08/03/2012

Annual Conference FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who might be attending this annual conference?
2. How do I receive CEUs for this conference? Will I receive a certificate?
3. How many CEUs are given for attending the full conference?
4. How can I feel a part of the conference if I am not attending?
5. My career counseling skills are up-to-date, but my technical skills are lacking. Will the conference have anything for me?
6. It has been several years since I last attended an NCDA conference and it is my colleague's first time. How will we know what to do?
7. I love conferences, but hate sitting all day! What are my options for the most movement?
8. I am thinking about joining NCDA and attending the conference. How can I learn more about NCDA?
9. I am definitely going to attend the conference. I know I need to complete my online registration early or register on-site when I arrive. What are the sessions that I absolutely should not miss?
10. What do the different session types mean?
11. Additional conference questions?

Who might be attending this annual conference?
Over 900 career development practitioners, facilitators, counselor educators, counselors, specialists, and more participate in the annual conference. Graduate students are very much welcomed and encouraged to attend. NCDA Board members, committee chairpersons, state career development association leaders, and honored award winners are all accessible throughout the activities, sessions, and casual gatherings. It has been described as truly like a “family reunion”! If you are looking for a specific person or need a roommate, check the See Who's Coming page.

How do I receive CEUs for this conference? Will I receive a certificate?
The Program Book will contain the Continuing Education Form. Complete the CEU form and keep it for your records. You do not send a copy to NCDA nor hand NCDA the form onsite. NCDA has record of your attendance. The form is for your records and in the event of an audit you will send it to the auditing organization. You will not receive a certificate as the CEU form is your record.

How many CEUs are given for attending the full conference?
The conference offers 14 contact hours approved through the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). Additional contact hours can be obtained by attending the pre-conference workshops.

How can I feel a part of the conference if I am not attending?
Follow us on Twitter! Post on Facebook and LinkedIn. Again this year anyone can join our social media contest using our conference hashtag, #NCDABoston. You can follow discussions regarding conference presentations, ask questions of presenters, tweet ideas for participants, or read about the good things coming. Complete Contest Rules will be posted on the Conference home page.

Don't forget to continue reading Career Convergence for articles covering conference topics and written by conference presenters.

My career counseling skills are up-to-date, but my technical skills are lacking. Will the conference have anything for me?
Yes! Once again, the Tech Lab offers hands-on learning sessions for participants to be introduced to a specific type of technology. Instructors with experience in using the technology in the field of career development will walk participants through the steps to get started and perhaps move into advance applications. Bring your own laptop. Eight sessions are offered, but space is limited to 30 attendees per Lab to ensure hands-on experiences. Registration is required (at the same time as conference registration).

It has been several years since I last attended an NCDA conference and it is my colleague's first time. How will we know what to do?

Take time to review the online agenda now and read the entire Program Book before arriving. Review the attached "How to Make the Most of Your NCDA Conference Experience". Once you arrive at the hotel, go straight to the Registration area to receive your materials. There you will find friendly NCDA faces that will be happy to answer your questions. Since the two of you are attending, it is helpful to decide who will catch which sessions, then exchange notes at the end of the day. Be sure to have fun at the Welcome Reception, play Bingo in the Exhibit Hall, and there are certainly many exciting sites to see in the city!

I love conferences, but hate sitting all day! What are my options for the most movement?
First, register for the Service Opportunity (details to be announced later).

Second, join your colleagues for Pilates each morning! Bring a towel and mat so as to increase the strength, flexibility and control of your own body.

Third, attend Roundtable sessions, which involve moving to a new table after 30 minutes.

Finally – walk the exhibit hall! With so many people to talk to, you will get plenty of exercise!

I am thinking about joining NCDA and attending the conference. How can I learn more about NCDA?
You are welcome to browse our website at any time or contact NCDA headquarters toll-free at 866-367-6232 to ask questions. You can join NCDA at the same time that you Register for the Conference – and enjoy member discounts! While at the conference, be sure to attend the annual Membership Meeting. The booklet you receive will include the Presidential overview of the year, a report on NCDA membership (including membership by region, work setting, occupation, and more), the Treasurer's report, and the slate of candidates for the upcoming election.

Additional questions about NCDA can be answered by visiting the Cyber Cafe, open in the Exhibit Hall. Volunteers will be available to demonstrate NCDA online services and answer questions. Conference Evaluations may be completed online during the Tuesday and Wednesday sessions. Internet access is available on a first come, first served basis.

I am definitely going to attend the conference. I know I need to complete my online registration early or register on-site when I arrive. What are the sessions that I absolutely should not miss?

The conference Opening Session and the Second General session features keynoters that are worthy of your time and attention. Stay for the Closing Plenary Wednesday, click here for details.

Additional conference questions can be directed to the Conference Director, Bobbi Carter, at bcarter@ncda.org.

If you have another question that you would like answered, please use the Comment box below!