Rise to the State Stage.

The State Leadership & Skills Conference brings together SkillsUSA Massachusetts members from across the Commonwealth for competition, leadership, recognition, and connection. Students put their technical and professional skills to the test in the SkillsUSA Championships, participate in leadership experiences, connect with industry professionals, and celebrate the accomplishments of chapters from across the state. SLSC is where months of preparation come together—and where Massachusetts champions earn the opportunity to advance to the national stage.

SLSC

State Leadership & Skills Conference

What: State Competition, Leadership & Career Development Conference
When: April 29, 30 & May 1, 2027
Cost: Students (Quad) — $550.00 per person, Students (Triple) — $575.00 per person, Teachers (Double) — $635.00 per person, Teachers (Single) — $715.00 per person
Key Registration Info: Registration opens March 15, 2027; registration closes April 2, 2027.

The State Leadership & Skills Conference is the culmination of the SkillsUSA Massachusetts program year, bringing chapters from across the Commonwealth together to compete, connect, and celebrate student achievement. Over the course of the conference, members take part in the Massachusetts SkillsUSA Championships, leadership contests, delegate activities, recognition programs, general sessions, and chapter experiences designed to showcase the skills they have built throughout the year.

For many students, SLSC represents the next step after months of preparation at the local and district levels. Qualifying competitors put their technical and leadership abilities to the test in contests hosted at conference hotels and partner competition sites across Massachusetts. Students also participate as state officer candidates, voting delegates, design contestants, leadership competitors, and members of special recognition programs, making the conference much more than a competition alone.

SLSC also brings together advisors, educators, business and industry partners, judges, volunteers, and SkillsUSA Massachusetts staff to support students throughout the experience. Advisors participate in training and professional development, industry professionals help evaluate and support competitions, and chapters come together to recognize the accomplishments of their members. The conference concludes by celebrating state champions and outstanding members, with eligible gold medalists earning the opportunity to represent Massachusetts at the National Leadership & Skills Conference.

TECHNICAL STANDARDS
01
Before Conference Registration
Identify participants and prepare required conference documentation.
Review the State Conference Checklist
Review the conference checklist before beginning registration so students, advisors and families understand conference requirements, responsibilities and important deadlines.
Identify Conference Participants
Identify District Qualifiers, Leadership contestants, Demonstration Skill participants, Freshman Event participants, State Officer Candidates, Voting Delegates and any other members attending SLSC.
Determine Your State Voting Delegates
Chapters receive two Voting Delegates for the first 25 members and one additional delegate for each additional 25 members. Identify eligible delegates before completing conference registration.
Share State Conference Details
Share current conference information, hotel details, schedules, expectations and important deadlines with participating students, families and school personnel.
Review the Technical Standards
Share the current competition Technical Standards with contestants and instructors. Standards provide contest procedures, equipment requirements and other information needed for successful participation.
Complete Participant Release Documentation
Provide every conference participant, including advisors, the required SkillsUSA Massachusetts conference registration, release and emergency documentation for completion and signatures.
LIABILITY RELEASE → PARTICIPANT RELEASE →
Complete the Group Acknowledgement
After collecting the required signed forms from participating students and advisors, complete the SkillsUSA Massachusetts Group Acknowledgement and Chapter Advisor Certification.
GROUP ACKNOWLEDGEMENT →
02
Register for SLSC
Registration opens March 15 and closes April 2, 2027.
Register Technical Skill Contestants
Register Technical Skill contestants who earned a qualifying spot through their District competition. Make sure all team members are registered together in the correct contest.
Register Leadership Contestants
Identify and register interested contestants for available Leadership Contest spots in the appropriate division.
Register State Officer Candidates
Approved State Officer Candidates must be registered for the State Conference and prepared to participate in the election process.
STATE OFFICER APPLICATION →
Register Creative & Talent Participants
Register selected National Anthem performers and winning State Conference design contestants as applicable.
NATIONAL ANTHEM → STATE T-SHIRT → STATE TRADING PIN →
Register Recognition Program Participants
Register participants associated with the Costello Family Community Service Award and Non-Traditional Career Portfolio as applicable.
COSTELLO AWARD → NON-TRADITIONAL PORTFOLIO →
Register National Voting Delegate Candidates
Identify students applying to represent Massachusetts as National Voting Delegates and make sure their application is complete.
NATIONAL VOTING DELEGATE →
Register Advisors, Aides & Administrators
Register all adult participants with the correct meal selection, shirt size and hotel accommodations.
Prepare Adaptation for Achievement Forms
Complete an Adaptation for Achievement Form for participants who have allergies, require assistance or need an appropriate accommodation.
ADAPTATION FOR ACHIEVEMENT →
Gather Eligibility Letters
Gather required Eligibility Letters for contestants participating in IEP-specific contests. Action Skills, Community Action Project and Employment Application contestants should bring required documentation to their competition.
Complete Hotel Room Selections
Select hotel rooms for all conference participants. Whenever possible, use quads and triples for students and doubles or singles for advisors.
Registration Submits Automatically
State Conference registration is automatically submitted as selections are completed. There is no separate submit button, so review all information carefully before the registration deadline.
03
Review Registration & Submit Payment
Verify every participant, contest, room assignment and invoice.
Review Every Participant
Make sure every intended student, advisor, aide and administrator has been included in the online registration.
Confirm Every Contest
Verify every contestant is registered in the correct competition, leadership event or conference activity.
Verify Participant Information
Check names, spelling, meal choices and shirt sizes for accuracy.
Verify Hotel Rooms
Make sure every conference participant has an appropriate hotel room assignment and roommate information is correct.
Confirm Adaptation Forms
Make sure all required Adaptation for Achievement Forms have been completed and submitted for participants who need them.
ADAPTATION FORM →
Submit Required Changes
Use the current Changes Form for name corrections, meal changes or shirt-size corrections and follow the posted deadline. Additional participants may not be added through the Changes Form; only permitted substitutions may be made.
Access the Conference Invoice
Access the conference invoice through the registration system and provide it to your school or district business office for payment.
Submit Conference Payment
Ensure payment is made to SkillsUSA Massachusetts and mailed to 501 Paramount Drive, Raynham, MA 02767.
04
Prepare for State Conference
Final travel, arrival, supervision and conference preparation.
Arrange Transportation
Make all necessary transportation arrangements to and from the conference. Students may not bring their own vehicles. Transportation between conference hotels and competition sites is provided by SkillsUSA Massachusetts.
Plan for Conference Arrival
Conference arrival is Thursday between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Check in at the Registration Desk to receive conference materials. Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m.
Review the Attendance Roster at Check-In
Review your chapter's Attendance Roster and immediately report any drops or spelling corrections. Turn in required documentation or outstanding payment upon arrival.
Collect & Distribute Conference Materials
Collect registration materials at check-in and distribute nametags, conference materials and other required items to your delegation.
Bring Liability Forms for Every Participant
Advisors should maintain completed liability documentation for every participant throughout the conference in case it is needed.
LIABILITY RELEASE →
Maintain Student Supervision
Advisors are responsible for supervision of their students during the entire event and should have a plan for illness, emergencies and disciplinary concerns.
Review the Code of Conduct
Review SkillsUSA Massachusetts conduct expectations with every student and adult participant before arriving at the conference.
Wear Conference Identification
Identification badges must be worn at all times throughout the conference. Participants without a badge may be directed back to their advisor or hotel room to retrieve it.
Review Conference Dress Requirements
Opening Session and the Awards Ceremony require official SkillsUSA dress or appropriate business-like attire. Competition dress requirements vary by contest and should be verified in the current Technical Standards.
Attend the Advisor Training Session
Advisors should attend the conference Advisor Training Session for updates on SkillsUSA Massachusetts conferences, programs and activities. Professional Development certificates are available for attendance.
Report Participants Leaving the Conference
Inform SkillsUSA Massachusetts State Staff if any student or advisor leaves before the scheduled departure so conference attendance can be accurately tracked.
Conference Departure
State Conference concludes Saturday with a scheduled 2:30 p.m. departure. Confirm transportation and account for all members of your delegation before leaving.
05
Forms, Awards & Opportunities
Conference forms, applications, scholarships and recognition opportunities.
CONFERENCE FORMS
RELEASE
Conference Registration, Personal & Liability Release Form
Required conference registration and liability documentation for SkillsUSA Massachusetts conference participants.
OPEN FORM →
RELEASE
Participant Release & Emergency Medical Authorization
Participant release and emergency medical authorization documentation for conference participation.
OPEN FORM →
CERTIFICATION
Group Acknowledgement & Chapter Advisor Certification
Complete the required group acknowledgement and Chapter Advisor certification after collecting participant documentation.
OPEN FORM →
FORM
Adaptation for Achievement
Advisor documentation for requesting appropriate accommodations or adaptations for conference participants.
OPEN FORM →
LEADERSHIP, CREATIVE & PARTICIPATION
APPLICATION
State Officer Candidate Application
Application materials for eligible SkillsUSA Massachusetts members interested in serving as a State Officer.
STATE OFFICER APPLICATION →
APPLICATION
National Voting Delegate Candidate Application
Application materials for members interested in representing Massachusetts as a National Voting Delegate.
NATIONAL VOTING DELEGATE →
SUBMISSION
National Anthem Talent Submission Form
Submit a student for consideration to perform the National Anthem during a SkillsUSA Massachusetts event.
NATIONAL ANTHEM FORM →
APPLICATION
Non-Traditional Career Portfolio Submission Form
Submission materials for the SkillsUSA Massachusetts Non-Traditional Career Portfolio recognition opportunity.
NON-TRADITIONAL PORTFOLIO →
CONTEST
State T-Shirt for State Conference Contest
Review requirements and submission information for the official SkillsUSA Massachusetts State Leadership & Skills Conference T-Shirt design opportunity.
STATE CONFERENCE T-SHIRT →
CONTEST
State T-Shirt for National Conference Contest
Review submission requirements for the Team Massachusetts National Conference T-Shirt design opportunity.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE T-SHIRT →
CONTEST
State Trading Pin Contest
Review requirements and submission information for the official SkillsUSA Massachusetts State Trading Pin design opportunity.
STATE TRADING PIN →
AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS
NOMINATION
Advisor of the Year Nomination Form
Nominate an outstanding SkillsUSA Massachusetts advisor for recognition through the Advisor of the Year program.
ADVISOR OF THE YEAR →
SCHOLARSHIP
Brian S. Bentley Leaders Scholarship
Scholarship opportunity recognizing SkillsUSA Massachusetts members who demonstrate leadership and commitment to their future.
BRIAN BENTLEY APPLICATION →
SCHOLARSHIP
Costello Family Community Service Awards Scholarship
Application and service documentation for the Costello Family Community Service Awards opportunity.
COSTELLO AWARD FORM →
SCHOLARSHIP
Jannine Baker Legacy Award Scholarship
Scholarship opportunity recognizing member achievement, leadership, education and continued involvement in SkillsUSA.
JANNINE BAKER APPLICATION →
SERVICE AWARD
Commonwealth Volunteer Service Award
Recognition for SkillsUSA Massachusetts members who demonstrate a meaningful commitment to volunteer service within their school, chapter or community.
COMMONWEALTH SERVICE AWARD →
SCHOLARSHIP
Salute to Excellence Award Scholarship
Scholarship opportunity recognizing SkillsUSA members for achievement, growth and continued commitment to their future.
SALUTE TO EXCELLENCE →

SkillsUSA
Championships

Donna McMahon, Director dmcmahon@maskillsusa.org
Dr. Kristine Smith, Associate Director ksmith@maskillsusa.org
Building and Transportation Cluster
Event Cluster

Building &
Transportation
Cluster

Jaylene DosSantos Cluster Coordinator
jdossantos@nashobatech.net
Building Trades A

Noel Lamothe, Series Director lamothe@tantsqua.org

  • Commercial Roofing (Limited Demonstration)
  • Industrial Motor Controls
  • Masonry
  • Sheet Metal
  • Electrical Construction Wiring
Building Trades B

Christopher Staney, Series Director cstaney@baypath.net

Ray Mahon, Series Director mahonray@aol.com

  • Cabinetmaking
  • Carpentry
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)
  • Painting & Design Technology
  • Plumbing
Building Trades C

Steve Sullivan, Series Director steve@abcma.org

  • TeamWorks
Metal Trades A

Manny Resendes, Series Director mresendes@larsonnet.com

  • Automated Manufacturing
  • CNC 2-Axis Turning Programmer
  • CNC 3-Axis Milling Programmer
  • CNC 5-Axis Programmer (Limited Demonstration)
  • CNC Programmer
Metal Trades B

Cory Rugg, Series Director crugg@attleboroschools.com

  • Mechatronics
  • Welding
  • Welding Sculpture
Transportation Service Trades A

Marc Raimondo, Series Director mraimondo@sersd.org

  • Automotive Refinishing Technology
  • Criminal Justice (Public Safety)
  • Collision Damage Appraisal
  • Collision Repair Technology
  • Power Equipment Technology
Transportation Service Trades B

Scott Boydston, Series Director

  • Automotive Service Technology
  • Diesel Equipment Technology
  • Marine Service Technology
Health and Technology Cluster
Event Cluster

Health &
Technology
Cluster

Nancy Palladino Cluster Coordinator
npalladino@minuteman.org
Health Occupations A

Justine Naper, Series Director justinenaper@sjrds.org

  • Health Knowledge Bowl
  • Medical Assisting
  • Nurse Assisting
  • Practical Nursing
Health Occupations B

Erin Roy, Series Director eroy@jpkeefehs.org

  • Basic Health Care Skills
  • Biotechnology Knowledge Bowl (Limited Demonstration)
  • Dental Assisting
  • First Aid/CPR
Health Occupations C

Debbie Brightman, Series Director Deborah.Brightman@gnbvt.edu

  • Health Occupations Professional Portfolio
  • Medical Math
  • Medical Terminology
  • Early Childhood Education
Occupational Support Trades A

Mark Hamilton, Series Director mhamilton@jpkeefehs.org

  • Principles of Engineering
  • Engineering Technology
  • Technical Computer Applications
  • Web Design
Occupational Support Trades B

Katie Cunningham, Series Director kcunningham@valleytech.k12.ma.us

  • Information Technology Service
  • Computer Programming
  • Cybersecurity
  • Internet of Things
  • Internetworking
  • Telecommunications Cabling
Occupational Support Trades C

Mary Mills, Series Director Mary.Mills@rtx.com

  • Facilithon
Technology Events

Jaylene Dos Santos, Series Director jdossantos@nashobatech.net

  • Electronics Technology
  • Mobile Robotics
  • Robotics & Automation Technology
  • Urban Search & Rescue
Design and Service Cluster
Event Cluster

Design &
Service
Cluster

Cassandra Henault Cluster Coordinator
chenault@plymouth.k12.ma.us
Service Occupation A

Heather McCall, Series Director HMcCall@gllts.net

  • Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Culinary Arts
  • Restaurant Service
Service Occupation B

Sayda Betsold, Series Director sbetsold@nashobatech.net

Cassandra Henault, Series Director chenault@plymouth.k12.ma.us

  • Cosmetology
  • Esthetics
  • Natural Hair & Braiding
  • Nail Care
Commercial Design A

Michelle Alexander, Series Director michelle.alexander@gnbvt.edu

  • Advertising Design
  • Audio/Radio Production
  • Photography
  • Television Production
Commercial Design B

Mark Lyons, Series Director mlyons@aetlabs.com

  • 3D Visualization and Animation
  • Additive Manufacturing
  • Architecture Drafting
  • Technical Drafting
Commercial Design C

Heidi Lloyd, Series Director hlloyd@shawtech.org

  • Graphic Communications
  • Graphic Imaging Sublimation
  • Screen Printing Technology
Leadership and Training Cluster
Event Cluster

Leadership &
Training
Cluster

LaTrelle Pinkney-Chase Cluster Coordinator
lpinkneychase@cpsd.us
Demonstration Skill Events

Jaime Hennessy, Series Director jhennessy@glts.net

  • Action Skills
  • Job Skill Demonstration A
  • Job Skill Demonstration Open
Display and Notebook Events

AnneMarie Cataldo, Series Director am.worthcat@gmail.com

  • American Spirit Award
  • Chapter Display
  • Promotional Bulletin Board Display
  • Outstanding Chapter
  • Occupational Health & Safety - Single**
  • Occupational Health & Safety - Multiple**
Freshman Events

Katie Girouard, Series Director katie246gir@aol.com

  • Career Choice Commentary
  • Exploratory Project Demonstration
  • Safety Poster Design
  • Sticker Design
Individual Leadership Events

Monique Maskell, Series Director monique.maskell@weymouthschools.org

  • Extemporaneous Speech
  • Job Interview
  • Prepared Speech
Occupationally Related Events

Kathy Conole, Series Director kconolemava@aol.com

  • Community Service
  • Customer Service
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Related Technical Math
Team Leadership Events

Mindy Gauthier, Series Director mgauthier@dimanregional.org
and TBD, Series Director

  • Career Pathways Showcase**
  • Chapter Business Procedure
  • Community Action Project
  • Employment Application Process
  • Opening & Closing Ceremonies
COMPETITION CLUSTER

Building Trades A

COMPETITIONS IN THIS CLUSTER
  • Commercial Roofing (Demonstration)
  • Industrial Motor Control
  • Masonry
  • Electrical Construction Wiring
  • Sheet Metal
VIEW BUILDING TRADES A →
COMPETITION CLUSTER

Building Trades B

COMPETITIONS IN THIS CLUSTER
  • Cabinetmaking
  • Carpentry
  • HVACR
  • Painting and Design Technology
  • Plumbing
VIEW BUILDING TRADES B →
COMPETITION CLUSTER

Building Trade C & Occupational Support Trades C

COMPETITIONS IN THIS CLUSTER
  • TeamWorks
  • Facilithon
VIEW CLUSTER →
COMPETITION CLUSTER

Commercial Design A

COMPETITIONS IN THIS CLUSTER
  • Advertising Design
  • Audio / Radio Production
  • Television (Video) Production
  • Photography
VIEW COMMERCIAL DESIGN A →
COMPETITION CLUSTER

Commercial Design B

COMPETITIONS IN THIS CLUSTER
  • 3D Visualization & Animation
  • Additive Manufacturing
  • Architectural Drafting
  • Technical Drafting
VIEW COMMERCIAL DESIGN B →
COMPETITION CLUSTER

Commercial Design C

COMPETITIONS IN THIS CLUSTER
  • Graphic Communications
  • Graphic Imaging Sublimation
  • Screen Printing Technology
VIEW COMMERCIAL DESIGN C →
SKILLS CLUSTER

Demonstration Skills Events

COMPETITIONS IN THIS CLUSTER
  • Action Skills
  • Job Skill Demonstration A
  • Job Skill Demonstration Open
VIEW DEMONSTRATION SKILLS →
COMPETITION CLUSTER

Display & Notebook Events

COMPETITIONS IN THIS CLUSTER
  • American Spirit
  • Chapter Display
  • Promotional Bulletin Board
  • Occupational Health & Safety (Single and Multi)
  • Outstanding Chapter
VIEW DISPLAY & NOTEBOOK EVENTS →
COMPETITION CLUSTER

Freshman Events

COMPETITIONS IN THIS CLUSTER
  • Career Choice Commentary
  • Exploratory Project Demo
  • Safety Poster Design
  • Sticker Design
VIEW FRESHMAN EVENTS →
COMPETITION CLUSTER

Health Occupations A

COMPETITIONS IN THIS CLUSTER
  • Health Knowledge Bowl
  • Medical Assistant
  • Nurse Assistant
  • Practical Nursing
VIEW HEALTH OCCUPATIONS A →
COMPETITION CLUSTER

Health Occupations B

COMPETITIONS IN THIS CLUSTER
  • Basic Health Care
  • Biotechnology Knowledge Bowl (Demonstration)
  • Dental Assisting
  • First Aid / CPR
VIEW HEALTH OCCUPATIONS B →
COMPETITION CLUSTER

Health Occupations C

COMPETITIONS IN THIS CLUSTER
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Health Occupations Professional Portfolio
  • Medical Math
  • Medical Terminology
VIEW HEALTH OCCUPATIONS C →
LEADERSHIP CLUSTER

Individual Leadership Events

COMPETITIONS IN THIS CLUSTER
  • Extemporaneous Speech
  • Job Interview
  • Prepared Speech
VIEW INDIVIDUAL LEADERSHIP →
COMPETITION CLUSTER

Metal Trades A

COMPETITIONS IN THIS CLUSTER
  • Automated Manufacturing Technology
  • CNC 2-Axis Turning Programmer
  • CNC 3-Axis Milling Programmer
  • CNC 5-Axis Milling Programmer (Demonstration)
  • CNC Programmer
VIEW METAL TRADES A →
COMPETITION CLUSTER

Metal Trades B

COMPETITIONS IN THIS CLUSTER
  • Mechatronics
  • Welding
  • Welding Sculpture
VIEW METAL TRADES B →
COMPETITION CLUSTER

Occupational Support Trades A

COMPETITIONS IN THIS CLUSTER
  • Engineering Technology
  • Principles of Engineering
  • Technical Computer Applications
  • Web Design
VIEW CLUSTER →
COMPETITION CLUSTER

Occupational Support Trades B

COMPETITIONS IN THIS CLUSTER
  • Information Technology Service
  • Internet of Things
  • Computer Programming
  • Cyber Security
  • Internetworking
  • Telecommunications Cabling
VIEW CLUSTER →
COMPETITION CLUSTER

Occupationally Related Events

COMPETITIONS IN THIS CLUSTER
  • Community Service
  • Customer Service
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Related Technical Math
VIEW RELATED EVENTS →
COMPETITION CLUSTER

Service Occupations A

COMPETITIONS IN THIS CLUSTER
  • Commercial Baking
  • Culinary Arts
  • Restaurant Service
VIEW SERVICE OCCUPATIONS A →
COMPETITION CLUSTER

Service Occupations B

COMPETITIONS IN THIS CLUSTER
  • Cosmetology
  • Nail Care
  • Esthetics
  • Natural Hair and Braiding
VIEW SERVICE OCCUPATIONS B →
LEADERSHIP CLUSTER

Team Leadership Events

COMPETITIONS IN THIS CLUSTER
  • Career Pathways Showcase
  • Chapter Business Procedure
  • Community Action Project
  • Employment Application Process
  • Opening & Closing Ceremonies
VIEW TEAM LEADERSHIP →
COMPETITION CLUSTER

Technology Events

COMPETITIONS IN THIS CLUSTER
  • Electronics Technology
  • Robotics and Automation Technology
  • Mobile Robotics Technology
  • Urban Search & Rescue
VIEW TECHNOLOGY EVENTS →
COMPETITION CLUSTER

Transportation Service Trades A

COMPETITIONS IN THIS CLUSTER
  • Automotive Refinishing Technology
  • Collision Damage Appraisal
  • Collision Repair Technology
  • Power Equipment Technology
  • Criminal Justice
VIEW CLUSTER →
COMPETITION CLUSTER

Transportation Service Trades B

COMPETITIONS IN THIS CLUSTER
  • Automotive Service Technology
  • Diesel Equipment Technology
  • Marine Service Technology
VIEW CLUSTER →