Keynote - Let's set the right tone for your conference!
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.
Breakout Sessions - Great sessions everyone will love!
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.
Interactive Learning - Let's put our skills to work!
Why AI Can’t Replace You – Mastering Skills for Effective Communication and Advocacy + Case Study
Why AI Can’t Replace You – Mastering Skills for Effective Communication and Advocacy + Case Study
Why AI Can’t Replace You – Mastering Skills for Effective Communication and Advocacy + Case Study
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.
*The case study for this class is pulled from a real world example and will allow everyone to work in small groups, report back on what worked and what didn't.
Hackathon - (AKA) The Municipal Service Lab
Why AI Can’t Replace You – Mastering Skills for Effective Communication and Advocacy + Case Study
Why AI Can’t Replace You – Mastering Skills for Effective Communication and Advocacy + Case Study
First, what exactly is a Municipal Service Lab? Simply, its a timed event where small groups quickly develop solutions to a problem (or case study). For the Lab to work, we’ll require 4-6 vendors (I have relationships with some) and a 3-4 hour block of time.
Each group is given time to review, a case study, then they “interview” each vendor for 10-15 minutes. A past participant described it like speed dating vendors! After the interviews are over, the groups have 45 minutes to come up with a solution to the presented problem, if they can! Finally, each group will present a 5 minute (max.) presentation of their solutions to a panel of experts.
This is a proven method to get attendees engaged, critically thinking and working as a team. Hosting a Municipal Service Lab will create coveted opportunities for vendors to meet attendees and share their solutions in a more personal way.
THE REAL COLORS! (half-day/4-hour class)- Learn to communicate with humans in the age of AI
Why AI Can’t Replace You – Mastering Skills for Effective Communication and Advocacy + Case Study
THE REAL COLORS! (half-day/4-hour class)- Learn to communicate with humans in the age of AI
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.
As the world continues to look towards technology and AI to solve problems, the ability to have a human connection and understand people has become more important than ever before. The Real Colors helps attendees understand human behavior, uncover motivators specific to each temperament (color) and improve communication with others and those in their orbit, through interactive learning and an awesome self-assessment.
For more information about the Real Colors: https://realcolors.org/what_is_realcolors/ and please note there is an additional cost for the book which accompanies this session (attendees get to keep it as a reference!), which I am happy to coordinate.