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Join us in Houston, Texas for our second annual counseling workshop: Advising in Action!

This event is designed for school practitioners looking to grow their knowledge and skill in a supportive learning environment. Ideal for counselors and advisors, this event will provide attendees with the opportunity to:

  • Build Community with other counselors and advisors in a warm and welcoming space

  • Engage in Interactive Sessions that encourage discussion and application of new knowledge and skills

  • Learn from Timely Examples and Case Studies that are relevant to the work you do

August 27-29, 2025 | Houston, TX
Hotel: Hotel Zaza Museum District

Agenda

  • 12:00 - 4:00 PM: Travel to location, Hotel Zaza, Houston, Texas

    • If participating in the optional lunch and tour at Rice University, please arrive to the hotel by 12:00 PM

    12:30 - 4:00 PM: Optional Lunch and Tour at Rice University

    4:00 - 6:00 PM: Check-in to hotel 

    6:00 - 6:45 PM: Welcome Reception - Room with a View

    6:45 - 8:30 PM: Discovery Dinner - Grapevine

  • 7:00 - 8:00 AM: Breakfast Available - Deja Vu/Hemingway

    8:15 - 8:45 AM: Welcome and Overview - Phantom Ballroom

    8:45 - 9:15 AM: Community Builder - Phantom Ballroom

    9:15 - 10:15 AM: Session #1 - Phantom Ballroom

    10:15 - 10:30 AM: Break 

    10:30 - 11:30 AM: Session #2 - Phantom Ballroom

    11:30 - 12:30 PM: Lunch - Deja Vu/Hemingway

    12:30 - 12:45 PM: Transition Activity - Phantom Ballroom

    12:45 - 1:30 PM: Community Connections - Phantom Ballroom

    1:30 - 3:00 PM: Session #3 - Phantom Ballroom

    3:00 - 3:15 PM: Snack Break

    3:15 - 4:15 PM: Session #4 - Phantom Ballroom

    4:15 - 4:30 PM: Day 2 Close-Out - Phantom Ballroom

    5:15 - 8:30 PM: Social Outing and Dinner - Puttshack

    • We will have two waves of shuttle service for both departure and return. Each shuttle can hold up to 50 participants.

    • Departure from Hotel ZaZa to Puttshack:

      • First Shuttle: 5:15 PM

      • Second Shuttle: 5:50 PM

    • Return from Puttshack to Hotel ZaZa:

      • First Shuttle: 8:00 PM

      • Second Shuttle: 8:30 PM

  • 7:00 - 8:00 AM: Breakfast Available - Deja Vu/Hemingway

    8:15 - 8:20 AM: Welcome, Overview, Feedback - Phantom Ballroom

    8:20 - 9:00 AM: Community Builder - Phantom Ballroom

    9:00 - 10:30 AM: Session #5 - Phantom Ballroom

    10:30 - 10:45 AM: Break 

    10:45 - 11:30 AM: Choice A Block - Phantom Ballroom, Fountain, or Ultimate Ransom

    11:30 - 12:30 PM: Lunch - Deja Vu/Hemingway

    12:30 - 1:30 PM: Practice Session - Phantom Ballroom

    1:30 - 1:45 PM: Break

    1:45 - 2:30 PM: Choice B Block - Phantom Ballroom, Fountain, or Ultimate Ransom

    1:30 - 3:00 PM: Feedback, Appreciation, & Closeout - Phantom Ballroom

Session Topics and Learning Outcomes

  • ✏️ Common types of postsecondary credentialing. “I know what kind of jobs require what types of credentialing across popular industries.”

    ✏️ Linking a student’s interest with potential jobs and careers. “I know how to help my students explore different careers based on their aptitudes and interests.”

    ✏️ Helping students explore a particular job or career of interest. “I know how to help students search for jobs and credentialing programs / institutions based on their aptitudes and interests.”

  • ✏️ Define college match and fit.

    ✏️ Explain how college wishlists are created, with an emphasis on match.

    ✏️ Compare college and university admission criteria to academic credentials to determine eligibility.

    ✏️ Role play common advising scenarios using college match language

    ✏️ Explore high impact resources and tools.

  • ✏️ Define college fit.

    ✏️ Explore various aspects of college fit.

    ✏️ Evaluate colleges for individual fit.

  • ✏️ Mentor Mindset

    ✏️ Financial Aid Overview

    ✏️ Writing College Essays

    ✏️ Family Engagement

I’m Registered! What’s next?

  • Contigo Ed will cover the cost of the workshop, hotel accommodations for 2 nights (for each participant), all meals and parking during the event. Participants are responsible for all costs associated with travel to/from Houston.  Please work with your district or campus administrator to book or coordinate your travel to and from Houston, TX. 

  • You will receive a registration confirmation email in July to confirm your registration and request any additional information required by our operations team.  

  • At least two weeks prior to the workshop, you will receive a welcome message detailing what to expect and other pertinent information on workshop and hotel check-in as well as our opening reception and dinner.  

  • If your preferences or plans change, please reach out to Ashley Boone at ashley@contigoed.org as soon as possible to update your registration.   

Questions?  Please reach out to Ashley Boone at ashley@contigoed.org.

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • The full cost of the workshop, including hotel (2 nights) and all meals and materials, will be covered by Contigo Ed. District/participants are only responsible for the costs of travel to/from Houston.

  • This professional learning event is ideal for school counselors and advisors looking to grow their knowledge and skill.

  • This opportunity is reserved and designed for first-time participants. If you attended last August’s Advising in Action Counseling Workshop in Dallas, Texas, please pass this opportunity to another colleague. Continue learning with Contigo Ed via our on-demand course, Aspiration to Action, and by visiting our events page.

  • Attendees are encouraged to stay on-site at the hotel to fully participate in all day and evening activities and events.

  • Please arrive by 5 pm* on Wednesday, August 27 and depart the hotel anytime after 3 pm on Friday, August 29.

    *If you would like to participate in an optional tour of Rice University, please arrive by 12 pm on Wednesday, August 27.

  • You will be provided with your own room (yay!) for 2 nights during the event.

  • We request that everyone, including those joining us from the Houston area, stay at the hotel to fully engage in and benefit from the community-building and networking experiences we have planned. If you have extenuating circumstances that prevent you from doing so, please indicate in your registration form and we will reach out to support you.

  • Please plan to bring your laptop as our sessions will have opportunities for practice.

    More details will be sent in an email from Ashley at least two weeks prior to the event.

Before You Attend

  • I give Contigo Ed permission to photograph, film, audio-record, and/or otherwise use my likeness, voice, and/or name in any and all uses by Contigo Ed, including but not limited to educational, promotional, commercial, and advertising uses, including print, digital media, in perpetuity and for any purpose whatsoever, without payment or any consideration.  I understand that the images or media collected become the property of Contigo Ed, and may also be included in the physical or electronic portfolios of partners taking the photos or recordings.  

    I hereby irrevocably authorize Contigo Ed to edit, alter, copy, exhibit, publish or distribute this photo/video for purposes of publicizing Contigo Ed programs or for any other lawful purpose. In addition, I waive the right to inspect or approve the finished product, including written or electronic copy, wherein my likeness appears. Additionally, I waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising or related to the use of the photograph or recording.

  • This policy is designed to prioritize the health and safety of all participants while ensuring a smooth and successful experience for all participants. Attendees are encouraged to stay informed about any updates or changes to these guidelines as the event date approaches.

    Health Requirements Prior to the Event

    • Participants are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and other relevant communicable diseases (e.g., flu) at least two weeks prior to the event

    • You should stay home if you are sick until at least 24 hours after your symptoms are gone or you test negative for common contagious diseases.  

    • Monitor personal health for any symptoms of illness, such as fever, cough, sore throat, or shortness of breath, in the days leading up to the event.

    Health Protocols During the Event

    • Contigo Ed will be following all health and safety protocols and guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and local/state health departments. 

    • Any participant exhibiting symptoms of illness during the event should isolate immediately in their hotel room, and inform the event staff for further guidance.

    • Contigo Ed will follow current state and local guidelines regarding masks and will have masks available for participants.