Mega Sessions

Kick start Friday, Dec. 4, 8:00-9:00 a.m. with one of five dynamic Mega Sessions! Featuring timely topics, compelling stories and perspectives from nationally-recognized leaders, these sessions provide an inspiring look at the challenges, opportunities and innovations shaping the future of career and technical education.

A Century of CTE in Motion: ACTE Centennial Documentary Premiere & Panel Discussion With Filmmakers

Speakers: David Baker, Danny Fulgencio, and Julia Kendrick

Be among the first to experience the premiere of ACTE's centennial documentary, debuting here at CareerTech VISION 2026 as part of our 100th anniversary celebration. This inspiring short film honors a century of CTE by spotlighting dedicated educators, students and industry partners whose work transforms lives, strengthens communities and shapes the future workforce. Through compelling storytelling and vivid portraits, the documentary also celebrates ACTE's vibrant community of members, supporters and advocates from across the country. Following the premiere, filmmakers David Baker and Danny Fulgencio along with ACTE's Julia Kendrick will host a conversation with New Orleans-area CTE professionals, including educators, students, workforce development leaders and other individuals featured in the film. Go behind the scenes to learn about the making of the documentary, hear personal stories from its featured participants and explore the enduring impact of CTE over the past century and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Beyond the Launchpad: Preparing Students for Careers Across the Aerospace Workforce

When many people think of aerospace careers, they picture astronauts and rocket scientists. Those careers are important, but the aerospace industry also relies on a vast workforce that includes many other sectors, including advanced manufacturing technicians, engineers, aviation maintenance professionals, cybersecurity specialists, software developers, project managers, and skilled trades professionals, to name a few.

In this engaging panel discussion, aerospace leaders will explore the growing demand for talent and the pathways that prepare learners for these exciting careers. The conversation will highlight real-world models for school-to-industry partnerships, workforce trends, employer expectations, the growing appeal of alternatives to the traditional four-year path, and how educators across all career fields can apply these lessons to prepare students for 21st-century career readiness in an increasingly global, competitive workforce. Attendees will gain insights into how aerospace career pathways can inspire students, strengthen STEM education, and prepare the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers for one of the world's most dynamic industries.

Federal Policy Update

It has been another eventful year in education and workforce development policy around the country, particularly at the federal level. This session will explore in depth the federal policy activities that have impacted CTE, covering both Congress and the Administration. We’ll provide a deep dive into the federal budget and appropriations process, implementation of short-term Pell and new postsecondary data reporting requirements, and other key secondary and postsecondary policy issues. We will also review the outcomes of the mid-term elections and their potential impact on the congressional agenda, and discuss how CTE leaders can build relationships with policymakers to maximize results in the new Congress.

Middle Level CTE - Why it Matters

Speakers: Rahsaan Bartet, Chaney Mosley, Brittany Elaine Porter, and Gayla Randel

Expanding CTE into the middle grades is essential as students begin forming beliefs about their abilities, interests, and future careers between ages 10 and 14. This panel examines why middle school is a critical window for building career awareness, confidence, and motivation, and how districts and states can intentionally design developmentally appropriate CTE experiences. Panelists will share practical strategies for introducing career exploration, hands on learning, and industry aligned pathways before high school without tracking or limiting student potential. Participants will learn how middle grades CTE increases engagement, strengthens academic relevance, and creates smoother transitions into high school programs of study. The session also addresses equity, showing how early access to CTE can disrupt opportunity gaps and expand what students believe is possible for themselves. By starting earlier, education systems can help students graduate with direction and purpose rather than uncertainty about their future.

Multiple Choice: Creating Pathways to Purpose and Prosperity

Speaker: Keith Ochwat

Join PBS Documentary film Multiple Choice director Keith Ochwat and one of the featured participants for an inspiring look at how career-connected learning can transform students, schools and communities. Through film clips and candid conversation, this film shares how meaningful pathways, real-world experiences and community collaboration can create multiple choices for every student’s future.