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Missouri Career Development Association (MoCDA) 2026 Annual Spring Conference: Possibility in Motion

  • April 24, 2026
  • 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Grand Street Cafe, Kansas City, Missouri
  • Be the first

Registration

  • Exclusive Registration for Active MoCDA Members -
    As a valued member of the Missouri Career Development Association, you receive preferred access and member pricing for the 2026 Annual Spring Conference.

    This registration includes full participation in all conference sessions, the featured plenary panel, networking opportunities, and access to the Welcome & Networking Reception.

    Your membership reflects your commitment to advancing career development across Missouri — and this conference experience is designed to support your continued growth, leadership, and impact.

    We are honored to invest in you as part of the MoCDA professional community.
  • Professional Registration for NCDA Affiliate Chapter Colleagues -

    The Missouri Career Development Association proudly extends this registration option to colleagues representing affiliated chapters of the National Career Development Association (NCDA).

    As part of our broader professional community, your leadership, insight, and collaboration strengthen the national network of career development professionals advancing opportunity, workforce innovation, and economic mobility.

    This registration provides full access to all conference sessions, the featured plenary panel, networking opportunities, and the Welcome & Networking Reception.

    We are honored to welcome our NCDA affiliate colleagues as valued partners in advancing Possibility in Motion — turning potential into meaningful impact across states and communities.

    Together, we strengthen the collective voice and impact of career development nationwide.
  • Reserved for Confirmed MoCDA 2026 Conference Presenters -

    This registration category is exclusively for individuals whose session proposals have been formally accepted for the MoCDA 2026 Annual Spring Conference.

    As a presenter, you play a vital role in shaping the professional growth, innovation, and collective impact of our statewide career development community. Your expertise, research, and lived experience bring depth and energy to the conference experience.

    This registration includes full access to all conference sessions, the featured plenary panel, networking opportunities, and the Welcome & Networking Reception.

    We are honored to showcase your leadership as we move Possibility in Motion — advancing opportunity, workforce alignment, and meaningful impact across Missouri.

    Presenter registration reflects MoCDA’s appreciation for your contribution to the professional learning experience.
  • Open Registration for Career Development & Workforce Professionals -

    This registration option is designed for professionals who are not currently members of the Missouri Career Development Association but wish to participate in the 2026 Annual Spring Conference.

    Join educators, workforce & career development leaders, nonprofit professionals, employer partners, and community advocates for a powerful day of connection, insight, and innovation. Your registration includes full access to all conference sessions, the featured plenary panel, networking opportunities, and the Welcome & Networking Reception.

    If you are passionate about advancing career development, workforce alignment, and economic mobility, this experience is designed for you.

    We also invite you to explore the benefits of MoCDA membership and consider joining our statewide professional community.

    Interested in member pricing? Join MoCDA before registering to receive exclusive member benefits.
  • Designed for Students and Emerging Career Development Professionals -

    The MoCDA 2026 Annual Spring Conference is an opportunity to connect, learn, and step confidently into your professional future.

    This registration provides full access to conference sessions, the featured plenary panel, networking opportunities, and the Welcome & Networking Reception. Students will engage directly with experienced professionals, workforce & career development leaders, and employer partners shaping the future of career development across Missouri.

    Whether you are studying counseling, education, workforce development, human resources, or a related field, this experience is designed to expand your perspective, strengthen your network, and move your potential into action.

    We are proud to invest in the next generation of career development leaders.
  • Stay Connected, Learn, and Engage — Anywhere! -

    This registration provides MoCDA members with full virtual access to the 2026 Annual Spring Conference — including keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and interactive discussions.

    Experience the conference from wherever you are while staying fully engaged with the community of career development professionals. Connect with peers, gain actionable insights, and participate in a dynamic learning environment — all from the comfort of your chosen space.

    As a member, you benefit from exclusive virtual access while continuing to advance your professional growth, expand your network, and fuel Possibility in Motion — turning potential into meaningful impact across Missouri.
  • Engage Virtually — Experience the Full Conference -

    This registration provides virtual access to the MoCDA 2026 Annual Spring Conference for non-members who want to participate in powerful conversations, high-impact sessions, and strategic dialogue — from anywhere.

    Gain access to keynote presentations, featured partners, and dynamic panel discussions centered around workforce development, economic mobility, career pathways, and systems-level impact — all aligned with our theme:

    Possibility in Motion: Unlocking Potential, Empowering Growth, and Transforming Lives

    While attending as a non-member gives you full participation in the virtual experience, we invite you to consider becoming a MoCDA member to unlock year-round benefits — including discounted registration rates, professional development opportunities, expanded networking, and deeper engagement in Missouri’s career development community.

    Join us virtually. Connect with purpose. And consider becoming part of the community driving change across the state.

    “Upgrade to Membership and Save on Future Events.”
Register


MoCDA 2026 Annual Spring Conference

Possibility in Motion:

Unlocking Potential, Empowering Growth, and Transforming Lives


Grand Street Café | April 24, 2026

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI


Warm Greetings MoCDA Community, Colleagues, Partners, and Friends,

The Missouri Career Development Association (MoCDA) invites you to Kansas City, Missouri for our 2026 Annual Spring Conference — a flagship convening of educators, career development professionals, workforce leaders, employers, and community partners shaping the future of opportunity across Missouri.

This is more than a conference. It is a shared, full-day experience designed to move ideas into action, align systems with impact, and elevate the role of career development in transforming lives and communities.

Set against the backdrop of Kansas City — a region energized by innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-sector collaboration — the MoCDA 2026 Conference is more than an annual gathering. It is a moment to connect, reflect, and lead with intention.

If you are committed to unlocking potential, empowering growth, and advancing meaningful career pathways, this conference is designed for you.


Who Should Attend

This conference is designed for:

  • Career development professionals and counselors
  • K–12 educators, administrators, and counselors
  • Higher education faculty and advisors
  • Workforce development practitioners
  • Employer and industry partners
  • Community-based and nonprofit leaders
  • Students exploring careers in education, workforce, or counseling


What to Expect

  • Full-day, single-track experience
  • Keynotes, panels, and applied presentations
  • Systems-level and practitioner perspectives
  • Actionable takeaways attendees can apply immediately


Featured Program Highlights

  • Welcome from MoCDA leadership
  • Forward-looking insights from key regional and national partners
  • Opening Keynote Address by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation — setting the tone for innovation, economic mobility, and bold workforce & career development leadership across Missouri.
  • Moderated plenary panel (DeBruce + Rung for Women), exploring how skills, access, and opportunity turn potential into economic power
  • A dynamic blend of in-person and virtual perspectives


Welcome & Networking Reception

Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM (CST)

Hosted at The DeBruce Foundation

4520 Main St., Suite 1500, | Kansas City, Missouri 64111

(816) 298-6037

  • Designed as a relationship-building convening
  • Separate from the full conference day


Conference Registration & Investment

Register early to secure your seat. Space is limited.

In-Person Conference Experience

MoCDA Member Conference Registration – $80
Your membership matters — and your investment is rewarded.


Professional Registration (Non-Member) – $110
Smart Choice:
Join MoCDA for just $25 and register for the MoCDA Conference at the member rate of $80.
Total: $105 — Save $30 and gain year-round member benefits.

Membership pays for itself immediately while connecting you to a powerful professional network.


NCDA Affiliate Chapter Registration – $70
Welcoming our extended professional community.


Presenter Registration - Confirmed Speakers – $45
Thank you for contributing your expertise and advancing our profession.


Student Registration - Emerging Professionals – $30
Invest in your future. Lead with possibility.


Virtual Conference Experience

Virtual Access - MoCDA Member – $50
Engage, learn, and grow from wherever you are.


Virtual Access - Non-Member – $80


Secure your seat.
Strengthen your network.
Unlock possibility.


Why Attend?

This is more than a conference.
It’s professional development with purpose.
It’s momentum for your career and your impact.
It’s Possibility in Motion.


Hotel Accommodations

MoCDA is pleased to partner with premier hotel properties located in the heart of the vibrant Country Club Plaza district — one of Kansas City’s most iconic and walkable destinations.

A limited room block has been secured at preferred hotels just moments from Grand Street Café, our official conference venue, offering comfort, accessibility, and an elevated guest experience. From modern studio suites to deluxe accommodations, each property has been thoughtfully selected to enhance your time of learning, connection, and renewal.

Enjoy the convenience of nearby dining, shopping, and cultural attractions — all within steps of your hotel.

We encourage early reservations, as room blocks are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to availability. 

Whether you prefer modern comfort, boutique charm, or elevated luxury, our hotel partners offer accommodations designed to support both rest and inspiration.

Preferred Hotel Partners

Hilton Kansas City Country Club Plaza

770 W. 47th St., Kansas City, MO 64112

(816) 931-4400

• King Bed Studio Suites – $132.00/night
• Queen Bed Studio Suites – $132.00/night

Concessions Include:
• Complimentary Breakfast Buffet (up to two additional guests)
• Complimentary Overnight Self-Parking

Stay Where the Momentum Happens

Make the most of your MoCDA 2026 Annual Spring Conference experience by staying at our official host hotel, the Hilton Kansas City Country Club Plaza. Enjoy exclusive conference pricing, enjoy exclusive conference pricing and premium amenities, featuring a complimentary daily breakfast buffet for you and up to two additional guests — an exceptional added value for our attendees., and the convenience of being where connection, collaboration, and possibility continue beyond the sessions.

Room block availability is limited — we strongly encourage early booking.

Secure your room today at the Hilton Kansas City Country Club Plaza for the exclusive MoCDA rate:
[https://links.h6.hilton.com/f/a/awVsrN1zMVqHyxYwbpXPTA~~/AAQRxRA~/5YXvXCayCkc1RQN91q5JqOeL5E1syrupJ5M4fgX5t-GNdTemeldMdY7yzIxZ7FP5C5O8x4_KiyQozwJWCvNywgcvKSO-am-hhMT6ylhFaUcamWZLAVEBo3LXsDQnjJkzn-tEqZjxUU9u6w5ugR1eY-NCZg-yeinC0yktr2-Mnmo~]

 

Hampton Inn & Suites Kansas City-Country Club Plaza

4600 Summit St., Kansas City, MO 64112

(816) 448-4600

• King Rooms – $129.00/night

Concessions Include:
• Complimentary Breakfast Buffet
• Complimentary Parking


Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza

4445 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64111

(816) 531-3000

• Deluxe Rooms – $149.00/night


Location & Travel

Kansas City, Missouri

Join us in the heart of Kansas City’s vibrant Country Club Plaza district — a dynamic setting known for its walkability, dining, culture, and charm.

Conference Venue

Grand Street Cafe

4740 Grand Ave., | Kansas City, MO 64112

(816) 561-8000




Grand Street Café provides a welcoming and refined atmosphere, offering an ideal setting for meaningful learning, professional connection, and inspired dialogue.

Travel Access (Airport Information)

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is located approximately 25 minutes from the Grand Street Café venue, providing convenient and accessible travel options for out-of-town attendees.

Parking Information

Complimentary and public parking options are available within walking distance of the Grand Street Café conference venue, ensuring convenient access for conference attendees.

Courtesy Country Club Plaza Parking Garages: 

  • Time Garage – 4739 Pennsylvania Ave
  • Granada Garage – 707 Pennsylvania Ave
  • Balcony Garage – 4632 Wornall Road
  • 211 East Garage – 4750 Wyandotte St
  • 211 West Garage – 4741 Central Street
  • Seville Garage – 761 W 47th St

Public Transportation

Conference attendees may take advantage of the Kansas City Streetcar, a free and convenient transportation option serving key routes — including access to the Country Club Plaza area near the Grand Street Cafe.

The streetcar provides an accessible and sustainable travel option for reaching the Grand Street Café and exploring nearby dining, shopping, and local attractions.

Accessibility & Inclusion

MoCDA is committed to creating an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming environment for all attendees. The conference venue is accessible to individuals with mobility needs, and we strive to ensure that every participant can fully engage in the experience.

If you require specific accommodations to support your participation, we encourage you to indicate your needs during registration or contact us directly. We are honored to support you.


Conference Sponsors & Strategic Partners



Major Conference Gold-Level Sponsor

Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

  • Key Partner in Workforce & Career Development
  • Supporting Student & Community Pathways to Economic Opportunity
  • Strategic Presence Through Conference Programming & Featured Engagement



Strategic Conference Partner

The DeBruce Foundation



We’re Here to Help

At MoCDA, we are committed to cultivating a welcoming, inclusive, and empowering conference experience for every attendee. If you have questions, need additional information, or would like to connect prior to the event, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are honored to support you as we move forward together — bringing Possibility in Motion to life through connection, learning, and shared purpose.


Dr. Kimberly Carothers, Ed.D
MoCDA President-Elect

Kimberlycarothers8@gmail.com







© 2010 Missouri Career Development Association

Missouri Career Development Association is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization

Contact us at info@mo-cda.org

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