South Carolina follows most of National HOSA information, guidelines and policy and procedures.

However, some information is South Carolina specific and will be noted as such. 

GENERAL FAQs – 

1.  Why is SLC always at the Charleston Area Convention Center in North Charleston, SC?
Answer: The Charleston Area Convention Center provides the largest meeting space available in South Carolina to accommodate the competition and event sessions. It also offers numerous nearby hotels and food options within walking distance and is considered a secure and convenient location. No other venue in the state meets all these criteria, and hosting the conference outside of South Carolina is not considered beneficial to our members.

 2.  Why is SLC always in March?
Answer: The conference date is determined primarily by the availability of the Charleston Area Convention Center. March is also outside major standardized testing windows and does not conflict with the beginning or end of semester schedules.

3.  Why do we have to wear “HOSA dress” to the opening session after traveling?
Answer: The opening session marks the start of a professional leadership conference. SCHOSA aligns general session dress expectations with national HOSA requirements to establish clear, consistent expectations and minimize confusion as students progress to the ILC level. Chapter advisors are asked to help ensure that students meet dress code expectations prior to the session to create a positive experience for all.

4. Why can’t food trucks be available outside the convention center during SLC?
Answer: The Charleston Area Convention Center’s contract requires all food and beverages to be provided by their in-house services. Outside vendors, including food trucks, are not permitted.

5. Why can’t students stay in the lobby of the convention center during conference hours?
Answer: SLC is a professional leadership conference, and students are expected to participate in competitive events, the educational symposium, vendor hall, and hands-on labs throughout the day. This ensures that students remain engaged, supervised, and focused on their growth as future health professionals.

COMPETITIVE EVENT FAQs

1.  Why do advisors have to assist with competitive events at SLC?
Answer: Advisors are essential to the success of the competitive events program, which relies entirely on volunteer support. Students are able to compete because of the contributions of advisor volunteers. Advisors who assist attend the Volunteer Luncheon on Thursday during SLC. 

2. Why don’t competitors receive their individual rating sheets to help them prepare for future competitions?
Answer: It is HOSA’s policy not to release individual rating sheets. However, this year, after SLC SC HOSA will post general judge feedback on the SLC page, highlighting common areas for improvement. To prepare effectively, competitors are encouraged to:
~Review the event guidelines carefully and self-assess to ensure all criteria are met.
~Practice the skills or presentation multiple times and seek feedback from advisors, teachers, administrators, or peers using the event rubric.

3. Why aren’t all competitors in certain events judged by the same set of judges?
Answer: In events with high participation, multiple sections are necessary to complete the event within the schedule and to avoid overburdening volunteers.

4.  How many judges are required for competitive events?
Answer: SC HOSA follows national HOSA recommendations. Presentation events require a minimum of two judges, and skill-based events require at least one judge per skill.

AWARDS SESSION FAQs

1. The award session seemed unorganized. Why?
Answer: To recognize more competitors efficiently, the awards session uses a pre-staging process. While Event 1 competitors are receiving their medals on stage, the top competitors for Event 3 are moving to the staging area. Once Event 1 concludes, Event 2 competitors enter the stage while Event 4 is called to staging, and so on. This process ensures a continuous flow of awards and minimizes downtime during the ceremony.