Trends in Recruiting 2026
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Trends in Recruiting will take place on April 13, 2026
Each spring MWACE hosts our Trends in Recruiting conference. This is a great opportunity for employers and career services staff to learn more about the job market and student attitudes toward recruitment from leading researchers in the field.
EVENT DETAILS | HOTEL | AGENDA | REGISTRATION FEES | PANELISTS/PRESENTERS | SPONSORSHIP
Event Details
Trends in Recruiting for 2026
Date: April 13, 2026
Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Saint Louis University, Busch Student Center, Wool Ballroom
Parking: $6.00 (not included in registration)
Suggested Hotel
MWACE has secured a block of rooms at the Element St. Louis Midtown Hotel (a Marriott property), located within walking distance of the SLU Busch Student Center. The nightly rate is $149.00 (plus applicable taxes). To receive the group rate, rooms must be booked by March 13.
BOOK YOUR HOTEL
Agenda:
Times listed CST
9:00 AM – 9:05 AM: Welcome
9:05 AM – 10:00 AM: Presentation: Handshake
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Presentation by Nalini Mahadevan - Principal Attorney with MLO Law, LLC
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Presentation by Charles S. Gascon - Economist and Assistant Vice President of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Provided Lunch / Networking
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Presentation by Matt Berndt - Head of Indeed's Job Search Academy
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Reaction Panel and Q&A
3:00 PM – Dismissal
Registration Fees
Early Registration (Through March 13):
- Member: $150.00
- Non-Member: $200.00
Regular Registration (Starting March 14):
- Member: $200.00
- Non-Member: $250.00
Cancellation/Refund Policy:
Refunds will not be issued for no-shows. Cancelation requests should be submitted in writing to [email protected].
Presenters and Panelists
We are excited to welcome three distinguished speakers to our Trends in Recruiting 2026 event at Saint Louis University on Monday, April 13. Each brings a unique perspective on today’s dynamic job market—from legal and economic insights to career development strategies—offering valuable guidance for students, alumni, and professionals navigating the world of work.
Nalini Mahadevan is the Principal Attorney and founder of MLO Law LLC, a woman‑owned law firm serving corporate and individual clients since 2003. Her practice specializes in immigration, estate planning, and business law, and she brings extensive international legal experience, having begun her career as a corporate lawyer in India before establishing her legal career in the United States. Nalini holds degrees in accounting and law from India, an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, and a JD from Saint Louis University School of Law. Beyond her legal practice, she has served as an adjunct professor, is active in community and professional organizations, and is engaged in public service and mentoring initiatives.
Charles S. Gascon serves as an economist and Assistant Vice President in the Research Division of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, where he has worked since 2006. In this role, he analyzes national and regional economic conditions, contributes to research publications, and prepares key reports used by both internal economists and policymakers. Gascon holds a master’s degree in economics from the State University of New York at Albany and an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis. His research has been cited in major national and regional media, and he is a member of both the American Economic Association and the National Association for Business Economics.
Matt Berndt is the Head of Indeed’s Job Search Academy, where he leads career strategy and job search readiness programming for job seekers. With nearly 30 years of experience helping individuals find work, Matt has developed and scaled career‑focused initiatives that support job search education, resume writing, interview skills, and career management. Before his current role, he launched and led Indeed’s executive briefing program and previously worked in higher‑education career services and the staffing industry. His background includes roles at the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Southern California, and St. Edward’s University, and he has served on the National Association of Colleges & Employers Board of Directors (2010-12).
Sponsorship
Sponsorship Opportunities: Elevate Your Brand at MWACE Trends 2026
Gain valuable exposure and showcase your organization’s commitment to professional development by becoming a sponsor for the MWACE Trends event! Choose from two sponsorship options designed to fit your goals and budget:
$1,000 Trends Sponsorship
Maximize your impact with our premier sponsorship package, which includes:
- Your logo featured prominently on all event marketing materials
- Complimentary registration and parking for up to two attendees
- Recognition with multiple mentions throughout the event
$500 Trends Sponsorship
Enjoy great visibility and benefits with our standard sponsorship package:
- Your logo included on event marketing materials
- Complimentary registration and parking for one attendee
Secure your sponsorship today to connect with professionals and elevate your brand during this exciting event!
Thank you to our 2026 Event Sponsors!
Title Sponsor
Event Sponsors
MWACE Partners
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