Conferences

8:30 - 9 a.m.
Registration, Breakfast & Networking

9 - 9:15 a.m.
Kick-Off
Faith Sheaffer-Polen
Director, Corporate University

9:15 - 10:30 a.m.
Chase One Rabbit
Phil Kim

In today’s fast-paced, internet-connected world, we have so many choices it is difficult to focus. Research shows that more choices actually lead to paralysis and inaction. This keynote, by a well-known local author, provides real world, practical advice on how to stop the anxiety over what you haven’t done and start working toward your goals and dreams. By utilizing three simple habits, you can be more successful today.

• Harness the power of focus and accountability
• Utilize the 15-minute rule to increase personal productivity
• Implement an incredibly simple and effective “One Word” goal-setting strategy

10:30 - 10:45 a.m.
Break

10:45 a.m. - Noon (choose from two sessions)

I. Tips for Successful Project Management
Loretta Harland

An organization’s strategic plan is usually executed by delivering a series of successful strategic projects. But recent history shows that over 60% of projects started don't meet their intended goals. Unsuccessful projects negatively impact profits. How can we support project managers and ensure projects are set up to succeed? This program will cover:

• The most common reasons why projects fail and the keys to success
• The project management life cycle
• How project managers can plan, start and finish projects on time and within budget
• How to manage resources and requested scope changes  

II. Civility with Emotional Intelligence: Practical Applications for the Workplace
Hugh Littleton

To address the increased awareness of incivility in the work setting, this interactive presentation introduces the concepts of civility with emotional intelligence, its value to a company, as well as its characteristic causes and effects.  Best practices to encourage civil behavior, in addition to, different ways organizations can build civility in the workplace will also be examined.  Additionally, we will challenge the benefits of Civility with Emotional Intelligence and the practical applications for the workplace at-large. Participants will: 

• Discuss ways to create strong collaboration and partnerships within your organization
• Highlight civility principles that will provide structure and guidelines for maintaining and enhancing trust and respect within your organization
• Understand and challenge ideas to better foster the idea of Civility that will further the mission of your organization
• Emphasize your role and responsibility in maintaining a professional workplace environment
• Describe how emotional intelligence supports civility in the workplace

Noon - 1 p.m.
Lunch

1 - 2:15 p.m.
My Style / Your Style: DiSC
Ned Parks

Seventy-five percent of Fortune 500 companies utilize the DiSC Assessment to improve professional communications and build stronger, more productive teams. In less than 30 minutes, you will be able to identify your areas of strength and areas of development and then go on to learn and practice effective communication strategies you can apply immediately. During this session, participants will:

• Identify your personal style using the DiSC® profile
• Improve your communications with peers, subordinates, clients, friends and supervisors
• Learn to read others’ style and connect with them
• Develop effective communication strategies for different styles

2:15 - 2:30 p.m.
Break

2:30 - 3:45 p.m. (choose from two sessions)

I: Leading Effective Meetings
Helen Stevens-Sheats

Meetings really can be productive, focused and brief, but they require planning and must have a clear purpose. Participants will learn:

• How to optimize meeting time and realize ROI
• Effective methods for obtaining buy-in
• Effective meeting formats and design
• How to create an agenda and document next steps

II: Immigrant Recruiting and Onboarding
Tiffany Stacy

Participants will learn strategies for recruiting immigrant workforce including where to advertise and agencies that can be good partners. This session will give an overview of the immigrant populations present in the area as well as legal considerations for employing various types of immigrants. Participants will learn skills for maintaining their immigrant workforce through cultural sensitivity, cross-cultural communication strategies and community relations.

3:45 - 4 p.m.
Adjourn and Pick-up Certificates