Mentorship is valuable, but sponsorship is a game-changer for career advancement. It is an ally action that is often overlooked and underutilized in organizations. In this workshop, participants will explore the key distinctions between mentorship and sponsorship, understand the role of advocacy in professional growth, and learn how to build and sustain impactful sponsorship relationships. Through practical strategies and actionable insights, attendees will gain the tools to become effective sponsors or protégés, fostering a more equitable workplace.

Speaker: Sertrice Shipley

In a world that moves faster than ever before — where a text can cross continents in seconds, where first impressions are formed in the blink of an eye, and where our interactions span cultures, time zones, and generations — the way we conduct ourselves matters more, not less.
Our speaker today has dedicated her work to exploring a question that is deceptively simple yet profoundly important: What Happened to Basic Business Etiquette?
Please join me in welcoming our speaker, Sharon Hill, who will remind us that etiquette is not about perfection — it is about intention, awareness, and the simple but powerful choice to show up for others with grace.

Speaker: Sharon Hill

Artificial intelligence is becoming embedded in today's workplace. And, more often than not, faster than leaders can keep up. How organizations adopt AI matters just as much as whether they do. In this keynote, Liz helps leaders understand where AI is already influencing associations, how it shapes decision-making and creative work, and what it means to lead with both imagination and ethical discernment.

• During this session, attendees will:
  • Understand key AI trends impacting associations today and in the future
  • Explore AI use cases through a leadership lens grounded in curiosity and discernment
  • Identify practical guardrails to guide ethical, responsible AI adoption without sacrificing creativity or organizational momentum

This session is intentionally non-technical and designed for association professionals who want clarity, confidence, and a responsible framework for navigating AI adoption.

Speaker: Liz Ruf

What if making a difference isn’t just a calling—but a skill you can learn? In this inspiring keynote, William Mangum shares how Awareness, Resourcefulness, and Timing— There’s an  A.R.T. to Making a Difference—can transform the way you lead, serve, and engage your community. Through powerful stories and real-world examples, attendees will leave with a renewed sense of purpose and practical ways to create meaningful impact in their organizations and beyond.

Speaker: Bill Mangum