EDUCATION SESSIONS

3.00 CAE Credits

Keynote Presentation 8:45-9:45 a.m. (1.00 CAE)

Change Your Narrative- Get Clear. Get Free. Get Going.

Dave Sanderson, President, Dave Sanderson Speaks International LLC

Life is defined not by what happens to us, but by how we respond and the story we choose to tell ourselves. In this powerful talk, Dave Sanderson, a survivor of the Miracle on the Hudson, shares how a single moment can reshape your perspective, reframe your narrative, and propel you toward extraordinary success.

Drawing from his near-death experience, Dave reveals how resilience, mindset, and decisive action can turn even the most challenging circumstances into opportunities for growth, leadership, and transformation. His journey from survival to success demonstrates how anyone - regardless of their past or current obstacles - can take control of their story and create a future of purpose, impact, and fulfillment.

Key Takeaways

• 100 Day strategy to get your outcome
• The key to having a consistent high-performance team
• High Velocity Decision Making - Speed is your competitive advantage
• Problem Solve via Anticipation - The power of pattern recognition
• Plural Pronouns - foster a sense of collaboration, unity, and shared purpose.

Through personal insights, real-world applications, and actionable strategies, Dave will inspire you to embrace uncertainty, redefine your limits, and step into your next chapter with courage and conviction.

*Provided courtesy of PK Speakers Bureau, LLC 

Spotlight Sessions 10:00-11:00 a.m. (1.00 CAE)

How Meeting Planners Can Use AI to Work Smarter

Jennifer Haire, CMP, CAE, Director of Conference Services, National Center for State Courts


Rich Vallaster III, CEM, DES, Senior Director of Industry Relations and Community Engagement, Personify

AI is everywhere, and for many meeting planners, that’s a little scary. But here’s the good news: AI isn’t coming for your job, it’s here to make it easier. From budgeting to brainstorming, see how AI can take on the busywork so you can focus on what matters: creating meaningful, memorable events. Leave the session with tools you can try right away. 

Updating Your Association's Governance

Eileen Johnson, CAE, Partner, Whiteford Law

This session focuses on updating your association's governance by challenging the assumption that "we've always done it this way" is the only or even the best way to govern your association today. Learn how to take advantage of changes in statutes and practices to improve your association’s governance so that board and committee meetings are more effective, and volunteering becomes more inviting.

Creating Powerful Peer Exchanges That Work

Carter Lyons, CAE, Senior Director, Member Experience & Workforce Strategy, LeadingAge Virginia

The best peer learning doesn’t come from advice—it comes from shared experience in a space built on trust. In this session, we’ll explore what makes peer exchanges and shared interest groups effective, and how to create the structure, presence, and confidentiality needed for real connection and growth. Whether you're looking to strengthen existing SIGs or launch new peer networks, you'll leave with practical strategies to boost engagement and build member-driven communities that matter.

Quick Takes 11:10-11:40 a.m. (.50 CAE)

Event Contracts Decoded: Trends to Know, Pitfalls to Avoid


Tom Spong, President, Sales & Account Development, Eisenman & Associates

Get smart about what’s changing in venue and vendor contracts. Walk away with practical tips to protect your organization, avoid common missteps, and negotiate with confidence. Whether you’re new to contracts or have years of experience, this session offers timely insights you can put to use right away.

Reserves Done Right: A Financial Plan for Today’s Volatility 


Rutherfoord Ferguson, First Vice President-Client Relationship Manager, Davenport & Company LLC

With today's increasingly volitale financial markets, it may be time to reevaluate your reserve strategy. Learn how to align your reserves with your mission and risk, and depart with key questions to ask your advisor now.

What’s Worth Sponsoring? Insights from the Partner Perspective

Jamie Rawls, CMP, Convention Sales Manager, Virginia Beach CVB

Lisa Meriwether, Tourism Manager, Visit SoSi

Today’s sponsors are looking for more than logos and lunch breaks. Get an inside look at what makes a sponsorship valuable, where associations often fall short, and how expectations are shifting. Walk away with fresh ideas for revamping your sponsor program to better reflect partner goals while delivering real value for your association.

Quick Takes 11:50-12:20 p.m. (.50 CAE)

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