Session Proposals

PCACAC 61st Annual Conference 
April 12-14, 2026
and
Coming Together Preconference
April 11, 2026


Conference Planning Chair:  Julia Hixson, Woodberry Forest School
Conference Planning Vice Chair: Abby Sines, Frederick Community College
Sessions Chair and PCACAC President-Elect: Scott Mayer, St. Christopher's School

 
If your proposal is accepted, you may register for the conference
at the Early Bird price ($345)
after early registration ends on January 16.
Do you need an idea for a session topic? Examples of past sessions

Important Dates:
January 9, 2026: Deadline for Submission
February 4, 2026: Session Decision Release
Session decisions will be released via email to all presenters listed on form.
February 20, 2026: Presenter Agreement Form and Faculty Bios due
March 14, 2026: Slide Presentations Due
April 11, 2026: Coming Together Pre Conference
April 12 - April 14, 2026: 61st Annual PCACAC Conference

Questions?
Contact Conference Sessions Chair, Scott Mayer

We are excited to open the Call for Session Proposals for the 61st Annual PCACAC Conference in Cambridge, MD on April 12-14, 2026. We are accepting proposals for both the main conference and the Coming Together Preconference which will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

Coming Together is a preconference opportunity where professionals from colleges, high schools, and community-based organizations (CBOs) engage in critical conversations to propel our practice of equity, access, and success in secondary and post-secondary education. We invite you to submit proposals for interactive sessions that promote dialogue, share innovative practices, and address the challenges of fostering equity and access in education for both students and admissions professionals. Past Coming Together sessions included presentations on Cultivating Authenticity and Well Being in the Workplace, Trauma Informed Strategies for Supporting Students, and College Road Trip: Building Bridges for Families and Students.

Please consider sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience with our conference attendees at either the Annual PCACAC Conference or the Coming Together Preconference.

To help you prepare, please be mindful of the following:

  • Priority goes to proposals that include presenters from more than one institution or program, as participants prefer hearing multiple points of view.
  • We encourage sessions that include presenters from diverse institutions or feature a collaboration between any of the following groups: counseling community, CBO networks, independent counselors, school counselors, and admission representatives.
  • Breakout sessions are 55 minutes long, including Q&A.
  • A good session covers one topic in-depth rather than an overview of many issues.
  • Sessions are meant to be educational and not to demonstrate or sell a particular product, service, program, or school.
  • Vendor or Exhibitor presentations will be given full consideration. Preference will be given to vendor or exhibitor presentations including any of the following: CBO, Independent Counselor, Secondary School Counselor, or Admissions Professional, to add to the conversation and perspective.
  • Presenters will only be able to participate in up to 2 presentation sessions for the whole conference (Exceptions may be made by the committee).
  • Session Presenters must be PCACAC members. Please join PCACAC or renew your membership.