2/16/2026: Conference Updates

Thank you for checking in regarding the 2026 OCDA Conference! We are excited to share a few updates with you!

1. The 2026 OCDA Conference will be taking place in Lima, Ohio at the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center (VMCCC)!

2. OCDA's Call For Proposals is now CLOSED. Thank you for your submissions and keep and eye out for an email about the status of your proposal!

3. Registration for the OCDA Conference is NOW OPEN! Hurry to register as Early Bird pricing won't last forever (deadline is March 31, 2026). Early Bird pricing gives you the best price for conference registration. One and two day attendance options are also available! We can't wait to see you at the conference!

Have any questions about OCDA's 2026 Conference? Email Rachel Richardson, OCDA's Conference Planning Chair, at richardson.607@osu.edu.

NOW AVAILABLE: Conference Sponsorships

Are you interested in sharing more information about your business/product at OCDA's 2026 Conference? You are in luck! Consider becoming a sponsor of OCDA's 2026 Conference! There are several packages and price points for exhibitors/sponsors and even a NEW custom sponsorship package option!

To learn more about each sponsorship package check out our SPONSORSHIP WEBPAGE!

Questions? Contact Rachel Richardson, OCDA Conference Chair, at richardson.607@osu.edu.

ONLY A FEW DAYS LEFT: Call for Proposals for the 2026 OCDA Conference

Have you submitted your 2026 OCDA Conference proposal yet? There are only a few days left before the opportunity to submit a proposal closes!

More information about proposal submissions:

If you, or members of your network, are interested in sharing a program, practice, intervention, or research around the topics of career, workforce, talent, and professional development, OCDA encourages you to review our conference title and guiding themes and submit a proposal!

Conference themes and the link to submit a proposal can be found HERE!

Proposals that have been accepted by OCDA and confirmed by the presenter(s) will receive TWO COMPLIMENTARY REGISTRATIONS to the conference!

Questions/Concerns about submitting a proposal? Please email Rachel Richardson, OCDA President-Elect and Conference Planning Committee Chair at richardson.607@osu.edu.

OCDA Conference Call For Proposals is NOW OPEN!

If you, or members of your network, are interested in sharing a program, practice, intervention, or research around the topics of career, workforce, talent, and professional development, OCDA encourages you to review our conference title and guiding themes and submit a proposal!

Conference themes and the link to submit a proposal can be found HERE!

Proposals that have been accepted by OCDA and confirmed by the presenter(s) will receive TWO COMPLIMENTARY REGISTRATIONS to the conference!

Questions/Concerns about submitting a proposal? Please email Rachel Richardson, OCDA President-Elect and Conference Planning Committee Chair at richardson.607@osu.edu.

Prepare your Proposals! OCDA Conference Title and Themes are LIVE!

Consider taking some time to begin preparing your proposal for the 2026 OCDA Conference! OCDA is excited to announce the conference title and guiding themes:

Reimagining Career Readiness: Building Pathways to Impact

This conference brings together school career and guidance counselors, college and university career services staff, community job service representatives, workforce development and employer partners, as well as privately licensed professional counselors. Through collaborative dialogue and actionable strategies, attendees will explore innovative approaches to workforce development, career readiness, and purpose-driven practices that empower career professionals, youth, and people throughout the lifespan of their career.

The conference comprises of three themes that will serve as our guidance for this year's call for proposals.

Theme 1: Building Bridges in Workforce Development

Workforce development focuses on creating sustainable talent pipelines that meet the evolving needs of employers and communities. It emphasizes collaboration between education, industry, and workforce agencies to prepare individuals for meaningful careers in a global workforce. This theme is designed to spotlight practical best practices in order build and expand on workforce development initiatives taking place throughout the state of Ohio and beyond.

Theme 2: Engaging Minds in Career Readiness

Career readiness is about more than technical skills—it’s about sparking curiosity and connecting learning to real-world opportunities. This theme explores how educators, workforce partners, and private career counselors can foster engagement and confidence, equipping individuals to navigate K-12, college, career, and life with purpose.

Theme 3: Finding Purpose in Practice

This theme centers on the well-being of career practitioners themselves, recognizing that purpose-driven advising begins with personal clarity and resilience. Attendees will explore strategies for integrating wellness and meaning into their counseling and career services practices, ensuring they can guide others from a place of balance and authenticity.

Conference Announcement: Title and Logo!

Have you heard? The official 2026 OCDA Conference title and logo have been finalized! We are so excited to announce that this year's conference title is:

Reimagining Career Readiness: Building Pathways to Impact

This year's conference logo:

A few reminders:

Conference Dates: Thursday, May 28th and Friday, May 29th 2026

Location: Northwest Ohio in Lima

Call for Proposals: Coming Soon!

SAVE THE DATE: 2026 OCDA Conference

Mark your calendar! The annual OCDA Conference is returning on Thursday, May 28th and Friday, May 29th 2026 in Lima, Ohio!

Join us for an inspiring gathering of career professionals/educators/leaders featuring engaging sessions, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to connect with peers from Ohio and beyond!

More details will be coming soon! We look forward to seeing you there!

Sponsor the 2025 OCDA Conference/50th Anniversary Celebration

Are you part of a company looking to connect with career development professionals? Sponsor our 2025 OCDA Conference! This conference is our 50th anniversary and we're looking forward to a big celebration!

Our conference brings together professionals in higher education, K-12, government organizations, human resources, and other related fields.

We have a variety of sponsorship packages available all with unique perks! Some exciting highlights of the sponsorship packages include your logo on the swag bag that all attendees receive at check in, the opportunity to present about your organization/product, an advertisement in the conference program, a chance to connect one on one with attendees at a vendor roundtable, and the ability to participate in the full schedule of events at the conference!

To learn more about each sponsorship package or to purchase a sponsorship, please follow THIS LINK.

We can't wait to see you at the conference in June!

#OCDA50

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN: OCDA Awards

Each year, OCDA honors career development professionals in the state of Ohio. This year OCDA is excited to announce a call for nominations for FOUR different awards! If you know a member of OCDA who is an outstanding graduate student, a career innovator, or a career leader OR if you know an impactful career services team/department, take a moment to nominate them for their hard work and impact on the field of career development.

For more information about each award’s criteria and links to nominate individuals or a career services department/team, please click HERE.

DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS: March 25, 2025 at 11:59pm EST

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OCDA's 2024 Award Winners