Your "Worst" Resident: Navigating People in a Politicized World
In this keynote, Chris will examine why it feels like everyone’s “most difficult resident” is suddenly everywhere. As routine questions turn political and emotions run high, even simple interactions can escalate quickly. Using real-world stories, humor, and practical examples, Chris breaks down what’s really happening in these moments and how to respond with professionalism and clarity. Attendees will leave with useful tools for de-escalation, setting boundaries, and communicating under pressure, along with the reminder that they’re not alone and that a little humor, especially in our line of work, goes a long way.
Digital Government: Bringing your Municipality into the 21st Century
Surviving the Digital Wave without Crashing: Cyber and Data Security 101
Surviving the Digital Wave without Crashing: Cyber and Data Security 101
Chris touches on the historical context of technology and how advances have shaped our way of life. He'll discuss the challenges of doing "the people's work," brought to light during the COVID-19 pandemic. He will describe how and why digital government is changing how municipalities conduct business and role of the municipal staff in terms of everyday work. Additionally, Chris will share practical examples of ways you can apply digital government to be more efficient and effective in the office (and maybe at home too!).
Surviving the Digital Wave without Crashing: Cyber and Data Security 101
Surviving the Digital Wave without Crashing: Cyber and Data Security 101
Surviving the Digital Wave without Crashing: Cyber and Data Security 101
Chris will educate attendees on basic cybersecurity, share real-world examples of organizations that were “hacked” and how to avoid the mistakes they made. You’ll learn ways to keep your digital footprint, currency and data secure and why it’s important to do so.
Finally, we’ll talk about increased electronic engagement with the public and why cyber and data security are important to them too.
Stop the Minutes Madness by Leveraging AI and Technology!
Surviving the Digital Wave without Crashing: Cyber and Data Security 101
AI Tools and Best Practices – A Guide for Success (It’s not Here to Replace You!)
Chris examines best practices for organizing and ensuring your minutes are accurate and professional reflections of the business conducted by your legislative body. Further, Chris will cover technology options (both AI and non-AI) you can use for streamlining and making production of minutes more efficient, less time consuming and getting them out to the public. Finally, we’ll go over some hardware recommendations to facilitate recording of meetings so that AI can take minutes for you and get your minutes done in a fraction of the time!
AI Tools and Best Practices – A Guide for Success (It’s not Here to Replace You!)
Why AI Can’t Replace You – Mastering Skills for Effective Communication and Advocacy*
AI Tools and Best Practices – A Guide for Success (It’s not Here to Replace You!)
Jump into AI’s exciting (and sometimes scary!) world to discover how it can revolutionize how you work at work! This dynamic session explores AI’s history and practical applications in government. Learn how AI tools can supercharge your efficiency, making your work life easier and more productive.
We’ll tackle job security concerns showing how AI is here to assist, not replace you. You’ll gain insights into crafting effective AI policies and best practices, ensuring you can do more with less. Join Chris and unlock AI’s potential to remove work from your plate!
Why AI Can’t Replace You – Mastering Skills for Effective Communication and Advocacy*
Why AI Can’t Replace You – Mastering Skills for Effective Communication and Advocacy*
Why AI Can’t Replace You – Mastering Skills for Effective Communication and Advocacy*
Transform your communication skills and learn what AI can't do for you! In this engaging class, master the art of crafting impactful press releases, winning grant proposals, and compelling social media content. Discover how to build strong connections with stakeholders, colleagues, elected officials, constituents and advocate effectively. Chris will emphasize the importance of using plain language to ensure your message is clear and accessible. Join him to learn how to enhance your communication skills and make a lasting impression with every interaction.
*This class also has an optional case study add-on putting what we learn into use!
Problem solving: Red Tape Reboot - Hackathon
Why AI Can’t Replace You – Mastering Skills for Effective Communication and Advocacy*
Why AI Can’t Replace You – Mastering Skills for Effective Communication and Advocacy*
First, what exactly is a hackathon? Simply, a hackathon is a timed event where groups of people quickly develop solutions to a given problem (or case study). For the hackathon to work, we’ll require 4-6 vendors (I have relationships with some) and a 3-4 hour block of time.
The room is divided into equal groups, a case study is presented and groups “interview” each vendor for 15 minutes. After the interviews are over, groups have an hour to come up with a solution to the presented problem, if they can! Then groups present their solutions to a panel of experts to determine the winner. This is a proven method (in the academic world) to get attendees involved, engaged, critically thinking and working as a team. Hosting a hackathon will create coveted opportunities for vendors to meet attendees and share their solutions in a more personal way.
COMING IN LATE SPRING OF 2026 - THE REAL COLORS! (half-day class)
COMING IN LATE SPRING OF 2026 - THE REAL COLORS! (half-day class)
COMING IN LATE SPRING OF 2026 - THE REAL COLORS! (half-day class)
Imagine having the ability to clearly communicate your thoughts and ideas to clients, friends and family. Picture yourself having a unique level of insight into the things that motivate you and others. Envision achieving all the things you want from life, both personally and professionally.
The power to accomplish these things exists in all of us – we just have to unlock it.
The key is Real Colors. From the very beginning, participants begin to see the world from a new perspective…and have fun doing it!