VACE 2025 Conference Schedule

The 2025 Annual conference will take place at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA beginning on Thursday afternoon, April 24th to Friday April 25th.  Times and events listed below on the schedule. (PDF version of VACE conference schedule)

VACE Conference 2025

"Knowledge Transfer in the 21st Century:  Supporting the New Generation of Professionals"

Thursday, April 24th 
1:00 PM

VACE Board Meeting
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Registration & Check-In
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Pre-Conference Sessions

  • Leaning into LinkedIn -as a career exploration tool (Madison) 
  • Unlocking Student Success: 7 Key Indicators That Drive Undergraduate Outcomes (Gaines Theater) 
  • AI-Powered Networking: Use Pre-Conference Research to Accelerate Connections and Increase Hiring Potential (Jefferson)
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

 V-TOP-Sponsored Pre-Conference Keynote Speaker

  • The Future is Now:  Embracing A.I. to Empower Millennial & Gen Z Career Success Cainan Towsend, (Gaines Theater)
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Dinner & Happy Hour @ Tech Center/Newcomers encouraged to participate

 

Friday, April 25th
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Registration & Check-In
8:00 AM

Breakfast - Ballroom
 8:30 AM - 9:15 AM

Welcome, Business Meeting (45 min) - Ballroom
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

Opening and Keynote Address (45 min) - Ballroom

  • Adapting to a Changing Landscape, Reneldo Randall
10:15 AM

Sponsor Pitch
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Breakout Session 1 (Choose one of 3 options)

  • Approaching the Conference with an Agile Mindset  (Jefferson ) Reneldo Randall
  • AI Powered Networking: Use Pre-Conference Research to Accelerate Connections and Increase Hiring Potential (Madison)
  • Strategies for Effective Mentoring of Students (Washington)

Snacks/coffee 
11:40 AM - 12:40 PM

Breakout Session 2 (Choose one of 3 options) 

  • Supporting the Working Learner: Equipping Students for Career Readiness
    (Jefferson)
  • The SUMMIT Effect: Empowering Future Leaders Through Mentorship and Career
    Readiness (Madison)     
  • Newcomers Session (Washington)
12:45 PM - 1:40 PM Awards Luncheon (Ballroom)
1:40 PM

Sponsor Pitch (Ballroom)
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM

 Breakout Session 3 (Choose One of 3 options)

  • How can V-TOP work for you?   (Madison)
  • Enhancing Student Preparation and Employer Engagement Before Career Fairs
    (Washington)
  • Employer Partnerships for a Career Ready Grad  (Jefferson)

 Door Prizes/ Snacks/coffee 
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Roundtable Discussions (Ballroom)

  • 3 - 20 minute rounds
4:15 PM - 5:00 PM

Closing Remarks, Door Prizes & Reflections (Ballroom)
5:15 - 6:30 PM

 VACE After 5 continue networking and conversation with dinner on your own or with friends & colleagues before hitting the road.