OPEN NOW: Call For Proposals

The 2025 OCDA Conference Call For Proposals application is NOW LIVE!

Interested in submitting a proposal? Please review OCDA’s conference theme and guiding pillars at THIS LINK.

When is the deadline to submit a proposal? January 31st, 2025 at 11:59pm EST.

How are proposals reviewed/selected? Proposals will be reviewed by OCDA Board members and other volunteers from OCDA’s membership. Reviewers will be assessing proposals and considering factors such as quality, target audience, and alignment with the conference theme/guiding pillars. If a proposal is accepted, up to two presenters listed on the proposal will have their registration cost for the conference waived. 

We can't wait to see what incredible proposals you have to share!

For all inquiries and correspondence related to program proposals, please email President-Elect/Conference Planning Chair, Kaleigh Mahon at kmahon3@kent.edu.

OPENING SOON: Call For Proposals

Want to Share Your Expertise? Submit A Proposal! 

The 2025 OCDA Conference Call For Proposals application will be available this coming week on Monday, November 18th! To learn more about OCDA’s conference theme and guiding pillars, you can follow THIS LINK. The deadline to submit your proposal will be January 10th, 2025 at 11:59pm EST.

How do we select conference presentations?

Conference proposals will be reviewed by OCDA Board members and other volunteers from OCDA’s membership. Reviewers will be assessing proposals and considering factors such as quality, target audience, and alignment with the conference theme/guiding pillars. If a proposal is accepted, up to two presenters listed on the proposal will have their registration cost for the Conference waived.

Questions?

For all inquiries and correspondence related to program proposals, please email President-Elect/Conference Planning Chair, Kaleigh Mahon at kmahon3@kent.edu.

SAVE THE DATE! 

2025 OCDA Conference

June 5-6, 2025

Ashland University, Ashland, Ohio

Dear OCDA Members,

I am thrilled to extend an invitation to the OCDA 2025 Conference, Seasons of Change in Career Development: Where We’ve Been, Where We Are, and Where We’re Going. This Conference and the year 2025 are particularly special because it is OCDA’s 50th anniversary! In celebration of this exciting milestone, the idea of the passage of time has been incorporated into the conference’s theme, and we have a 50th anniversary celebration planned for the first night of the conference!

The conference theme and guiding pillars have been shaped with intentionality and the goal of providing career professionals with a well-rounded program of presentations that fit the needs of all of our constituency groups. In a world that is constantly changing, it is important to do our best to prepare ourselves to meet the needs of any client or student that seeks our help. In our pursuit of preparation for the future, it is important that we reflect on the past as well as consider the present and the best practices that we can build on moving into the future. At the conference, you will have the opportunity to:

• Increase your scope of practice - Gain valuable insights and understanding of special populations including their needs, perspectives, and preferred approaches to career development. You will also gain essential knowledge and skills to be able to effectively advocate for and establish equity within the workplace to ensure that all individuals can find their passion, use their knowledge and skills, and thrive!

• Understand career development throughout the lifespan - Evaluate and add to your toolbelt of strategies to effectively nurture career understanding, exposure, and development throughout childhood, adolescence, and beyond! These presentations will ensure you have the knowledge and actionable takeaways to share with clients, students, and colleagues in order to effectively navigate the current world of work as well as help yourself and others find a balance between personal and professional life.

• Be one step ahead of other career professionals - With a focus on creativity, technology, strengths, and more, attendees will receive first hand looks at innovative strategies to help clients/students and will be immersed in discussions about the current and potential future impacts technology will have on career readiness and growth. 

Why Should You Attend the 2025 OCDA Conference?

• Gain insights into cutting-edge interventions

• Network with career professionals from throughout the state of Ohio and beyond

• Elevate your career and gain tools/knowledge to elevate the careers of others

• Celebrate a significant milestone in OCDA’s rich history!

Our Target Audience

Whether they identify as counselor educators, career center staff, coaches, career development facilitators, rehabilitation counselors, consultants, transition specialists, managers, labor market and employment specialists, or school counselors and administrators, our content is crafted to benefit those working in colleges/universities, private practice, K-12 schools, business and industry, community services, workforce development, corrections, One-Stop centers, agencies, and government.

Want to Share Your Expertise? Submit A Proposal! 

The Conference Call For Proposals application will be available this coming week on Monday, November 18th! To learn more about OCDA’s conference theme and guiding pillars, you can follow THIS LINK. The deadline to submit your proposal will be January 10th, 2025 at 11:59pm EST. Proposals will be reviewed by OCDA Board members and other volunteers from OCDA’s membership. Reviewers will be assessing proposals and considering factors such as quality, target audience, and alignment with the conference theme/guiding pillars. If a proposal is accepted, up to two presenters listed on the proposal will have their registration cost for the conference waived. For all inquiries and correspondence related to program proposals, please email President-Elect/Conference Planning Chair, Kaleigh Mahon at kmahon3@kent.edu.

Additional information about conference registration will be announced at a later time. Be sure to continue checking OCDA’s website for conference information/updates and exciting announcements.

In a career landscape that is always shifting, we know that having the opportunity to attend a conference with a well-rounded program rich in diverse presentations, tools, and perspectives is highly sought after. We hope that you will join us not only to learn and network, but also celebrate a significant milestone in OCDA’s history!

Modified Ohio Dominican University Campus Map: 

See this modified campus map of ODU for help with finding the Gold Lot for free parking and the adjacent building entrance for the Bishop James A. Griffin Student Center: 

Downloadable ODU Campus Map PDF: ODU parking and student center 2024 final.pdf

General routes within Ohio:

• From Northeast Ohio: I-71 South
• From Northwest Ohio: I-75 South and US-23 South
• From Southwest Ohio: I-71 North
• From Southeast Ohio: US-33 West
• Within Central Ohio: any preferred route (freeway or local) that gets you to Sunbury Rd
• “Get directions to Ohio Dominican’s campus”: https://www.ohiodominican.edu/admissions/undergraduate/visit/map-parking.html 

To Ohio Dominican University from Courtyard Columbus Airport:

• Make a left onto Airport Dr, taking Airport Dr south/southwest bound.
• Turn right onto Sunbury Rd (northbound).
• *Note: You will need to pass the street-facing side of the Bishop James A. Griffin Student Center and Alumni Hall (on your left) and drive to the next traffic light.
• Turn left at the traffic light into the parking lot (on the opposite side of St. Dominic Wy).
• Go straight, pass Alumni Hall (on your left), and then turn left into the Gold Lot.
• Park in the rows of the Gold Lot that are nearest to the entrance of the Griffin Student Center.
• **Free parking is available in the Gold Lot.

Griffin Student Center Map:

See this interior map of the ODU Griffin Student Center for directions to the check-in table on the second floor: 

Downloadable Griffin Student Center Map PDF: OCDA Check-In Map for ODU.pdf. 

• Stairway access is denoted in bright red
• Elevator access is denoted in light green

All conference sessions will take place in one of four rooms on the second floor: 

• Griffin Student Center Conference Room (aka Room 260/259/258)
• President's Dining Room
• Room 276
• Room 274

*The Cocktail Party and the Vendor Meet and Greet will take place on the first floor (Fireside Chat and Patio; Cocktail area and sun porch). 

CEUs APPROVED For OCDA Spring Conference!

OCDA is pleased to share that the conference agenda is now LIVE on the website! You can view all the details about presentations, networking opportunities, speakers, and MUCH MORE by following THIS LINK. Additionally, almost all presentations have been approved for CSWMFT CEUs!*

We look forward to you joining us to learn, network, and #ThriveWithOCDA!

*Please note- some presentations have received CEU approval for Counselors and Social Workers ONLY. These presentations have been labelled accordingly in the conference agenda.

REGISTER TODAY: Less Than a Month Until The Conference!

OCDA's Spring Conference, Strive to Thrive: The Impact of Wellness on Career Development is less than a month away! In order to make sure that you get the best registration price, be sure to register TODAY! You can register for the conference by following THIS LINK.

To learn more about the conference and all of the incredible speakers/presentations, you can follow THIS LINK.

Lastly, be sure to reserve your hotel room with OCDA's room block at Courtyard Columbus Airport. This deal is available until Thursday, May 23rd, 2024!

We can't wait to see you on May 30th and 31st at Ohio Dominican University!

REGISTER NOW: FINALS DAYS OF EARLY BIRD PRICING!

Have you registered for the OCDA 2024 Spring Conference? Be sure to register before Friday, April 5th at THIS LINK in order to get the early bird price for the conference!

Q: What does registering this early mean for me?

A: Good question! You will receive our best pricing for conference. Additionally, registering early ensures that you have a spot at the conference (as there is a limited number of spots available for attendees), and it gives you a longer time to consider travel/lodging arrangements! Did you know that OCDA is offering a group rate for conference attendees? Check out more info HERE.

Q: What is the cost breakdown for Early Bird pricing?

A: If you are interested in seeing the costs for members, non-OCDA members, and students, be sure to follow THIS LINK! Non-OCDA members and students who register for the conference receive a free year membership to OCDA!

We can't wait to see you this May!

Awards Nomination DEADLINE EXTENDED

We want to celebrate you! OCDA is calling for award nominations! We are EXTENDING the nominations deadline through Sunday, 3/31. Winners will receive a $100 honorarium, commemorative gift, and will be recognized at the conference!

Please take a moment to nominate your amazing colleagues! Read the award criteria and nominate some outstanding professionals at https://www.ocdaonline.org/awards.

OCDA Award Nominations are LIVE!

We want to celebrate you! OCDA is calling for award nominations! We are accepting nominations through Sunday, 3/31. Winners will receive a $100 honorarium, commemorative gift, and will be recognized at the conference!

Please take a moment to nominate your amazing colleagues! Read the award criteria and nominate some outstanding professionals at https://www.ocdaonline.org/awards.