2024 Conference

As we head to College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA for this year’s conference to grow in our professional development and learn how to adapt to an ever-changing landscape, we’ll reconnect where it all began-- on a college campus!

Get ready to don your favorite college t-shirt and show your school pride as we return to campus to connect and learn from the best in the business. 

Whether you are new to alumni career services or have been doing this work for many years, the ACSN conference is an opportunity to build connections and share best practices and experiences with people who truly understand the work you do. We can’t wait to see you there!

Register Now!

 

Become a Sponsor!

Conference Fees

Early Bird Registration (Through July 1st)

  • Members: $575
  • Nonmember and employed by an institution of higher or secondary education: $675
  • NOTE: Nonmembers who join ACSN as a part of the conference registration will receive the membership rate of $575. Join ACSN today 
  • Please note, you can register at the early-bird rate and be billed, with final payment due by July 17, 2024.

Standard Registration (July 1st to July 22nd)

  • Members: $675
  • Nonmember and employed by an institution of higher or secondary education): $775          
  • NOTE:  Nonmembers who join ACSN as a part of the conference registration will receive the membership rate of $675. Join ACSN today.

Conference payment is due in full by Wednesday, July 17, 2024. No exceptions.

If Plans Change >>
If you must cancel (and we hope you don’t), please contact ACSN at [email protected]. Your options will be to transfer your registration to another member/non-member or credit your ACSN account. Cancellations received after July 5th will have a processing fee subtracted from the ACSN credited amount. 


Conference Schedule

Conference Schedule


Join us for three days filled with learning and connection, including inspiring speakers, panel discussions, breakout sessions, and even an improv class!

The schedule will be updated with more details once session speakers have been selected! 


Arrive Early and Attend the Pre-Conference!

Most stories of post-graduate outcomes erase the challenges and barriers faced by many college graduates who identify as professionals of color, first-generation, or both. By neglecting to address these gaps through an equity lens, our institutions contribute to health and wealth gaps that are furthered by disparities in the workforce. In this session, we will explore data from a critical narrative study amplifying the college-to-career transitions of first-generation college graduates of color. 

Monday, July 22nd from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Cost $75. Sign up on the conference registration form
Lunch is included from 12:00 - 1:00 pm.

Learn More About the Pre-Conference 

Keynote Speaker

The global and campus mental health crisis and hypercompetitive global market is bearing down on educators, leaders, and students alike. The science of human flourishing reveals that aligning values with behavior can lead to better individual and collective outcomes. This keynote provides a toolbox of interactive, practical, evidence-based strategies to cultivate resilience and build a positive contagion of connection and positive impact.

Dr. Kristen Lee's Bio 

Polar Park Panel Discussion

Join us for a panel discussion at Polar Park, home to the Worcester Red Sox, Triple-A Affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.

Moderator: Timothy P. Murray, President and CEO, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce
Panelists: Ai-Li Lim, Chief People Officer, SimpliSafe, Alesandra T McLean, Head of Global Early Career Programs, Moderna, and Alexis Demetriades, Division Manager, Beacon Hill

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Optional Tour 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Free for conference registrants. $30 for guests.
Appetizers and your first drink are included. Cash bar available.

Register on the conference registration form.

Want to book a tour of the ballpark? Tours will be available for $10/person after the panel discussion. Register on the conference registration form in advance. No tickets may be purchased on-site.

Panel Information

Plenary Session

Unlock the transformative potential of applied improvisational theater. Immerse yourself in a dynamic, hands-on learning experience with tools to help ground your professional and personal life. Amplify your adaptability, hone active listening, and foster collaboration during this engaging session. This interactive session has been carefully curated for alumni career professionals. It aims to challenge each participant slightly beyond their comfort zone, foster new avenues for personal growth and innovative approaches to idea development.

Presenter:
Alexander Beard, a graduate of Virginia Tech, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts with a specific focus on public dialogue and the application of design thinking methodologies, applied improvisation, and the arts for social change. Throughout his career, his versatile journey has been deeply enriched by the influence of the arts. Alexander currently serves as the Sr. Assistant Director of Alumni Careers & Professional Engagement at William & Mary, shaping the future of alumni career success with creativity and passion.


Location and Transportation

Worcester, MA | July 22-24, 2024
College of the Holy Cross

ACSN invites all alumni career services professionals to join us for our annual conference at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. Learn more about Worcester. (That's “WUUSS-TER”).

Worcester, Massachusetts offers cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities for people of every interest — from the masterworks displayed in the Worcester Art Museum to the one-of-kind restaurants on Shrewsbury Street. And with the ski slopes of Vermont and New Hampshire, the stunning beaches of Rhode Island and Cape Cod, and the cities of Boston and Providence all within striking distance, there’s much to discover throughout this dynamic six-state region.

Parking
There is ample free parking on the College of the Holy Cross campus directly across from the conference location in the Hogan Campus Center (
#34 on Campus Map under “Other Facilities”).

Airports
The nearest airport to Worcester is Worcester (ORH) Airport which is 3.9 miles away. Other nearby airports include Boston (BOS) (41 miles), Providence (PVD) (41.8 miles), Manchester (MHT) (49.9 miles) and Hartford (BDL) (51.1 miles).

Transportation
Bus or Train From Boston Logan Airport
The Silver Line T Service runs between Boston Logan Airport and South Station. The MBTA Commuter Rail and Peter Pan Bus run regular service between Boston’s South Station and Worcester’s Union Station. Both of the conference hotels are close to Worcester’s Union Station. 

Shuttle
Knight's Airport Limo Service is a popular option if your flights arrive/take off at inopportune times, or if you’re not flying into Boston Logan Airport. They have a Shared Ride option to help keep the cost down. They are used regularly by the Holy Cross community. When you look at quotes, you'll see that Schools/Universities are a Destination location. Holy Cross is listed on the drop-down, as are the two Worcester hotels. 


Justification Letter

We know how important this conference can be for professional development and growth. Gathering together to discuss current trends and issues, discussing successes and failures, and simply connecting with other folks in the industry can help set us up for the year ahead. If you need help advocating to a supervisor, look no further. Please feel free to use the email template to make your case for attending this year’s conference.

Justification Letter

Hotel Information

We have reserved availability at two hotels in downtown Worcester, approximately 10 minutes from Holy Cross via car. Limited shuttle service will be provided to/from campus at the beginning and end of each day. There are also plenty of rideshare options to/from campus, including cabs, Uber and Lyft. 

There is ample free parking on the College of the Holy Cross campus directly across from the conference location in the Hogan Campus Center (#34 on Campus Map under “Other Facilities”).

AC Hotel Worcester
125 Front St, Worcester, MA 01608
2 Queens or 1 King for $179 per night
Reserve your room by Friday, June 21, 2024
Parking rate $18 per vehicle per night
Distance from the College: 3.6 miles (10 minutes)

AC Hotel Worcester Reservation Link


Hilton Garden Inn

35 Major Taylor Blvd, Worcester, MA 01608
2 Queens or 1 King for $159 per night
Reserve your room by Sunday, June 30, 2024
Parking rate $11.95 per vehicle, per night
Distance from the College: 3.6 miles (10 minutes)

Hilton Garden Inn Reservation Link

Sponsorship Opportunities

 

Become a sponsor and gain greater access and visibility to 200+ alumni career services leaders! Learn more about the different sponsorship levels available for the ACSN 2024 Conference.

Sponsor commitments need to be made by May 20th to be included in sponsor materials. 

Questions? Please contact Michael Steelman or Alex Beard with questions about sponsoring the ACSN 2024 Conference.

Become a Sponsor

 

2024 Conference Sponsors

Looking to make the most of your trip? 



Worcester is centrally located between the mountains and the ocean. Arrive early or stay late and take advantage of the beaches and sites along the beautiful Northeast coastline.