November 4-6, 2026
Embassy Suites Resort & Convention Center
Concord, NC
We hope to see you next year!
The management company for the Embassy Suites in Concord, Atrium Properties, recently informed us that due to an accelerated renovation schedule we will no longer be able to host our 2025 Annual Fall Conference at their property in November. The meeting space will be closed for several months, including during the timeframe for our conference. This being said, we’ll now be hosting the event at the Sheraton Koury Convention Center in Greensboro.
Many of you will recall we used to host our conference at the Koury Center and, fortunately, they have space available for us to move back there for our 2025 conference. This venue offers spacious accommodations, modern amenities, and a convenient location that we believe will enhance your overall experience.
We know this change is unexpected, but we know that School Counselors know how to pivot when situations occur. We hope each and every one of you are able to pivot with us for this one year, and can join us in Greensboro, NC. Please update your plans accordingly, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you at the Sheraton Koury Convention Center on November 5-7, 2025!
Possible next steps for you:
Details to come.
College for North Carolina (CFNC) is a free information service of the State of North Carolina to help students plan, apply, and pay for college. CFNC provides tools and training for education professionals to use in assisting students with college-going steps. Founded in 2000, CFNC was one of the first state-sponsored college information programs in the nation.
For more information, please contact Tyler Dew, Manager for College Access and FAFSA Outreach at (919) 248-4619 or tdew@ncseaa.edu..
Since 1933, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) has helped millions of North Carolinians get and stay healthy. Healthy Blue is our health plan for Medicaid members. We work with thousands of doctors, specialists, and hospitals throughout North Carolina, and we partner with many local organizations to help you get the care and services you need to live your best.
For more information contact Danielle Waddell, at (336) 301-3427 or Danielle.Waddell@healthybluenc.com.
Harmony Academy supports school counselors with flexible, evidence-based digital and print resources that foster belonging, strengthen relationships, and support whole-child success. Counselors can use ready-to-use lessons, activities, discussion prompts, and community-building practices for classroom guidance, small groups, student supports, and schoolwide initiatives. Harmony also extends support to families through Harmony at Home and offers professional learning, coaching, and Belonging Together resources to help build safe, connected, and inclusive school communities.
For more information, please contact Joshua Lawrence, Account Executive at (804) 947-3802 or jlawrence2@nu.edu.
Landed is a student-centered planning platform that helps learners move from where they are to where they want to go. Using an intuitive, guided experience, students explore careers, research postsecondary options, set meaningful goals, and build an education plan that connects today’s courses to tomorrow’s opportunities.
What makes Landed different is ownership. Students aren’t just completing activities—they’re designing a path. Through a point-based progression, profile milestones, and portfolio-building tools, Landed turns career planning into an engaging, developmentally appropriate journey from middle school through graduation.
For educators and districts, Landed provides a structured, scalable way to support personalized learning and postsecondary readiness—while giving students clarity, direction, and confidence in what comes next.
For more information contact Carla Kersey, Career Design & Project Strategist at (606) 620-8253 or carla.kersey@landed.us..
Milton Hershey School is one of the world’s best private schools, where qualifying students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade live on campus. Students receive an exceptional educational experience, nurturing home life, college and career readiness support, and comprehensive health and wellness care, including medical and dental services, food, and clothing—with all costs covered.
For more information, please contact Sara T White at 859-517-4811 or whitesa@mhs-pa.org.
Since 1958, Monarch has been a leading provider of comprehensive specialty mental health and human services. With services statewide in North Carolina and following expansion in 2024 to Rhode Island, we take pride in offering trauma-informed, high-quality care for people with mental illness, substance use disorders and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Monarch is accredited by The Joint Commission.
For more information, please contact Nicole Sigmon, Director of Referral Marketing at (828) 234-7316 or nicole.sigmon@monarchnc.org.
When your students join the Army National Guard, they are not just enlisting, they are stepping into a future filled with opportunity. From tuition assistance and career training to leadership development and discipline, the Guard empowers them to succeed in both military and civilian life. Whether it’s earning a college degree without student debt, learning job skills, or serving their community with pride, the North Carolina Army National Guard offers a proven path to growth and success.
As a counselor, you have the power to guide and mentor students towards a meaningful future. Let us be your partner in that journey. Learn more about how the Guard can support your students’ goals at NATIONALGUARD.COM/NC.
QuaverReady brings readiness skills to life for students. Our curriculum equips students with the skills necessary for success
in school and beyond. Our engaging, fully digital, and standards-aligned Pre-K–8 curriculum program ensures students are
ready to face the challenges and opportunities ahead.
For more information, please contact Kaileigh Conley at (629) 702-7376 or KaileighConley@QuaverEd.com.
RethinkEd helps districts turn whole child and whole educator frameworks into everyday practice. Through one connected platform, essential supports come together with actionable insights – reducing reliance on siloed, fragmented solutions. Rather than treating academics, behavior, mental health, and educator support as separate efforts, we bring these areas into a unified system designed for consistent use across schools. Curriculum, interventions, professional learning, and data work together to support students’ academic, behavioral, and emotional growth while strengthening educator capacity and confidence. Built by educators and grounded in evidence, our platform aligns with trusted standards and research-based best practices used across K–12 education. Districts partner with RethinkEd to extend the strong work already happening in their schools and build sustainable systems where students thrive and educators feel supported. Explore what’s possible at rethinked.com.
For more information, please contact Corinne Bishop, Director of Sales at corinne.bishop@rethinked.com or (347) 797-4756.
SchooLinks is a modern college and career readiness platform that supports districts’ implementation of a comprehensive curriculum and framework to prepare students for the post-secondary pathway of their choice. Containing more than eighty interactive student experiences from interest discoveries, academic planning, and soft skill development – SchooLinks offers internship matching, career mentorship, industry partner management, and more to help districts support holistic postsecondary readiness. Our unified solution supports South Carolina’s initiatives for improved student outcomes and postsecondary readiness.
For more information, please contact Jahmel Wagener at jwagener@schoolinks.com.
SCUTA (School Counselor Use of Time Analysis) equips school counselors and district leaders with clarity, evidence, and a common language to develop high-impact, comprehensive school counseling programs. Aligned with national and state standards, SCUTA transforms daily work into meaningful data that increases visibility, improves alignment, and supports student-focused decisions. Using confidential documentation tools and precise use-of-time analysis, SCUTA helps counseling teams demonstrate the scope of their work, advocate for appropriate roles, and identify opportunities to improve services and close gaps. For leaders dedicated to best practices, accountability, and equitable outcomes, SCUTA offers an efficient way to monitor program implementation, support counselors, and communicate results with confidence and accuracy.
For more information, please contact Alani Staples, Director of Outreach and Engagement at alani@myscuta.com.
The College Funding Coach® was founded in 2002 to help families better understand the complex strategies for paying for college and making higher education more affordable. Since that time, The College Funding Coach® team has been on a mission to help families make the college dream a reality…and still retire one day.
For more information, please contact Mike Russell, Regional Director at mrussell@thecollegefundingcoach.org or at 919.360.8347.
Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is in almost 1,000 colleges nationwide. It is an elective course that provides unrivaled leadership and management training. It allows students to maintain a regular academic schedule like any other college student while participating in ROTC training both in and out of the classroom. After graduation and completing the ROTC requirements, students will become an Officer serving full-time or part-time while still pursuing a civilian career.
For more information, please contact Ron Henry, Recruitment Operations Officer at (919) 962-7347 or ronald.e.henry.civ@army.mil. .
Pre-Conference Keynote Session
November 4, 2026 | 3:30 p.m.
(Open to all attendees)
Gain a deeper understanding of code-switching to effectively engage with your students in an authentic manner. Explore the various masks individuals wear, including generational gaps and cultural differences, and learn strategies to connect with students and colleagues. Diana Virgil, 2024 School Counselor of the Year, also delves into human growth and development, focusing on working with parents/guardians and diverse family structures to enhance your school counseling approach.
After attending the session, you will be able to:
Virgil has been a school counselor since 2015 and works on a campus that serves 346 students in grades 9–12. She is the 17th person to receive the national recognition and the first from Alabama. Virgil received her bachelor’s, master’s and educational specialist degrees from Mississippi College and a doctorate degree from University of the Cumberlands. She is an ASCA-Certified School Counselor, a National Certified School Counselor and a National Certified Counselor.
Many Daleville High School students are trailblazers in their families, aiming to be the first to graduate from high school. When Virgil was hired, she noticed a significant number of students weren’t participating in dual-enrollment classes due to a lack of awareness, limited college aspirations, transportation challenges and financial constraints. Virgil promptly established a partnership with the local community college to boost student enrollment. A significant turning point came when the college received a grant to provide eligible students with free tuition and books for dual enrollment, revolutionizing the opportunities for students to earn both high school and college credit. To address transportation challenges, Virgil worked with the college to implement online courses and enlisted teachers to teach dual enrollment courses at the high school. Her approaches increased the number of students in dual-enrollment courses from four to more than 40 each semester. This year, the school is on the cusp of graduating its first student with a high school diploma and an associate degree in science, along with its first student with a mechatronics certification from the aviation college. As a result of Virgil’s extensive collaboration and advocacy efforts, Daleville High School now offers dual-enrollment courses in science, English and math. For Virgil, the most rewarding part of her work as a school counselor is the opportunity to be a support system for her students.
Diana will also be presenting one breakout session.
Opening Keynote Session
November 5, 2026 | 8:30 a.m.
At the heart of every thriving school community is a commitment to ensuring each and every student is seen, supported, and set up for success. But good intentions alone aren’t enough. Lasting impact requires aligned systems, intentional practices, and a shared vision that fully integrates comprehensive school counseling.
This keynote weaves together practical stories, real-world successes, and lessons learned from the field to illustrate how comprehensive school counseling programs, grounded in data and delivered through a Multi-Tiered, Multi-Domain System of Supports (MTMDSS), can transform student outcomes.
Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on their own programs, assessing strengths and identifying areas for growth, to consider how they can more effectively serve each and every student. They will also leave inspired and equipped with strategies to use data to better understand student needs, strengthen supports across tiers, and align school counseling efforts with site and district priorities.
The result: systems that move beyond access to ensure every student experiences meaningful, measurable impact. Because when school counselors lead with purpose and build with intention, every student can thrive.
Danielle Duarte, Ed.L.D. is passionate about supporting students’ academic success, college and career readiness, and social-emotional development while using data to demonstrate the impact of comprehensive school counseling programs. A former school counselor, counseling grant project director, and adjunct faculty member, Danielle now serves as President of Hatching Results, where she leads national efforts to strengthen data-driven school counseling systems.
Earlier in her career, Danielle successfully wrote and directed a $1.1 million Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Program Grant for her district, hiring, training, and supporting school counselors in the development of comprehensive programs. Over the past decade, she has trained thousands of educators nationwide and co-authored two books on Tier 1 school counseling programming.
Danielle has served on the Board of Directors for the California Association of School Counselors, including as President, and on the Cal Aggie Alumni Association (UC Davis) Board. She is also a certified Harvard Data Wise Coach and AVID Staff Developer.
Featured in San Diego Magazine’s “17 Big Ideas for 2017: Let’s Implement More School Counseling Programs,” Danielle believes every student can succeed with the right systems of support and well-trained school counselors leading the way.
Pre-Conference Session (additional cost)
November 4, 2026| 12:00 p.m.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping education—and school counseling is no exception. This keynote will explore the opportunities and challenges AI brings to our field, with a focus on how it can enhance student support, streamline counselor practices, and prepare young people for the future. Through real-world examples, practical tools, and thought-provoking discussions, attendees will gain a big-picture view of AI’s role in school counseling today and where it’s headed tomorrow.
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Pre-Conference Session (additional cost)
November 4, 2026| 12:00 p.m.
Each year, an estimated 2,000 undocumented students graduate fromNC high schools. Additionally, almost 7% of all children in NC are U.S. Citizens with undocumented parents. How can our schools address the needs of students & families impacted by undocumentation? Participants in this pre-conference workshop will…
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Pre-Conference Session (additional cost)
November 4, 2026| 12:00 p.m.
School counselors must negotiate the competing interests of the overregulated school environment, student’s need for confidentiality and the legal rights of parents to be the guiding voice in their children lives. Updates on these competing interests will be discussed through 10 primary court rulings that guide legal work of counselors in schools. Legal rulings will be highlighted in areas such as sexually active students, bullying, academic advising, child abuse, educational records, sexual harassment, first amendment rights, and transgender youth. Particular attention will be given to the developing laws regarding off-campus cyber speech and other uses of social media that are difficult to address without offending the first amendment. Through case study and the application of federal, state, and judge made laws, participants will actively dialogue in a lively forum. The goal is to facilitate participants’ legal literacy and provide guiding principles to support best ethical practice.
Carolyn Stone, Ed.D., is a Professor Emeritus of Counselor Education at the University of North Florida (UNF). Dr. Stone is a Past President of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), and in 2010 was presented the ASCA Lifetime Achievement Award. Prior to coming to UNF, Dr. Stone spent 22 years with Jacksonville, Florida’s Public Schools as an elementary and high school counselor, middle school teacher and Supervisor of Guidance Services. She supervised 225 school counselors. Dr. Stone was ASCAs Ethics Chair from 2002 to 2022 and chaired the last four revisions of the ethical standards.
Pre-Conference Session (additional cost)
November 4, 2026 12:00 p.m.
The need to inform and educate others about the role of the school counselor is ongoing. It’s even more critical to be able to show relevance and share evidence of how students benefit from their school counseling programs. Prepare to engage in a lively discussion about local, district and state level advocacy and the many possibilities for success in this effort when done the right way.
Objectives:
Deirdra Williams is the Director of Programs and Advocacy for the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). Prior to joining the ASCA staff in 2021, she served high school students for over 20 years as a school counselor and Dean of Counseling and Student Services in one of the largest school districts in North Carolina. She is also a past Government Relations chair and as well as past President for her SCA.
Deirdra developed a passion for advocacy while serving as her SCA’s Government Relations chair and President. Her advocacy work expands from local, to state to national work and now supporting advocacy efforts of state leaders. Deirdra also coordinates the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP). She uses her own experience of earning RAMP, and providing trainings to school districts to further advocacy efforts by supporting school counselors seeking to earn RAMP for their school. Deirdra encourages use of the ASCA National Model for school counselor advocacy, especially at state and local levels.
Deirdra earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in French Language & Literature from NC State University, Master of Arts degree in School Counseling from NC Central University and a Master of Arts degree in School Administration from East Carolina University.
Tentative
7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. – On-Site Conference Registration and Information Desk Open
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – NCSCA Delegate Assembly
10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Exhibitors Setup
11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Leadership Day Meeting
12:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. – Pre-Conference Sessions
1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Exhibits Open
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Snack Break with Exhibitors
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Pre-Conference General Session with Keynote Speaker – Diana Virgil (Open to all conference attendees)
7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – On-Site Conference Registration and Information Desk Open
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. – Continental Breakfast
7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Exhibits Open
7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Silent Auction
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Opening Session Kick Off: Welcome, Introduction, Regional Roll Call, Updates & Awards with Keynote Speaker – Danielle Duarte
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Break with Exhibitors
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Program Session 1
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Boxed Lunches (Name Badge Required)
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Past Presidents Luncheon
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Graduate Student Luncheon and Panel
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Program Session 2
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Break with Exhibitors
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Graduate Student Poster Sessions
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Program Session 3
3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Break with Exhibitors
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Program Session 4
4:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – Regional Meetings
5:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. – Celebration Reception & Silent Auction
6:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. – Fun Run/Walk
7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – On-Site Conference Registration and Information Desk Open
8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. – Coffee Service Only
8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Exhibits Open
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – Closing Keynote Session – Panel Discussion
9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. – Transition Break
9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Program Session 5
10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. – Break with Exhibitors – Last Chance!
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. – Program Session 6
You can save on your conference registration by becoming a member of the NCSCA! New members can join and get an immediate membership ID number. The money you save on the conference registration will pay for your annual dues. Visit the NCSCA website BEFORE registering to get your member number.
Do you need help justifying this conference to your Supervisor? Vying for a good funding source can be challenging sometimes. We have created a letter (modeled from ASCA) you can customize to support your efforts to attend the NCSCA Conference!
Main Conference registration includes access to the Pre-Conference General Session on Wednesday, November 4th at 3:30 p.m. Please register for the Pre-Conference sessions separately.
Professional Member*
$160
Save $10 if you register by September 30th!**
Student & Retiree Member*
$125
Save $5 if you register by September 30th!**
Non-Member
$250
Save $10 if you register by September 30th!**
Onsite registration adds $10 to the rates, so register now!
Professional Member*
$125
Save $10 if you register by September 30th!**
Student & Retiree Member*
$100
Save $10 if you register by September 30th!**
Non-Member
$220
Save $10 if you register by September 30th!**
Onsite registration adds $10 to the rates, so register now!
Member*
$45
Non-Member
$100
*You must have a NCSCA Membership good through November 6, 2026 to receive the Member Price.
**To qualify for the Early or Regular Registration Rates, your registration form AND payment (copy of your purchase order, check, or credit card) must be received or postmarked by the cutoff dates.
The online registration portal is now closed, but we will be accepting on-site registration at the event. Please bring the Registration Form (see below to download) with your method of payment to the conference.
To pay with a check or purchase order please download the registration form and send it in with your check or purchase order. Registrations cannot be processed without payment. Contact us with questions.
WAIVER OF LIABILITY: The signed, in consideration of his/her registration of the 2026 NCSCA Fall Conference, releases, holds harmless and discharges the association, management staff and their agents, from any and all actions, claims and demands which may arise out of an accident, casualty or occurrence during said convention. Your registration submission above acknowledges acceptance of these provisions of registration for all those listed on this form.
PROCESSING FEE: There will be a $35 service charge for all returned checks and declined credit cards.
CANCELLATION POLICY: If we are forced to cancel the NCSCA Conference because of a “force majeure” event, such as a government restriction on large gatherings that cover the intended size of the conference, then we will issue full refunds of the registrations. Otherwise, our normal cancelation policy will be upheld: Requests for refunds must be received in writing. No refund requests will be granted after October 4, 2026. There is a 20% processing fee for refunds requested prior to August 31, 2026 and a 50% processing fee for all refunds requested September 1 – October 4, 2026. Send cancellation requests to the NCSCA Treasurer at treasurer@ncschoolcounselor.org. The association is not responsible for and cannot give refunds due to problems beyond its control, such as weather and school closings.
On social distancing and other health and safety measures, the regulations/guidelines that apply to hotels and conference centers may change. The NCSCA Conference will conform to all necessary regulations/guidelines that are in place as of the date of the conference.
Register online below using a credit card, or download the registration form and send it in with your payment.
To pay with a check or purchase order please download the registration form and send it in with your check or purchase order. Registrations cannot be processed without payment. Contact us with questions.
VENUE & HOST HOTEL
5400 John Q. Hammons Dr. NW
Concord, NC 28027
Reservation information coming soon.
The Embassy Suites, the Conference’s host hotel, has a conference rate of $184 per night, plus tax, which remains valid for reservations made by October 13, 2026, while rooms are available. The price includes free made-to-order breakfast and a complimentary evening reception.
You can also book a room by calling (704) 455-8200. Please be sure to mention Group Code 920.
OVERFLOW HOTEL
7601 Scott Padgett Pkwy
Concord, NC 28027
The Residence Inn by Marriott has a conference rate of $159 per night, plus tax, which remains valid for reservations made by October 25, 2024, while rooms are available. The price includes a full hot breakfast.
You can also book a room by calling (704) 454-7862. Be sure to mention group code “NCSNCSA” to get the discounted conference rate.
OVERFLOW HOTEL
7201 Scott Padgett Pkwy
Concord, NC 28027
The Courtyard has a conference rate of $159 per night, plus tax, which remains valid for reservations made by October 5, 2024, while rooms are available.
You can also book a room by calling (704) 453-2600. Be sure to mention group code “NCSNCSK” to get the discounted conference rate.
VENUE & HOST HOTEL
3121 W Gate City Blvd
Greensboro, NC 27407
Reservation information coming soon.
The Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons, the Conference’s host hotel, has a conference rate of $174 per night, plus tax, which remains valid for reservations made by October 21, 2025, while rooms are available. The price includes two complimentary breakfast vouchers to be used at Joseph’s Restaurant each morning.
You can also book a room by calling (800) 242-6556 ext. 1 or (336) 292-9131 ext. 1. Please be sure to mention the North Carolina School Counselor Association.
In the evening, make sure you take time to relax and enjoy the surrounding area. Visit Concord Mills, just minutes away and in walking distance from the Embassy Suites! You can sit back and relax at the many restaurants at Concord Mills, such as Bonefish Grill, Dave and Busters and Outback Steakhouse, along with others. Enjoy shopping at the America Eagle, Nike Clearance Store, Banana Republic Factory Store, Sephora, Tommy Hilfiger, and many more! Concord Mills also has a 24-screen AMC move theater, so you can finally watch that movie you have been wanting to see.
You can also visit Gibson Mill! Gibson Mill is a renovated mill that made a wide variety of fabrics a century ago. When you go today you can visit The Depot, an antique mall. Or visit one of their two craft breweries, Cabarrus Brewing Company or High Branch Brewing Company.
We hope this conference will educate and equip you to do your job well, and we also hope you will take advantage of the wonderful ways you can relax and be refreshed!
In the evening, make sure you take time to relax and enjoy the surrounding area.
Within easy walking distance is the Four Seasons Town Centre. The mall has stores such as Bath and Body Works, H&M, and Dillards. And if you are looking for a bite to eat check out Bonefish Grill.
Nearby you will also find the Friendly Center. You can sit back and relax at the many restaurants, such as the Cheesecake Factory, Poblano’s Mexican Bar and Grill, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, and Bravo Italian Kitchen. Enjoy shopping at Barnes & Noble, LOFT, Pottery Barn, Sephora, and many more! The Friendly Center also has a Regal move theater, so you can finally watch that movie you have been wanting to see.
We hope this conference will educate and equip you to do your job well, and we also hope you will take advantage of the wonderful ways you can relax and be refreshed!
National Center for Youth Issues
ATTN: NCSCA
P.O. Box 22185
Chattanooga, TN 37422-2185
Make all checks and purchase orders payable to:
National Center for Youth Issues
The Attendee will receive an email confirmation to the email address provided when their registration is processed. (Make sure to check Junk/Spam folders.) Please allow ample time for processing.
Please contact NCSCA directly with all membership questions.
Sponsors receive attendee contact information.
All intellectual property rights in and to the North Carolina School Counselor Association (NCSCA) Annual Conference (“the Event”), the content and all materials distributed at or in connection with the Event are owned by NCSCA and/or the Event sponsors or speakers presenting at the Event. You may not use or reproduce or allow anyone to use or reproduce any trademarks or other trade names appearing at the Event, in any Event content and/or in any materials distributed at or in connection with the Event for any reason without the prior written permission of NCSCA or the presenting speaker.
