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• Professional Development Session: Why Most Networking Fails and How Networking 3.0 Changes the Game

  • When
    Wednesday, April 15, 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Zoom
  • Spaces left
    45

  Register

  Why networking fails and how to change the game
  

  Most people have been taught a version of networking that feels transactional, awkward, or forced. As a result, many professionals avoid it entirely, even though strong relationships remain one of the most important drivers of career and business success. This session introduces Networking 3.0, a modern approach that replaces outdated “work the room” tactics with a more authentic and effective mindset. Participants will explore the Net-Offering™ concept, which shifts the focus from extracting value to offering it through curiosity, generosity, and meaningful conversation. Through a short mindset-shift activity and practical examples, attendees will learn how small changes in how they approach conversations can dramatically improve the quality of their professional relationships. The session will also introduce simple tools for starting conversations, building connection, and creating lasting professional trust without the pressure traditionally associated with networking.

  After attending this session, you will be able to:
  

  • Identify why traditional networking approaches often fail
  • Describe the mindset shift behind Networking 3.0 and Net-Offering™
  • Apply practical conversation strategies to build authentic professional relationships

  Renee Hensley, Learning and Development Strategist & Author

  Renee Hensley is a learning and development strategist, speaker, and author of Networking 3.0: A Stress-Free Approach. With more than 20 years of experience in training, organizational learning, and performance improvement, she helps professionals build stronger connections through her Net-Offering™ mindset. Renee previously led learning strategy at GEHA, where her team earned the 2025 ATD BEST Award for excellence in talent development. Today, she consults with organizations on learning strategy, performance improvement, and the implementation of secure private AI environments that support modern workforce capability.

  *This session will be recorded. Paid registrations require a minimum 24-hour notice to be refunded.

  Refer A Friend - Help Us Grow Our Learning Community

  We love welcoming new colleagues into our chapter. If you refer someone who signs up for a session and they include your name as their referrer, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a complimentary Summit ticket.

  Thank you for helping us expand access to meaningful development opportunities.

  To find out more, go to our Member Discount Page. 

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

   

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Book Club-Strong Ground by Brene Brown

  • Start
    Thursday, April 16, 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • End
    Thursday, May 28, 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM
  • Location
    Zoom

  Register

  Strong Ground

  Our next book is Strong Ground by Brené Brown. We will begin meeting in April and will conclude in May 2026, with virtual meetings held every two weeks to discuss the chapters read. 

  Everyone is asked to BYOB (Bring Your Own Book). This book can be purchased from Amazon. 

  

  
  

  The schedule:

  • 4/16/26: Chapters 1-6
  • 4/30/26: Chapters 7-14
  • 5/14/26: Chapters 15-18
  • 5/28/26: Chapters 19-22

  
  

  
  

  Book Club Conversation Catalysts

  Brent Johnson, Higher Education Advancement Leader

  Brent Johnson is a higher education advancement leader with over 10 years of experience spanning student affairs, conferences and events, and fundraising. In his current work, he focuses on organizational effectiveness through strong systems, thoughtful change management, and staff development. Brent became involved with NDATD while leading a training and facilitation team responsible for onboarding and upskilling team members across services and operations roles. He is especially passionate about helping teams build capacity, navigate change, and align their day‑to‑day work with broader organizational goals.

   

   

  Leigh Neys, Learning and Development Expert

  

  Leigh Neys, Ed.D., is a learning and development expert with more than 15 years of experience designing and leading impactful training, coaching, and professional development initiatives. She currently serves as a Business Learning Specialist at Farm Credit Services of America, where she develops job-specific training programs, facilitates engaging learning sessions, and partners with leadership to strengthen employee skills and elevate organizational performance. Her diverse background—spanning higher education, community development, and international program leadership—allows her to bring a global, relationship-centered approach to every project. Outside of work, Leigh enjoys spending her spare time with her family at sporting events and traveling.

  
  

  Vicki Ham, Manager of Team Member Experience and Development for North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services

  

  Vicki Ham is Manager of Team Member Experience and Development for North Dakota’s Department of Health and Human Services. She has a long HR-focused career working in manufacturing, financial services, and healthcare before state government. This is year two enjoying the benefits of NDATD membership. She looks forward to book club as reading is a favorite way to learn, find joy, escape and avoid housework.

  
  

  
  

  Teresa King

  
  

  
  

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• Professional Development Session: The One Thing You Wish You Knew Sooner

  • When
    Wednesday, May 20, 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Zoom
  • Spaces left
    49

  Register

  The One Thing You Wish You Knew Sooner
  

  In this session, we'll explore the one thing that can transform the way we live and connect with others: understanding the impact we have on those around us. Whether in personal relationships, work environments, or casual encounters, the effect of our words, actions, and presence is far greater than we often realize. Through reflection, storytelling, and practical insights, this presentation will encourage you to recognize your unique influence and show you how embracing this awareness can lead to deeper connections, better decisions, and a more intentional life.

  After attending this session, you will be able to:
  

  Increase Self-Awareness of Personal Impact: Understand the profound influence your words, actions, and presence have on others in various contexts (personal, work, and casual settings), and learn how to recognize these impacts in real-time interactions.

  Enhance Communication and Relationship-Building Skills: Develop strategies for using your influence intentionally to foster deeper connections, improve communication, and create more positive and productive interactions with others.

  Apply Emotional Intelligence for Better Decision-Making: Learn how to leverage emotional intelligence to make more intentional decisions, both personally and professionally, that lead to stronger relationships and more effective leadership.

  
  

  Oleg Lougheed, Speaker and Founder of Moments Worth Remembering

  Oleg Lougheed is a nationally recognized speaker and the founder of Moments Worth Remembering, who has turned some of his life's hardest moments into lessons and gifts to learn from. Inspired by John Kralik’s, "365 Thank Yous", he transformed a childhood marked by loss and separation into a mission to help others heal and see the good in every experience. Guided by gratitude, Oleg inspires audiences to forgive, connect, and appreciate the people who shape their lives. Whether through a heartfelt note, a genuine conversation, or an act of kindness, he continues to remind others that no  matter how hard life gets, there’s always something to be grateful for. His work has been featured on TED, FOX, NBC, ABC, and CBS stations across the country. Learn more about Oleg at https://www.momentsworthremembering.com/ or LinkedIn.

  *This session will be recorded. Paid registrations require a minimum 24-hour notice to be refunded.

  Refer A Friend - Help Us Grow Our Learning Community

  We love welcoming new colleagues into our chapter. If you refer someone who signs up for a session and they include your name as their referrer, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a complimentary Summit ticket.

  Thank you for helping us expand access to meaningful development opportunities.

  To find out more, go to our Member Discount Page. 

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

   

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details