GCC First Timers Guide
Is this your first Graduate Career Consortium Annual Conference?
First, we are glad to have you as part of our community of professionals!
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the Conference and Pre-Conference for New Professionals, below.
Conference Logistics | Prepping for the Event | What to bring to the Conference? | What to Expect at the Conference | GCC Lingo | Pre-Conference for New ProfessionalsConference Logistics
Dates/time: June 22- Thursday, June 25, 2026
Pre-Conference Workshop: June 22
Post-Conference: June 25
Annual Conference programming begins on June 23
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Sacramento
Registration coming soon
Conference schedule coming soon
What should I bring to the conference?
Be sure to pack business cards to aid in networking
What to wear - Business Casual
Notebook and writing utensils
GCC Lingo
What is pre-con?
The Preconfernece for New Professionals seeks to connect individuals new to the field of graduate-level career and professional development to each other and the many resources the GCC provides.
What are dine-arounds?
Dine-arounds are a chance to connect with other GCCers in a small group setting over dinner at a local restaurant! This offers the chance for meeting other GCC members and getting to explore a fun restaurant together.
What are communities of practices?
Communities of practice allow GCC members to gather together around a shared topic or affinity group in a smaller setting. Communities of practice range from employer engagement, to international GCCers, mentoring, or serving master’s students, and more! Check out the full list here:
What are member generated sessions?
Member generated sessions are the forum for GCC members to present about their work, new or existing initiatives, strategies for success, etc! This is a great opportunity to hear from colleagues about the things they are doing and gain actionable takeaways of things that good be good for the populations you serve.
What are regional meetings?
GCC is divided into 7 different geographic regions. These regions provide the opportunity for building community across fellow GCCers in closer geographic proximity. Regional meetings will happen at the annual conference and are a great way to meet and network with others in your region.
What is the presentation showcase?
The presentation showcase will take place on Wednesday afternoon and is a space for learning more about getting involved in GCC as well as hearing from GCC members at their work. At the presentation showcase, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the various committees and ways to get involved in the GCC and interact with GCC presenters.
Pre-Conference for New Professionals - Video Testimonials
What I liked about pre-con
Why I would recommend pre-con
How pre-con helped me as a new professional