The Leader Within 2026 IBEA Fall Convention

Many companies are shifting their requirements for entry-level positions, moving away from the necessity of bachelor’s degrees and focusing more on verified skills. Three out of four employers report that certifications are valuable training tools for employees and are something they actively seek in the hiring process. Certifications not only increase marketability and enhance credibility but also open doors to great entry-level jobs. Discover more about certification opportunities through Certiport and learn how to deliver these programs from your classroom.

As the demand for AI skills surges across industries, are your students equipped to leverage artificial intelligence effectively and ethically? Certiport offers specialized courses designed to teach the foundational requirements of AI in the workplace, culminating in a certification that demonstrates real-world, job-ready expertise. All IBEA attendees will receive complimentary access to these courses, practice exams, and certification opportunities—empowering you to help your students stand out in today’s competitive market. Join our session to discover the details of this offer or visit the Certiport booth during the conference for additional information.

Based on insights from guest speakers, college students, interns, and employers, this session includes three activities that are easy to apply and adapt to your own classroom instruction, as ways to bring students and curriculum together.  All three will show adaptations specifically for entrepreneurship, emotional intelligence, and career readiness.  Session handouts include instructions for each activity, what it is intended to accomplish, how to apply it, and suggested modifications to get your own creative energies going
          - The {Entrepreneurial} Interview (project with prep, outside work, presentation
          - The “Guest Speaker” with a twist (1-2 class periods, minimal writing, reflection)
          - The Experiential Learning Assignment (outside class extended engagement with reflection)
          - The Award Intro / Eulogy (assignment, minimal)
Session includes brief introduction to the assignments, plus Q&A time.