Breakout Sessions.
SESSION 1 | WEDNESDAY | 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
-
with ADRIENNE WOODS
This session equips attendees with the tools to create,
develop, and lead a high-functioning board through strategic
recruitment, legal responsibilities, and governance best
practices. This session is ideal for nonprofit leaders looking to
elevate board engagement, compliance, and impact.
-
with FAITH INGRAHAM
Faith Ingraham, our Program Coach, will guide you through
the Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi, which encourages
prioritizing what truly matters and letting go of perfectionism
in less critical areas. This approach offers a freeing and strategic
mindset, especially for nonprofit leaders working from a Christian
perspective.
-
with COURTNEY CLEVERDON
Choosing the right professional development topics can
be challenging, so this session shares the most in-demand
workplace relational trainings identified by the Center for
Healthy Relationships (CHR). You’ll also learn about CHR’s new
workplace survey, designed to help leaders pinpoint staff needs
and target training for maximum impact on engagement and
productivity.
-
with DARREL HARVEY
The non-profit leader wears many hats, is pulled in a variety
of directions, and the work is never done. All that leaves us
scrambling for peace and perspective. In this session you will
learn four practices that you can use at work to ground your
heart and lead with clarity, confidence, and grace.
SESSION 2 | WEDNESDAY | 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
-
with ADRIENNE WOODS
This session equips attendees with the tools to create,
develop, and lead a high-functioning board through strategic
recruitment, legal responsibilities, and governance best
practices. This session is ideal for nonprofit leaders looking to
elevate board engagement, compliance, and impact.
-
with COURTNEY CLEVERDON
As Gen Z joins the workforce, many workplaces have as many
as four generations represented in their staff. Understanding
and communicating across age groups is key to strong teams
and community relationships. This session explores generational
differences among leaders, coworkers, donors, and clients,
equipping you to navigate these dynamics with confidence.
-
with KENT SHAFFER
One of the biggest challenges every nonprofit organization
faces is knowing who they are. Who they are shows up in how
we budget, who we hire, who serves on the board, what we call
business hours, and even what we say - or don’t say on a post.
Getting these three pillars right today can help your mission
thrive and grow for years or even decades to come.
-
with JIM EVANS
Wish your donors came with PIN numbers? Me too. This
session dives into the real work of relationship-building:
understanding the donor cycle, tracking touchpoints, and
crafting communications that keep supporters engaged
(without asking for money every time). You’ll leave with
practical tools that don’t require magic or money trees—just
strategy and heart.
SESSION 3 | THURSDAY | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
-
with CHRISTINA ROLING, SARAH SNYDER, AND TERESA DUNLAP
Join us for an indepth discussion about what mentoring
means, how a mentor program is started, maintained and the
‘why’ behind why it works! Saving Grace mentors sit down
for a discussion around their experiences while sharing key
components to successful mentoring. There are opportunities
for questions so bring them!
-
with KYLE MINCKLER - CHARITY TRACKER
Join us for a live demo and Q&A on CharityTracker, the case
management tool designed to streamline client tracking,
reporting, and resource coordination. Whether you’re new or
looking to enhance your use, you’ll gain practical insights and
real-time support tailored to your organization’s needs.
-
with NICK SMITH
Learn how to design and execute impactful experiential
marketing campaigns. This session covers the fundamentals,
explores successful examples, and offers actionable steps to
bring your own engaging experiences to life.
-
with CHRISTINA VARNER
Attendees will learn the essentials of filing with the IRS and
state to establish a nonprofit, along with key annual reporting
requirements to stay compliant. The session will also cover
basic payroll forms, filing timelines, and accounting information
needed for accurate reporting.
SESSION 4 | THURSDAY | 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
-
with KYLE MINCKLER - CHARITY TRACKER
Join us for a live demo and Q&A on CharityTracker, the case
management tool designed to streamline client tracking,
reporting, and resource coordination. Whether you’re new or
looking to enhance your use, you’ll gain practical insights and
real-time support tailored to your organization’s needs.
-
with CHRISTINA VARNER
Attendees will learn the essentials of filing with the IRS and
state to establish a nonprofit, along with key annual reporting
requirements to stay compliant. The session will also cover
basic payroll forms, filing timelines, and accounting information
needed for accurate reporting.
-
with ANGELA IMHOFF
It’s happened to all of us. A text. An interaction. Internally we
are racing, but practically, we need to stay focused. We pick
up a threat cue, and our body activates to respond- even if the
response isn’t helpful. Join Angela and she helps you understand
what happens in these moments, and how you can bring clarity
to it and identify new ways to respond.
-
with LACEY ENDERBY
Join us for an exciting session where we’ll dive into creating
an effective, confident and cohesive team dedicated to your
mission! Discover how a consistent onboarding program can
ensure your staff and volunteers understand your procedures
and values. Plus, we’ll explore training and resource development
to maintain motivation and engagement.
SESSION 5 | THURSDAY | 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
-
with CHRISTINA ROLING, SARAH SNYDER, AND TERESA DUNLAP
Join us for an indepth discussion about what mentoring
means, how a mentor program is started, maintained and the
‘why’ behind why it works! Saving Grace mentors sit down
for a discussion around their experiences while sharing key
components to successful mentoring. There are opportunities
for questions so bring them!
-
with NICK SMITH
Learn how to design and execute impactful experiential
marketing campaigns. This session covers the fundamentals,
explores successful examples, and offers actionable steps to
bring your own engaging experiences to life.
-
with KENT SHAFFER
One of the biggest challenges every nonprofit organization
faces is knowing who they are. Who they are shows up in how
we budget, who we hire, who serves on the board, what we call
business hours, and even what we say - or don’t say on a post.
Getting these three pillars right today can help your mission
thrive and grow for years or even decades to come.
-
with ANGELA IMHOFF
It’s happened to all of us. A text. An interaction. Internally we
are racing, but practically, we need to stay focused. We pick
up a threat cue, and our body activates to respond- even if the
response isn’t helpful. Join Angela and she helps you understand
what happens in these moments, and how you can bring clarity
to it and identify new ways to respond.
SESSION 6 | FRIDAY | 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
-
with JIM EVANS
Wish your donors came with PIN numbers? Me too. This
session dives into the real work of relationship-building:
understanding the donor cycle, tracking touchpoints, and
crafting communications that keep supporters engaged
(without asking for money every time). You’ll leave with
practical tools that don’t require magic or money trees—just
strategy and heart.
-
with FAITH INGRAHAM
Faith Ingraham, our Program Coach, will guide you through
the Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi, which encourages
prioritizing what truly matters and letting go of perfectionism
in less critical areas. This approach offers a freeing and strategic
mindset, especially for nonprofit leaders working from a Christian
perspective.
-
with NATHAN MAYO
The best programs empower people in poverty to become the
protagonists of their own stories. Discover real-world models—
like Food Co-ops, Earn-it Projects, and Work Shuttles—that
your church or ministry can adopt to transform community
outreach.
-
with DIANNA LYON - WAGNER
This session teaches effective conflict resolution by combining
emotional and social intelligence. Participants will learn how to
navigate challenges with empathy and clear communication.
The session also highlights how personality types affect conflict
responses. By the end, participants will have practical strategies
for resolving conflicts while maintaining positive, respectful
relationships.
-
with DARREL HARVEY
Leaders benefit from coaching for growth and therapy for well-
being—but there’s also a third path: Spiritual Direction. This
session introduces the practice and offers a framework to help
you discern if, how, and when it might support your leadership
journey.
SESSION 7 | FRIDAY | 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
-
with LACEY ENDERBY
Join us for an exciting session where we’ll dive into creating
an effective, confident and cohesive team dedicated to your
mission! Discover how a consistent onboarding program can
ensure your staff and volunteers understand your procedures
and values. Plus, we’ll explore training and resource development
to maintain motivation and engagement.
-
with NATHAN MAYO
Conferences spark great ideas—but knowing where to start
can be tough. This session walks you through a deliberate
process that will help you analyze your existing programs and
craft a confident strategic plan to implement what you’ve
learned. Learn techniques to evaluate existing programs, create
alternatives, focus your approaches, identify barriers to change,
manage change, execute with excellence, and anchor the new
programs into your culture.
-
with DIANNA LYON - WAGNER
This session teaches effective conflict resolution by combining
emotional and social intelligence. Participants will learn how to
navigate challenges with empathy and clear communication.
The session also highlights how personality types affect conflict
responses. By the end, participants will have practical strategies
for resolving conflicts while maintaining positive, respectful
relationships.
-
with JENNA DICKEY & ANNA SHERIDAIN
This workshop is designed to help you tighten up your processes,
gain clarity, and stay audit-ready year-round. You’ll learn how
to build a powerful business management snapshot, prepare
confidently for an annual audit, and implement smart, efficient
expense tracking methods. This session will equip you with
practical tools to streamline operations and make informed
decisions with confidence.
Keynote Sessions.
KEYNOTE SESSION 1 | WEDNESDAY | 10:00 AM
Take a Chance
with Kent & Becky Shaffer
Every journey begins with a decision to take a chance. We will share a few chances we’ve taken that have gone well and some that haven’t so much. We are all on a journey to take the next chance for something better, whether for ourselves personally, or the businstries where we serve. “So what would YOU do with a chance? You take it….because it might just be the start of something incredible.” —Kobi Yamada
KEYNOTE SESSION 2 | WEDNESDAY | 2:45 PM
A Trauma-Informed Organization
with Ray Wagoner
Organizations dedicated to helping individuals heal and thrive inevitably encounter stories filled with hardships and pain. Those who have experienced trauma are seeking your support, and in the process, you, as the helper, may experience a nuanced form of trauma yourself. When individuals are affected by trauma, organizations are impacted as well. This session will identify the signs of secondary trauma and offer practical advice for fostering post-traumatic growth.
KEYNOTE SESSION 3 | THURSDAY | 9:15 AM
How to Build a Digital System that Reaches More & Raises More
with Ben Richards
Tired of hearing crickets on social media and wasting your time chasing the latest digital trends? In this keynote, you’ll learn how to cut through the noise, reach more people, and raise more money – without burning out your team or wasting hours on posts no one sees! It’s time to build a digital system that consistently drives real results for your mission.
KEYNOTE SESSION 4 | FRIDAY | 9:15 AM
Building a High Impact Board
with Julie Gehrki & Board Panel
High performing boards can be a differentiator in organizational performance. But what is a high performing board? Why your board is important – what is their role? Join this fireside chat with nonprofit and philanthropic leaders to learn more about the types of nonprofit board that exist, how to determine what you need from your board, recruiting and onboarding strong board members, keeping board engagement high, and evaluating your board’s performance. This conversation will provide practical insights you can apply no matter where you are in the board development process. Come with questions!
Julie has asked Ross Phillips, with the Rogers Lowell Chamber of Commerce to help facilitate this discussion.
KEYNOTE SESSION 5 | FRIDAY | 2:00 PM
Aligned and Anchored: Reclaiming Purpose in the Work You Love
with Whitney Kinne
The work you do matters. And it can take a lot out of you. When every day is full of meetings, mission, and meeting others' needs, it’s easy to lose sight of your own purpose, clarity, and capacity. This closing keynote is your reminder. Join Whitney Kinne for an engaging and restorative session designed for leaders who give a lot, and rarely take time to pause. Through heartfelt stories, reflective prompts, and practical encouragement, Whitney will guide you back to what grounds you. You’ll leave feeling reconnected to your “why,” more hopeful about what’s ahead, and reminded that you don’t have to burn out to make a difference. Come ready to breathe, reflect, and remember: you’re allowed to lead in a way that’s both effective and life-giving.