ACES National Conference
October 8–12, 2025
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
Philadelphia, PA
Hotel Information
Marriott Philadelphia Downtown (Host Hotel):
1201 Market St,
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Event Over
Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City (Overflow Hotel)
One East Penn Square,
Philadelphia, PA, 19107
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The Notary (Overflow Hotel)
21 N Juniper St,
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Event Over
If you are planning on attending and have not secured a hotel reservation, search for hotel availability via our trusted partner aRes Travel.
aRes Travel is a third-party travel planner. Rates, deposits, and cancellation policies may vary and are the responsibility of the guest. Questions on hotel policies or payments made on aRes website should be directed to the aRes Reservation Center or to the hotel directly.
ACES Conference 2023 Program Now Available Online
The ACES 2023 Official App will be available for download next week. You will need to download the app in order to create an agenda for yourself and receive your CE credits. Keep an eye out for an email with instructions on how to download the app in the coming days.
ACES Job Talks
Looking to Secure a CES Faculty Position? Maximizing your opportunities during the ACES Conference.
Do you currently have advertised or are you anticipating an opening at your university for the coming year? Consider participating in a Job Talk at the 2025 ACES Conference.
The purpose of the 2025 ACES Job Talks is to facilitate face-to-face presentations of active searches. All Job Talks will be listed in the ACES Conference program so that attendees are aware of University, Time, and Location of your presentation. Program slots are 30 minutes in length.
ACES invites universities who have openings they would like to advertise to do so via our Career Center site on our webpage.
This is a great way to get the word out about your openings.
Job seekers can post their vitae and information on the website for potential employers to view.
This is a great way to get matched with relevant openings.
ACES Keynote
Thursday, October 9
“Dear Counselor Educators”: The Urgency of Deepening Our Commitment to Counselor Identity
Presented by Dr. Michael D. Hannon
Michael Hannon to Deliver ACES 2025 Conference Keynote
Michael D. Hannon, PhD, LAC, BC-TMH, NCC (he/him) will deliver the ACES Conference opening keynote entitled “Dear Counselor Educators”: The Urgency of Deepening Our Commitment to Counselor Identity.
Recent executive orders from the White House (WH) have prompted counselor education programs to reconsider how they articulate a commitment to justice, particularly in the provision of counseling services to the most marginalized of clients. This presentation will reaffirm why counselor education programs must continue to be vigilant in preparing anti-oppressive, socially just, and liberation-oriented counselors.
As a result of this presentation, attendees will:
- Assess their connection to and congruence with professional counselor identity tenets;
- Investigate their program’s/organization’s commitment to anti-racist, anti-oppressive counselor education and supervision;
- Formulate programmatic strategies to enhance counseling student wellness in the midst of a turbulent socio-political climate.
The keynote will be held on Thursday, Oct. 9. The 2025 ACES Conference will be held October 8-12 at the Marriott Downtown Philadelphia.
ACES Joint Panel
Saturday, October 11
Mapping the Legacy of Excellence in Counselor Education: Honoring Our Past and Envisioning Our Future
Spencer Niles, Ph.D.
Jake Protivnak, Ph.D.
Thomas Sweeney, Ph.D.
Victoria Kress, Ph.D.
Gerard Lawson Ph.D.
Brian Banks
Description
This presentation, Mapping the Legacy of Excellence in Counselor Education: Honoring Our Past and Envisioning Our Future, explores the rich historical foundations and transformative milestones that have shaped the field of counselor education and supervision. By examining the profession’s evolution through key theoretical, pedagogical, and institutional developments, this session honors the contributions of pioneering educators while inviting critical reflection on current challenges and opportunities. Participants will engage in a forward-looking dialogue to envision a dynamic and inclusive future for counselor education—one that continues to promote excellence, innovation, and equity in the preparation of tomorrow’s counseling professionals.
Learning Objectives
This panel discussion seeks to:
- Critically examine the historical milestones and foundational figures that have shaped the field of counselor education and supervision, identifying key contributions to our professional identity and ethical standards.
- Analyze current trends, challenges, and innovations in counselor education and supervision, with particular attention to issues of diversity, technology integration, and evidence-based training practices.
- Formulate a forward-thinking vision for the future of counselor education and supervision by integrating historical insights and contemporary developments to inform program design, advocacy, and leadership within the profession.
ACES 2025 PreConference Workshops
Enhance your conference experience—register now for ACES PreConference Workshops and dive deeper into hands-on, expert-led learning!
Preconference Workshops
ACES RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
9:00 am to 4:30 pm (4 NBCC contact hours)
Cost: $100 (includes lunch)
Advanced Session
Presenters – Dr. Melinda Gibbons and Dr. Sejal Barden
The purpose of this advanced workshop is to help demystify the grant-writing and funding process for counselor educators. We will explore why to pursue large grants, how to use grant funding to support communities of interest, and best practices for success in grant writing. We will highlight basics on understanding, applying for, and administering large grant projects. Opportunities to share your experiences and ideas will be included in this interactive workshop. Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of how grants can support research goals and agendas as well as how to actually engage in the grant-writing process.
Dr. Melinda M. Gibbons is a professor and doctoral program coordinator at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She earned her PhD in Counseling and Counselor Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2005. Her research agenda focuses on career and educational development for underserved populations, with a specific focus on rural Appalachian and first-generation high school and college students. Dr. Gibbons is the author of over 70 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. To date, she has been awarded over $14 million in federal grant funding for her engaged scholarship.
Dr. Sejal M. Barden is a Professor at the University of Central Florida in the Counselor Education program. She earned her doctoral degree in Counselor Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2011 and completed her masters and education specialist degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Florida in 2007. Dr. Barden’s primary research interests include: supporting healthy relationships for individuals and couples from underserved populations and improving quality of life and wellbeing for chronically ill and marginalized persons. Dr. Barden has secured more than $20.1 million dollars of full indirect research awards as Principal Investigator/Co-Investigator focused on improving relational and individual outcomes for couples and has published over 55 scholarly works in refereed and/or peer-reviewed dissemination outlets.
Introductory Session
Co-Facilitators – Drs. Patrick Mullen and Diandra J. Prescod
One challenge for doctoral students and new faculty is identifying and articulating a research agenda. Knowing a research agenda involves understanding one’s passion, the existing literature on the topic, and the gaps that need to be filled. In addition, researchers need to consider ways to fund their research and how it connects to their teaching and service. In this session, the co-presenters will cover an array of information and strategies to help doctoral students and counselor educators identify, articulate, and live out their research agenda. The session will include perspectives from a variety of leaders in the field, panel discussion, and hands-on activities. By the end of the session, attendees will be able to clearly pitch their research agenda and take action to enact their vision.
Dr. Patrick Mullen is an Associate Professor and Chair for the Department of Counseling and Special Education at Virginia Commonwealth University. He earned his Ph.D. in Education with a concentration in Counselor Education from the University of Central Florida (UCF). Dr. Mullen earned his Master of Arts in Counselor Education from UCF and his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Florida International University. He has worked as a school counselor and clinical mental health counselor. Dr. Mullen holds a license for school counseling in Virginia. He is also a National Certified Counselor, a National Certified School Counselor, and an Approved Clinical Supervisor. Dr. Mullen’s research areas include school counseling, counselor education and supervision, professional well-being, and alternative education programs. He has regularly presented at state, regional, national, and international conferences in counseling and education. Dr. Mullen has also published numerous book chapters and peer-reviewed journals within these fields.
Dr. Diandra J. Prescod is an Associate Professor of Counselor Education and Program Coordinator of School Counseling at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Prescod received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; her master’s in mental health counseling from Monmouth University; and her Ph.D. in counselor education from the University of Central Florida. Her research focuses on career development interventions for (a) STEM undergraduate students and (b) women/students of color in higher education. Dr. Prescod is active in the field of counselor education and currently serves on the editorial board for Counselor Education and Supervision. In addition to more than $3M in sponsored research funding, she has authored numerous book chapters and peer-reviewed articles. Dr. Prescod has over 50 presentations at academic conferences across the United States and in Germany, Italy, Hungary, Austria, and Greece.Dr
The ACES Womanist Colloquium
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
9:00 am to 4:30 pm (6 NBCC contact hours)
Cost: $100 (includes lunch)
Introductory Session
Co-Presenters – Dr. Natoya Haskins and Dr. Desa Daniel
A brave space for women to support one another in our individual and collective journeys. Our aim is to deepen our sense of community among women, increase our personal peace and well-being, and empower ourselves to be authentic in our everyday practices. We welcome a richly diverse population of women who vary in identity, size, age, sexual orientation, career, and socioeconomic status.
This year’s women’s retreat theme is Radical Community and Redemptive Self-Love in Counselor Education which focuses on creating networks and relationships that can enhance one’s ability to successfully navigate counselor education spaces. Attendees should expect a mix of panels, networking opportunities, and discussion groups. Please join us for a gathering of women who are committed to growing as a community and creating lifelong relationships.
Dr. Natoya Hill Haskins is an associate professor of counselor education at the University of Virginia. During her 18-year career in counseling and counselor education, she has been committed to equity and inclusion. Dr. Haskins has over 40 publications in the areas of womanist clinical applications and social justice interventions for children and adolescents. Dr. Haskins is the 2022-2023 President of the Association of Counselor Education and Supervision. Prior to that, she served as Treasurer of the Association of Multicultural and Counseling Development (2020-2021) and the President of the Southern Association of Counselor Education and Supervision (2017-2018).
Dr. Dèsa Karye Daniel is an assistant professor at the University of Colorado Denver. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New Mexico and Colorado. Daniel’s research interest focuses on supervision relationships for racial/ethnic minorities, the lived experiences of racial/ethnic college students, and the experiences of Black/African American Womxn in academic spaces. Dr. Daniel advocates for inclusive spaces for racial/ethnic minority students within academia and within organizations for increasing graduate student resources. She received her doctoral degree in counselor education at the University of New Mexico. Daniel holds dual master’s degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Higher Education Administration from New Mexico State University. Dr. Daniel was named a 2021 New Mexico Office of African American Affairs Everyday Hero for her mental health work with Black communities. Daniel is the recipient of the 2020 NBCC Minority Fellowship.
INTEREST NETWORK SPONSORED WORKSHOPS
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Sponsor: ACES Advocacy Interest Network
Time: 2:30-4:30 pm (2 CE)
Cost: $25
Workshop Description:The field of counseling, which emphasizes anti-racist values, would seem to be an affirming, safe place due to progressive multicultural and social justice competencies. Sadly, these aspirations only materialize partially in training programs. In counselor education, critical gaps and oversights still exist even with the emphasis on cultural responsiveness. For example, many students from historically marginalized groups report experiences of discrimination and unfair biases when navigating their programs. This session will create a space to share common lived experiences felt by students and faculty to start the process of dismantling oppressive environments on multiple levels. From day-to-day experiences to systemic practices such as promotion/tenure processes, the presenters will share extensive literature and lived experiences. Participants will have a chance to share thoughts and identify areas for them to take the initiative to dismantle oppressive practices in counseling.
Sponsor: ACES Clinic Directors and Placement Coordinators Interest Network
Time: 2:30-4:30 pm (2 CE)
Cost: $25
Workshop Description:Both clinic directors and clinical coordinators perform important roles for counseling programs. While these roles are required within counselor training programs, little guidance exists to support the performance of these roles. Those tasked with these roles often face unanticipated challenges that can negatively impact career mobility and personal wellbeing. Between both the absence of formal training and a lack of academic literature surrounding these roles, these workers often navigate their roles in isolation. The purpose of this pre-conference, therefore, is to provide a forum for faculty and staff (whose roles surround managing clinics and / or coordinating placements) to learn about the many unanticipated challenges encountered, generate solutions for navigating these challenges, and build a network of peers to consult about these challenges as they arise.
Sponsor: ACES Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Interest Network
Time: 1:00-5:30 pm (4 CE)
Cost: $50
Workshop Description:The revitalized Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Interest Network (formerly known as the Multicultural Interest Network) invites you to a preconference session amplifying the group’s mission of promoting the appreciation and understanding of multiculturalism and diversity in research, teaching, leadership, supervision and counseling, and addressing the concerns of minoritized individuals. Attendees’ development of internal and systematic accountability is central to this session. Our workshop will be devoted to brainstorming and creating culturally considerate and inclusive action steps through utilizing intentional workgroups across the following areas: anti-racist teaching, research and publication as well as disability justice and accessibility.
Resources
Conference Registration
Early Bird
/ through Aug 30
$299/ Professional
$199/ Student/Retired
$450/ Non-member
$300/ Non-member Student
Regular
/ Aug 31 – Sept 30
$350/ Professional
$199/ Student/Retired
$495/ Non-member
$325/ Non-member Student
Late
/ after Sept 30 & Onsite
$450/ Professional
$250/ Student/Retired
$525/ Non-member
$375/ Non-member Student
Become an ACES member
Please contact Carin Walters for any questions regarding the conference registration process.
Sponsor/Exhibitor Opportunities
We hope you will join us as a sponsor or exhibitor at this year’s most exciting conference! We expect over 2,000 counselors, counselor educators, counselor supervisors, and students will attend the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) conference.
With numerous receptions, general sessions, and breaks scheduled at the conference, you will have multiple opportunities to interact with conference attendees and promote your business or school.
Platinum Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Premium Exhibitor
Standard Exhibitor
Volunteer Opportunities
The 2025 Association of Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) Conference Committee announces the opportunity for students to volunteer at the 2025 ACES Conference, which is taking place October 8–12, 2025, at the Marriott Philadelphia Downtown in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Why Volunteer?
- Receive half-off early-bird registration
- Get a free conference T-shirt
- Gain valuable volunteer experience to enhance your professional résumé or CV
Volunteer Expectations
- Commit to up to 15 hours of volunteer service before and during the conference
- Maintain active student membership in ACES
- Attend a mandatory pre-conference virtual training
Volunteer Activities
- Preparing for pre-conference tasks
- Assisting with registration
- Supporting reception events, opening sessions, education sessions, and poster sessions
- Offering directions and facilitating logistical support
Specific duties will be assigned in advance, and any volunteer who is also presenting will be exempt from their duties during their scheduled presentation time.
Volunteering at the ACES Conference is a fantastic opportunity to:
- Reduce the cost of attendance
- Gain behind-the-scenes insights on organizing a professional conference
Network with students, counselor educators, and supervisors from across the country
The application will be available after proposal decisions are announced by April 30, 2025.