Conference Workshops

Customizable Workshops

Build the best conference for your needs with a customizable workshop schedule. With a variety of workshops available, the hardest decision is choosing which ones you’ll attend.

Workshops include:

  • 21st Century Leadership
  • Communication for Leaders
  • Networking
  • Leadership for Change and Inclusivity
  • Life Skills and Personal Development
  • Self-care and Wellness

Advisors—plan to attend a new program designed just for you!

Advisor Experience

Level-up your training and facilitation skills by learning inclusive best-practices to ensure all participants can access the training message and material, internalize learning, and apply their learning to their practice. This is achieved through:

  • Facilitating experiential learning activities
  • Hosting reflective dialogue
  • Coordinating training preparatory measures
  • Engaging in identity exploration and development
  • Navigating training obstacles
  • Communicating effectively as a trainer

More information will be published soon.

icon21st Century Leadership

Workshops in this block present basic and advanced leadership skills with an emphasis on developing critical thinking; creativity; collaboration; communication; information, technology, and media literacy; flexibility; initiative; productivity; and social skills.

Barz That Raise the Bar: The Art of Endurance

Jonathan Cabrera, Abstract Lifestyle

Ever been hit with so much at once that you wonder how you are going to get through the semester? What about getting through life? It is difficult for anyone to fulfill their role as a leader in society when things seem to be falling apart personally. We will discuss ways to develop the skills and tools mentality needed to endure through rhymin’ and freestylin’ and spittin’ barz that raise the bar. You will learn what endurance is and why it is a needed tool in leadership, reflect on how you have exhibited endurance and how you can continue to reflect it constantly, and learn other individual endurance stories from participants.

Beyond Conflict: Rebuilding Relationships

Jennifer Valtos, Penns Grove Carneys Point School District and Rebecca Koch, Life University

As leaders, one of your duties is to create and maintain relationships within your sphere of responsibility. Many times, you are required to engage with others in potentially challenging environments. When a relationship has been strained or harmed in some way, it doesn’t just repair or restore itself. Restorative practices provide on-the-ground guidelines and tools for identifying and mitigating harms that are done within relationships. This session helps answer the question of how you can use restorative practices in your organizations, with your fellow student leaders, and in your personal relationships. This session will share concrete tools we can use to move beyond conflict and rebuild relationships. Participants will have an opportunity to practice hands-on skills they can use in their leadership positions as well as create a list of restorative practices that may be beneficial.

Emotional Intelligence: Let It Guide Your Leadership Philosophy!

Matthew Shupp, Shippensburg University

Although some people define intelligence as being the smartest in the class or on a job, being “smart” can have many different meanings. For instance, you can be smart about yourself and others—you can have intelligence about your emotions and how you interact with people in certain contexts and situations. This, at its core, is emotional intelligence (EI). Believing that leaders are made and not born, and that leadership crosses boundaries and borders, this presentation introduces participants to the basic tenets of emotional intelligence. Participants will examine their own strengths and weaknesses as it relates to EI so they can successfully adjust their interactions with individuals and organizations that may have significantly different worldviews. Through this session, students will dissect the tenets of Emotionally Intelligent Leadership to understand how change occurs at a practical level; construct their own unique model or theory of leadership in a higher education setting; and become acquainted with characteristics of management and leadership within the environment of higher education and to be able to employ these characteristics.

Failing Upward: Showing Up Courageously in Spite of Fear

Erin Pompa, Erin Pride LLC

During this session, you will learn to navigate their fear of failure and strengthen resilience not only as you lead your life, but also your communities. We will deconstruct ways limiting beliefs are stopping you from taking bold action, and analyze the effects one’s mindset has on efforts, performance, achievements, and joy. Using my PAG framework you will learn how to reframe negative thought cycles and identify goals you want to achieve as you lead in spite of fear.

Leadership is a Verb: Making an Impact on Campus

Chris Collins, Leadership is a Verb Consulting

Where are the receipts? What quantifiable impact are you making on campus, in the community, and for your future?  The answer to these questions depends on how we intentionally manage our time, energy, and focus. The right mindset combined with easy to implement strategies, will help us be better more impactful leaders. This session gives practical tips to engage your organization and campus in a way that multiplies the impact of your efforts. Students walk away knowing the power of exposure and expectations, how to combat the pressure of “grind culture,” and why networking and collaboration are the ultimate force multipliers.

iconCommunication for Leaders

Communication is key to leading change, motivating participation, and expressing a personal point of view. Workshops in this category help students master articulating a vision, communicating in groups, presenting to stakeholders, and other aspects of public motivational speaking.

Communication through Leadership: How to Express a Vision that Creates Movement

Samuel Brown, Faith and Effort LLC

Master the skills to create, pitch, and implement successful leadership programs and initiatives, including how to articulate a vision, communicate to a group, effectively present to stakeholders, and excel at public motivational speaking. During the session, learn the key strategies in making an impactful program or initiative and will have the opportunity to apply learned strategies to create a leadership program or initiative of your own. Students will leave this session equipped with the tools and confidence to replicate the activity on their campuses with a simple three-step model for creating, pitching, and implementing leadership programs and initiatives.

Cultivate Strengths, Not Deficiencies – Breakthrough Success

Sharod Tomlinson, St. John’s University

Learn about breakthrough skills for your personal and professional life. These core values become the scaffolding for a new leadership model. They are designed to expand the way you think about change, resources, planning, and leadership. This session teaches strengths-based development is unique in that it builds on one’s areas of greatest potential; a better understanding of benefits of coaching and mentoring; and how to focus on achieving collective results—the ultimate goal of building greater trust, commitment, and accountability.

Influencing Up, Down, and Across Your College Campus

Jermaine Davis, Jermaine M. Davis Seminars and Workshops, Inc.

Can you effectively influence up, down, and across your college campus? Do people really listen when you talk? Can you assess a situation quickly and adapt your message to accomplish your communication and leadership goals? Do you know how to authentically motivate and inspire others to take positive action across your college campus? In this engaging session, Jermaine will share his latest research on how leaders can use the principles and practices of communication and influence to increase team collaboration and institutional effectiveness. This presentation is based on his bestselling book, Leading with Greatness! Moving from Chaos and Conflict to Communication and Cooperation. Get ready to laugh, learn, and of course have fun! You’ll learn how to motivate others using the practices of relationship-based and task-based leadership; create an authentic leadership brand utilizing the Likeability Factor; build a culture of appreciation and celebration using the R.A.P. Philosophy; rebuild and restore employee and leadership trust utilizing the 4 A’s Approach; lead with positivity and optimism by utilizing facilitative emotions; and communicate effectively and efficiently as a leader utilizing the Carpenter’s Rule.

Learning to Be Comfortable in Your Discomfort

Andrea Mosby, Campuspeak

One of the hardest positions to be in is to be uncomfortable and stay in a dialogue that moves a conversation, issue, or topic forward for the betterment of the whole. It is necessary to have hard conversations so we can find out we have more in common than the differences that sometimes keep us from being able to hear one another. Learning to Be Comfortable in Your Discomfort is an opportunity to move the needle in our lives so that we can truly deal with the issues of the day, versus just checking off another agenda item.

Unlocking Your Fullest Potential by Learning the Art of Public Speaking

Nicki Joiner, The Parallel Agency

Are you ready to take your public speaking skills to the next level? Everyone has a story, and the goal of this workshop is to help you maximize yours! Leaders are most effective when they can garner buy-in, and good public speaking skills will help you do that. Whether it’s delivering your report in an organization’s meeting or presenting for a class project, this workshop will help you conquer your fears and deliver powerful words that will leave a lasting impression. We’ll cover everything from captivating storytelling to persuasive delivery techniques.

iconNetworking

Creating and expanding a personal network is a critical leadership skill. Workshops in this category teach students to create more meaningful connections and build impactful relationships.

Crafting Your “Why” Statement.

Cassandra Gonzalez, Lehigh University

In Simon Sinek’s words, “people don’t buy what you do; they buy WHY you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe.” Because of this, everyone should have a “why” to be successful in their current and future endeavors. Not only is it important to know your “why”, but it is also important that you can clearly articulate it to use during a networking event, interview, or informal conversations. Through this workshop, students will understand one of Simon Sinek’s powerful ideas, The Golden Circle, and have an opportunity to discuss their goals, skills, and ambitions with their peers in small group discussions to help narrow down their overall why. Students will leave this session with their own authentic “why” statement that they can add to their elevator pitch and utilize during future networking opportunities!

How to Not Suck at Networking

Ashley Owens, Ashley Assists LLC

Networking is such a personal activity—it is not a one-size-fits-all practice. It’s easy to get bogged down in the details and miss out on the foundation of how to build and retain an effective network. At the end of the day, no one cares what you do as much as whether you know and like them and whether you can be trusted. In an industry built on the power of connecting face-to-face, establishing and growing meaningful relationships is undeniably critical to long-term success. In this presentation, networking concierge Ashley Owens shares ways to nurture your current business relationships to create your own tactical, individualized approach. Save time by recognizing the best strategic partners and effectively engaging contacts through email, messaging, social media, and other digital tools. Dive in and engage with your peers in this highly interactive session, and learn how to balance your strengths, network strategically and with confidence, and craft an authentic, powerful, professional networking process to achieve a wildly successful career.

Relationships Aren’t the Biggest Thing, They Are the ONLY Thing

Jennifer Valtos, Penns Grove Carneys Point School District and Rebecca Koch, Life University

As leaders, you are often called upon to engage with others in environments that can be extremely beneficial or potentially harmful. What would your relationships be like if you could interact with others in a way that avoided actions and attitudes that could cause harm? What if you could learn to cultivate attitudes that helped others? How might your relationships improve if you were able to look at them through a lens of impartiality and common humanity (maybe even filtered with some gratitude)? This session will look at relationships and share concrete tools to build more beneficial relationships with others, even those you have just met or with whom you may have a difficult past. The session will provide an opportunity for participants to receive information regarding impartiality and common humanity. The session will also discuss how these skills can be used to build better relationships and cultivate greater connections with others.  The participants will have an opportunity to engage in activities with other participants as they practice some of the skills we will learn.

The Power of Using OELARQs to Create Safe & Inclusive Environments When Networking

Michael McCleve, Black Box Leadership

Imagine this: You are at a networking social event meeting someone for the first time. You greet each other and exchange names. What follows is a few minutes of each of you exchanging superficial facts in search of common ground. Unfortunately, you both discover there really isn’t anything you have in common, and you awkwardly fumble your way to some kind of closure so you can escape what has become an uncomfortable situation. This session will show you how the conventional wisdom for making connections and building relationships is all wrong. Learn how to avoid superficial conversations that never lead to meaningful connections, lack depth, and leave you feeling empty and awkward. Take away clear and specific guidelines for creating more impactful relationships by learning how to ask questions that encourage others to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Learn how to listen with empathy and truly understand what others are saying and feeling. The session will include interactive exercises to help you learn the power of OELARQs. You will be given opportunities to practice the skills of using OELARQs effectively. You will walk away with a clear action plan for using OELARQs to create connections and grow your network.

iconLeadership for Change and Inclusivity

Whether it is striving for social justice, fighting global warming, working to reduce food deserts in the community, promoting campus civility, or other cause-driven initiatives, this work requires exceptional leadership skills.

Beyond the Voting Booth: Ensuring that ALL Students Have a Voice for Change

Kelly Bowes, Middlesex Community College

Young people are often told that voting is the most important tool for change. Over the past decade or so, we have seen young people turn out to vote in increasing numbers, which is helping change the landscape of our nation. But what about the voices of those that are unable to vote? International students, undocumented citizens, students with felony convictions in some states, and those under the age of 18 are just a few groups that are unable to vote in this country. Not to mention that more and more states are passing laws that make it harder for eligible citizens to vote. How can we make sure all those groups are also being heard—and advocating for change? How can student leaders lead the charge on their campuses to ensure that their institutions are welcome spaces for ALL and that those that can’t vote are still able to be changemakers and advocates on their campuses and in this country? Join this session to discuss how to lead the change—on your campus, in this country, and in our world, and elevate the voices around you.

Demystifying Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Your Organization

Nicki Joiner, The Parallel Agency

Who is accountable for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)?  And what are they accountable for? While many of us are well intended with our DEI efforts…are we well informed? This session will unpack the myths of DEI and how those myths show up in the operations of our organization. We’ll talk through the scope of our work and how to get more people in alignment with our efforts. This session will provide tangible strategies and initiatives you can be doing as early as TODAY to infuse DEI into your organization.

Lead Your Mind to Leadership

Sylvester Brown

Leadership has powerful qualities that influence people to become the highest version of themselves. The source of every person’s decision-making starts with the mindset and one of the main qualities is a way of thinking. With good leadership, organizations and individuals can succeed. In this session, students will learn how to develop within themselves the mindset of a leader. Communicating to self with certain qualities repeatedly will ensure new behaviors. Once a new behavior becomes part of a person’s life, it transforms them into a different character.  As the character develops, influence takes place. Leaders around the world understand that connecting to people with certain characteristics influences people. Sylvester will share principles that will help participants understand who a leader is.

The Soundtrack: A Diversity Conversation through Hip Hop

Chris Collins, Chris C Speaks

This award-winning, interactive diversity program has students examining the role and influence of music in their lives.  Hip hop music and culture are the most commonly used tools in multimedia outlets. The Soundtrack will have students singing and dancing all while discovering the power of diversity. The Soundtrack emphasizes the use of critical thinking skills and engages students in a conversation that examines the cultural and social effects of multimedia on diversity.  Through a hip hop lens, we cover things such as race, gender issues, relationships, and leadership. Students will leave this experience understanding the power and beauty of diversity.

iconLife Skills and Personal Development

 Leadership reaches beyond the conference — and beyond the classroom. Workshops in this category will teach the leadership skills students need to prepare for the world that awaits beyond the traditional college and university walls.

A Better You, A Better Leader

Pamela Gurley, Clark and Hill Enterprise

We all have the potential to become better leaders. But it requires that we take time to reflect and make conscious efforts to develop ourselves and our leadership capabilities. Ultimately, being a great leader doesn’t just mean understanding how to lead others; it also means understanding yourself and striving for continuous improvement both personally and professionally. Becoming a better version of yourself will not only make you more successful but will also make sure that those who look up to you feel inspired by your journey toward greatness. As the famous philosopher Confucius said: “The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” In this session, participants will gain six takeaways for becoming better leaders by bettering themselves.

From Rookie to the Vet:  How to Maximize College Leadership for Post-College Success

Natilie Williams, Nat Will, Speak!

College can initially be an intimidating place to grow and learn, but college is the perfect place to become the visionary student leadership. This session will help students create an actual plan to jumpstart their college takeover as memorable student leaders. We will cover three simple keys to proper goal execution: vision, action, and interaction. This session will also equip the audience with clarity on how to use campus resources to enhance their leadership identity as they gain skills to change the world. No matter where you are in your leadership journey, this session will equip you for the next level of leadership.

Get That Job! How to Interview Like a S.T.A.R.

Jodi Schumacher, Eastern Michigan University

Learn how to interview like a STAR! Interviewing has shifted from listing your qualifications to a behavioral based approach. You will learn how to develop behavior-based answers using the S.T.A.R. method (situation, task, action, result). You will leave with personal answers to the most commonly asked questions in an interview. You will have skills that will allow you to be concise with answers but ensure the interviewer knows your abilities and skills. This method will allow you to stand out and get the career you want!

I Am My Habits

Cybel Betancourt, Buenas Cosas

If who you are is a reflection of what you do, then… What do you do? When we think of things, we do it on autopilot without thinking, these are called habits. They are ingrained in the way we act; therefore, they are a direct reflection of who we are. If that’s your truth, do you want to be where you are right now? Give yourself the opportunity of figuring out the habits that define you and let’s build together new ones to take you where you want to be. Through this session, you will identify who you currently are and the direct impact your habits have on you, identify who you want to be and understand how habits affect the lifestyle you want to achieve, learn how to develop habits that allow you to achieve the best version of yourself, and explore how creating the right opportunities, making it easy on yourself, and rewarding yourself can help you achieve new habits.

iconSelf-care and Wellness

In the fast-paced world of student leadership it is easy to put yourself last. Yet, mental and physical health are key components of success. These workshops focus on mental health, self-care, and wellness for students.

Awakening Your Warrior Spirit

Erin Pompa, Erin Pride LLC

Learn how to overcome challenging times and not be a victim of your circumstance. Using Erin’s PAG framework, students gain the perspective and strategies to reframe negative self-talk, and learn how to use gratitude and acceptance to live an abundant, courageous life.

Become an Overcomer: Mental Health in Leadership

Brittany Richmond, Anxiety Expert & Student Influencer

In this session, Brittany shares her personal experience with anxiety in detail. She creates a safe, vulnerable place to connect with students through humor and emotion—from the ones who choose to interact to those quietly observing from the back of the room. Through her expertise both professionally and with her personal struggles with anxiety, she has developed a proven four-step process to help students start to develop personal coping mechanisms to help them grow into happy, healthy individuals. After this session, students will have a visual understanding of anxiety and be able to detail and execute the T.E.A.M plan so students can have a SIMPLE roadmap to start to implement in their daily lives.

Does Batman Really Belong in the Justice League? Fighting Impostor Phenomenon

Benjamin Jeppsen, PhD, Augustana University

This workshop explores Impostor Phenomenon—a subjective experience in which people doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being discovered as a fraud. Impostor Phenomenon is more common than most think and is prevalent in both men and women in higher education. Impostor Phenomenon is especially common in high achieving students and leaders—especially early career leaders. Impostor Phenomenon is associated with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and eventually burnout. Though these supposed “impostors” don’t actually underperform their peers, they believe they may be inferior because they doubt the authenticity of previous successes. These cognitive patterns of self-doubt are significant but treatable! Using cognitive therapy as a foundation, I will present an alternative to responding to impostor thoughts with more adaptive thinking. This workshop will use the character of Batman as an example of someone who—surrounded by people with strengths and skills that he doesn’t have—still recognizes his unique value and contributions. Attendees will learn about the risk factors and effects of Impostor Phenomenon but will also leave with strategies for both preventing and overcoming it.

Finding the Calm in the Storm

Rebecca Koch, Life University

Have you ever responded to a stressful or unpleasant situation in a way that, later, you wished you had responded differently? In other words, have you ever “clapped back” as good as you got instead of taking the high road? If so, you’re not alone, but what will set you apart is learning to respond in the moment rather than from a place of old programming or past adverse events. This session will provide skills that will help you create the mental and emotional space to respond in ways that are beneficial rather than harmful to your reputation and effectiveness as a leader. Best of all, these are skills that you can practice right away to help you reduce harmful stress and achieve greater emotional and physical wellness.

The Power of Personal DECISIONS

Andrea Mosby, Campuspeak

The Power of Personal DECISIONS deals with helping students to understand the importance of making DECISIONS that strengthen their mental health as well as their belief in their ability to make a true difference in their lives. Hear stories and examples that deal with the heart of the matter and to recognize their uniqueness. It will also help them see that there will be times that they will have to make a DECISION that may not be popular but lets them live with principle.

iconAdvisor Training Experience

By participating in the Advisor Training Experience, advisors will receive a specially-curated, comprehensive, and engaging train-the-trainer experience.