CareerFest '26 Speaker Sessions

Thursday, November 19, 2026 KIA Center Section 108 Included with CareerFest

Free Career Sessions

Real Advice. Fresh Ideas. Your Next Career Move.

Learn directly from career experts. Discover practical tools, build job-search confidence, and leave with strategies you can put to work—whether you’re actively searching or planning your next step.

Join us for expert-led career sessions designed to help job seekers stand out, interview better, and uncover new opportunities.

Headshot of Kristin Chase

Session 01 • 10:30 AM

Chasing the Company of Your Dreams: Culture Makes It More Than Just a Job

Kristin Chase

Founder & Principal, Chase Talent Development

Your next step isn’t just about finding any job—it’s about finding a workplace where you can grow and thrive. In this interactive session, learn how to recognize a company’s culture before joining, identify what matters most to you, and ask thoughtful questions to determine whether an employer aligns with your values and career goals. Walk away with practical tools to find a company where you can build the career you want.

Headshot of Lisa Maile

Session 02 • 11:15 AM

★20-Time Job Fair Speaker

Power Interviewing: Prepare to Nail Your Dream Job

Lisa Maile

Career, Communications & Success Coach; Image and Branding Consultant

In today’s competitive job market, landing the interview is only the beginning. Lisa will show attendees how to tailor their message to an employer’s needs, make a confident first impression, and communicate what makes them stand out. She’ll share a winning approach to “Tell Me About Yourself,” strategies for crafting compelling success stories, and tips for using body language and professional branding to their advantage. Attendees will leave feeling prepared, confident, and empowered for their next interview.

Headshot of Victor Simmons, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CDE

Session 03 • 12:20 PM

The Hidden Job Market: How to Get Seen Before the Job Is Posted

Speaker

Victor Simmons, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CDE

Executive Coach, Speaker & Fractional Chief People Officer, Victorious Endeavors

Most opportunities never come from simply clicking “apply.” In this practical session, Victor will show job seekers how to become more visible before a role is ever posted. Learn how to use LinkedIn strategically, position yourself as knowledgeable in your field, and build authentic relationships without feeling awkward or desperate. Leave with real examples of what to post, what to say, how to follow up, and how to create visibility that leads to opportunity.

Author of The Presence-Driven Leader and the Lee F. Simmons Story • TEDx speaker

Speaker 4
Photo Coming Soon

Session 04 • 1:05 PM

Session Details Coming Soon

Speaker To Be Announced

Details will be announced soon

Check back for our final CareerFest career session announcement.

Your Next Opportunity Starts Here.

Come for the free career sessions. Stay for the connections, employers, and opportunities across CareerFest.

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