Counselor Education Innovations Conference

The Counselor Education Innovations (CEI) Conference—formerly CEDL—brings together counselor educators, practitioners, administrators, and distance learning professionals to share research, best practices, and innovative strategies. The 2026 theme, “Connecting Practice, Research, and Technology in Counselor Education,” emphasizes how scholarship, applied practice, and emerging technologies are shaping the future of counselor education.

Join us virtually on February 13, 2026, from 9:30 AM–5:30 PM for sessions exploring innovation, ethics, and evolving best practices in counseling and counselor education.

Register Here

2026 Keynote: Intersection of Mental Health and Technology

Woman speaking at a podium

Donna Sheperis, PhD, LPC, NCC, CCMHC, ACS, BC-TMH

Dr. Donna Sheperis is a Professor of Counseling at Palo Alto University with over 30 years of clinical experience. A Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor, she is a past president of the Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling and serves on the ACA Ethics Appeals Committee. She has authored numerous publications, including Ethical Decision Making for 21st Century Counselors (2024) and Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Fundamentals of Applied Practice (2025).

  • Conference Highlights
    • Keynote Addresses from leaders in counselor education and online learning
    • Concurrent Sessions & Workshops with practical strategies and research findings
    • Poster Presentations encouraging dialogue and scholarly exchange
    • Networking Sessions to foster collaboration and professional connections
  • Why Attend CEI

    CEI is designed to elevate your professional growth! Here’s how:

    🧠 Advances licensure & professional credentials with 6 CE credit hours

    🎓 Extends your learning journey with 3 months of Coursera access

    💻 Join from anywhere in the world - 100% virtual, flexible, and accessible

    🚀 Walk away with real strategies, practical tools, and new professional connections

    KU Advance partners with Coursera to provide access to thousands of online, self-paced courses and professional certificate programs designed for upskilling and career development. Your registration includes three months of Coursera access at no extra cost to you!

  • Who Should Attend
    • Counselor Educators
    • Distance Learning Specialists
    • Graduate Students
    • School and Clinical Counselors
    • Higher Education Administrator
    • Researchers and Policy Leaders

    Be part of the conversation—follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates.

  • Registration Fees

    Join us for the Counselor Education Innovations (CEI) Virtual Conference 2026.

    • $150 – Professionals 
    • $75 – Students*

    *If you are a student who does not need continuing education (CE) credits, please register using your student email address and enter the code STUDENT in the discount box at checkout before completing your registration.

    The professional and student registration fees reflect the cost of providing 6 continuing education credits (CEs) and the added benefit of a 3-month Coursera subscription.

  • Important Dates
    • Proposal Submission Deadline: December 15, 2025
    • Notification of Acceptance: December 30, 2025
    • Conference Date: February 13, 2026

    Virtual Event, Hosted by KU Advance

  • Call for Proposals

    Proposals are now being accepted for presentations, workshops, panels, and poster sessions.
    Submit Your Proposal here.

Join our CEI LinkedIn group for updates on the conference, speaker highlights and topics, and a sneak peak into what to expect day-of!

Register Here

Contact

Melissa Lincoln, Executive Assistant and Project Manager
lincoln@kutztown.edu | 610.683.4220