WACADA’s Annual Conference is held in September for members to connect, share ideas and best practices, and energize each other for the year ahead.
WACADA Fall 2025 Conference
Join advising professionals from across Wisconsin for two days of learning, networking, and inspiration. The conference will feature engaging breakout sessions, keynote speakers, and opportunities to share best practices in the field of academic advising.
📍 Location: Blackhawk Technical College, Janesville, WI
📅 Dates: September 25–26, 2025
Keynote: Dr. Paris Echoles
Dr. Paris Echoles is a visionary, human-centered leader with nearly 20 years of experience driving transformational change across education and community systems.
As founder and CEO of Born Gift3d, he partners with institutions to design empowering, healing-centered strategies that strengthen student belonging, advising quality, and equitable outcomes. A former teacher, principal, Director of Youth Re-Engagement, and nonprofit equity leader, he blends strategic insight, emotional intelligence, and systems thinking to translate bold ideas into practical, high-impact tools adults can use across multiple environments.
Dr. Echoles holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and two master’s degrees in Educational Leadership. Through keynotes, workshops, coaching, and consulting, he equips advisors and campus leaders with strategies that create cultures of agency, accountability, and collective success.
Register Now to learn more— we can’t wait to see you there!
Conference Details
How to Register for the WACADA Fall 2025 Conference
Theme: Fuel the Flame – Reignite Your Passion, Reimagine Your Purpose
Location: Blackhawk Technical College – Janesville, WI
We’re so excited to welcome you to the 2025 WACADA Annual Conference! Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned member, registering is easy. Follow the steps below to secure your spot and join us for a day of connection, inspiration, and growth.
Registration Instructions
- Visit the WACADA Website
- Click the blue join button in the top right corner or copy/paste https://www.wacada.org/membership/join/ in your browser.
- Select Your Level
- WACADA Membership Only
- Retiree
- Student
- Conference Only (Note: if your institution purchased an institutional membership it does NOT include the conference fee)
- Membership + Conference
- Complete the Registration Form
- Fill out your name, institution, contact info, and any session or dietary preferences.
- Double-check all your information before submitting.
- Submit Payment
- Payments can be made via credit card or institutional check.
- Details and receipts will be provided at the end of the form.
- Watch for Confirmation
- A confirmation email will be sent once your registration and payment are received.
- Keep this for your records—it includes details about the event, directions, and parking info.
Ready to Register?
Click below to get started:
REGISTER FOR WACADA 2025
We can’t wait to see you there and reignite the spark of advising together!
Hotel Block Option One
Hampton Inn – Beloit, WI
Address: 2700 Cranston Rd, Beloit, WI 53511
Phone: (608) 362-6000
Fax: (608) 362-6050
Hotel Block Details
Hotel Block Details
Room Type: Standard King
Number of Rooms: 15
Rate: $119.00 per night + applicable taxes
Check-In: After 3:00 PM
Check-Out: By 12:00 PM (Noon)
Important Notes:
- Rooms may not be on the same floor or near each other.
- Reservations must be made directly with the hotel.
- All rooms are first come, first served until the block is full or the booking deadline passes.
Key Deadlines
Room Block Cutoff Date: Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 11:59 PM
After this date, rooms may no longer be available or may be subject to standard rates.
Reservation Instructions
- Guests must call Hampton Inn Beloit directly at (608) 362-6000, Ext “0” to book under the Blackhawk College Academic Advisors or BCA room block.
OR
- Guests may book online at www.hilton.com.
- Once you log into www.hilton.com you will need this information:
- Event Name: Blackhawk College Academic Advisors Meeting
- Group Code: BCA
- Event Dates: 9-25-2025 thru 9-26-2025
- Cut-off Date: 8-24-2025
- A credit card is required to guarantee each reservation.
- 48-hour cancellation policy applies.
- Click here for the direct booking link.
Payment Upon Arrival
- All guests must provide a valid credit card at check-in.
- Guests paying with cash must also present a valid photo ID and a $150 deposit.
- Each guest is responsible for their own room, tax, and incidental charges.
Hotel Block Option Two
Fairfield Inn & Suites Beloit
Address: 2784 Milwaukee Road, Beloit, WI 53511
Phone: (608) 365-2200
Hotel Block Details
Hotel Block Details
Room Type: Standard King or Queen
Number of Rooms: Unknown
Rate: $99.00 per night + applicable taxes
Check-In: After 3:00 PM
Check-Out: By 12:00 PM (Noon)
Important Notes:
- Rooms may not be on the same floor or near each other.
- Reservations must be made directly with the hotel.
- All rooms are first come, first served until the block is full or the booking deadline passes.
Key Deadlines
Room Block Cutoff Date: Monday, August 25, 2025, at 11:59 PM
After this date, rooms may no longer be available or may be subject to standard rates.
Reservation Instructions
- Guests must Book your group rate for Blackhawk Tech – Advising Conference here!
- A credit card is required to guarantee each reservation.
- 48-hour cancellation policy applies.
Payment Upon Arrival
- All guests must provide a valid credit card at check-in.
- Guests paying with cash must also present a valid photo ID and a $150 deposit.
- Each guest is responsible for their own room, tax, and incidental charges.
-
Thursday, September 25, 2025
*** Breakfast on Your Own***
9:30am-10:30am Registration/Check-In
10:30am-10:45am Welcome/Land Acknowledgement
10:45am-10:50am Keynote Introduction
10:50am-11:45am Keynote
11:45am- 12:00pm Short Break- Snacks & Beverages
12:00pm-2:00pm Lunch/Business Meeting
2:05pm-3:05pm Concurrent Session #1
3:15pm-4:15pm Concurrent Session #2
4:15pm-5:00pm Social/Networking Time
*** Dinner on your Own***
-
Friday, September 26, 2025
8:00am- 9:00am Breakfast
9:05am-10:00am System Updates (Technical/2-Year,Private, & Universities of Wisconsin)
10:00am-10:10am Short Break
10:10am-11:10am Concurrent Session #3
11:15am- 12:15pm Concurrent Session #4
12:30pm-1:30pm Lunch
1:35pm-2:35pm Concurrent Session #5
2:40pm-3:00pm Closing Remarks
Be sure to check out the Conference App for specific details!
Conference Event App
The WebEx Event App provides conference attendees and presenters with up-to-date event information. The app is accessible from a mobile device, desktop, or tablet.
As part of the Events app, you will gain access to:
- Conference agenda with customized scheduling
- Speaker bios
- Downloadable presentations and handouts
- Networking technology
- Venue logistics
- Direct attendee messaging
Download Instructions
Mobile Device Access:
- Download Webex Events App (Socio)
- Open the app and enter the email address you used to register for the event, or use one of the social sign-in options. If you use social sign-in, the social account you use must match the email address you registered with. Note: UW-Madison users select “Continue with WebEx” and enter Net ID/password.
- If you entered an email, create a password and click Sign Up.
- Fill in your networking profile and click Continue. Your profile information will help you connect with other people during the event.
- Browse for “WACADA Fall 2025 Conference” or use the search bar to find it, no code required. Once you’ve found it, tap on it. You’re in! Feel free to start exploring.
Desktop / Web App Access:
- Download Webex Events App (Socio)
- Enter the email address you used to register for the event or use one of the social sign-in options. If you use social sign-in, the social account you use must match the email you registered with. Note: UW-Madison users select “Continue with WebEx” and enter Net ID/password.
- If you entered an email, create a password and click Sign Up.
- Fill in your networking profile and click Continue. Your profile information will help you connect with other people during the event.
- You’re in! Feel free to start exploring.
2025 WACADA Annual Conference Call for Proposals– Extended Deadline (July 25th)
Theme: Fuel the Flame: Reignite Your Passion, Reimagine Your Purpose
Format: In-Person: Black Hawk Technical College, Janesville, WI
Spark Something Great – Call for Proposals NOW OPEN!
Are you ready to reignite, reimagine, and inspire?
This year’s WACADA Annual Conference is all about restoring the fire behind our work as advisors—and we’re calling on YOU to help lead the way. Whether you’ve pioneered a new approach, learned from a challenge, or found joy in the everyday moments of advising, your insights can spark meaningful conversations and growth.
Now’s the time to share your passion, your purpose, and your practices.
From fresh ideas to powerful lessons, we welcome presentations that energize, uplift, and challenge us to think in new and innovative ways.
Never presented before? That’s fine! This is a space for both new and seasoned voices. Submit your proposal and be part of shaping an unforgettable experience.
Submit your Fall 2025 Proposal Form (this is a clickable link).
Proposal Details
Key Details:
Key Objective for the event:
- Reignite Personal and Professional Passion
- Empower advisors to reconnect with the “why” behind their work through inspiring keynotes, reflective sessions, and shared success stories that renew motivation.
- Reimagine Purpose-Driven Advising
- Encourage advisors to think beyond routine tasks by exploring fresh strategies, tools, and perspectives that support meaningful student engagement and advisor fulfillment.
- Restore Energy and Intentionality
- Create space for advisors to reset, recharge, and build sustainable practices that foster wellness, balance, and renewed joy in their roles.
Proposal Form (this is a clickable link)
Deadline: Proposals are due by Friday July, 25 at 5:00 PM CST
Eligibility: Presenters must be current/active WACADA members
Registration: Event registration is now open, along with membership renewal
Notifications: Proposal selections will be finalized by August 4, 2025, with email confirmations sent to selected presenters
Presentation Topics
We’re seeking engaging, insightful, and purposeful presentations from advising professionals across the region. This year’s theme—Fuel the Flame: Reignite Your Passion, Reimagine Your Purpose—focuses on restoring the joy, energy, and intention behind the work we do as advisors.
We invite proposals that inspire, challenge, and uplift—whether you’re sharing innovative advising practices, creative ways to reconnect with your “why,” or strategies that support both advisor and student growth.
If it helps fellow advisors feel re-energized, rethink their impact, or reimagine their approach, we want to hear about it!.
For inspiration, check out the ideas suggested by WACADA members!
Presentation Format Options
- Topical Presentation:
- A formal presentation of insights on a current advising topic, ideally with interactive elements. Topics may include literature research, best practices, or personal research (experimental or theoretical). Presentations should be 30-35 minutes with 10-15 minutes for questions.
- Panel Discussion
- A facilitated discussion among a group of specialists or experts in a specific area of advising offers a dynamic exchange of ideas.
- “Roundtable” Discussion
- An informal, peer-to-peer discussion focused on hot topics or areas of interest, allowing for active participant interaction.
Proposal Requirements
Proposals should include:
- Presenter Information (Lead and Co-Presenters)
- Title
- Presentation Overview (maximum 500 words): Include a detailed topic description, learning outcomes, intended audience (if applicable), and applicable research.
- Presentation Abstract (maximum 130 words): A concise summary of the event program.
- Target Audience
- Tech and Accessibility Needs (if applicable for virtual format).
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Relevance to current topics in academic advising.
- Creativity of approach.
- Membership interest (based on past evaluations).
- Adaptability to other institutions.
- Grounding in research, where applicable.
For questions, please contact Elyse Sewell, VP of Programs at sewelle@gtc.edu.