05/01/2026

Conference Engagement Your Way

By Brianna Navarro and Melanie Reinersman

The word conference typically invokes the idea of networking, learning and exhibits. The National Career Development Association (NCDA) conference in particular reminds people of an annual family reunion. Engagement and return-on-investment (ROI) for the career development professional can be increased by looking at the extraneous and innovative offerings NCDA provides at the 2026 conference.

The 2026 Global Career Development Conference, June 30-July 2

Convened by the premier career development association, the 2026 National Career Development Association (NCDA) conference is a three-or-four day event in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Live, in-person events include over 90 presentations, three keynote sessions, over 15 constituency/committee/council meetings, 4 receptions, a first-timers’ orientation, Mentoring Moments, and exhibitor interactions. Up to 15 hours of continuing education (CE) are available for attendance at the full conference from Tuesday through Thursday, with more options for CEs with additional registrations.

Conference attendees engage their brains all day long, sometimes as long as 11 hours a day, while trying to absorb as much professional development as possible. Mindfulness and self-care goals direct the attendees to opportunities to relax and enjoy the presence of others who also have career development at heart. For the past few years, a DEI Symposium has been a part of the presentation options and in 2024 Mentoring Moments debuted. To add to these traditional offerings, NCDA has developed a few new experiences for 2026, including:

• Networking and Evening Activities in Minneapolis
• Evening Social Gathering at a rooftop venue downtown
• Opening Day Livestream for Career Centers/Organizations and State CDAs

Networking and Evening Activities in Minneapolis

Surveys consistently show that networking is one of the most valued benefits of the conference. In response, NCDA has intentionally built in more opportunities to connect, socialize, and engage with one another. Scheduled for both Tuesday and Wednesday at 5:30 pm, these networking outings offer a range of experiences to suit different interests and energy levels, from casual meet-ups at local favorite restaurants and guided city tours to more active options like mini-golf and scenic walking or hiking trails. Participants will gather in the hotel lobby before heading out and may be joined by members of the NCDA Board as well as representatives from the Minnesota Career Development Association. Their local insight and enthusiasm will help create a welcoming and memorable experience for all. You might just learn which Board members are good at karaoke and which can’t handle a golf club!

Evening Social Gathering in Minneapolis

The 2026 Conference Evening Social is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, starting at 7:30 pm at the Crave Rooftop, a contemporary hangout featuring an eclectic mix of food and drinks for a reasonable price of $25. This optional registration add-on is a nine-minute walk from the conference hotel, (the Hilton Minneapolis, 1001 Marquette Avenue South), which allows conference participants who have been sitting all day to stretch and move to meet their physical needs. More importantly, the social event encourages everyone to relax and chat about their work, goals, and life both in and outside of career development, especially with new best friends.

Opening Day Livestream for Career Centers/Organizations and State CDAs

NCDA is proud to offer an innovative option for those who want to participate as a group. On Tuesday, June 30, the Opening General Session and two select 60-minute presentations will be livestreamed from Minneapolis. This is the first time a LiveStream event is possible, which is different from the typical Virtual Conference (where individual registrants view recorded presentations anytime from July 14 – October 31, 2026 and earn 10 CEs). Offering three CEs per viewer, groups such as state career development associations, university career centers, and international providers are encouraged to register for the LiveStream event for a group fee of $500. (Note, this group registration does not include the Virtual Conference – however individuals who register for the Virtual Conference will have access to the LiveStream event.)

DEI Symposium

The Diversity Initiatives and Cultural Inclusion (DICI) committee is proud to announce the 4th Annual DEI Symposium to be held during the 2026 NCDA Conference. This symposium focuses on bringing together leading voices in career development, counseling, and equity-centered practice. This year’s lineup features 14 dynamic sessions on mentorship, anti-racism, AI in hiring, culturally responsive counseling practices, and effective ways to address systemic barriers in education and workforce development. Attendees can expect engaging discussions, practical tools, and opportunities for professional growth and collaboration. This symposium reflects NCDA’s ongoing commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the field and equipping career professionals to better serve diverse populations in an evolving workforce landscape. View the conference Agenda webpage for the list of sessions, which includes “Dialogue with Dignity” and “Breaking Barriers”.

Mentoring Moments

During the 2026 live conference in Minneapolis, early career professionals will have the opportunity to engage in “Mentoring Moments”. This free option (sign-up recommended) will entail 25-minute sessions where experienced career development professionals will connect with early career development professionals for the purpose of answering a general career question, to promote professional development and/or self-care. During this time, mentors will foster a sense of belonging and community by facilitating meaningful and personalized conversations and explore NCDA resources and opportunities for engagement. These moments will not only impart knowledge and skills but will also inspire mentees to explore their career potential and pursue their aspirations.

More than a Conference

Don’t forget to view the conference website at www.NCDAconference.org for FAQs, optional Professional Development Institutes (PDIs), exhibitors, and online hotel reservations. Registered participants will receive an email in June regarding accessing the conference app, which gives the full details about the program and presentations.

NCDA looks forward to seeing you and your career development contemporaries at the Global Career Development Conference in Minneapolis, MN, June 30-July 2, 2026 as well as at the Virtual and LiveStream events. Online registration is open until June 8th. NCDA welcomes the exploration of creative resilience in relation to the work of career development professionals throughout the 2026 conference and beyond.

Brianna Navarro is the Membership and Conference Assistant Director. She can be reached at bnavarro@ncda.org

Melanie Reinersman is the NCDA Website Director, Web Magazine Editor and Publications Development Director. She can be reached at mreinersman@ncda.org