July 23-25, 2025 | Fairhope, AL
Welcome to the 2025 AACE Summer Conference Page!
This webpage will provide you with all the necessary information and updates related to the summer conference. We appreciate your interest in attending, and we look forward to seeing you there. For additional information or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at office@aaceal.com.
We are excited to gather together this summer as peers from institutions of higher education and industry across the State of Alabama as we connect, develop, and empower one another for the betterment of our state’s workforce.
Host Hotel:
Hampton Inn Fairhope-Mobile Bay
23 N Section St, Fairhope, AL 36532
Room block available through June 30, 2025. To reserve your room visit Hampton Inn – Fairhope. Click “Special Rates” and input the 3-letter group code: ACE
Room block rate of $150 per night (plus applicable taxes/ fees) available from 7/22/25- 7/24/25
Conference Location
The conference will be held at Coastal Alabama Community College: Fairhope Campus, 450 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope, AL 36532
Registration Rates
- AACE Member Registration Rate – $195
- Non-Member Registration Rate – $225
What To Expect:
- Traditional Breakout sessions
- Mini Sessions/ Roundtables
- Inspiring Keynote Speakers
- Welcome Event on Tuesday, July 22nd
- Employer Tour on Wednesday, July 23rd
- Business Mixer on Thursday, July 24th
- Networking with Professionals
Conference Agenda (subject to change):
| Tentative Agenda: | |
| Day 1: Tuesday, July 22 | |
| 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Welcome Bash | Fairhope Brewing Company + Conference Check-In |
| Day 2: Wednesday, July 23 | NOTE: Please wear university or employer branded attire |
| 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Complimentary Breakfast for Hotel Guests |
| 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM | Conference Registration and Meet Up for Industry Tour Attendees |
| 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM | Leave for Industry Tour by Bus |
| 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Industry Tour |
| 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Conference Registration (for non-industry tour attendees) |
| 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Welcome Session + Lunch |
| 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Keynote Speaker Session Dr. Michael Butcher, Founder and President of the Center for Artificial Intelligence Title: Reimagining Work with AI: Empowering Human Potential and Purpose |
| 2:10 PM – 3:00 PM | Breakout Sessions |
| 3:10 PM – 4:00 PM | Breakout Sessions |
| 4:00 PM- Until | Dismissal |
| Day 3: Thursday, July 24 | |
| 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Complimentary Breakfast for Hotel Guests |
| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Welcome + Gold Sponsor Presentation |
| 10:00 AM – 10:50 AM | Interactive Session Kirsten Hughes, Jacksonville State University Title: More than a Resume: Mental Health and Career Readiness in a Post-COVID World |
| 11:00 AM – 11:50 AM | Breakout Sessions |
| 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch + AACE Business Meeting |
| 1:00 PM – 1:50 PM | Keynote Speaker Session Dr. Joshua Duplantis, Dean of Workforce and Economic Development for the Coastal Alabama Community College Title: Directional Skills: Linking Education to Employment |
| 1:50 PM – 2:00 PM | 10 Minute Break |
| 2:00 PM – 2:50 PM | Breakout Sessions |
| 3:00 PM- 4:30 PM | Campus and Downtown Fairhope Tour |
| 6:00 PM- 8:00 PM | Business Mixer
Southern Grove Winery, 10176 County Road 32, Fairhope, AL 36532 Details:
|
| Day 4: Friday, July 25 | |
| 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Complimentary Breakfast for Hotel Guests |
| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Round Table Discussions |
| 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | State of the State Panel |
| 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM | Awards Ceremony + Door Prizes |
| 11:45 AM – 12:00 PM | Closing Session/ Dismissal |
Thank you to our 2025 AACE Sponsors!
