Missouri Career Development Association (MoCDA) 2026 Annual Spring Conference Experience: Possibility in Motion (April 24, 2026)

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:30:00 GMT

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.

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 17, 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 17, 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.

Route & schedule information:
https://kcstreetcar.org/route/

Visitor information and additional details:
https://www.visitkc.com/articles/kansas-city-streetcar

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 Gold 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

Featured Floral Design Partner

Possibility in Motion Stage – Presented in Partnership with EventWorks

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
MoCDA President-Elect

Kimberlycarothers8@gmail.com

Missouri Career Development Association upcoming events

Missouri Career Development Association (MoCDA) 2026 Annual Spring Conference Experience: Possibility in Motion (April 24, 2026)