November 13, 2025 | 8 am-Noon ET via Zoom

Our virtual conference aims to bring together career development professionals, educators, and practitioners from the state of Michigan and beyond to explore innovative tools, strategies, and best practices for supporting clients and job seekers in navigating today's dynamic job market.

REGISTER here

Registration Cost: $30
You do not need to be a MichCDA member to attend this virtual conference. However, if you are interested in joining MichCDA, check out our Membership options here.

Each attendee must register individually - group registrations cannot be accepted.

Why Attend?

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, career development professionals must be equipped with the latest strategies, tools, and insights to effectively guide their clients through various transitions. This half-day virtual mini-conference offers a unique opportunity to gain cutting-edge knowledge, connect with fellow professionals, and earn valuable credentials—all from the comfort of your home or office.

What You’ll Gain:

  • Certificate of Attendance: All Attendees will receive a Certificate of Attendance after the event that can be used for tracking purposes.

  • CEUs and/or Career SCECHs for K-12 Educators: This conference is approved for four (4) CEUs for K-12 educator SCECHs and meets continuing education requirements for the NCDA credentials and the GCDF credential. 

  • Actionable Insights: Learn practical strategies you can apply immediately to your work.

Featured Sessions:

  1. Constituency Group Meetings

  2. Employer Insights: What Employers Are Really Looking For in 2026

  3. AI & the Future of Career Services

  4. Trends in the Labor Market: What Career Practitioners Need to Know

Who Should Attend?

  • Career Development Practitioners

  • K-12 Career Educators

  • Career Coaches/Advisors/Counselors

  • Academic Advisors

  • Private Practice Counselors/Coaches

  • Individuals in Government, Industry, or Business spaces related to Career Development

  • Anyone passionate about guiding others in their career journey!

Time Session Details Presenter Info
8:00 AM - 8:20 AM Welcome from MichCDA President
MichCDA Mission and Purspose
General Housekeeping		 Deanna Johnson, MichCDA President
8:20 AM - 9:15 AM
Session #1		 Employer Insights: What Employers Are Really Looking For in 2026
What will make a candidate stand out in the job market of tomorrow? In this session, hear directly about the evolving expectations around skills, credentials, and career readiness. Gain practical insight into how career practitioners can align guidance with emerging hiring practices and workplace trends. 		Erin Busscher, Associate Professor/Academic/Career Advisor, GRCC
9:20 AM - 9:50 AM
Session #2		 Constituency Group Meetings
MichCDA members represent 4 constuency groups:
- K-12 Practitioners
- Higher Education/Post Secondary
- Private Practice
- Workforce Development 		MichCDA Constituency Representatives
- Kristen Garceau
- Dave McCall
- Jessica Edwards
- Lisa Melnyk
9:50 AM - 10:00 AM Coffee Break ☕
10:00 AM - 10:55 AM
Session #3		 AI & The Future of Career Services
Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a powerful force in education and employment. This session explores how AI is reshaping resume writing, interview prep, job matching, and even career advising itself. Learn how to integrate AI tools ethically and effectively while staying focused on the human side of career development with resources from the NCDA AI Taskforce initiative.		 Logann Todd, NCDA AI Taskforce Co-Chair, MichCDA President-Elect and Webmaster
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Session #4		 Trends in the Labor Market: What Career Practitioners Need to Know
From rapid automation to the rise of gig work and green jobs, the labor market is in flux. This session offers a data-informed overview of current and future employment trends—nationally and in Michigan—so you can guide students and clients toward in-demand and sustainable career paths.		 Marilyn Maze, Career Counseling Educator, APCDA Financial Administrator
11:50 AM - Noon Closing Remarks
Upcoming MichCDA Events & Opportunities
CEU/SCECH Information		 Deanna Johnson, MichCDA President

Conference Agenda

Don’t Miss This Opportunity!

Whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise, broaden your professional network, or explore new avenues with your current skillset, our mini-conference is the perfect place to start. Together, let’s empower the future of career development by developing ourselves as professionals!

For questions regarding this event, please email info@michcda.org.

REGISTER NOW