HireACane Academy

HireACaneAcademy2026_Spring2026_v1_480x320.png
toppel_hire_a_cane_academy_deans_panel_(910 x 507 px).png toppel_hire_a_cane_academy_deans_panel_(910 x 507 px).png

HireACane Academy (HACA) is Toppel’s recruiter conference and retreat where recruiters come together to discuss critical topics and recruiting trends. Employers and UM representatives create interactive presentations, and faculty and students share their expertise and insight into the recruiting process. Past topics include branding your organization on campus, faculty engagement, and more. 

HireACane Academy Campus Recruiter Conference

*Please note this event is a conference for recruiters and NOT a career fair. You will have the opportunity to connect with various UM students who will share their insights into the recruiting process.*

Join the Toppel Career Center for the HireACane Academy Campus Recruiter Conference on April 30 & May 1, 2026, hosted on our beautiful Coral Gables campus. This year's conference is an opportunity to refocus on the qualities and strategies that make us resilient when faced with less than favorable conditions. We will reconnect with the purpose behind your work by focusing on the impact of your recruitment efforts on the student experience. Join us for this unique opportunity to hear directly from students, collaborate with peers, and gain actionable strategies to elevate your campus recruitment efforts. 

AGENDA - More Details Coming Soon

Day 1 – April 30, 2026 

Breakfast: 9:00 – 9:30 am  

Welcome & Introductions: 9:30 – 10:00 am  

Keynote Address: 10:00 - 11:00 am

Break: 11:00 – 11:15 am

Labor Market Trends: 11:15 am – 12:15 pm

Lunch & Network: 12:15 – 1:15 pm  
Enjoy lunch and network with UM staff!

Session #2 (TBD): 1:15 – 2:45 pm

Break: 2:45 – 3:00 pm  

Student & Faculty Roundtable: 3:00 – 4:30 pm

Reception: 4:30 - 5:30 pm 

Day 2 - May 1, 2026 

Breakfast: 9:00 – 9:30 am

Welcome & Opening Activity: 9:30 - 9:45 am  

Fireside Chat: Branding Strategies: 9:45 - 10:45 am

Break: 10:45 – 11:00 am  

Session on Student Mental Health: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Lunch & Network with UM Staff: 12:00 - 1:30 pm

Wrap-up and Closing Remarks: 1:30 pm

Pricing per participant:

Corporate: $299 
Government/Non-Profit: $249

Employer Testimonials

“Fantastic experience overall, and I definitely will be returning next year. I think this is an amazing program!” – Aly Picascio, RED Hospitality

“Amazing workshops and a great way to network with fellow recruiters.”
– Jamie Kibler, Modjeski & Masters, Inc.

“Thank you for consistently putting on an amazing event. The attention to detail does not go unnoticed, and I always leave with new, helpful insights.”
– Erika Schmidt, RBI

“I love it when students are incorporated into the discussion.”
– Sarah Erb, Elder Affairs

“[HireACane Academy] was informative, engaging, and fun! We received some very valuable insights into the unique challenges involved in recruiting young talent in today’s job market.”
– Kyle Smith, City Wide Facility Solutions

Top