LDA is held biennially (every two years) on the odd numbered calendar years. The purpose of the Leadership Development Academy is also to bring representatives from all chapters, colonies, alumni associations, and National Staffall chapter officers are encouraged to attend and participate.
LDA starts with a fun-filled brotherhood experience that gives everyone the opportunity to get to know each other and bond Brothers of Phi Sigma Phi. Past events have included attending baseball games, arcade arenas, a tour of the Notre Dame Football stadium, go-karts, dinners, casino royale nights, among other activities.
The Leadership Development Academy focuses on small break out conversations dealing with the different positions, struggles, and triumphs of the Fraternity both nationally and locally. Some of these topics revolve around different activities that chapters deal with every year, such as Risk Management, recruitment, fundraising and community service. These meetings give the National Staff and all of the attendees an opportunity to share ideas on how to handle the numerous issues that have arisen at one time or another for all of us in Phi Sigma Phi; as well as those that are present in an ongoing basis, and what has worked to solve these issues and what has not worked. Through the sharing of common issues, problems, and successes, all Members have the opportunity to learn and share information with their Brother Phi Sigs from around the country.