Annual Conference
Conference Registration
Conference registration is $20 for PNACAC Members and $50 for non-Members.
Note: Individual members must register themselves for the conference (no group registration). If you rely on someone else in your organization to make payments, we recommend using the "Invoice Me" option at the end of the registration form. You will be emailed an invoice that you can forward along for payment.
Join us for our 2021 Annual Conference, April 20-22, 2021
PNACAC Can Do Virtually Anything!
This past year has been a challenge for us all but we’re looking to add some normalcy back to our spring routine and since “PNACAC can do virtually anything,” the conference will go on, virtually! We hope you plan to join us this year from your office or your living room. We have created a flexible timeline over the three days to encourage as much participation as possible. You will be able to join us when it works for you!
Conference sessions will fall into one of four categories:
- Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA)/Anti-Racist: Addressing the systemic bias and racism that exist in education and our institutions.
- Post-COVID: New Normal and Lessons Learned.
- Wellness: How to take care of our students, our staff, and ourselves.
- “Take Out”: Grab-n-go ideas, programs, lesson plans, etc., that can be implemented by others.
Sessions
Thank you to those who submitted conference session proposals! Individuals be notified by mid-March if submissions were accepted. Selected presenters have until April 1 to confirm attendance.
Need to plan ahead? Check out the Conference Event Site to see the schedule. Within a few days of registering, participants will be able to log into the full Conference Event Site to save sessions, meet other participants, access sessions day-of, and watch past sessions on-demand.
Keynote Speakers
We are are excited to announce this year's conference keynote speakers!
Dr. Dominic Thomas
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs & Enrollment, Washington State University Vancouver
With an extensive portfolio that spans private and public institutions, Dr. Thomas is responsible for the holistic development of students, providing programs and services that empower them to realize their educational goals. Domanic began his higher education career in Admissions and has held roles in Student Activities, First-Year Experience, Dean of Students, Campus Recreation, and Title IX during his career. Education is Domanic’s personal and professional passion, and it shows in his genuine selflessness and unwavering desire to help students and his team. He is a first in family graduate and believes in getting the job done with creativity and innovation. Dr. Thomas earned a Bachelor of Science in General Science from Oregon State University, a Masters of Education in Higher Education Administration from the University of Arizona, and a Doctor of Education in Postsecondary Education from Portland State University.
Valerie Nurr'araaluk Davidson
President, Alaska Pacific University
Valerie Nurr’araaluk Davidson, Yup’ik, is the 12th president of Alaska Pacific University and the first woman to lead the institution. She joins the university after a distinguished career in health care administration, policy, governance, and advocacy. Davidson is an enrolled tribal citizen of the Orutsararmiut Traditional Native Council. She was the first Alaska Native woman to serve as Lieutenant Governor of Alaska when her strength as a leader was needed to steady our state. She also served in the Governor’s line of succession, having been selected by Governor Bill Walker and confirmed by the Alaska Legislature for this critical role.
Guest Speakers
 Derek Francis, Manager of Counseling Services Minneapolis Public Schools Minneapolis, MN
Pre-Conference Diversity Table Talk
Over the past year, our country has had numerous racial and political incidents that impact our community, families, and students. These topics can be hard to broach, but ever necessary. Derek will lead a discussion about how racism and discrimination shows up and feels in K-College education. The session will also include proactive strategies to better support marginalized students on campus. Derek is a passionate school counselor with years of experience focusing on a proactive, equity based and proactive approach. He specializes in helping students and staff build trusting cross cultural relationships and has presented at state and national conferences.
  Jeannine Jannot, Ph.D.
Conference session: "Rethinking Stress: Make Stress Work for You Not Against You"
Jeannine is the author of The DISINTEGRATING STUDENT: Super Smart & Falling Apart and owner of The Balanced Student and The Balanced U. She holds a master’s degree in school psychology and a doctorate in child and developmental psychology. She has over 20 years experience working with children, teenagers and young adults in both public and private school settings, from preschool through college. In addition, she teaches college level psychology courses and freshman seminars. Jeannine is passionate about identifying the root causes of issues that may be holding students back, and customizing strategies to achieve success—with an emphasis on physical and mental wellness, and how their parents can provide the support necessary.
Social Events
Wellness Weekend: April 17-18
 Run. Jog. Walk. Roll. Stroll. Zoom... join us for a virtual "PNACAC Outdoors!" Wellness Weekend, April 17-18. You pick the time, the place, and the method for a virtual outdoor activity. Participants in the Wellness Weekend (and even non-participants!) are encouraged to order an official conference t-shirt from Bonfire early so it arrives in time to wear it for the conference festivities. Proceeds support the PNACAC Scholarship Fund! Wear your shirt for selfies during the Wellness Weekend and for conference sessions on Wednesday, April 21.
Drag Queen Bingo: April 20
Join Poison Waters and friends for a Happy Hour of Virtual Drag Queen Bingo and performances on Tuesday, April 20 at 6:00 p.m. (Pacific Time). A great way to cap off your day at the conference! Included with conference registration.
Benefits of Attending
PNACAC serves the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington by promoting ethical standards and providing resources to our members and colleagues who guide and empower students as they prepare for college admission. Our goal is to ensure every student in the Pacific Northwest has access to informed, engaged, and ethical college admission professionals in public and independent secondary schools, community-based organizations, community colleges and public and independent four-year colleges and universities.
The PNACAC Annual Conference is our organization’s premier professional development opportunity bringing together individuals who share our goal. Through workshops, educational sessions, shared interest group conversations, counseling and enrollment professionals gain new knowledge and a revived enthusiasm to improve the opportunities for students across our five states.
By attending our annual conference and pre-conference opportunities, you will:
- Learn about important updates for the upcoming application cycle
- Network with college admission and counseling colleagues outside your office
- Acquire best practices, knowledge and skills to meet the needs of a changing student and parent mindset
- Meet and connect with leaders in the region
- Tour colleges to better understand the region's diverse post-secondary opportunities
- Recharge your passion for the profession and the important work we all do
- Return to your office ready to implement and try new practices
- Engage with your profession and a vibrant community that can be available to support you after you’ve left
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