REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
December 3-5, 2025
DoubleTree by Hilton - Lawrence, KS
200 McDonald Dr, Lawrence, KS 66044
Elevate Your Team: Lead Boldly, Laugh Loudly, Soar High
Join industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers for an unforgettable experience at the 2025 Kansas Association of College and Employers (KACE) annual conference. Gain exclusive insights, network with peers, and explore the latest trends that will shape the future. Whether you're looking to level up your skills or make invaluable connections, this is the event you don't want to miss!
Hotel Accommodations
You may book your room at the DoubleTree online HERE or call (785) 841-7077 to reserve!
KACE Award Nominations
Awards include:
- Career Services Member of the Year
- Employer Member of the Year
- Technology Award
- Brad Barackman Bridge Award…and more!
Nominations are not limited to contributions within KACE. View all the awards and descriptions.
Nomination Deadline: October 31 at 5 p.m.
Nominate a colleague for a KACE Award HERE.
Registration
KACE Member Registration: $225
Lawrence and Topeka SHRM Member Registration: $225 (use code provided)
Graduate Student Registration: $100
Non-member Registration: $275
2025 KACE Conference Agenda*
*Please note that this schedule is tentative and subject to adjustments in the final conference program.
Wednesday, December 3:
1:00pm-4:30pm Pre-Conference Industry Tours *details will be sent to attendees
KU Innovation Park 2029 Becker Drive Lawrence, KS 66047
David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium / University of Kansas Conference Center 1146 Fambrough Way, Gate 1, Lawrence, KS 66044
5:00pm-5:30pm Break/Hotel Check-In
6:30pm-9:00pm Mix and Mingle: Dinner, Networking and Fun with KACE members Lawrence Beer Company 826 Pennsylvania Street Lawrence, KS 66044
*Please note: Dinner will be the responsibility of the attendee.
Thursday, December 4:
8:00am-8:45am Registration/Check-in/Breakfast
8:30am-8:45am Welcome from KACE President
8:40am-9:00am Introduction of New Members, Thanking Returning Members, and ROLL CALL!!
9:00am-9:50am Keynote Kickoff | Joel Zeff | Work Culture Expert (Part I)
9:50am - 10:00am Break
10:00am - 10:50am Keynote | Joel Zeff | Work Culture Expert (Part II)
11:00am-11:50am Breakout Session #1
Empowering Career and College Confidence Through Reflection
Sara Leftwich, Program Specialist, Shocker Career Accelerator, Wichita State University
Rosalind "Rosie" Martinez, Career Coach, Shocker Career Accelerator, Wichita State University
DESCRIPTION: We often reflect on our own paths and wish we had understood ourselves better at the start. What if students could gain that insight now? This session introduces a simulation-based experience that empowers students to self-assess, reflect on experiences, and identify transferable skills. Through this process, they learn to make intentional choices – whether selecting a major, joining a club, or pursuing applied learning. Created through collaboration and shaped by student feedback, this interactive framework helps students articulate their strengths. You will experience the activity firsthand and leave with a framework to implement on your own campus.
SPEAKER BIOS: Sara is a program specialist at the Shocker Career Accelerator at Wichita State University, where she designs and facilitates career development programs that empower students to enter the workforce with confidence. With a bachelor’s degree in strategic communications and a minor in psychology, Sara is deeply committed to inclusivity and ensuring every student feels seen, heard and supported. Her background spans digital media, academic tutoring, and student success initiatives, all rooted in a passion for equity and growth. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new hobbies, from coding and sparring to anime and board games.
Rosalinda is a Shocker Career Coach with Wichita State University’s Career Accelerator department, where she supports students in exploring career pathways, building professional skills, and preparing for job opportunities after graduation. With nearly 20 years of experience in higher education spanning recruitment, special events coordination, and academic advising, she is dedicated in guiding diverse student populations in gaining their confidence and connecting to opportunities that help them drive. Rosalinda earned her bachelor’s degree in family and child studies from Northern Illinois University.
Most valuable to colleges
How to AI Proof Yourself
Sean Phelps, President, College Works
DESCRIPTION: With the rise of Artificial Intelligence, recent graduates are facing an increasingly competitive job market. Learn what skills they need to acquire to remain relevant in the job market, and how they can use AI as a tool to improve career outcomes.
SPEAKER BIO: Sean is president of College Works and has spent over 20 years teaching students how to run a business through the College Works internship program. He was also part of a team that launched a successful VC backed startup in Leawood, Kansas. His past interns have gone on to found VC backed startups, get into the top law, MBA and med schools and get jobs at all big four accounting, top investment banks and tech companies. He loves to travel with his wife and three sons, especially to national parks.
Most valuable to both colleges and employers
Safety First: Free Resources and High-Demand Careers
Mindy Prichard, Deputy Director of Industrial Safety & Health, Kansas Department of Labor
DESCRIPTION: Discover how safety is reshaping the workforce – on campus, in industry and across the state. This engaging session highlights free safety trainings, ergonomic studies and amusement ride safety programs while uncovering in-demand, high-paying careers in the growing safety field. Perfect for HR and career services professionals looking to connect students with meaningful opportunities and bring valuable resource back to their institutions.
SPEAKER BIO: Mindy is the deputy director of the Kansas Department of Labor. She is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) with a bachelor’s degree in safety management and a master’s degree in occupational safety management from the University of Central Missouri. Mindy has over 20 years of safety experience in general industry (manufacturing) and more than a decade in the government sector. Since 2019, Mindy has served on the board and executive committee of the American Society of Safety Professionals Heart of America Chapter, and since 2021, she has been a member of the Pittsburg State University Environmental and Safety Management Advisory Board. Most recently she became an adjunct instructor for the University of Central Missouri’s Department of Occupational Risk and Safety Sciences.
Most valuable to both colleges and employers
Noon-1:20pm Lunch + KACE Awards & Business Meeting
1:20pm-2:00pm Roundtable Discussion | Networking
2:00pm - 2:55pm Breakout Session #2
Building Tomorrow’s Workforce: Best Practices for Engaging Youth in Career Development
Joni Bolen, Director of Employer Engagement, Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas
DESCRIPTION: As communities strive to strengthen their local talent pipelines, engaging young people in workforce development has become more critical than ever. This session is designed for those who want to play a proactive role in preparing the next generation for the world of work. Participants will explore strategies for connecting young people with real-world career experiences, from internships and apprenticeships to mentorship and work-based learning. The session will highlight how businesses, communities, schools, youth-serving organizations, and workforce agencies can collaborate to create equitable and sustainable pathways to employment.
SPEAKER BIO: Joni is director of employer engagement for Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K), a role she has held for the past three years. In this position, she works to build strong partnerships between employers and students to support career exploration and workforce development across the state. She previously served as the career and technical education coordinator at Goodland USD 352 and as a JAG-K career specialist at Hutchinson USD 308 Middle School and Hutchinson High School.
Most valuable to employers
7 Data-Driven Insights to Boost Student Success and Career Center Engagement
Jeffrey Beavers, Vice President of Business Development, 12Twenty
DESCRIPTION: Gain valuable insights into seven key factors directly linked and correlated to undergraduate career success, backed by research that evaluated nearly 3 million career outcomes. Explore how student engagement in career fairs, workshops, mock interviews, and internships influence starting salaries and the timing of job offers. Additionally, discover how the inclusion of specific career readiness keywords in a resume improves applicant success. These findings will empower career advisors, career fair organizers, and institutional leaders to craft more effective marketing strategies using their own career data to boost student participation in career development programs, while also increasing job and internship placement.
SPEAKER BIO: Jeff, vice president of business development at 12twenty, is a nationally recognized leader in the college labor market with over 25 years experience shaping the future of career services, campus recruiting, and recruiting technology. His career spans influential leadership roles at organizations such as the University of Illinois, Michigan State University, GE, Whirlpool Corp, AbbVie and Yello, where he spearheaded groundbreaking strategies that redefined how students and employers connect.
Today, Jeff serves as a key leader at 12twenty, where he partners with colleges and employers to harness data-driven insights that elevate student success and career outcomes. His impact also extends globally – most recently through a four-year USAID project in Africa, where he established university career centers designed to strengthen workforce development and fuel economic growth.
Most valuable to colleges
Putting the Human in HR
Cassie Gilmore, HR Generalist, KU Athletics
DESCRIPTION: Human resources is often seen as policies and processes – but at its heart, it’s about people. This session explores how to move beyond checklists and compliance to create workplaces that are truly people centered. We will look at practical ways to build connection, foster trust and balance accountability with compassion. Because when HR becomes less about rules and more about relationships, people feel seen, heard and supported, and work gets better for everyone.
SPEAKER BIO: At her core, Cassie Gilmore is a connector. With nearly two decades of HR experience across multiple industries, she has made a career out of building relationships, navigating challenges with empathy, and finding creative ways to put people first. Now serving as HR generalist for KU Athletics, she works every day to create a culture where employees feel seen, supported and inspired. Away from the office, Cassie’s favorite title will always be “Hannah’s Mom.” She also loves to travel and is committed to community service. She serves on the board of directors for the Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Van Go, Inc., and in 2023 was crowned Queen of the Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade for her fundraising efforts for children’s charities.
Most valuable to employers
3:00pm-3:50pm Breakout Session #3
Career Fairs – Thinking Outside the Box
Maggie Slack, Director of Career Services, Newman University
DESCRIPTION: Discover how Newman University has reimagined the traditional career fair experience through innovative, student-centered approaches. This session highlights the transition from large, general fairs to a mini-fair model and the revitalization of the end-of-year Career Mixer. Attendees will learn how these changes increased engagement, strengthened employer relationships, and created more meaningful connections between students and professionals.
SPEAKER BIO: Maggie Slack is the director of career services at Newman University, where she supports students in discovering their strengths and preparing for meaningful careers. She holds a master’s degree in education counseling and a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences with a focus on individual and family management. Maggie is a certified practitioner in CliftonStrengths and Strong Interest assessments, bringing a strengths-based approach to career development and advising. With a passion for guiding students toward fulfilling career paths, she combines her expertise in education, counseling and family sciences to empower individuals to reach their full potential.
Most valuable to colleges
Getting Students Off the “Struggle Bus”: A Toolkit for Todays’ Job Seekers
Andrew Crouse, Talent Acquisition and Development Manager, City of Overland Park
Tone Schultz, Talent Acquisition Partner, City of Overland Park
Christina Batalia, Detective, Police Officer, City of Overland Park
DESCRIPTION: This session offers a practical toolkit to help students overcome common challenges in todays’ job market. We’ll move beyond generic advice to provide actionable strategies on a range of topics, including navigating online applications and researching companies, crafting a standout resume, preparing for interviews, and understanding what to expect on the first day of a new job. Led by experts from the fields of career services and law enforcement, this session aims to equip career services professionals, recruiters, and HR personnel with fresh insights and clear framework to better support and prepare students for success.
SPEAKER BIOS: Andrew is a Houston, Texas, native who moved to Overland Park in early 2023. He currently is the City of Overland Park’s talent acquisition and development manager. Previously, Andrew held multiple leadership roles in learning and development and talent acquisition at organizations such as Hershey and DHL. He earned an MBA in operational and strategic management at Regis University and has a MA in international studies from DePaul University with a focus on South American comparative political theory. In his leisure time, Andrew and his wife, Melissa, enjoy traveling, attending Royals games and exploring the Kansas City area.
Tone is a Norwegian transplant, who swapped fjords for flatlands in 2023, moving to Kansas with her husband and three kids. She holds a master’s degree in law from the University of Bergen and brings over a decade of legal and public sector experience to her current role as talent acquisition partner for the City of Overland Park. Tone is passionate about creating meaningful candidate experiences, transparent processes, and building strong people-focused teams. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, traveling and has recently taken up pickleball – though she admits her enthusiasm may currently outpace her skill.
Christina is a Shawnee, Kansas, native and Pittsburg State University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in justice studies and a minor in sociology. She was also a two-year member of the track and cross country teams. She began her career as a police officer with the City of Overland Park in July 2005. After three years in patrol, she served seven years as a school resource officer, mentoring students and conducting investigations. In 2016, she returned to patrol as a field training officer, evidence technician, Taser, Defensive Tactics, EVOC, and baton instructor, and department recruiter. Since 2023 as a detective in the personnel division, she manages college recruitment, attends career fairs, delivers presentations, conducts background investigations and assists with the hiring process. In her leisure time, she enjoys traveling and attending sporting events with her husband and two children.
Most valuable to both colleges and employers
From Roadblocks to Resilience: A Career Development for First-Gen Students
Ana Abente, Career Coach, Wichita State University
DESCRIPTION: First-generation students often face unique challenges in their career journeys, including limited social capital, smaller professional networks, financial constraints, and navigating the “hidden curriculum” of workplace expectations. This session will explore these obstacles through real student perspectives and case examples, while also highlighting innovative solutions that career services professionals and employers can adopt to support equitable outcomes. Special attention will be given to the role of AI tools in closing the support gap – such as platforms that provide resume and cover letter feedback, networking assistance, and career exploration insights for students who may not have built-in mentors or professional exposure. The session will also address the impact of impostor syndrome on first-gen students and provide actionable strategies for fostering confidence and belonging. Attendees will leave with practical approaches to integrating both human-centered and tech-enabled strategies into their work with first-generation students.
SPEAKER BIO: Ana Abente is an NCDA-certified career coach at Wichita State University, where she supports students in exploring career pathways, developing job search skills, and connecting with employers. She has a deep passion for advocacy and working with underrepresented populations, including first-generation students, international students, and students with disabilities. Ana has a background in education and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in educational psychology.
Most valuable to both colleges and employers
4:00pm-4:15pm Day 1 Wrap-Up
6:00pm-9:00pm Dinner & Entertainment: The Murder Mystery (at the Conference Center)
Friday, December 5:
7:45 am-8:00am Breakfast buffet
8:00am-9:00am Keynote | Nate Bukaty | Sports Broadcaster - World Cup in KC Ambassador
SPEAKER BIO:
Nate Bukaty has become one of the premier voices for the sport of soccer in the United States. His passion and commitment to “the beautiful game” have elevated him to a global stage. His name is Nate Bukaty, and his infectious enthusiasm, relentless energy, and dedication to professionalism have made a lasting mark on the sports landscape in his community and beyond. Bukaty’s work as an ambassador for soccer has played an instrumental role in bringing the 2026 World Cup to his hometown of Kansas City. He has been a central figure in many of the most significant moments in Kansas City sports history, from hosting MLB Network’s coverage of the Royals’ World Series Runs in 2014 and 2015 to hosting the city’s massive watch parties during the Chief’s Super Bowl Championship in 2019.
Bukaty’s versatility and eagerness to take on new challenges have opened the door for various opportunities throughout his career. For the past three years, Bukaty has served as a play-by-play commentator for Major League Soccer on Apple TV and Fox. He also works as a studio host on CBS Sports Golazo Network, as well as Sirius XM’s primary soccer channel, Sirius XM FC..
He has served as a play-by-play man in the booth for a vast array of both professional and college athletics, including 14 years as a broadcaster for the Kansas Jayhawk Radio and Television Networks. He has worked as a studio pregame and postgame host, a sideline reporter, a sports talk radio host, event host, and public speaker. He is passionately devoted to his community, serving as the Founder of the Sean D Biggs Memorial Foundation for Cancer Research. Additionally, Bukaty serves as an Executive Board member of The Victory Project for Pediatric Cancer, and countless other charity endeavors.
9:00am- 9:20am Minutes at the Mic
9:20am- 10:20am Panel Discussion: Students and On the Job and Internship Searches
10:30am-11:20am Breakout Session #4
From Posters to Punch Cards: Creative Workshop Marketing That Engages Every Student
Frida Herrera, Graduate Teaching Assistant, Pittsburg State University’s Career Development Office
DESCRIPTION: Discover how Pittsburg State University’s Development Office redesigned its workshops to better engage diverse student populations. Learn effective marketing strategies, social media campaigns, collaborations across departments, and creative on-campus promotion to boost student attendance and participation. This session will also highlight the role of incentives, such as punch cards, snacks, and giveaways, and share practical examples of how personalized outreach and partnerships have helped us connect with international, domestic and non-traditional students.
SPEAKER BIO: Frida is a graduate teaching assistant at Pittsburg State University’s Career Development Office and a master’s student in school counseling psychology. Over the past two years, she has innovated her GTA role by developing new workshop strategies, engagement initiatives, and creative marketing approaches. Frida has also held multiple leadership positions. In her role, she coordinates workshops, mock interviews, headshots, resume reviews, career fairs on campus, student etiquette dinners, orientation day, social media campaigns and student engagement initiatives to help college students prepare for their professional futures. With a strong background in event coordination and multicultural programming, Frida focuses on creating inclusive spaces for international, domestic, and non-traditional students. She is passionate about helping students develop career readiness skills through innovative, hands-on learning experiences that bridge the gap between academic preparation and professional success.
Most valuable to colleges
Podcast Positivity
Steve Rottinghaus, Career and Outreach Coordinator, KU Journalism Career Center
DESCRIPTION: What started as a platform to connect virtually with KU alumni during the pandemic in spring 2021, the Cheers to Careers podcast has grown to 100-plus episodes featuring professionals from 27 states and three countries sharing their career stories. Episodes are also shared in professional development courses. Discover tips on developing content, scheduling guests early and late in their careers, interviewing techniques, the importance of timing and how to be efficient and be a part of the workflow.
SPEAKER BIO: Since August 2015, Steve has been the career outreach coordinator for the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications, where he works closely with students seeking internships and employment. He advises the KU Advertising Club and KU PRSSA in addition to teaching classes on professional development and career exploration and planning. He launched the KU Sports Media & Society Club in 2024. Since March 2021, he has hosted 100-plus episodes of the Cheers to Careers podcast. A frequent presenter at Kansas Association of Colleges and Employers conferences, Steve is the KACE president-elect for 2025. Before joining KU, Steve was the public relations director at Baker University for 10 years with a focus on media relations, managing primary social media accounts, coordinating photography, internal communications, and serving as the lead writer and editor for the Baker Proud alumni magazine. He previously worked 20 years in newspapers with stints at the Topeka Capital-Journal, Dallas Times-Herald, Manhattan Mercury and Lawrence Journal-World with an emphasis on sports writing, column writing, feature writing, editing and page design. As the special sections editor for three years at the Lawrence Journal-World, he managed the content for the annual KU Today publication. He also was a sponsor and mentor to the Journal-World’s teen advisory board.
Most valuable to both colleges and employers
11:25am-11:50 am Networking with newcomers and longtime KACE members
11:50am-12:00pm Conference Wrap-Up, evaluations and Centerpiece Raffles
