Welcome to the 2026 ACE-WIL & CACEE Joint Conference!
The 2026 ACE-WIL & CACEE Joint Conference will be hosted at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in Kamloops, British Columbia, from May 24–27, 2026. This joint event brings together the provincial community of ACE-WIL BC/Yukon and the national network of the Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers (CACEE) for four days of learning, collaboration, and connection.
We are honoured to host this conference on the traditional and unceded territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, within Secwépemc’ulucw, the traditional lands of the Secwépemc people.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Thompson Valley, the conference will explore our theme: Reimagining the Future of Work-Integrated Learning and Careers. Together, educators, employers, career professionals, students, and community partners will share ideas, spark innovation, and imagine new ways for WIL, campus recruitment, and career development to thrive in times of change.
2026 Conference hosted by:
About
About Kamloops & Thompson Rivers University
Nestled in the heart of the Thompson Valley, Kamloops, British Columbia, offers a stunning natural landscape, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and warm hospitality. The city is known for its sunshine, outdoor recreation, and welcoming community — making it the perfect setting for the 2026 ACE-WIL & CACEE Joint Conference.
The conference will be hosted at Thompson Rivers University (TRU), a leading institution recognized for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. TRU’s beautiful campus overlooks the confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers and provides state-of-the-art facilities surrounded by sweeping mountain views.
We are honoured to gather on the traditional and unceded territory of the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, within Secwépemc’ulucw, the traditional lands of the Secwépemc people.
Explore Kamloops
Discover why Kamloops is one of BC’s most unique destinations:
- Top 10 Things to Do in Kamloops in Spring
- Learn More About Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc
- Indigenous Experiences in Kamloops
We recommend you check out the following during your stay:
- The Secwépemc Museum & Heritage Park for an in-depth cultural experience
- The Kamloops Art Gallery — one of BC’s premier public art galleries
- The BC Wildlife Park — a must-see for families and nature lovers
Local wineries such as Monte Creek Winery and Privato Vineyard & Winery for a taste of the Thompson Valley
Conference Program
The ACE-WIL & CACEE 2026 Joint Conference brings together professionals, educators, employers, and community partners who are shaping the future of Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) and Career Development across Canada.
This conference is designed for those who lead, deliver, and support experiential learning, career readiness, and recruitment initiatives — including:
- Career Educators & Advisors – supporting student skill development, career planning, employer relations, and transition to work.
- Faculty & Instructors – integrating experiential learning, reflection, and assessment into curriculum.
- Employer & Industry Partners – building meaningful student skill development and work experiences, recruitment pathways, and partnerships.
- Community Organizations & Nonprofits – engaging in WIL and community-based experiential learning opportunities.
- Researchers, Students & Emerging Professionals – interested in innovative approaches to career development, early talent recruitment and WIL design.
- Post-Secondary Leaders & Policymakers – advancing institutional strategies and policies that strengthen WIL and campus career ecosystems.
Whether you are a leader, strategist, practitioner, or instructor, this event provides a collaborative space to exchange ideas, share evidence-based practices, and imagine new ways to prepare learners for the evolving world of work.
Conference Theme
Reimagining the Future of Work-Integrated Learning and Careers
This theme highlights how disruption—whether technological, societal, or economic—can drive innovation in WIL, campus recruitment, and career development. We invite forward-thinking proposals that explore how experiential learning, employers, and career services can evolve, adapt, and thrive in times of change.
Conference Sub-Themes
Conference programming will align with one or more of the following sub-themes, each reflecting the overarching theme Reimagining the Future of Work-Integrated Learning and Careers. These sub-themes are designed to guide proposal development and support a diverse program that highlights innovative research, practical tools, and evidence-based approaches across post-secondary, employer, and community contexts. Presenters are encouraged to share insights, models, and collaborations that inspire new ways of thinking about the future of WIL and career development.
Explore innovative strategies, tools, and programming that prepare students for a rapidly changing world of work. This theme invites proposals showcasing career education practices and service models, competency frameworks, and skills development initiatives such as case competitions, hackathons, and digital badging. It also welcomes approaches to onboarding, employee engagement, simulations, and micro credentials that foster career readiness and lifelong learning.
Strong partnerships between employers, educators, and communities are essential to advancing meaningful WIL and career opportunities for post-secondary talent. This theme focuses on employer branding and campus recruitment strategy, collaboration between industry and the post-secondary sector, shared value creation, and employer engagement that enhances learning, meeting industry talent needs, and empowering student success.
WIL is evolving beyond traditional placements. This theme encourages exploration of new and emerging forms of WIL — including virtual, project-based, entrepreneurial, community-based, and research-integrated experiences. Proposals may also highlight how student voices of experience, co-design, and co-creation are shaping the future of experiential learning.
This theme focuses on creating inclusive, accessible, and equitable environments for learning, career development, and work. Proposals are encouraged that highlight programming, evidence-based practice, research, case studies that centre reconciliation, well-being, representation, or belonging within WIL, campus recruitment, and career development contexts.
Examine applications of pedagogy and learning theory to inform, transform, and strengthen outcomes in WIL, career education, and early talent programming. Topics may include instructional design, reflective practice, design thinking, data and assessment, leadership and rotational programs, faculty training, and e-learning or professional development initiatives for students, staff, and leaders across our field.
Registration
| Pricing | Members | Non-members |
|---|---|---|
| Early Bird (until April 4, 2026) | $499 | $550 |
| Regular (April 5, 2026 onward) | $599 | $650 |
| Full Time Student Rate | $399 | $399 |
| Pre-Conference Workshop for Senior Leaders (Sunday) | $125 | $175 |
| Extra Ticket for Welcome Reception and Presidential Dinner | $150 | $150 |
Accessibility statement
ACE-WIL, CACEE, and Thompson Rivers University (TRU) are united in our commitment to creating accessible, inclusive, and welcoming environments for all participants. As partner organizations, we strive to identify and remove barriers that may limit participation in conference activities, ensuring equitable access for every delegate, presenter, and guest.
Our host venue, Thompson Rivers University is committed to fostering an environment where all individuals feel valued and supported. The university’s Accessibility Action Plan (2025–2028) outlines actionable steps to improve accessibility and promote inclusion across all aspects of campus life.
Conference organizers are dedicated to upholding these values by working proactively with attendees to accommodate accessibility needs before and during the event. If you require specific accommodations or have questions about accessibility at the conference, please contact us at info@acewilbc.ca.