Conference Schedule

Location: Welcome Desk

Managing Difficult Conversations - Jody Kellas
Location: Room 2

Difficult conversations are inevitable, but avoiding or under-preparing for them often leads to greater challenges down the road. This comprehensive session provides a structured approach to managing high-stakes communication with confidence and clarity.

Participants will explore the hidden risks of avoiding tough topics and examine the underlying factors that make communication complex. Using a practical 5-step framework, this workshop covers everything from initial preparation to successful execution. Attendees will learn essential communication skills, discover how to stay grounded when conversations become challenging, and gain troubleshooting strategies for navigating unexpected hurdles.

Whether dealing with team dynamics, workplace challenges, or everyday miscommunication, you will leave with an actionable roadmap to approach difficult dialogue constructively.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the impact of avoiding or mismanaging difficult conversations.
• Insight into the underlying factors and triggers that complicate communication.
• A comprehensive, 5-step process to prepare for and guide challenging discussions.
• Practical skills and troubleshooting strategies to keep conversations constructive and on track.

Small Changes, Big Impact: Reimagining Your Role through Jobcrafting - Celeste Spier
Location: Room 20

What if you could redesign parts of your job to make your work more energizing, meaningful, and aligned with your interests, skills, and values? In this interactive workshop, you’ll explore the concept of jobcrafting — small, intentional changes you can make to your tasks, relationships, skills, and mindset to create greater satisfaction and impact in your role. Through hands‑on activities and guided reflection, you’ll identify opportunities to shape your current work in ways that tap into your strengths, spark insights, and renew motivation. You’ll leave with a personalized jobcrafting plan that you can begin using right away. Perfect for any staff member looking to grow, re‑energize their work, or find new ways to thrive in their current role.

Outlook Overhaul: Master Your Digital Workday!- Ranelle Maltas 
Location: Room 2

Transform your relationship with Microsoft Outlook from chaotic to commanding in this power-packed training session. Discover how to leverage Outlook's features to reclaim your time, tame your inbox, and organize your professional life with ease.
You'll learn how to:
•  Apply the Eisenhower Method (Four Ds) to prioritize your time and focus
•  Create sacred "Focus Time" blocks that protect your productivity
•  Conquer email overwhelm with Focused Inbox, Rules, and Quick Steps
•  Master calendar management with smart scheduling tools and event categorization
•  Build a personalized task system using To-Do Lists that work
Stop drowning in digital distractions and start directing your day with purpose. This session delivers practical techniques you can implement immediately for a more organized, productive workday.

Unlocking Your Potential: Maximizing CliftonStrengths in Work and Life - Kaitlin Ferris
Location: Room 20

Are you truly leveraging what you do best every day? Decades of Gallup research show that individuals who understand and use their natural talents are three times more likely to report having an excellent quality of life and six times more likely to be engaged in their jobs.

This interactive, dynamic workshop is designed to take you beyond your Top 5 report and into active application. Whether you are looking to boost your career trajectory, improve team dynamics, or find more alignment and energy in your daily routines, this session provides the blueprint. Participants will explore how to transform innate talents into mature strengths and intentionally apply them across both professional and personal landscapes.

Welcome to the 2026 All-Staff Conference! Please stop by the registration desk to check in and ensure you have your NUID ready for a quick start. Once you're checked in, feel free to tour the building, connect with colleagues, and visit our sponsor and prize tables before making your way to the main hall for the welcome remarks and keynote session.

Location: Welcome Desk

Featured Session: The Intelligence Briefing You Need About Yourself - Dr. Karalee Picard

Location: Room 2

The Supervisor Playbook: Practical Habits for Great People Leaders - Ben Lennander

Location: Room 2

Terrible Bosses, IEC Edition: What Would You Do? Navigating Workplace Boundaries Through Case Scenarios - Nathaly Jimenez & Jessica Lankford

Location: Room 10

Grow Your Career: Development & Adaptability for Every Season - Trina Cress

Location: Room 18

Wired Differently, Designed Brilliantly: Unlocking the Power of Introverts and Extroverts for Our Collective Good - Jodi Mackin & Rachel Szelag

Location: Room 20

Inside Husker Hub: Partnerships, Processes, and Student Support - Amanda Bergeron-Bauer

Location: Room 32

Balancing Family and Work, remember EVERYTHING - Trudy Rhoads

Location: Room 40

The Hidden Cost of Overfunctioning: Strengthening Psychological Safety and Collaboration Across Campus - America Allen *Offered Virtually

Location: Seminar Room 47

Understanding Student Gambling at the University of Nebraska: A Data-Informed Perspective - Jon Gayer

Room 112

Thermometer vs. Thermostat: A Discussion on Office Dynamics - Christina Franklin (UNOPA)

Location: Room 120

Planning Events That Make a Difference with the Sustainable Event Guide and Certification Program - Morgan Hartman

Location: Room 138

The Power of Reframing: Skills to Shift Perspective and Unlock Possibility - Lora Ives

Location: Room 223

AI Bots and Boons: Pros and Cons of AI for University Infrastructure - Greg Tunink & Raul Barreras

Location: Room 2

Culture by Design: Systems and Signals that Matter - Michael Bergland-Riese & Erin Ingram

Location: Room 10

The Future of Work: How technology is reshaping roles - Ben Lennander & Cassie Mallette

Location: Room 18

Research is Not a Toaster: Making Sense of UNL's Research Enterprise - Kali Patterson, Jocelyn Bosley, & Petrina Suiter

Location: Room 20

Amplifying Impact: The Power of Storytelling in Higher Education - Margaret Nongo-Okojokwu

Location: Room 32

Microsoft Learning Pathways: Learn the Tools; Master the Workday - Mikeala Petersen

Location: Room 40

Creating Ownership in Team Culture - Lisa Kalson *Offered Virtually

Location: Seminar Room 47

Stop guessing start prompting with purpose - Angie Rushman

Location: Room 112

For Someone. Every Day.: Reimagining Student Leader Training - Morgan McConnell & Cassie Roth

Location: Room 120

Improving our Influence: How to Foster Culturally Engaging Environments - Osvaldo Palma Vargas

Location: Room 138

Cultivating Trust and Growth through Strengths-Based Mentoring - Christine Davis

Location: Room 215

Using Mindfulness and Positive Psychology Techniques to Help Staff Manage During Uncertain Times - Charlie Foster

Location: Room 223

Paws & Pause: A Therapy Dog Retreat with Cash - Sara Haake

Location: Room 231

Free Ride + Free Treat - Celeste Spier 4pm

Location: Meet at Design Hub, College of Engineering

Lied Center Backstage Tour - Ranelle 4pm

Location: Meet at Johnny Carson Theatre, entrance on the 11th St side

Scarlett Hotel Tour - Meet at Scarlett Hotel by 3:50, 4pm Tour

Location: Meet at Scarlet Hotel in the Lobby

Backyard Farmer Garden/Greenhouse Tour - Tori 4pm

Location: Meet at East Campus Glass Teaching Greenhouse; south of the Animal Science Complex - there should be faculty/staff spaces for parking as well