Start Your Conference Experience with Purpose

Join us for the Learning Lab — a focused, hands-on afternoon designed to elevate your professional practice before the main conference begins. 
With limited capacity and two highly interactive sessions, early registration is strongly recommended.

Career Development Conference 2026- Learning Lab Ticket- April 23, 2026 (1 pm to 430 pm)

Sessions Included:

1. Curiosity in Career Coaching
2. Neuro-Awareness in Career Practice: A Brain-Friendly Approach to Change

Pricing for Members: Early Bird $150 + tax | Regular $175 + tax

*Pricing for Non-Members: Early Bird $250 + tax | Regular $275 + tax 

Location: HC 7000 Earl & Jennie Lohn Policy Room, SFU Harbour Centre, 515 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3

Please note, if you have registered for the Career Development Conference 2026 FULLY LOADED BUNDLE that includes this workshop, you don't need to register for this session again. 

*Get an annual membership with WCCDA to access member price- Community Membership Application Link

Early bird expires February 28, 2026

Group tickets of 5 or more may be eligible for additional discounts, contact us at admin@wccda.ca for more details.

LEARNING LAB SESSION 1 - Curiosity in Career Coaching

This interactive workshop explores how curiosity and individual strengths shape effective career coaching. Participants will consider how to join with clients rather than act as the expert, and how to integrate coaching principles to build trust, deepen connection, and support client-led career direction.

Participants will explore:
• Approaching clients with curiosity instead of assumptions
• Joining with clients rather than directing or advising
• Applying core coaching principles and techniques
• Using a strengths-based lens to help clients identify their own direction

About Your Instructor

Jesse Thiessen is a Certified Organizational Coach (UBC) with over 9 years of experience in Career Coaching. He currently works as a consultant for a large HR firm where he offers Career Coaching to clients who are pivoting in their careers. He also has his own coaching practice where he helps clients thrive personally and professionally. He has a particular interest in Emotional Intelligence and is certified in EQi2.0 & EQ360 assessments.

Jesse believes that a better understanding of ourselves and embracing our own uniqueness brings incredible freedom.

LEARNING LAB SESSION 2 - Neuro-Awareness in Career Practice: A Brain-Friendly Approach to Change

A practitioner-focused session exploring how insights from positive psychology and brain- aware coaching practices can support clients navigating change, identity shifts, and inner narratives. Rather than seeing internal challenges as flaws to fix, we’ll explore how they often reflect meaningful past adaptations, and their potential to become powerful entry points for self-awareness and growth.

This reflective and practical session will connect directly to career development practice, including:

• What positive psychology research suggests about habit, motivation, and change
• How to invite clients into deeper reflection on self-perceptions that may be shaping their current patterns or choices, and support them to explore new possibilities for growth
• Three practical tools to support meaningful career transitions through a whole-person lens

About Your Facilitator - 

Rachel Newton, MTC ACC CBCC MQT, is a Career Energy Coach and group facilitator who supports professionals navigating life and career transitions with clarity and confidence. Since founding Life Career Studio in 2011, she has guided hundreds of clients and led over 100 transformative workshops and group programs. As a Positive Psychology Coach, Certified Body-Centered Coach, and Medical Qigong Therapist, Rachel blends insight, presence, and meaning to create safe, empowering and inclusive spaces for growth. She is passionate about community-led dialogue and the wisdom that emerges from shared experience.

2026 Conference Overview

Learning Lab – April 23, 2026 - A half-day, in-person program offering hands-on learning, skill development, and meaningful practitioner connections.

Career Development Symposium – April 24, 2026- A full-day event offered in-person in Vancouver and online. The symposium features an inspiring lineup of speakers and sessions exploring current themes, research, and practice in the field.

Career Development Webinar Collection - Beginning May 5, 2026, a curated webinar series will extend the conference learning.

Cancellation Policy:

• Cancellations received by Tuesday, April 7, 2026 are eligible for a full refund, less a $25 administration fee per ticket.
• Refunds will be issued to the original payment method within 15 days of the request.
• Registration fees are non-refundable after April 7, 2026.
• All registrations are fully transferable to another non-registered individual at any time.Please email admin@wccda.ca to arrange ticket transfers.