Students: Career-building opportunities at the 2026 ACSM Annual Meeting in SLC
ACSM will again provide opportunities for students to engage in activities and career development opportunities at the ACSM Student Lounge, sponsored by the University of Tampa, Barry University, and Lebanon Valley College.
Meet experts working in a variety of fields and connect with potential employers through the ACSM Career Center to review your CV, resume, or LinkedIn profile. You will be able to discuss career goals, post-graduation plans and job applications to help coordinate your personal resources, such as resumes, social media profiles and application letters. You may bring hard copies of your resume/CV, or you can log on to your social media career profile during the session. An ACSM staff member will have a laptop available for use.
Whether you are looking for career advice, mentoring, top-tier educational sessions, information about best practices, networking or social opportunities with other students, the annual meeting and student lounge can help you connect with peers in exercise science and sports medicine.
You will also be able to make dinner plans with others via the dinner sign-ups. Light refreshments will be served.
Location: Convention Center Room: 150G
Hours
- Tuesday: 3pm -6pm
- Wednesday: 9am – 5pm
- Thursday: 9am – 5pm
- Friday: 9am – 3pm
Student & Early Career Pre-Conference
Tuesday May 26th from 3:00-5:00pm at the Convention Center 251D. This year the ACSM pre-conference topic, “The Science and Art of Mentorship: Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders” will highlight what makes a mentor stand out, while helping mentees grow in meaningful ways. The session will provide actionable strategies for becoming an inclusive supportive and impactful mentor. Pre-registration required via the Annual Meeting registration form. Complimentary to attend. *Currently sold out but check back for cancellations.
First Time Attendee Networking Event
Tuesday May 26th 5:45 – 6:45 Salt Lake Foyer South, Hyatt Regency SLC
Will this be your first ACSM Annual Meeting? Or maybe you’re attending alone? Participating in the ACSM Annual Meeting First Time Attendee Networking Event is a great way to navigate a large conference and expand your network. This program is designed to make conference attendance more approachable with this relaxed and friendly meet-up where you can connect with other newcomers and chat with ACSM leaders before the week begins. It’s your chance to ask questions, make a few early connections, and head into the conference feeling confident and ready to dive in.
Early Career Professional Meet Up
Date: Wednesday, May 27th
Time: 5:15-6:15pm
Location: Convention Center Room: 150G (Student Lounge)
Open to professionals early in their careers and those in post-doc or fellowship programs. Network with colleagues and learn how you can get involved with ACSM’s early career professional initiatives.
A Roadmap to Professional Success and Leading Others: What it takes to Take Charge?
This inspiring presentation will highlight foundational factors underlying future career success, specific behavioral skills associated with people who are highly accomplished, and complementary approaches that can help you achieve breakthrough life goals.
Thursday, May 28th 11:30am – 12:30pm, Convention Center 215D
Peer Connect Program
This program is designed to make conference attendance more approachable by pairing you with someone who shares your professional interests and meeting goals.
When possible, first-time attendees will be paired with someone familiar with the meeting. Experienced attendees are encouraged to participateand share their meeting knowledge.
What to expect:
To ensure this program is valuable to participants, we ask that you commit to the following:
- Connect with each other at least once in advance of the conference via social media, email, phone, or any other mutually preferred method.
- Meet in person at the conference at least once prior to attending an event together.
- Attend at least one general session and one additional session/activity together (e.g. exhibit hall, networking event, educational session, etc.)
While we will make every attempt to pair interested attendees, placement is dependent on participation and not guaranteed. Participants submitting a form prior to May 8, 2026, will receive peer notifications by May 13, 2026 if paired. Those submitting forms after May 8, 2026, will be matched on an available basis. Sign up here: ACSM Peer Connect – Intellistack
For all sources of information and questions, stop by the ACSM Member Hub
The Member Hub is your must-stop destination in the exhibition hall for general conference information.
Hours:
- Wednesday, May 27: noon – 7:00 p.m. MT
- Thursday, May 28: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. MT
- Friday May 29: 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. MT
New: The Brain Break Zone: Take a break from the sessions and play a game, color, or connect with other members.
Career Center: There will be physical buttons for “I’m a Job Seeker” or “I’m Hiring” that attendees can pick up onsite at the meeting to aid in their networking efforts.
We look forward to seeing you in Salt Lake City!
