Student Conferences

Conference Funding

The Beedie School of Business recognizes that students gain valuable experience and opportunities at professional conferences and competitions. To make it easier for students to attend conferences, the BBA program will provide funding to help subsidize travel. Each application submitted will be individually evaluated and students will be provided a level of subsidy up to a maximum of $300. The conference itself should provide valuable academic or professional information or opportunity that applies directly to your degree.

Step 1: Eligibility

To qualify for funding you must be an Undergraduate Business student accepted into the Major program. Other criteria like academic performance, involvement in clubs or student organizations, and community service may also be taken into consideration.

Step 2: Apply

There are two ways to apply for conference funding.

1.  An application is sent out on bus-majors-info@sfu.ca and posted to the BBA Student Portal.  Fill out this application form and return it to the BBA Student Engagement Office.  Funding for these conferences will be already decided on and details will be included in the application form.

2.  You discover a conference that you would like to attend that is not already being funded by the Student Engagement Office.  In this case, after finding out whether (and why not) the SEO is not yet funding the conference, students are welcome to propose a funding request to the SEO.

Step 3: When you return

Funding will be provided upon return and completion of a Travel Expense Form, including original receipts, proof of registration, boarding passes, travel ticket stubs, conference agenda and a one-page write-up of your experience.   Melissa-Sue will assist you in preparing this form.  Please submit expenses to Melissa-Sue Read in WMC 2383 upon your return.

The write-up should include the following:

• Details of the event
• What you have learned from the conference
• Your favorite and worst experiences
• How other students can benefit from attending future events
• Your advice to students who would like to attend

Attending a Conference

The BBA program subsidizes attendance at professional or academic conferences or events. The conference itself should provide valuable academic or professional information or opportunity that applies directly to your degree.

Step 1: Eligibility

To qualify for funding you must be an Undergraduate Business Major student in good standing. Other criteria like academic performance, involvement in clubs or student organizations, and community service may also be taken into consideration.

Step 2: Interest in a conference

The Student Engagement Office (SEO) regularly notifies students of conferences across Canada and the United States. If you find a conference of interest, please inform the SEO for consideration. If a conference is considered, the SEO office creates a registration form that you are asked to fill in and submit.

Step 3: Submission

Submit your request before any deadlines noted to the SEO office at bba-sao@sfu.ca.

Step 4: Selection

The Student Engagement Office at times works with other staff, faculty and BASS to select students for conferences. If you are selected then please contact Melissa-Sue Read about flights and expenses before you go.

Step 5: When you return

Funding will be provided upon return and completion of an expense request and a one-page write-up of your experience. The write-up should include the following:

• Details of the event
• A brochure from the event
• What you have learned from the conference
• Your favorite and worst experiences
• How other students can benefit from attending future events
• Your advice to students who would like to attend

Past Conferences

• Education Without Borders – Abu Dhabi, UAE
• Human Resources Management Association (HRMA) Conference
• Vision (Marketing) Conference
• UVIC Leadership Conference
• Waterloo Accounting Conference
• Life Pilot – Professional Development