The Eastern Association of Colleges and Employers is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.
Pre-Conference and Related Activities
Virtual Newcomers Meetup Event:The EACE26 Conference Experience Sub-Committee is excited to spend time with our newest members and conference attendees! This event is meant to provide all attendees with opportunities to connect with fellow attendees and help prepare you for the EACE26 Annual Conference.
Professional Exchange: This program provides the exclusive opportunity for career center staff to visit employers during the summer months in order to explore career pathways, learn current recruiting processes, uncover internship options and discover potential partnerships.
Local site visits in Pittsburgh will be taking place on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. More details to follow!
EACE Leadership Academy: Step into your next level of leadership at the EACE Leadership Academy—an exclusive three-day immersive experience crafted for seasoned career services professionals. Held alongside the EACE Annual Conference in vibrant Pittsburgh, PA, from June 23–26, 2026, this Academy offers high-impact learning, strategic networking, and transformative growth designed to empower leaders who drive change on their campuses.
Leadership Academy participants also participate in general sessions, meals, and entertainment functions at the Annual Conference.
The Annual Conference Committee is hard at work on an exciting schedule of engaging workshops, featured speakers, and networking opportunities. This schedule is not final and is subject to change.
General Schedule (subject to change)
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - Pre-Conference Activities
Networking Reception (2 drink tickets and light fare)
Dinner on your own
All day - Leadership Academy (Separate registration required)
Thursday, June 25, 2026 - Conference Day 2 - 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
Morning Energizer
Breakfast with Exhibitor Networking and Awards
Breakout Session 3
Breakout Session 4
Lunch & W.O.R.K. Talks
Breakout Session 5
Breakout Session 6
Mentorship Mixer
Dinner on your own
Entertainment Night (2 drink tickets and light fare)
All day - Leadership Academy (Separate registration required)
Friday, June 26, 2026 - Conference Day 3 - 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Breakout Session 7
Breakfast and Annual Business Meeting
Trends and Hot Topics Discussion & Networking
All day - Leadership Academy (Separate registration required)
EACE26 Keynote Speaker
Chris Fitzpatrick is a professional speaker, aspiring game show host, and below-average charity golfer who brings energy, humor, and high-impact interaction to every stage. With more than 20 years of experience in Human Resources with a specific focus in Campus Recruiting and Talent Development, Chris has worked at the intersection of education and employment, helping students, early-career professionals, and organizations thrive. His unique and highly interactive keynote “Becoming a Fan” explores the psychology of fandom to show how connection, purpose, and engagement drive performance. Through storytelling and audience participation (and drawing on his prior experience as an EACE member!), Chris challenges people to move from passive involvement to meaningful commitment, leaving behind the “Friday Mentality” and becoming true fans of their colleagues, teams, and workplaces.
EACE26 Breakout Session Presenters
We are no longer accepting session proposals. Those who have submitted proposals will hear from the committee in March.
Detailed session descriptions and speaker bios will be posted here by early April.
Chris 
