MBLGTACC, or the Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Ally College Conference, will be at Iowa State on February 10 to 12, 2012. 

The conference began at Iowa State in 1993 and came back to Ames in 2004. 

“I mean, it is epic,” said Brad Freihoefer, director of LGBT student services.

Freihoefer said the conference is a two-year planning process hosted by a conference planning committee with assistance from LGBTAA, LGBTSS, Delta Lambda Phi, Conference Planning and Management and Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau.

This summer, conference-planning objectives entail finalizing the theme, who the guest speakers will be — with options from some of the best LGBT speakers in the world — talking with the city and university about where 2,000 students will go when they need to sleep and eat, as well as fundraising.

Although details are still being discussed, the event’s workshops — which will talk about student identity and social justice — and speakers will be at CY Stephens, the Memorial Union and Central Campus. 

A majority of those who will attend the conference are coming from the Midwest, Freihoefer said, but there are still those who come from across the United States. 

Despite the $65 ticket to the conference, which will help offset the costs for the speakers, Freihoefer said it is an opportunity of a lifetime and a great way to get involved, make a difference and have fun. 

Students travelled to Ann Arbor, Mich., for the conference last year.

Freihoefer saw how students found pride within themselves at the conference and how they felt like they were in a great, safe environment.

“Talking with students,” Freihoefer said, “it’s a life-changing event.”