THRIVE! 2025
THE THRIVE IN THE SHIFT EXPERIENCE: Elevate, Champion, transform
University of Missouri Columbia | April 11, 2025
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI
Are you ready to feel Inspired, Empowered, and Re-Energized?
Greetings MoCDA Members, Professional Development Colleagues, and Friends!
Step into a day of inspiration, innovation, and connection at the MoCDA 2025 Annual Spring Conference, taking place on Friday, April 11, 2025 from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Central Standard Time), on the beautiful campus of University of Missouri Columbia – Memorial Student Union in Columbia, Missouri. This premier event will bring together career development professionals from across Missouri and beyond committed to advancing career development, resilience, and well-being. This year’s theme, "Thrive in the Shift: Elevate Resilience, Champion Well-Being, and Transform Careers in 2025," reflects the ever-evolving landscape of our profession and the strategies needed to navigate it successfully.
This is more than just a conference; it’s a movement. Hosted in a dynamic and collaborative environment, this year’s conference promises an unforgettable experience featuring an industry-leading keynote and featured speaker, interactive sessions, and candid and unparalleled networking opportunities. From the moment you arrive, you'll be surrounded by a community of passionate professionals eager to explore cutting-edge trends, open exchanges in innovative ideas, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and gain practical solutions for strategic growth. Whether you’re looking to refine your skills, expand your professional network, or gain fresh perspectives, you’ll leave feeling recharged, valued, and ready to make an even greater impact in the lives of those you serve.
At MoCDA, we believe in the power of community, collaboration, and continuous learning—and we are deeply grateful for the professionals like you who make this field so rewarding. This conference is your gateway to transformative learning and meaningful connections. You’ll gain the tools, strategies, and connections needed to elevate your work and make a lasting impact on your students, clients, and employees—empowering them to thrive with strength and confidence in an ever-changing professional world.
Lastly, enjoy a curated Success Swag Bag of inspiring resources and tools to help you thrive both during and after the conference.
LOCATION
University of Missouri Columbia, Memorial Student Union, 518 Hitt St., Stotler Lounge 1&2, Columbia, Missouri 65201 | (573) 882-3488
A Premier Institution of Academic Excellence.
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State-of-the-Art, Innovative Facilities.
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A Thriving, Vibrant Campus Life.
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Exclusive Cultural and Culinary Experiences.
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Welcome to the University of Missouri-Columbia, affectionately known as Mizzou, where tradition and innovation blend seamlessly to create an extraordinary academic experience. Nestled in the heart of Columbia, Missouri, Mizzou is more than just a university—it’s a vibrant community where history, academic excellence, and a deep sense of belonging unite. From the iconic Jesse Hall and The Columns, standing as timeless symbols of resilience and knowledge, to the picturesque Francis Quadrangle, every corner of campus reflects a legacy of discovery and achievement. As Missouri's flagship institution, Mizzou offers a dynamic environment where cutting-edge research, world-class education, and a welcoming spirit that fosters both personal and professional growth come together.
At the MoCDA 2025 Annual Spring Conference, you’ll experience the energy and warmth of this renowned institution, where collaboration and career advancement take center stage. Over the course of the conference, immerse yourself in engaging discussions, forge meaningful connections with colleagues, and soak in the rich culture that makes Mizzou a place where inspiration, learning, and lifelong memories come to life.
At Mizzou, every moment is an opportunity—to learn, connect, and thrive. Your time at Mizzou is destined to be transformative - filled with knowledge, camaraderie, and memories that will last a lifetime. Welcome to an experience that will elevate, empower, and inspire!
MEET OUR ESTEEMED SPEAKERS
We are thrilled to introduce our exceptional Keynote and Featured Speaker for the 2025 MoCDA Experience.
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KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. Melissa (Missy) Wheeler is a National Certified Counselor, and an Approved Clinical Supervisor based in northern Virginia. She currently serves as the Treasurer of the National Career Development Association (NCDA). With over a decade of experience as a distance counselor educator, Dr. Wheeler is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Counselor Education at Sacred Heart University.
She earned her Ph.D. in Counseling and Counselor Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where her research focused on the career development experiences of first-year, first-generation college students. Throughout her career, she has worked extensively in career services, academic advising, and college student success, supporting students in transition.
Dr. Wheeler’s expertise spans career counseling, retention strategies for first-generation college students, practitioner research, and mentoring new online faculty members. She has authored book chapters and articles on how educators can support student mental health to enhance academic success and explored how building resilience in children exposed to poverty and trauma can lead to stronger career outcomes. Additionally, she has presented on the critical role career practitioners play in supporting client mental health before burnout occurs. Her dedication to the field continues to shape best practices in career development, student retention, and counselor education.
FEATURED SPEAKER
Shawn VanDerziel is the President & Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the foremost source of information on the transition from college to career.
As a leading voice on the employment of the college educated and advocate for equitable outcomes for all students, VanDerziel is featured regularly as an industry expert in both traditional and digital media and is a sought-after speaker on a range of topics, including internships, hiring, career readiness, and trends in the workforce and college job market. He also represents NACE as a member of the DOL’s Employer Assistance and Resource Network (EARN) Inclusion@Work Leadership Council and the Washington Higher Education Secretariat.
Prior to joining the NACE staff, VanDerziel served on the NACE Board of Directors as a board member, vice president, and president (2008 – 2011). In 2014, he was inducted into the NACE Academy of Fellows in recognition of his contributions to the profession.
VanDerziel was previously the chief human resources officer for the Field Museum and served as chief of staff. Earlier roles included a corporate recruiting management position with Norrell Corporation on behalf of fortune 500 clients and a position in higher education as associate director of student enrollment at National- Louis University. VanDerziel is a graduate of Michigan State University, holds his senior professional in human resources (SPHR) certification through the HR Certification Institute (HRCI), and is a senior certified professional (SHRM-SCP) through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
EVENT REGISTRATION
Join us for the MoCDA 2025 Annual Spring Conference on Friday, April 11, 2025 at 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Central Standard Time), an immersive and inspiring experience designed for career development professionals eager to engage, learn, and grow!
Secure your spot for the MoCDA 2025 Annual Spring Conference—registration opens today, Monday, March 3, 2025, and will close at 5:00 PM (Central Standard Time) on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Please note that registration for the HYBRID – Virtual Attendee Registration (MoCDA Member and Non-MoCDA Member) category will close on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
EXCITING NEWS! The first 25 attendees to register will be automatically entered into an exclusive giveaway featuring incredible, specially curated prizes from our generous MoCDA sponsors! These giveaways are thoughtfully selected to inspire, energize, and elevate your professional journey—you won’t want to miss out!
The registration fees for the MoCDA 2025 Annual Spring Conference are determined by the following categories:
MoCDA Member Registration: $60.00
Non-Member Registration: $90.00
Out-of-State Career Development Association Member Registration: $60.00 (For members of out-of-state Career Development Associations to register for the 2025 MoCDA Conference).
Presenter Registration: $40.00 (If you are registering under this category, please email Kimberly Carothers at kimberlycarothers8@gmail.com for approval prior to completing your registration).
Student Registration: $30.00 (If you are registering under this category, please email Kimberly Carothers at kimberlycarothers8@gmail.com for approval prior to completing your registration).
HYBRID – Virtual Attendee Registration (MoCDA Member Registration ONLY): $45.00 (This category is exclusively for MoCDA Members who are not attending the MoCDA Conference in-person, but who wish to attend the conference virtually via Zoom, gaining access to all hybrid sessions and presentations remotely).
HYBRID – Virtual Attendee Registration (Non-Member Registration ONLY): $75.00
(This category is exclusively for Non-MoCDA Members who are not attending the MoCDA Conference in-person, but who wish to attend the conference virtually via Zoom, gaining access to all hybrid sessions and presentations remotely).
The registration fee for the conference includes the following:
- Admission to keynote and featured speaker sessions
- Access to all conference sessions
- Conference materials and resources
- Post-conference content, including supplemental resources, to enhance your learning experience
- Breakfast, lunch, and engaging coffee breaks
Registration Policy:
MoCDA 2025 registrations are non-refundable but transferable to another person for the same event with advance written notice and approval.
WELCOME & NETWORKING RECEPTION - Drury Plaza Hotel Columbia East | 3100 Interstate 70 Dr. SE | Columbia, Missouri 65201 | (573) 441-0090
The MoCDA Welcome & Networking Reception will take place on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM (CST). Conference attendees will also have the opportunity to complete the check-in process during this time.
ACCOMODATION & TRAVEL
Make Your Stay Exceptional at MoCDA 2025!
We want your MoCDA 2025 Annual Spring Conference experience to be seamless, comfortable, and enjoyable from start to finish! That’s why we’ve arranged excellent lodging options that will ensure you feel refreshed, energized, and ready to engage in an inspiring conference.
Travel expenses, including airfare, ground transportation, and hotel accommodations, are not included in the registration fee for the MoCDA 2025 Conference. To provide a convenient and comfortable stay, we have partnered with two host hotels, securing exclusive conference rates for attendees.
Please Note: MoCDA has secured the special conference rates for Thursday, April 10, 2025, ONLY at the host hotels. We anticipate that most conference attendees will not be staying overnight on Friday, April 11, 2025, after the conference.
If your travel plans require accommodations for Friday, April 11, 2025, please do not hesitate to reach out to Kimberly Carothers, Professional Development Chair at kimberlycarothers8@gmail.com. I would be happy to contact the host hotels to explore the possibility of securing an additional special rate for that evening.
Host Hotels:
Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia (at the University of Missouri)
1225 Fellows Pl, Columbia, Missouri 65201
(573) 214-2222
MoCDA has secured a special conference rate of $124.00 per night plus tax for attendees checking in on Thursday, April 10, 2025, ONLY.
Room options include:
· 2 Queen Beds – Non-Smoking
· 1 King Bed Studio Suite – Non-Smoking
Included Amenities:
Free Hot Breakfast
Complimentary Self-Parking
Free Wi-Fi
Booking Link: Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia - MoCDA 2025
Booking Code: 92M
Reservation Deadline (Cut-off Date): Friday, March 21, 2025
Drury Plaza Hotel Columbia East
3100 Interstate 70 Dr SE, Columbia, Missouri 65201
(573) 441-0090
MoCDA has secured a special conference rate of $125.00 per night plus tax for attendees checking in on Thursday, April 10, 2025 ONLY.
Room option includes:
· 1 King Bed - Non-Smoking
- 2 Queen Beds - Non-Smoking
Included Amenities:
Complimentary Hot Breakfast – Enjoy a variety of breakfast options, including scrambled eggs, oatmeal, fresh fruit, pastries, and coffee. Breakfast is available:
· Weekdays: 6:00 - 9:30 AM
· Weekends: 7:00 - 10:00 AM
Complimentary Evening Drinks & Snacks – Unwind at the 5:30 Kickback® from 5:30 - 7:00 PM, featuring a rotating menu of hot food, beer, wine, mixed drinks, and soft drinks.
Complimentary Wi-Fi – Stay connected throughout the hotel.
On-Site Facilities – Access the business center, fitness center, and pool.
Booking Link: Drury Plaza Hotel - MoCDA 2025
https://www.druryhotels.com/bookandstay/newreservation/?groupno=10144082
Phone Reservations: Call 1-800-325-0720 and mention Group Number: 10142477
Reservation Deadline (Cut-off Date): Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 11:59 PM (CST)
Note: Reservations made after the deadline are subject to availability and standard rates. Secure your spot early to take advantage of the exclusive MoCDA conference rates.
PROGRAM
The MoCDA 2025 Annual Spring Conference is set to be an enriching and dynamic experience that will inspire, empower, and elevate career development professionals from across the Missouri region and beyond. This transformative event will bring together an exceptional lineup of visionary speakers, interactive sessions, and unparalleled networking opportunities—all designed to ignite new ideas, fuel professional growth, and drive innovation in the ever-evolving field of career development.
Building on the legacy of MoCDA’s impactful conferences, this years’ experience will take engagement to the next level with thought-provoking discussions, expert-led sessions, and collaborative learning experiences that will leave you feeling motivated and equipped to make a lasting impact. Get ready for powerful connections, fresh insights, and a conference experience unlike any other!
SCHEDULE
The full Conference Program Schedule is forthcoming—stay tuned for more details!
Program and schedule subject to change.
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We are thrilled to invite you to join us for the MoCDA 2025 Annual Spring Conference! Whether you’re a long-time member or a new colleague, we are excited to have you participate in a conference designed to foster professional development and enhance our shared commitment to advancing career development.
By attending, you’ll gain valuable insights into current trends, practical tools for immediate application, and the chance to be inspired by a community of passionate professionals. Our diverse sessions are carefully crafted to support your growth and meet the evolving demands of our field, ensuring you leave with actionable strategies and new perspectives. We’re excited to witness the powerful impact of our collective energy and the meaningful connections we’ll create together.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with your peers! Register now and prepare for an event filled with inspiring sessions, practical insights, and plenty of opportunities to engage and have fun.
Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Kimberly Carothers, MoCDA Professional Development Chair at kimberlycarothers8@gmail.com — I’m here to help!
Safe travels to Columbia—we can’t wait to see you there!
Missouri Career Development Association