NCDA Updates: 2026 Conference Overview with Dirk Matthews

In this episode, Melissa Venable interviews NCDA President Dirk Matthews about the NCDA 2026 Global Career Development Conference, June 30–July 2 in Minneapolis. Dirk presents the event theme, “Creative resilience: integrating dynamic solutions and career development,” emphasizing practical, creative problem-solving amid constant change. He highlights the conference’s community, learning, and networking benefits and introduces new conference features this year: partial livestreaming of the opening keynote and select sessions to increase accessibility, and board-hosted evening activities. Keynotes include: Dr. Bidhan (Bobby) Parmar, author of “Radical Doubt;” Azizi Marshall on communication (“Speak Like a Badass”); and Dr. Jaana Kettunen on the international considerations of artificial intelligence. Dirk also shares his leadership goals focused on accessibility, scholarships, and an organizational assessment to guide NCDA's next strategic plan.

Dirk Matthews, MS, CMCS is the current NCDA President (2025-2026). He brings a diverse background of experience to career development that is fueled by his work as a therapist, educator, photographer, and filmmaker. He is a leader in career services and an educator at Columbia College Chicago. He is a private practitioner in career development and the owner of an architectural photography business. Dirk has provided career services in higher education and to adults for the past 23 years while teaching film and career preparation courses for 26 years. In addition, he is a Facilitating Career Development instructor. Dirk previously served as chair of the NCDA Training and Education Council, and as co-chair of the Technology Committee for three years. Currently, he is the Senior Director of Alumni Relations at Columbia. Dirk received his master’s degree in organizational psychology from California Southern University. He has been published in several journals including Career Developments and has an extensive history of presenting on subjects ranging from film analysis, portfolio development, and career development. His recent research focuses on the impact of the pandemic on organizations.

Resources

NCDA 2026 Global Career Development Conference