Volunteer Leadership Conference

VLC brings together volunteer leaders from across Knight Nation for hands-on sessions, peer networking, campus experiences, and the Impact Awards celebration.

Conference Details

June 5-6, 2026
Friday, June 5 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, June 6 | 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

UCF FAIRWINDS Alumni Center
12676 Gemini Blvd. N. Orlando, FL 32816

Conference Schedule

Friday, June 5, 2026

10 a.m. | Registration Opens

10:30 – 10:45 a.m. | Open and Welcome

10:45 – 11:30 a.m. | Keynote Speaker

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Kickoff Lunch and Opening Session, AI Panel moderated by Provost John Buckwalter

1:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Afternoon Workshops

4 – 6 p.m. | Leadership Networking Social, 4th Floor UCF John C. Hitt Library

Saturday, June 6, 2026

8 a.m. | Registration Opens

8 – 9 a.m. | Welcome Breakfast

9 – 10:30 a.m. | Area-Specific Training

10:30 a.m. | Mid-Morning Break

10:45 a.m. – Noon p.m. | Area-Specific Training

Noon – 1:30 p.m. | Lunch in the Student Union

1:30 – 3 p.m. | Afternoon Breakout Sessions

3 – 4 p.m. | Campus Activity

4 – 6 p.m. | Impact Awards Reception, UCF FAIRWINDS Alumni Center

Sunday, June 7, 2026

Travel Day

Know Before You Go

Attire

UCF Casual – UCF logoed athleisure is allowed.
(No shorts, no short dresses or skirts, no flip flops)

Please keep in mind, if you are flying in on Friday morning you will not be going to the hotel to change ahead of time. Saturday’s agenda includes walking on campus so wear comfortable shoes and breathable clothing. Temperatures in the building will fluctuate so bring layers if you get cold easily.

Hotel

If you are staying at the host hotel, check in will be at 3 p.m. on Friday. While it has been requested, rooms are not guaranteed to be ready before the conference start on Friday. Please plan accordingly.

If you are flying in for the conference, transportation will be provided for you to and from the airport, hotel and alumni center.

Food and Beverage

Friday

Coffee, tea and water available all day.
Plated lunch provided after the opening session.
Heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages at the evening social in the John C. Hitt Library.

Saturday

Lineage Coffee bar back by popular demand!
Continental breakfast buffet.
Offsite lunch in the Student Union.
Heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages during the Impact Awards ceremony.

Should you have any dietary or special needs, please let your UCF Alumni staff liaison know.

Parking

Parking will be available all weekend in Garage H. Please print and use this parking pass and have it displayed on your dash upon arrival.

On Friday, a parking attendant will be onsite to assist with reserved parking. Drop-off is available in front of the alumni center if needed. A campus parking map can be found here.

Questions?

Please reach out to your UCF Alumni staff liaison directly for assistance.

What is the Volunteer Leadership Conference?

Purpose:

Communities – give back to UCF engage with other volunteer leaders.

Champions – promote University initiatives and engage through volunteer training sessions.

Changemakers – take what is learned and apply it to create and collaborate effectively.

Mission:

To create an experience for our volunteer leaders that provides them with the necessary tools to efficiently and effectively execute college and community programming that cohesively aligns with university and alumni goals and initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect at VLC?

Two days of leadership development, learning from guest speakers, connecting with fellow Knights, and exploring UCF’s latest programs through curated campus experiences.

Who should register for VLC?

We invite current and future volunteer leaders to complete their registration.

There is no registration fee for current volunteer leaders/council members.

When does registration open?

Registration will open in early Spring 2026!

What is included in my conference registration?

All conference programming, transportation to events and meals throughout the weekend, will be provided by UCF Alumni.

*Volunteer leaders that live within a 50 mile radius are responsible for covering all travel costs associated with attending. If you have specific questions about travel arrangements, please reach out to your staff liaison.

How much does it cost to attend VLC?

There is no registration fee for current volunteer leaders/council members.

Volunteer leaders that live within a 50 mile radius are responsible for covering all travel costs associated with attending. If you have specific questions about travel arrangements, please reach out to your staff liaison.

UCF Alumni Impact Awards

The UCF Alumni Impact Awards recognize groups or individuals who excel in areas such as programming and community impact. This year, the Impact Awards will be presented during UCF Alumni’s Volunteer’s Leadership Conference on June 6, 2026.

The application process will involve open-ended questions where you can describe why your community, affinity, council or individual has excelled in a specific area. You are encouraged to attach any supporting documentation (a photos, articles, event graphics, etc.) to strengthen your submission.

You may submit nominations for one award or multiple awards.

Nominations will open on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, and must be received by UCF Alumni no later than 11:59 p.m. EST on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. All eligible activities for the Impact Awards must have occurred from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.

Shooting for the Stars Award

This award is presented to a Community/Council for their consistent efforts in ensuring an active, dedicated and engaged area. This award looks to highlight a group for their growth of engaged alumni.

Out of this World Award

This award is presented to a Community/Council for a unique, innovative or creative approach to a campaign, program or event.

Pegasus Pride

This award is presented to an individual or Community/Council that showcases the most UCF pride! Based off energy, enthusiasm, spirit and devotion to all things UCF throughout the year.

Celestial Awards

This award is presented to one volunteer from each regional, college and affinity area who has shown immense dedication to UCF and has consistently reached for the stars making a positive impact on the entire UCF community.

All Star Awards

This award is presented to one group in each regional, college and affinity community who has shown immense dedication to UCF and has consistently reached for the starts making a positive impact on the entire UCF community.

Impact Award FAQs

Who is eligible to be recognized at the UCF Alumni Impact Awards?

To be eligible, the nominee must demonstrate the qualities and characteristics of each distinct award. Please see the specific eligibility requirements for each award. All eligible activities for the Impact Awards must have occurred from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.

Current university employees are not eligible for nomination.

Why can't I nominate someone for the Shooting for the Stars Award?

The Shooting for the Stars Award is selected by UCF Alumni based on data submitted for the award time period. Nominations are not being solicited for this award.

Who is eligible to nominate a UCF Alumni Impact Award winner?

Current UCF Community/Chapter leaders.

Self-nominations are not permitted for individual awards. You may nominate your community/college.

Who will choose the Impact Award winners?

The UCF Alumni Board and UCF Advancement and Partnerships staff will review applications and select the honorees.

When are nominations due?

All submissions must be received by UCF Alumni no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

How will award winners be recognized?

UCF Alumni Impact Award honorees will be recognized at a reception and awards program during the annual Volunteer Leadership Conference.

What if I still have questions?

If you need more information or have additional questions, contact your UCF Alumni liaison.