Saddle Up: Serving Students Side by Side
September 28-30, 2026
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Join housing and dining professionals from colleges and universities across Michigan for the 2026 Michigan Housing and Dining Services Officers Association (MHDSOA) Conference. This annual gathering provides opportunities for professional development, networking, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas that support student success across campus housing and dining operations.
Hosted by Western Michigan University, this year's conference theme, "Saddle Up: Serving Students Side by Side," celebrates the partnerships, innovation, and shared commitment that define our work in higher education.
Conference Overview
The MHDSOA Conference brings together professionals from across Michigan to discuss current issues, share best practices, and strengthen professional networks within housing and dining services.
Participants will have opportunities to:
- Learn from colleagues and industry peers
- Engage in professional development sessions
- Explore current trends affecting higher education housing and dining operations
- Participate in networking and social events
- Tour Western Michigan University's facilities and campus housing operations
Conference tracks are designed for professionals at varying levels of responsibility and experience, including residence life, dining, facilities, operations, leadership, and conference services professionals.
Schedule at a Glance
Monday, September 28
The conference begins with attendee check-in and an opening reception, providing an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and establish new professional connections before programming begins.
Tuesday, September 29
The full conference experience includes:
- Campus updates and institutional presentations
- Professional development sessions by functional area
- Guided facility and campus tours
- Current issues discussions
- Networking opportunities
- Evening dinner and social event in downtown Kalamazoo
Participants will be able to select programming that aligns with their professional interests and responsibilities.
Wednesday, September 30
The conference concludes with additional educational sessions, networking opportunities, a closing program, and lunch options for attendees traveling home.
Breakout roundtables
- The Trail Bosses
Residence Life Leadership
Who Should Ride Along: Senior Housing Officers, Directors, and senior departmental leaders - The Trail Provisioners
Dining Services
Who Should Ride Along: Dining Directors, Managers, and dining operations professionals - The Ranch Hands
Facilities
Who Should Ride Along: Facilities and maintenance professionals - The Cattle Drivers
Housing Operations
Who Should Ride Along: Professionals focused on occupancy management, assignments, budgets, move-in/move-out processes, and related operational functions - The Homesteaders
Residence Life & Education Leadership
Who Should Ride Along: Mid-level leaders and supervisors of live-in professional staff - The Young Wranglers
Residence Life Professionals
Who Should Ride Along: Live-in professionals, graduate students, entry-level staff, and those who supervise student employees - The Trail Stewards (offered based on interest)
Conference Services
Who Should Ride Along: Conference and event services professionals
Lodging Information
Registration for the hotel block has closed, but if you are still in need of lodging please call the Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center directly and reference Michigan Housing and Dining Service Officers Association to see if the group rate is still available. Their phone number is 269-343-3333.
Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center
100 West Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
MHDSOA Group Rates
- Standard Rooms: $184/night
- Suites: $234/night
Contact us
For questions regarding registration, lodging, conference programming, or sponsorship opportunities:
Conference sponsors
