Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who might be attending this annual conference?
2. Who are the presenters? Can I be a presenter?
3. What are the NCDA Constituency Groups?
4. Is there a virtual conference connected to this event?
5. How many Continuing Education Clock Hours are given for attending the full conference?
6. How do I receive NCDA-Approved or NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Clock Hours for this conference? Will I receive a certificate?
7. Where can I read the session descriptions, since they are not included in the Program Book?
8. I pre-registered for the conference - do I need to check-in upon arrival?
9. Can I register on-site, at the live conference?
10. I would like the member discount. Why is the online form only letting me register as a non-member?
11. My institution is an Organizational member. Am I eligible for the member discount?
12. How can I feel a part of the conference in addition to attending the events?
13. I am thinking about joining NCDA and attending the conference. How can I learn more about NCDA?
14. Will I receive a Conference Attendee Directory?
15. What are the cancellation, substitution and image-use policies?
16. Should I watch for emails from NCDA or be concerned about spam emails about the conference?
17. When is the next NCDA conference?
18. Additional conference questions?

Who might be attending this annual conference?

Career development practitioners, facilitators, counselor educators, counselors, specialists, and more participate in the annual conference. Graduate students are very much welcomed and encouraged to attend. NCDA Board members, committee chairpersons, state career development association leaders, and honored award winners are all an active part of our conference.

Who are the presenters? Can I be a presenter?

Keynote presentations are selected by the NCDA president. All other presentations are selected by the Conference Program Committee from the pool of proposals.  The Call for Proposals usually goes out in early August, with a deadline of early October (and notified of selection in December). Presenters are usually the people who attend (see the first question).

What are the NCDA Constituency Groups?

NCDA follows a constituency model to better represent and serve the diverse needs of all members. At the conference, participants will  have the opportunity to meet with the Board Trustee for the constituency group that most closely represents their work setting or interest affiliation. These groups are designed to aid networking, facilitate greater connection with colleagues who may share similar interests and work settings, and enhance communication between the membership and the NCDA Board. Constituency groups are easily identifiable by their different colored name badge holders. These groups will gather at special meetings (check the agenda for date/time). The four constituency groups are listed below and their Board Trustee can be found under About NCDA:Board.

• School Career Counselors and Specialists
• Higher Education Career Counselors and Specialists
• Private Practice, Business & Industry, and Agencies
• Counselor Educators and Researchers

Is there a virtual conference connected with this in-person event?

Yes. After the in-person event in June 2025, there will be a virtual conference in July. See the Registration and Agenda for details.

How many Continuing Education Clock Hours are given for attending the full conference?

Participants attending the full conference may receive  up to 15 CE hours. For those needing more CEs, consider attending the Professional Development Institutes (PDIs). Each PDI is 4 CE hours, with a maximum of 2 PDIs or 8 CEs. The Virtual event offers 10 CEs.

How do I receive Continuing Education Clock Hours for this conference? Will I receive a certificate?

Use the form in your program book or app to log which sessions you attended. Sign and submit the CE form as instructed (either hand-in or email to info@ncda.org). Follow the link you were sent after the event to get to the Conference Evaluation Survey.  To vie your CE history you will login to your account, click on Members Only Resources and you’ll see ‘Profile’ then click on View My CE History. This is where you will see how many CEs you have earned for attending the event, as well as where you can print out your certificate if necessary.  You can come to this page anytime in the future to view your NCDA CE history and print certificates.   If you have any questions, please contact NCDA Headquarters: (918) 663-7060.

Where can I read the session descriptions since they are not included in a Program Book?

View the online Agenda or the conference app. The app (available to registrants only) includes full session descriptions and the most current schedule. 

I pre-registered for the conference - do I need to check-in upon arrival?

Yes, please find us at the NCDA Registration booth when you arrive on-site. We will give you your name badge and any tickets you purchased (such as PDIs). You must wear your name badge to all events including the receptions.

Can I register on-site at the live conference?

Yes! Online registrations will be accepted until mid-June for the  event and then on-site registration will be available. Please wear your name badge to ALL conference events, even receptions.

I would like the member discount. Why is the online form only letting me register as a non-member?

Please allow 1-3 days to process memberships or renewals. Once you receive the email confirming your membership has been processed, you can register for the conference and receive the discount. Remember, headquarters is closed on all Fridays and major holidays, so processing membership may be delayed.

My institution is an Organizational member. Am I eligible for the member discount?

Yes. You must register individually, and you receive the member price because your organization is a member.

How can I feel a part of the conference in addition to attending the events?

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X. Use our conference hashtag, #NCDA. You can follow discussions regarding conference presentations, ask questions of presenters, tweet ideas for participants, or read about the good things coming. Don't forget to continue reading Career Convergence for articles covering conference topics and written by conference presenters.

I am thinking about joining NCDA and attending the conference. How can I learn more about NCDA?

You are welcome to browse our website at any time or contact NCDA headquarters to ask questions. You can join NCDA and take advantage of the membership discounts available for conference registration and career resources! During the conference, be sure to attend the First Timers session and the annual Membership Meeting (view the Report before the meeting learn about the candidates for the upcoming Board election).

Will I receive a Conference Attendee Directory?

No. The only access to participants will be via the conference app. This protects all participants from inappropriate mass marketing.

What are the cancellation, substitution and image-use polices?

Cancellations received in writing prior to June 10 will be subject to a $50 processing fee (US funds). NO refunds will be given after June 10. If paying via purchase order, your organization will be required to fulfill the purchase order even if you do not attend. Refunds will not be given for no-shows after the conference. Cancellation requests may be emailed to Natalie Scrimsher at nscrimsher@ncda.org. 
Attendee substitutions will be accepted if received in writing from the original registrant by June 10. Requests may be emailed to
Natalie Scrimsher at nscrimsher@ncda.org. Registration fees will be based on substitute’s membership status.
Registration and attendance at, or participation in, the National Career Development (NCDA) conferences, meetings, and events constitutes an agreement by the registrant to NCDA for use and distribution, now and in the future, of the registrant or attendees’ image or voice in photographs, videotapes, electronic reproductions and audio of such events and activities to illustrate and promote the NCDA experience and products.

Should I watch for emails from NCDA or be concerned about spam emails regarding the conference?

NCDA will send emails about conference using the NCDA ebulletin (typically from ncda@associationmail.org). NCDA DOES NOT permit the sale of participant lists and NCDA DOES NOT use third party booking sites. If you receive an email about participant lists or from a third party with hotel reservation "codes" and links, it is not legit and not authorized by NCDA.

When is the next NCDA conference? 

The 2026 conference will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota in June.

Additional conference questions can be directed to the Conference Director, Mary Ann Powell at mpowell@ncda.org.