Wisconsin Association of Colleges and Employers
Thursday, April 30 at 4:00pm -
Friday, May 1, 2026 at 3:30pm
Middleton (Madison), WI
Celebrating the Impact of Individual Contributors
This conference aims to recognize and empower individual contributors—those everyday leaders who influence and drive positive change regardless of formal titles. Our agenda is designed to spotlight the critical role employers and higher education professionals play in guiding students and graduates on their career journeys, as well as how their involvement shapes organizational culture, motivates teams, and achieves results through initiative, collaboration, and influence.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Platinum Level Sponsor of WI-ACE: 12twenty
Thursday Evening Social Sponsor: Fastenal
For questions about this conference, please contact our Event Planning Committee at conference-planning@wiace.org.
Conference Registration:
- WI-ACE Member Rate: $185 Join WI-ACE first and receive the member discount! Make sure you are logged in to WildApricot.
- Non-Member Rate: $235
- Student Rate (Full-time undergraduate or graduate student): $90
Hotel Information:
Madison Marriott West
1313 John Q Hammons Drive
Middleton, WI 53562
Rooms must be booked by Friday, April 10th to receive the conference rate!
Room Reservation Details:
- Conference Room Block Rate: $131 per night
- Room Block Instructions: All rooms have either a King-size bed with a sleeper sofa or two queens. Rooms are assigned upon check-in, based on availability. It is best to book online; however, you can also call. See options below.
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- If you choose to call to reserve your room, please reference: Wisconsin Association of Colleges & Employers Spring 2026.
- Online: Click here to book your group rate for Wisconsin Association of Colleges & Employers Spring 2026
Conference Agenda
Agenda as of 4/7/26. Session times are subject to slight change, but conference hours are set.
You can also view the agenda here.
Meet our Keynote Speaker
Click Here to View Derek's Biography
Everyday Leaders: Small Actions, Big Results
For too long, our recognition of leadership has been narrowly defined to a select few –– presidents, CEOs or historical icons. We have been captivated by charismatic figures on the cover of Forbes or viral sensations on social media. But what about the everyday leaders who have shaped us on a personal level? The parents, mentors, teammates and family members who have left an indelible mark on our lives? It's time to reimagine leadership, to celebrate the silent influencers and to recognize that each one of us possesses the power to lead. Are you ready to step into your role as an everyday leader?
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Understand the difference between micromanagement and everyday leadership as well as the importance of empowering and nurturing others.
- Recognize the value of stepping outside one's comfort zone to facilitate personal and professional growth.
- Seek discomfort to lead to greater growth over time -- with strategies for gradually expanding one's comfort zone through small, everyday actions.
- Appreciate how individuals can have a profound impact on those around them, regardless of their position or title -- and show appreciation for those people in your life.
- Discover the importance of finding one's "why" or purpose as a leader, beyond just pursuing victories or accolades.
- Understand how prioritizing the needs, growth and happiness of others is a key aspect of effective everyday leadership. (It's not about you)
