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Program at a Glance | Keynotes | Full Program: Wednesday | Thursday | Friday
THURSDAY, JULY 10
7:00 am - 8:00 am Coffee & Conversations with Exhibitors
8:00 am - 9:00 am Leadership Breakfast
Start your day with a hot, plated breakfast and networking while learning more about the FSAE and Foundation Leadership. All Attendees Invited
Breakfast sponsored by Benchmark Resorts & Hotels
Beverages sponsored by Daytona Beach CVB and Ocean Center Daytona Beach
9:00 am – 4:30 pm - Learning Lounge Open Sponsored by St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches VCB
9:00 am - 10:00 am Breakout Sessions
Breakouts are sponsored by Novi AMS, Visit Gainesville and Visit Jacksonville
  11 Tips to Make Your Website Your #1 Marketing Tool
 Charles Stanisce, Novi AMS
In today’s digital age with endless distractions, your website should be more than just an online presence – it’s a dynamic marketing tool that you can leverage to drive the growth of your association. This interactive session will showcase the strategies, tips, and tools designed to empower your website to attract and engage prospective members. Join us as we discuss how you can implement these best practices immediately to transform your website and make it your number one marketing tool.
- Understand the impact of a positive website user experience has on your membership journey
- Walk away with actionable tactics to improve your website's marketing funnel today.
- Discover technology tools you can use to test and improve your website user experience
As a former Director of Marketing and Technology for a 5-Star Accredited Chamber of Commerce, Charles reinvented an outdated marketing approach that stood out against the competition, by utilizing modern best practices to create a website that took prospective members and turned them into powerful promoters. In his current role at Novi AMS, Charles helps prospective and current customers strategize their marketing and website needs.
 Ask the Association Attorney: Everything You Want to Know about Event Contracts and More
 Tyra Warner, Ph.D., JD, CMP
From the country's most experienced attorney and CMP, come armed with your questions and curiosity as we explore the most pressing legal issues facing meeting planners.
 Why Smart Leaders Do Stupid Things: Lessons Learned from Lousy Leaders
 Michael Krumpak, PCC, CPC, MS, PHR , L4 Learning Solutions
Discover why even the smartest leaders make critical mistakes. In this engaging session, you'll uncover common leadership pitfalls, identify blind spots, and learn how to strengthen emotional intelligence. Walk away with practical tools to build resilient, high-performing teams and sharpen decision-making under pressure. Perfect for senior executives and aspiring leaders, this session equips you to avoid missteps, drive success, and inspire your teams toward sustained growth.
- Identify Leadership Blind Spots: Learn to Recognize and address common leadership pitfalls and cognitive biases that can undermine success, ensuring better decision-making
- Enhance Emotional Intelligence: Develop skills in empathy and emotional regulation to foster trust, improve teams dynamics, and drive higher performance.
- Build Resilient, High Performing Teams: Gain actionable strategies to create a psychologically safe and resilient work culture where innovation and collaboration thrive.
As the founder and CEO of L4 Learning Solutions LLC, Michael specializes in leadership development, executive coaching, and organizational transformation. He holds certifications as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and Certified Professional Coach (CPC), with expertise in Hogan Assessments, Korn Ferry, and Development Dimensions International (DDI). Michael has presented at prestigious events such as National Leadership Development Day and Bersin by Deloitte, and is the author of Why Smart Leaders Do Stupid Things: Lessons Learned from Lousy Leaders.
10:00 am - 10:45 am - Networking Coffee Break
Sponsored by Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
Get some coffee and snacks while you network with attendees and visit the Trade Show in the Auction room!
10:45 am - 11:45 am Breakout Sessions
Breakouts are sponsored by Novi AMS, Visit Gainesville and Visit Jacksonville
The Best Things in Life Are Brewed
 Russ Webb, CAE; Bay Area Apartment Association
Discover the Art of Brewing Relationships. Have you ever wondered what the common thread is between a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, a craft beer, and a fulfilling relationship? In this engaging session, we'll explore the art and science behind brewing these three essential elements of life.
Join us as we delve into the intricate processes, patience required, and the unique ingredients that contribute to the final product. From the initial grind to the final sip, we'll compare the time, effort, and attention to detail needed to create something truly exceptional.
Through thought-provoking discussions and interactive activities, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the similarities and differences between brewing coffee, beer, and relationships. By the end of this session, you'll have a newfound understanding of the importance of patience, intention, and quality ingredients in all aspects of life and crucial skills for any leader.
Russ Webb, CAE is the Executive Director of the Bay Area Apartment Association, having moved to the Tampa Bay Area in 2020 after 21 years of managing the Atlanta & Georgia Apartment Associations. A tech junkie and speaker extraordinaire, Russ is a teacher at heart and the originator of edu-tainment – making people laugh while learning
Game Changing Strategies for Building High Performing Teams
 Carmen Ohling; The Amplified Life Company
Building high-performing teams is a game-changer for any leader looking to make a real impact. When you create a culture of high performance, you’re not just boosting productivity— you’re driving engagement, retention, and growth throughout the entire organization. As a leader, you have the power to align individual strengths with team goals, develop future leaders, and foster a collaborative environment that empowers your people to excel. This is a must-have skill if you're serious about taking your leadership and organization to the next level!
- Develop a high-performance culture that boosts engagement, collaboration, and retention
- Master leadership strategies to prevent burnout and drive productivity
- Create a team vision that aligns strengths with organizational goals
Carmen Ohling, founder of The Amplified Life Company, is a former corporate executive and high-performance coach dedicated to helping leaders and teams excel. As a keynote speaker, she shares her expertise in leadership, well-being, and team performance. Diagnosed with MS at 25, Carmen has developed a resilient, results-driven approach to life, which she brings to her coaching and speaking engagements. Featured on Fox News and numerous podcasts, Carmen inspires others to unlock their potential.
 Ready-Set-Go! 99 Second Upskilling
Presented by the Associate Advisory Committee (AAC)
This fast paced session will deliver for you at least 15 new or endorse tools to make your work more effective and/or efficient. In addition, you will have 15 minutes to learn even more tools from your table colleagues! Come to absorb and leave transformed!
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm General Session Luncheon & Organizational Awards
RISE THROUGH IT: Transforming the Fear of Uncertainty into Limitless Results
 Rashmi Airan; Ethics Integrated, LLC
Keynote speaker Sponsored by: Florida's Sport Coast
Luncheon Sponsored by: Visit Tampa Bay
Every day, leaders encounter numerous challenges and threats as well as constant fear. While the instinct might be to avoid them, this often leads to more setbacks. However, difficult moments can be our greatest teachers if we choose to learn and rise through them. True growth and leadership come from deciding to "rise through" these moments, not just "rise above" them. Rashmi Airan's journey—from Ivy League to federal prison—taught her the RISE Process™. She helps leaders see challenges as growth opportunities, fostering courage and vulnerability to thrive. By RISING THROUGH IT™, we embrace growth and unlock our power.
- Master a validated process to address any challenging scenario and convert it to an opportunity
- Reframe our sense of self with the understanding that it's about who we are, not what we achieve that matters
- Cultivate a culture of courage by creating safe spaces for open communication and risk-taking
Rashmi Airan is a dynamic speaker and consultant, dedicated to fostering organizational cultures rooted in authenticity. Her story is a powerful narrative of leadership and decision-making, highlighting the importance of core values. As a first-generation Indian immigrant, Rashmi excelled academically, graduating from Columbia Law School. She later ran her own law practice in Miami, where her bad decisions during the housing boom led to a federal prison sentence for bank fraud. During her six months in prison, she found peace & self-forgiveness, realizing that remorse should not define one's identity. Now a "recovering lawyer & investment banker," Rashmi is a renowned keynote speaker inspiring other with transformation and resilience
1:45 pm - 2:45 pm Breakout Sessions
Breakouts are sponsored by Novi AMS, Visit Gainesville and Visit Jacksonville
Meeting People Where They Are: Strategies for Tailoring Engagement to Diverse Audiences
 Avi Olitzky
In a world of diverse member needs, one-size-fits-all engagement strategies fall short. This session explores how to meet people where they are by tailoring outreach, programming, and communication to different audience segments. Attendees will learn how to leverage data, personas, and feedback loops to develop meaningful connections and create inclusive experiences that resonate with all members.
- Understand how to identify and engage diverse member segments
- Explore tools for tailoring outreach and programs effectively
- Develop inclusive engagement strategies that foster connection.
Avi Olitzky has served as a senior rabbi to one of North America’s largest congregations, founded & grown innovative organizations, and held leadership roles in non-profits. A Qualified Association Specialist, master facilitator, & strategic planner, Avi brings expertise across associations, faith communities, & businesses. He thrives on collaborating with visionary leaders dedicated to meaningful impact.
Inclusion and Service is the Greatest Expression of Hospitality: An Event Planners Guide to Fully Inclusive Experience
 Matthew Shapiro
Throughout his life, Matthew has been asked to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes, but he always reminds others that he can “roll” it instead. Despite living with a disability from a young age, it has never stopped him from making a significant impact in the disability space. His personal experiences have allowed him to travel to various cities, offering a unique perspective on disability inclusion. His disability has not hindered his ability to explore the world and experience all it has to offer.
As America’s Disability Advisor, Matthew provides valuable insights, anecdotes, and strategies that not only address the needs of individuals with disabilities but also ensure their desires are met, helping you create more inclusive environments. Matthew is passionate about ensuring everyone is included. When a city, event, or meeting is accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities, they are more likely to attend and become loyal clients for life.
As a person with a disability, Matthew Shapiro has spent most of his life motivated to teach those he has met how to better understand the disability community and inclusion. Through this work it has become his life’s mission to educate others regarding disability related issues. Working with those in both the private and public sectors, he hopes to expand their understanding of disabilities and inclusion to give them the tools they can use in any environment
 Show Me the Money: How Ethical Leadership Fuels Employee Engagement, Well-Being, and Organizational Success
 Mariama Boney, CAE, LMSW,CPEC
Ethical leadership is not just about policies and procedures—it’s about impact! Associations that prioritize navigating ethical challenges with courage, a deep understanding of human behavior, and proactive governance see higher engagement, greater retention, and better financial performance.
2:45 pm - 3:30 pm Networking Break - Silent Auction Final Bidding
Sponsored by Experience Kissimmee
Grab a snack while you network with attendees and visit the Trade Show in the Auction room. Auction bidding ends at 3:30 sharp!
3:45 pm - 4:45 pm Breakout Sessions
Breakouts are sponsored by Novi AMS, Visit Gainesville and Visit Jacksonville
Unlocking Committee Potential: Meeting Management Strategies for Staff Liaisons
 Aaron Wolowiec, FASAE, CAE, CMP Fellow; Event Garde
Do you dread serving as the staff liaison to volunteer committees? Are your meetings often ineffective and yield little outcome? Join us to explore meeting management strategies for staff liaisons and volunteer committee leaders. Learn to foster effective teamwork by articulating goals and timelines. Discover strategies for structuring productive meetings, including agenda development and minute-taking for accountability. Gain meaningful techniques to facilitate participation and identify best practices to optimize virtual meetings. By the end, you'll have actionable insights to unlock your committee's potential and drive impactful outcomes.
- Enhance Collaboration: Explore the dynamics between staff liaisons and volunteer committee leaders to foster effective teamwork and communication.
- Define Goals and Structure: Identify and articulate committee goals, metrics, timelines, and roles to ensure clarity and accountability in operations
- Optimize Meetings: Understand strategies for structuring agendas and minutes to maximize productivity, along with techniques to facilitate meaningful participation and engagement in committee meetings
With more than two decades of association experience, Aaron Wolowiec is a nationally recognized meeting professional, designer of engaging learning and networking experiences, and a certified facilitator who prioritizes participatory and equitable approaches to both consensus building and strategic planning.
Bridging the Gap: Applying Ripple Effect Thinking to Navigate Divided Times
 Chris Rollins
Polarization doesn’t only divide communities—it stops progress and breeds mistrust. But what if the first step to healing divides was as simple as a single ripple? Learn how small, intentional actions—like listening with empathy, sharing your story, or asking better questions—can create ripples of understanding that foster connection across differences. By focusing on individual choices and interactions, you will see how to lead with courage in the face of conflict. This session provides practical tools and mindset shifts to help participants become bridge-builders, creating momentum for collaboration even in the most polarized environments.
- Be the catalyst for connection: Learn how small, intentional actions can foster trust and understanding, even in the most polarized environments.
- Transform conflict into collaboration: Gain practical tools to navigate difficult conversations, build bridges, and inspire dialogue that moves relationships forward.
- Lead with courage and empathy: Shift from avoiding conflict to embracing it as an opportunity to create ripples of unity and progress within your organization or community.
The Art of Prompt Engineering
 Geoffrey Klein
AI is only as good as the prompts you give it. In this high-impact session, Geoffrey Klein demystifies the craft of prompt engineering—arming you with the essential knowledge and practical tools to get the most out of today’s leading AI systems. Whether you’re brand new to AI or looking to sharpen your prompting skills, Geoffrey will guide you through the core concepts, show you what not to do, and introduce a repeatable formula to consistently generate better results.
Expect a fast-paced, engaging session packed with real-world examples and actionable takeaways. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of how to communicate with AI effectively—turning it from a novelty into a powerful productivity partner. Whether you're writing content, analyzing data, or brainstorming new ideas, mastering the art of prompting will take your AI game to the next level.
- What prompt engineering actually is—and why it matters
- The biggest mistakes people make when using AI
- A simple framework to craft better prompts every time
- Tips to unlock smarter, faster, more accurate AI results
NETWORKING EVENTS
4:15 pm – 5:45 pm Foundation Beer Tasting - Pre-Registration Required
One 1.5-hour sessions available
Sponsored by Concord Hospitality ,Visit Central Florida and Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village
Limited to 100 people and you must pre-register to participate. Add this option to your FSAE25 Conference Registration to attend! Learn More
Funds raised during the Beer Pours will go towards supporting the FSAE Foundation's mission.
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Conference Gala Reception & Dinner: Under the Sea - All Attendees Invited
Sponsored and Hosted by PGA National Resort
Buses Begin loading at 6:15 pm
FSAE 2025 Annual Conference | July 9-11 | Hilton West Palm Beach
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