May 21, 2025 Agenda
NextGen Government Training Virtual Summit:
Empowering Public Service
Wednesday, May 21, 2025| 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ET/7 a.m.-1 p.m. PT
Attendees Can Earn Up to 5 CPE Credits
Live Captioning Will Be Available
Registration Is Free and Open to Everyone
Agenda:
10-11 AM ET/7-8 AM PT – Opening Keynote Session (1 CPE Credit):
How to Make Yourself Indispensable to the Mission
Why are you in public service? For many government employees, this is a deeply personal and telling question. We encourage you to consider your response as we talk with a government thought leader about how public servants today can make themselves indispensable to their agency’s mission. In this opening keynote session, let’s explore the true meaning of mission.
Power of the Pivot: How to Adapt in Changing Times
Priorities, teams, objectives, leadership — almost all aspects of your job as a public servant are subject to change, never more so than with an administration turnover. The question remains: How can you stay focused on your role and your value to your mission when things around you are ever-changing? You’ll hear from a career public servant about dialing down distractions and adapting during periods of intense transition.
11-11:15 AM ET/8-8:15 AM PT – Break
11:15 AM-12:15 PM ET/8:15-9:15 AM PT – Breakout Session Round 1 (1 CPE Credit):
Critical Thinking 2.0: Expert Tips for Strategic Thinking
Even the most innovative people can feel mentally drained and stuck in a rut. Yet, there are plenty of demands in your job, and thinking outside the box is critical. Hear from an expert facilitator about how to stay sharp and strategic.
Key Takeaway: You’ll learn practical advice for making strategic thinking part of your daily routine.
ECQ – Leading Change
5 Techniques for a Meaningful Presentation
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of absolutely nailing a presentation. But to get to that moment, there’s a lot of work to be done. In this session, we’ll cover five techniques you can use to make your presentation meaningful and engaging.
Key Takeaway: Explore strategies to make your presentation a success.
ECQ – Driving Results
Understanding and Leveraging Your Influence at Work
Navigating workplace dynamics is not for the faint of heart, yet it’s necessary to accomplish most projects and tasks, whether we like it or not. You need buy-in from your team, and the best way to harness that power is through your influence. First, though, you must understand what your superpowers are and how to translate those to your colleagues.
Key Takeaway: Unlocking your influence to make big strides at work.
ECQ – Building Coalitions
How to Communicate to Leaders
Communication is most effective when we tailor our messages to the intended audience. Often, there is much at stake when we communicate or try to get buy-in from leadership. This session will cover what you need to know to work best with your agency leaders.
Key Takeaway: Learn communication best practices for working with agency leadership.
ECQ – Leading People
Building Strong Money Management Skills
Being financially healthy is a critical part of overall wellness. Whether it is having an emergency fund, saving for retirement, or having life insurance, it is critical to understand the steps you can take to safeguard yourself and your family’s future. In this lightning keynote, you’ll hear the key components that make up a sound financial plan and strategies you can use to reach financial security.
Key Takeaway: Learn how to prioritize your financial goals and create a more balanced financial picture.
ECQ – Achieving Organizational Success
12:15-12:30 PM ET/9:15-9:30 AM PT – Break
12:30-1:30 PM ET/9:30-10:30 AM PT – Lunch Keynote Session (1 CPE Credit):
How to Break Down Organizational Silos and Collaborate More Effectively
Nothing productive gets done in a silo. We are all at our best when we borrow from each other’s strengths and ideas. However, many organizations are not always designed with collaboration in mind. We’ll talk about how to break down silos and improve collaboration across your agency.
Navigating Internal Politics Without Getting Caught in the Fray
The workplace is a dynamic environment with different perspectives and personalities. Navigating these internal circumstances can feel dicey at times, but there are ways to move through them without causing dust-ups. This keynote session will provide tips for getting through your workday without anxiety, conflict or confrontation.
1:30-1:45 PM ET/10:30-10:45 AM PT – Break
1:45-2:45 PM ET/10:45-11:45 AM PT – Breakout Session Round 2 (1 CPE Credit):
Design Thinking — Putting the Human First
Public servants must keep constituents at the forefront when creating processes, programs, and services. Design thinking, a formal discipline with seemingly endless benefits when applied to government work, can help. In this session, you’ll hear from a design-thinking practitioner to understand the basics and how to integrate them into your work.
Key Takeaway: We’ll define design thinking and explain best practices relevant to government work.
ECQ – Driving Results
Looking Ahead: AI’s Impact on the Gov Workforce
AI is here to stay. However, what is less defined is how the technology will shape the government workforce. What can we expect changes to look like, and how soon should we expect them? You’ll hear from an AI expert on where they think the most significant impacts will be.
Key Takeaway: Hear from an expert on where we can expect AI to have an impact on the gov workforce.
ECQ – Achieving Organizational Success
Talk It Out: Handling Critical Conversations With Peers
Dealing with a touchy situation at work requires sensitivity, nuance and compassion. However, this is usually easier said than done. Hear from our featured speaker on handling critical conversations with your peers, including tips you can use daily.
Key Takeaway: You’ll feel better equipped to handle sensitive conversations at work.
ECQ – Leading People
Getting Buy-In on Your Proposals
A successful proposal or idea doesn’t exist in a vacuum. You need support from your peers and buy-in from stakeholders. It can feel daunting to get others on board, but it doesn’t have to be. In this session, you’ll learn how to garner the support you need to make your proposal work.
Key Takeaway: Make your proposal a reality by understanding the most effective ways to garner support.
ECQ – Building Coalitions
5 Steps to Become a Confident Public Speaker
Sweaty armpits, elevated heart rate and racing thoughts: Does this sound familiar? Fear of public speaking is shockingly common, especially considering how often we need to speak in front of our peers. Whether it’s a routine meeting, a project pitch or a formal presentation, there are techniques you can use to feel more confident as a public speaker.
Key Takeaway: You’ll learn tips and techniques to improve as a public speaker.
ECQ – Leading Change
2:45-3 PM ET/11:45 AM-12 PM PT – Break
3-4 PM ET/12-1 PM PT – Closing Keynote Session (1 CPE Credit):
Change Management 301 – How to Keep Up Without Getting Overwhelmed
Don’t like change? You can consider yourself in the majority. In fact, the change management market is estimated to be valued at around $2 billion in 2025. This field requires dedicated experts, specialized software, and formal best practices. So, it’s safe to say that there is always more to learn about the topic. In this session, you’ll learn foundational concepts to help you navigate times of transition without getting overwhelmed.
The Importance of Growing Your Network
The last few months have reinforced why networks matter for government employees. When you are faced with changes in your agency or department, who do you turn to first? Who can you trust to share your experiences or concerns? And like any other relationship in life, fostering your network takes time and effort. In our closing keynote session, you’ll hear from a career expert about cultivating professional connections and creating lasting relationships with other public servants.