2026 Conference Schedule at a Glance

Sunday, December 6

8:00 a.m. — Registration Opens

1:30–4:00 p.m. — Emerging Leaders Preconference: Level Up: Taking Ownership of Your Career Progression

2:00–6:00 p.m. — Exhibitor Check-In & Set Up

6:30 p.m. — New Faces, Future Friends: First-Time Attendee Event

7:00 p.m. — President's Reception (Hors d'oeuvres & drink ticket provided)

9:00 p.m. — VIP Reception (Invite Only), Presidential Suite

Monday, December 7

7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. — Registration Open

7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. — Exhibit Area Open

7:30–8:45 a.m. — Continental Breakfast Provided

7:30–8:15 a.m. — KG Leaders Breakfast Meeting (Invite Only)

7:30–8:15 a.m. — LEAD Cohort Breakfast (Invite Only)

7:30–8:15 a.m. — Master Class Academy Breakfast (Invite Only)

8:00 a.m. — Conference Committee: Grab breakfast & meet at reserved table

8:45–9:05 a.m. — Welcome & Conference Committee Introductions

9:00–10:15 a.m. — Opening Presentation & Keynote Speaker

10:10 a.m. — Coffee/Transition Break

10:30–11:30 a.m. — Breakout Session

11:30 a.m. — Attendee Lunch Begins

11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. — Business Meeting & Awards

1:00–2:00 p.m. — Breakout Session

2:15–3:15 p.m. — Breakout Session

2:15–3:15 p.m. — Director's Think Tank

3:15–3:45 p.m. — Networking Break in Exhibit Hall

3:45–4:45 p.m. — Breakout Session

5:00–6:00 p.m. — Access & Employer Mixer

Tuesday, December 8

6:30–7:30 a.m. — Fun Run (led by Kelly Holt)

7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. — Registration Open

7:30–8:45 a.m. — Breakfast on Your Own

7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. — Exhibit Area Open

7:30–8:00 a.m. — State Consortia Leader Meeting (Invite Only)

8:30–9:30 a.m. — Breakout Session

9:30–10:00 a.m. — Networking Break

10:00–11:45 a.m. — State Networking Meetings

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Breakout Session

12:00–1:00 p.m. — Networking Lunch

1:15–2:15 p.m. — Breakout Session

2:15–2:45 p.m. — Networking/Sponsor Break

2:45–3:45 p.m. — Knowledge Group Meetings: Employer Relations & Employer combined, Assessment & Data Analytics, Career Advising & Counseling, Career Center Leaders, Experiential Education, Small Colleges & Universities, and Technology

6:30–10:00 p.m. — Evening Event

Wednesday, December 9

8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Registration Open

8:30 a.m. — Buffet Breakfast Opens

9:00 a.m. — NACE State of the Profession

10:00 a.m. — Moderated Q&A

10:30–11:15 a.m. — The Legacy Forward Panel: Past Presidents on the Future of Career Readiness

11:15–11:30 a.m. — Conference Closing

12:30–4:00 p.m. — Morehouse College Career Center Site Visit — View Description

12:30–4:00 p.m. — U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service Site Visit — View Description

Sunday Preconference

Emerging Leaders | Level Up: Taking Ownership of Your Career Progression

Ready to take the next step in your career?

In a field where career advancement isn't always straightforward, this SoACE preconference session is designed for emerging professionals who want to grow into leadership roles. Join peers and experienced leaders for a focused, interactive career panel and workshop on how to position yourself for promotion, build visibility, and navigate career progression in career services. Gain practical strategies, real-world insights, and meaningful connections—and leave the conference with a clearer path forward. This session is designed for career services professionals at any stage, especially those with 3–5 years of experience who are looking to advance.

Wednesday Site Visit

Morehouse College Career Center

Get an inside look at career development and employer engagement at Morehouse College. Attendees will tour the career center, meet the team, and learn how Morehouse supports students and connects employers with campus talent. The visit will offer a chance to connect with one of the nation's leading HBCUs.

Wednesday Site Visit

U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service

Attendees will learn about career pathways across more than 400 national parks and offices nationwide, the variety of roles and professional fields within the agency, and ways to help candidates connect their experiences, backgrounds, and interests to NPS opportunities. The visit will also highlight the Early Career Program, including internships that typically open in early November for summer opportunities.