Join us at Stetson Law in Tampa Bay, Florida June 24-26, 2026 for the next SAPLA conference, Tropical & Topical: Calibrating the Now Generation.

The SAPLA Conference brings together pre-law advisors and law school admissions professionals from across the United States, creating a unique space for collaboration, relationship-building, and pipeline development. Sponsorship and partnership opportunities are designed to foster meaningful engagement between advisors, admissions teams, and organizations that support students on their path to law school.

While here, you’ll see firsthand why so many choose to study here, but there are impressive reasons not related to the beauty of our campus or proximity to tropical paradise:

• Stetson is steeped in history - We’re Florida’s first law school, the first to graduate a female attorney in FL, and the first to require pro bono service and clinical education

• Ranked #1 in trial advocacy and #3 in legal writing by US News & World Report, 2025

• Tremendous job opportunities because of connections made and because Stetson Lawyers graduate practice-ready

• Stetson Law’s median LSAT and GPA have been climbing steadily

Tucked along Boca Ciega Bay, the city of Gulfport offers a vibrant coastal charm that’s just minutes from the award-winning beaches and thriving art scenes of St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay. Whether you’re walking brick-paved streets, exploring world-class museums, or catching a Gulf sunset, the region offers a rich blend of relaxation and inspiration.

You will find the following attractions nearby:

• Tampa International Airport - 22.8 miles from Stetson Law

• The Florida Aquarium - 26.2 miles from Stetson Law

• Lowry Park Zoo - 31.2 miles from Stetson Law

• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - 34.7 miles from Stetson Law

• Disney World - 96.2 miles from Stetson Law

• Sea World - 98.9 miles from Stetson Law

• Universal Orlando - 103 miles from Stetson Law

The conference will begin mid-afternoon on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 and conclude mid-afternoon on Friday, June 26, 2026, leaving time to arrive earlier to explore the area or lounge on the beach or stay the weekend and make it a family vacation.

New for 2026, we will offer an opportunity for law schools to interact with students at a law school fair on Friday afternoon at the University of South Florida. The conference will not conclude until Friday evening for the law schools who plan to stay for that event.

The AC Hotel St. Petersburg Downtown, a Marriott property, offers a modern and stylish stay in the heart of the city with thoughtfully designed accommodations featuring contemporary furnishings and city views. Guests enjoy amenities such as a rooftop pool, a well‑equipped fitness center, and the vibrant Cane & Barrel rooftop bar inspired by Havana nights, along with walkable access to boutiques, restaurants, and cultural attractions. 

The AC Hotel is located:

• 24 miles from Tampa Union Station

• 20 miles from Tampa International Airport (TPA)

• 6 miles from Stetson Law

Reserve a room here: http://tiny.cc/saplahotel. 

The reservation deadline is June 3, 2026.

• Hot Topics

• Waves of Change

• Avoiding Wipeout: Best Practices in Pre-Law Advising

• Law School and Career Preparation

• Technology & Innovation in the PLA Profession

Submit a proposal here: http://tiny.cc/saplaproposals. 

The submission deadline is April 1, 2026.

• Pre-Law Advisor Early Bird Registration Fee (thru April 1) - $350

• Pre Law Advisor Regular Registration Fee (April 2 - June 1)- $400

• Law School/Exhibitor Early Bird Registration Fee (thru April 1) - $500

• Law School/Exhibitor Regular Registration Fee (April 2 - June 1) - $550

Registration fee includes:

• SAPLA membership for one year

• refreshments, snacks, and hors d'oeuvres on Wednesday

• breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and snacks on Thursday

• breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and snacks on Friday

• transportation between conference hotel and Stetson Law on Wednesday and Thursday

• transportation from conference hotel to Stetson Law on Friday

NEW for 2026! All law schools are invited to attend a studen fair at the University of South Florida's campus on Friday afternoon.

Register here: https://www.mysapla.org/event-details/2026-sapla-conference-tropical-and-topical. 

The registration deadline is June 1, 2026.

The SAPLA Conference brings together pre-law advisors and law school admissions professionals from across Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, creating a unique space for collaboration, relationship-building, and pipeline development. Sponsorship and partnership opportunities are designed to foster meaningful engagement between advisors, admissions teams, and organizations that support students on their path to law school.

Partners gain visibility before, during, and after the conference while supporting SAPLA’s mission to strengthen communication and collaboration throughout the law school admissions process.

Ideal partners include:

• Law schools and admissions offices

• Test preparation and academic support providers

• Legal education, career readiness, and student-focused service providers

Sponsorship Levels at a Glance

• Platinum Partners – $3,000

• Gold Partners – $2,000

• Silver Partners – $1,000

• Custom Partnerships tailored to your needs