SOLUTIONS DAY - SEPTEMBER 24, 2025

8:00 AM

8:45 AM

Breakfast + Registration

Meet Our Partners

Sponsored by: Planstone

8:45 AM

9:00 AM

Welcome + Program Kickoff

Future of Associations – Association 4.0

Sherry Budziak and Kevin Ordonez,

Co-founders, .orgCommunity

9:00 AM

9:45 AM

Keynote Presentation:  

TBD

10:00 AM

11:00 AM

Creating a Culture of Transformation: Empowering Change from Within

True transformation begins with culture—not just technology or tactics. Sharon Rice, a strategic thought leader in organizational development and change management, will explore how to build a resilient, future-ready culture that embraces transformation as a continuous journey rather than a one-time event.

Sharon will share insights into the cultural conditions that support innovation, agility, and sustained success, drawing from her extensive experience helping organizations navigate disruption and reimagine what’s possible. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how leadership behaviors, values, and systems must align to create an environment where transformation can take root and flourish.

Following Sharon’s talk, a panel of association and industry leaders will share their own transformation journeys. The discussion will offer practical, candid perspectives on what it takes to evolve organizational culture, overcome resistance, and lead meaningful change from the inside out.

Format:
15-minute keynote talk by Sharon Rice + 45-minute panel discussion

Key Takeaways:
• Understand the essential building blocks of a culture that embraces change
• Explore the connection between leadership behavior and organizational transformation
• Learn from real-world examples of cultural shifts in action
• Gain actionable strategies for championing transformation within your own team or organization

Speaker: Sharon Rice, Managing Director, Business Strategy, .orgSource.

Panelists:

• Stephanie Mercado, CEO, National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ)
• Jennifer McNelly, CEO,  American Society Of Safety Professionals (ASSP)

11:05 AM

11:30 AM

Breaking the Habit: Ditching Legacy Processes for Big Wins

True innovation is as much about cutting as it is about creating. In this session, we’ll share real examples of outdated processes and legacy workarounds we let go of. Some felt like necessary steps at the time, but eliminating them led to surprising gains in staff time, member experience, and data clarity. Walk away inspired to simplify your own operations, automating tasks without losing impact.

Speakers:

Sponsored by: re:Members

11:30 AM

1:00 PM

Lunch

Sponsored by: Multiview

1:00 PM

1:25 PM

SafetyTrekr: ASSP’s Next Generation

In partnership with Onyx Point, ASSP has boldly gone where no safety textbook has gone before—transforming static pages into an intelligent AI assistant. With the launch of SafetyTrekr AI, every handbook now comes with a digital co-pilot.

Speakers: Dawn Conroy (she/her), Vice President, Market Strategy, American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)

Sponsored by: Onyx Point Systems

1:30 PM

1:55 PM

NAHQ Micro-Credentials: Using Experiential Instructional Design to Bring A Framework to Life

NAHQ sought a unique solution to effectively disseminate its extensive Healthcare Quality Competency Framework (HQCF) while avoiding information overload. This presentation will showcase how Apti collaborated with NAHQ to design and develop a groundbreaking eLearning program. We’ll dive into the techniques, tools, and data-driven strategies that allowed us to build targeted training for each HQCF domain, empowering professionals to advance their skills and helping quality teams reduce variation in healthcare.

Speakers: Aleese Eckenrode, Senior Director, Professional Development, National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ)

Sponsored by: Apti

2:00 PM

2:25 PM

Presentation 4 

Speakers: Lisa Baird, President & CEO, NextUp

Sponsored by: NimbleAMS

2:30PM

3:00 PM

Break 

Sponsored by:

3:00 PM

3:25 PM

Presentation 5

Speakers: Tim Slating, Assistant Executive Director of Communications, Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA)

Sponsored by: Higher Logic

3:30 PM

3:55 PM

Presentation 6

Speakers: 

Sponsored by: Matrix Group BeSpeake

4:00 PM

4:30 PM

Move the Rug – Uncover Your Courage to Create Change

In every organization—and every life—there’s a metaphorical rug that we’ve been tiptoeing around, tripping over, or simply ignoring. It’s the outdated beliefs, hidden fears, and uncomfortable conversations we avoid because facing them means change. In this empowering 30-minute closing keynote, Sherry Whitaker Budziak will share powerful insights from her personal and professional journey, offering practical strategies and inspiring stories that demonstrate the transformative power of moving the rug.

Drawing from the HEART framework—Humanize, Empower, Ascend, Reimagine, Transform—Sherry will guide you through identifying the rugs you’re tripping over, giving yourself permission to show up authentically, and finding the courage to lead boldly in the face of uncertainty. Through honest storytelling, relatable examples, and actionable micro-moves, you’ll discover how to reclaim your voice, celebrate your growth, and inspire those around you to rise alongside you.

Prepare to leave this session not just inspired, but equipped to roll out the red carpet for your own ascension and the growth of your team. It’s time to stop tripping and start transforming. Let’s move the rug together.

Speaker: Sherry Whitaker Budziak, Founder & CEO, .orgSource

4:30 PM

6:00 PM

Raffle, Cocktail Reception & Meet Our Partners

Sponsored By: