellence — a series of professional development opportunities designed with teachers and advisors in mind. Courses include chapter management, Career Essentials teacher certification, CTE program planning, classroom management and new advisor tools, all available at no additional charge as part of your NLSC registration. Don't miss out on this chance to advance your skills as an educator – sign up today!
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Invest in Your Professional Development
Join SkillsUSA University to take your professional development to the next level. This Academy of Excellence initiative provides all registered NLSC attendees the opportunity to learn directly from industry expert practitioners and gain field-specific skills. These industry skill sets can then be applied in your classroom instruction – don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to expand your knowledge and become an even more successful educator! Sign up now!