Agenda & Sessions

Subject to change. All sessions take place at the Gaylord Palms Convention Center. As of April 23, 2025, and subject to change. Times reflect the Eastern time zone.

About 2025 THRIVE Live Continuing Education: Attendees can earn up to 7.25 CE hours towards their CSP renewal requirement or 7.25 PDCs for their SHRM credential.

Sunday, Oct. 5

1:15–2:45 p.m.

Wicked Mix & Mingle

2:45–3 p.m.

Opening Remarks

3–3:45 p.m.

Keynote Presentation

Women’s Leadership & Entrepreneurship: The Story of Angie’s Boomchickapop
Angie Bastian, co-founder, Angie’s Boomchickapop

Join Angie Bastian, co-founder and namesake of the wildly popular popcorn snack brand, Angie’s Boomchickapop, as she shares how women’s leadership and the power of the female voice drive real impact in today’s marketplace. With a bold vision and a commitment to emotional and physical safety in the workplace, Bastian built a company culture where people could truly thrive, and it showed in the brand’s success.

In this inspiring keynote presentation, she will challenge the zero-sum mindset of “I win, you lose,” and champion a different way: one rooted in authenticity, respect, and human connection. She believes empowered teams create empowered brands, and that consumers aren’t just targets; they’re people to celebrate.

Expect big insights, bold truths, and a powerful reminder that the most successful brands start with one thing—taking care of your people.

Sponsored by

3:45–4 p.m.

Break

4–5 p.m.

Panel Presentation

Achieving Equality: Women in Business Panel
Facilitated by Laine Gandy, director, strategic initiatives, Adecco Group US Foundation
Eric Gregg, founder and customer experience strategist, ClearlyRated
Kortne Harris, director, technology, AT&T
Sandra Quince, co-chair and member of the board of directors, Paradigm for Parity
Cheryl Rosario, head of DEI and CSR, Munich Re

The Women Business Collaborative (WBC) is an alliance of more than 80 companies that commit to supporting women to achieve equal position, pay, and power in business. Attendees will hear how companies in other industries support women in their career growth, develop pipelines for talent and training, and address the challenges that hold women back from advancing to the c-suite. Hear from WBC leaders and partner companies as they dive into practices that any professional can adopt to enact meaningful support and change.

5–5:50 p.m.

THRIVEx Presentations

Back by popular demand for a third year, the speaker incubator program (launched by the ASA women in leadership interest group) called THRIVEx will engage and inspire emerging and seasoned leaders alike. Women who aspire to be successful public speakers by effectively sharing ideas, strategies, or perspectives, submitted presentation pitches earlier this year. Of the more than 30 applications, three standouts were selected by the ASA women in leadership interest group council. Stay tuned to learn more about this year’s THRIVEx participants and their presentations.

• THRIVEx Descriptions

  Built to Thrive: Leading With Grit, Humor, and Humanity in Staffing
  Myla Ramos, chief executive officer and co-founder, SearchPros

  In this candid and inspiring session, Myla Ramos of SearchPros she shares the unconventional journey behind building one of the largest Asian-owned staffing firms in the country. From bootstrapping her business while feeding her family canned goods—including the now-iconic SPAM lunch meat—to placing an alligator wrangler, her story is a testament to grit, authenticity, and people-first leadership. She challenges the myth that success in staffing requires pedigree, showing instead how scrappiness, humor, and cultural resilience can fuel lasting growth. Through personal anecdotes and hard-earned lessons, Ramos reveals how embracing identity, navigating bias, and leading with humanity created a mission-driven team with staying power. This isn’t leadership by the book—it’s leadership forged in the trenches. Attendees will walk away with a renewed sense of purpose, empowered to lead with heart and humor in even the toughest seasons.

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  Horticulture 101: Cultivating Your Growth Plan
  Tirranny Nettles, vice president, client delivery, YUPRO Placement

  In this engaging and heartfelt session, Tirranny Nettles—a self-proclaimed “plant mama” and seasoned staffing industry leader—uses her journey with plants as a metaphor for personal and professional growth. Drawing from missteps and triumphs, she explores how nurturing plants mirrors the process of nurturing people. Just as plants require seasonal care, attention, and tailored environments to thrive, so do individuals. Nettles shares how she coaches others by offering feedback, pruning outdated beliefs, and uprooting insecurities. Through vulnerability and storytelling, she connects the dots between mindset, leadership, and self-development. Attendees will leave with an understanding of three core truths: growth is found in daily progress, perfection hinders compassion, and discomfort is a gateway to transformation. The session concludes with a reflective exercise where participants can write their own “care instructions”—a personal commitment to their growth journey.

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  Manifestation in Business: Transforming the ‘Woo-Woo’ Into the Who’s Who
  Tracy Berglund, founder and chief executive officer, West End Workforce

  In a world of constant disruption—caused by everything from artificial intelligence (AI) breakthroughs to economic uncertainty—clarity and intention have never been more vital. In this thought-provoking session, Tracy Berglund explores how manifestation, often dismissed as an unscientific “woo-woo” belief, can be a powerful tool for strategic growth in staffing and recruitment. Drawing from her experience as a founder and CEO, Berglund demystifies manifestation by connecting mindset, clarity, and purposeful action to real business outcomes. Attendees will learn practical techniques like scripting, visualization, and intentional habit-building to align their goals with daily behaviors. This isn’t about wishful thinking—it’s about leveraging focus and intention to create tangible results. Whether you're new to these concepts or simply need a mindset reset, this session offers a grounded, actionable approach to personal and professional transformation.
  

6–7 p.m.
Emerald City Soiree

Monday, Oct. 6

7:45–8:30 a.m.

Networking Breakfast

8:30–9:15 a.m.

Keynote Presentation

Fear Less; Do More
Michelle Poler, social entrepreneur, keynote speaker, fear facer, and branding strategist

What if fear wasn’t your enemy, but your most powerful guide? Get ready for a transformational keynote that flips the script on fear and dares you to choose bold growth over cozy comfort.

With contagious energy, laugh-out-loud moments, and a story that took the world by storm—100 Days Without Fear—Poler doesn’t just talk about courage. She lives it. Through captivating storytelling, unforgettable visuals, and real-life challenges, she’ll lead you on a journey to stretch your limits, embrace change, and unlock the bravery that lives inside us all.

Start your second day of THRIVE Live with tons of energy—walk away with

1. A fresh, empowering perspective on fear as a catalyst for growth
2. Tools to thrive in uncertainty and welcome change with open arms
3. A redefined view of failure as a launchpad, not a roadblock
4. The mindset to transform obstacles into surprising opportunities
5. Courage to break free from “the way things have always been”
6. Practical insights to confront fear—whether personal, cultural, or universal
7. The difference between fearlessness and bravery—and why one is more powerful
8. A powerful push to embrace authenticity and silence imposter syndrome

Get ready to challenge comfort zones, shift perspectives, and ignite the courage to grow. This isn’t just a keynote—it’s a movement.

9:15–9:30 a.m.

Break

9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Growth and Impact Track

• Expand to see the sessions and networking opportunities in the Growth and Impact Track

  9:30–10:50 a.m.

  From Hidden to Heard: Courage, Self-Advocacy, and the Power of Storytelling

  Lisa Bragg, A High-Energy Activation Session to Spark Visibility, Influence, and Growth

  In today’s workplace, we are all in sales. Whether we are selling our ideas, advocating for our growth, or influencing outcomes, none of it begins with confidence. It starts with courage.

  This activation session with Lisa Bragg is designed to help rising professionals and emerging leaders step into visibility, speak up about their value, and share the story behind their work. Drawing from her bestselling book Bragging Rights: How to Talk About Your Work Using Purposeful Self-Promotion, she will share practical, research-backed strategies to help participants advocate for themselves and their ideas in ways that feel authentic and powerful.

  Participants will walk away energized and equipped to shift from hidden to heard in a way that is valuable to themselves, their teams, and their organizations.

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  10:50–11:10 a.m. Break

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  11:10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

  What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say

  Gina Trimarco, senior master trainer, Sales Gravy

  In the staffing industry, the right words at the right time can make or break a deal. But when a client pushes back or a candidate goes cold, even seasoned pros can get stuck. In this interactive workshop led by Gina Trimarco, you’ll learn the same communication strategies that help improvisational comedy performers thrive in high-pressure moments—so you never get caught off guard again.

  You’ll walk away with a powerful framework for spontaneous communication; techniques to manage nerves and sharpen your responses; and the ability to pivot quickly in conversations with clients, candidates, and gatekeepers alike. From overcoming objections to leading high-stakes conversations with confidence, this session will equip you with the tools to think on your feet and connect in real time.

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Owners and CEOs Track

• Expand to see the sessions and networking opportunities in the Owners and CEOs Track

  9:30 a.m.–10:45 p.m.

  Panel Discussion: Building Business Value: Key Factors Driving Valuation

  Facilitated by Ericka Hyson, chief executive officer, Growth Advisor, Hyson Advisory
  Panelists: Judi Bell, partner, Sentinel Rock LLC; former chief operating officer, People 2.0
  Martin Borosko, managing partner and staffing practice leader, Becker LLC
  Beth Garvey, founder and chief executive officer, BG Strategic Partners

  In today’s competitive landscape, business valuation is driven by more than just financials—companies require a strategic approach to growth, diversification, and operational excellence. This insightful panel will explore the essential factors that influence valuation, including revenue strategies, client diversification, sector differentiation, and alternative funding sources. Industry experts will also discuss the role of technology, leadership development, and operational health in shaping long-term value. From due diligence to succession planning, gain actionable insights into how buyers assess organizations and what it takes to build a thriving, high-value enterprise.

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  10:45–11 a.m. Break

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  11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

  Strategic Networking Roundtable Discussions

  Don’t miss this engaging opportunity to explore the staffing industry’s most critical business and operational challenges with your peers. Engage in dynamic, peer-driven discussions, uncover actionable solutions, and cultivate influential connections that drive success. These facilitated conversations ensure a powerful exchange of insights.

  Table Topics and Facilitators:

  • Fractional Force: Build In-House or Buy the Expertise?
    Michelle Sims, chief executive officer, YUPRO Placement
  • Funding Your Future: Navigating the Best Financial Strategies for Growth
    Beth Erwin, chief executive officer, Bestaff
  • The CEO’s Dashboard: Key Performance Indicators in Uncertain Markets
    Rhona Driggs, chief executive officer, Empresaria Group PLC
  • Selling Through Headwinds: Strategies for Growth in a Tough Market
    Jaime Donnelly, president and chief executive officer, Integrity Staffing Solutions
  • From Pipeline to Profit: Executive Insights on Sales Transformation
    Kara Rogan, chief executive officer, CoWorx Staffing Services LLC
  • Leading Leaders: Strategies to Elevate Executive Impact
    Janette Marx, chief executive officer, Airswift
  • Optimizing the Engine: Back-Office Tech for Scalable Growth
    Stacey Lane, CSP, chief executive officer, Staffmark Group

12:30–1:30 p.m.

Networking Lunch

1:30–2:30 p.m.

Closing Panel: A CEO Perspective: Women, Work, and What’s Next

Facilitated by Rhona Driggs, chief executive officer, Empresaria Group PLC
Panelists: Sue Burnett, president and founder, Burnett Specialists; April Hansen, chief executive officer, Barton Associates; DeLibra Wesley, chief executive officer and founder, National Recruiting Consultants

Get ready for an unfiltered conversation with powerhouse CEOs from across the industry, from bold startups to industry giants. This panel dives into the hottest issues shaping the future—talent trends; tech disruption; diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); and what it really takes to lead. Expect candid insights, real-time feedback, and straight talk on the challenges and opportunities ahead—with a special focus on women in leadership. This session isn’t just talk—it’s a pulse check on where industry leaders stand and where they’re going. Come curious; leave inspired.

Sponsored by

2:30–2:40 p.m.

Closing Remarks

3:30–5:30 p.m.

Staffing World Keynote Presentation

Katie Ledecky: Going for The Gold

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from the most decorated U.S. female athlete in Olympic history as well as take away tangible lessons and strategies about

1. Setting “impossible” goals to achieve growth and success
2. Adapting your strategy to grow and win in hypercompetitive environments
3. Motivating and leading a team toward high-performance outcomes

Plus—immediately following this keynote presentation, attendees can meet Ledecky at the Staffing World Bookstore, where she will be signing copies of her book, Just Add Water: My Swimming Life. Prepare to be inspired and empowered to go for gold.

5:30–7 p.m.

Staffing World Expo Grand Opening

Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Contact Sarah Senges at 703-253-2042.