MoCDA 2026 Annual Spring Conference Experience
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
The MoCDA 2026 Conference Experience
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 Venue
Friday, April 24, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (CST)
Grand Street Cafe
4740 Grand Ave., | Kansas City, MO 64112
(816) 561-8000
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.
%20(2).jpg)
Grand Street Café provides a welcoming and refined atmosphere, offering an ideal setting for meaningful learning, professional connection, and inspired dialogue.
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.
Conference Registration closes Monday, April 13, 2026. Secure your seat before registration officially concludes.
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
Travel & Venue Access
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~]
Hilton Kansas City Country Club Plaza Hotel Room Block Cut-Off Date: Friday, April 10, 2026
To ensure access to preferred room types and the exclusive MoCDA conference rate, all reservations within the official room block must be confirmed no later than Friday, April 10, 2026. This date serves as the official “Cut-Off Date.”
After this deadline, any unreserved rooms will be released to general inventory, and room availability, specific room types, and discounted conference rates cannot be guaranteed. We strongly encourage attendees to secure accommodations early to ensure the best selection and a seamless conference experience.
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
Stay Close. Stay Connected. Stay Inspired.
Enhance your MoCDA 2026 Annual Spring Conference experience by staying at our preferred hotel partner. Enjoy exclusive conference pricing, thoughtful amenities, and the convenience of being minutes away from connection, collaboration, and continued conversation beyond the sessions.
Room availability is limited within the block.
Reserve your room now at the Hampton Inn & Suites Kansas City-Country Club Plaza and lock in the conference rate:
[https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=MKCHSHX&groupCode=CHH943&arrivaldate=2026-04-23&departuredate=2026-04-24&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT]
Hampton Inn & Suites Kansas City-Country Club Plaza Hotel Block Cut-Off Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026
To ensure you receive the full MoCDA Conference Experience — including access to our reserved room block and preferred accommodations — all hotel reservations must be confirmed by Thursday, April 2, 2026.
After this date, room types and conference rates will be released to general inventory and may no longer be available. We invite you to reserve early and stay connected at the center of the conference experience.
Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza
4445 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 531-3000
• Deluxe Rooms – $149.00/night
Elevate Your Conference Experience
Enhance your time at the 2026 MoCDA Annual Spring Conference by staying at our preferred hotel partner. Enjoy exclusive conference pricing in a vibrant Plaza setting — where inspiration continues beyond the sessions and connections extend beyond the conference rooms.
Rooms within the MoCDA block are limited.
Click the following link to secure your stay at the Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza conference rate: [Book your group rate for MO Career Development Association (MOCDA)]
Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza Hotel Block Cut-Off Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026
To guarantee access to designated room types within the MoCDA Conference Room Block, reservations must be confirmed by Thursday, April 2, 2026. This official “Cut-Off Date” ensures attendees receive priority placement and preferred conference rates.
Rooms are expected to fill quickly — we strongly encourage early booking to secure your accommodations.
Travel & Venue Access
Kansas City, Missouri
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
Momentum is building — additional sponsors and strategic partners will be announced soon.
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
