Earn 6 CEs: Counselor Education Innovations (CEI) Conference
The counseling profession continues to grow and evolve, shaped by emerging research, innovative teaching strategies, and rapidly advancing technology. The Counselor Education Innovations (CEI) Conference was created to support that evolution through a fully virtual conference experience focused on connection, learning, and innovation in counselor education.
Formerly known as the Counselor Education Distance Learning Conference (CEDL) hosted by Palo Alto University, this conference has long brought together counselor educators, practitioners, administrators, and distance learning professionals committed to strengthening counselor education and improving student and professional outcomes. In 2026, we invite you to join us for a fully virtual conference experience where you can earn 6 continuing education (CE) credits while engaging with innovative, research-informed content.
About the CEI Conference
The Counselor Education Innovations Conference is a virtual conference that brings together counseling professionals to share research, explore best practices, and highlight innovative approaches that enhance student learning, counselor preparation, and professional development.
Formerly CEDL, CEI reflects an ongoing commitment to advancing counselor education through intentional integration of scholarship, applied practice, and technology. Sessions are designed to be relevant across counselor education programs, clinical practice, supervision, and distance learning environments.
2026 Conference Theme
Connecting Practice, Research, and Technology in Counselor Education
The 2026 CEI Conference theme emphasizes the integration of research, applied strategies, and technological advancement to strengthen the counseling profession and prepare the next generation of counseling professionals.
Conference sessions will explore how counselor educators and practitioners can:
- Connect research to real-world counseling and supervision practices
- Integrate technology ethically and effectively in counselor education
- Enhance student learning and professional outcomes
- Adapt to evolving models of counselor training and distance education
This theme reflects the realities of modern counselor education - where innovation, ethics, and evidence-based practice must work together.
2026 Keynote: Intersection of Mental Health and Technology
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).
Who Should Attend?
The CEI Conference is designed for professionals and students engaged in counseling and counselor education, including:
- Counselor educators and faculty
- Licensed professional counselors (LPCs)
- Clinical supervisors and administrators
- Distance learning and instructional professionals
- Graduate counseling students
- Mental health professionals seeking CE credits
Whether you are teaching, supervising, practicing, or preparing for a career in counseling, CEI offers meaningful, relevant professional development.
Why Attend the CEI Conference?
✔ Earn 6 Continuing Education Credits
Meet licensure and professional development requirements through counselor-focused programming.
✔ Extend Your Learning with Coursera Access
Registrants receive three months of Coursera access, supporting continued skill development through courses aligned with counseling, education, leadership, and technology.
✔ Engage with Research & Best Practices
Explore current scholarship and applied strategies shaping counselor education today.
✔ Explore Innovation & Technology
Learn how emerging technologies can be used ethically and effectively in counselor education and training.
✔ Fully Virtual
Connect with counseling professionals across the country, no travel required.
✔ Accessible for Students
Affordable pricing and free attendance options make CEI accessible to graduate students.
Conference Details
📅 February 13, 2026
🕘 9:30 AM–5:30 PM EST (Virtual)
🎓 6 CE credits available
Registration Rates:
- $150 – Professionals
- $75 – Students
- Free – Students not needing CE credits or Coursera access
Join Us
CEI is more than a continuing education opportunity - it’s a thoughtfully designed virtual conference experience focused on innovation, ethics, and excellence in counselor education.
👉 Register for the CEI Conference
👉 Visit the CEI Conference Website to Learn More
Join us on February 13, 2026, as we connect practice, research, and technology to support the future of counselor education.