CONFERENCE 2027

INACAC hosts its Conference annually as an opportunity for members to interact with one another and collaboratively learn and discuss academic counseling trends that impact Indiana. Whether you are a veteran school counselor, admissions officer. or you're brand new to the field of college admissions, Conference provides a wealth of opportunities for you to gain valuable knowledge for your job and sharpen your professional skills and abilities. 

• Access approximately 40+ educational sessions.
• Meet, interact, and brainstorm with others in your field.
• Grow as a professional and acquire transferrable skills.
• Motivational Keynote speaker
• Socialize with peers
• + more!

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING INACAC 2026

2026 SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

You can access session presentations and PowerPoints here

2026 SESSION PRESENTATIONS

Congrats to our 2026 INACAC Award Winners

2026 AWARD WINNERS

HIGHLIGHTS FROM INACAC 2026

NEW FOR 2026! The INACAC Conference Committee hosted two Pre-Conference Sessions at 2 pm on Monday, February 23, 2026. 

First-Timers: Designed to help newcomers make the most of their first INACAC Conference experience through networking, learning, and community-building opportunities.

Directors / AVPs / VPs: Tailored for senior leaders to engage in strategic discussions, share best practices, and explore emerging trends shaping the future of our profession.

Leading Through Change and Uncertainty: Adaptive Leadership in Enrollment

Join Dr. Jeff Kaufman at the INACAC Directors/AVPs/VPs of Enrollment pre-conference session as he explores the power of adaptive leadership in our ever-evolving field. In this interactive session, Dr. Kaufman will guide us through strategies for navigating ambiguity, strengthening leadership resilience, and building trust and capacity within our teams. Come ready to reflect, engage, and walk away with practical insights to lead with confidence in complex and uncertain times.

Dr. Kaufman is Director for the Organizational Leadership Doctoral Program and Associate Professor of Leadership and Research at Marian University’s Klipsch Educators College in Indianapolis, where he focuses on cultivating leadership practice and advancing research about leading complex organizations.

PLUS...
Monday Networking Reception
Tuesday Social Hour & Fundraiser with a Wine and Whiskey Pull

SPECIAL GUESTS FOR 2026

Pre-Conference Speaker:

Dr. Katherine Denker

Beyond Constraints: Moving to possibilities through resilience. Dr. Katherine Denker and the Ball State University Department of Communication Studies Cardinal Relational Research Lab teams’ work explores the intersection of interpersonal and organizational communication. With attention to organizational identification, worker outcomes, and resilience, the research team and Dr. Denker extend the research in the field of communication to offer insight into this current cultural moment. They will offer ideas as to how educational professionals are uniquely situated to both feel the pressing constraints as well as have the potential to shift current conversations in a way that expands possibilities and increases outcomes.

Keynote Speaker:

Olivia West

Olivia West, a passionate keynote speaker, WNBA/NBA in-arena host and champion for student success and motivation. With a heart for empowering others, Olivia inspires audiences to unlock their potential and use their gifts to make a positive impact in the world. Through her speaking engagements, she shares my expertise and personal experiences to help students and individuals overcome obstacles, build confidence, and achieve their goals. Her mission is to ignite a spark in others to embrace their unique talents and passions, and use them to serve others. Learn more about Olivia West at https://www.oliviawestspeaks.com/