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.
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
Kortne Harris, chief of staff, business technology and product development, 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 Specialty North America
Gwen Young, chief executive officer, Women Business Collaborative
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.
4:50–5:50 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.
6–7 p.m.
THRIVE Live Reception
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
- A fresh, empowering perspective on fear as a catalyst for growth
- Tools to thrive in uncertainty and welcome change with open arms
- A redefined view of failure as a launchpad, not a roadblock
- The mindset to transform obstacles into surprising opportunities
- Courage to break free from “the way things have always been”
- Practical insights to confront fear—whether personal, cultural, or universal
- The difference between fearlessness and bravery—and why one is more powerful
- 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.
Sponsored by
9:15–9:30 a.m.
Break
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Growth and Impact Track
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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.
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.
Owners and CEOs Track
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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. A full list of topics and facilitators will be announced.
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
additional table topics to be announced
Break
Panel Discussion: Building Business Value: Key Factors Driving Valuation
Facilitated by Ericka Hyson, chief executive officer, Growth Advisor, Hyson Advisory
Panelists: Beth Garvey, founder and chief executive officer, BG Strategic Partners
Additional panelists coming soon.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.
- Fractional Force: Build In-House or Buy the Expertise?
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: 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.
2:30–2:40 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Contact Sarah Senges at 703-253-2042.
