Conference Sessions

Keynote Session

Visible/Valuable: Make the World Better While you Build Professional Credibility with a Service-First Personal Brand

Speaker: Vanessa Errecarte, M.A., M.B.A., Lecturer - UC Davis Graduate School of Management

By teaching others something valuable, you can become a thought leader in your industry, while at the same time making the world a better place. During a time where we spend more time online than we do in-person, it's essential to have a personal branding strategy there, yet it's often an overlooked asset. This presentation will use cornerstone principles of corporate branding to teach participants how to find, develop and make an impact with their personal brands.

Location: 1st Floor


Morning Sessions (Choose One at Registration)

From Challenges to Solutions: Cultivating Creativity in Administrative Professionals

Speakers: Amy Shuman, MA, PCC, Executive Director & Jeff Heiser, MS, ACC, Senior Trainer - UC Davis Student Affairs Division

This interactive workshop empowers administrative professionals to enhance their creative problem-solving skills, which ultimately strengthens teamwork and departmental resilience. Through engaging activities and using visual images, we'll explore a practical four-step process—Clarify, Ideate, Develop, and Implement— to build resilience to overcome challenges. Bring a real challenge or goal, and we'll use it to explore this creative problem-solving framework. Walk away with practical tools, a strengthened creative mindset, and the ability to contribute to a more positive and productive work environment, both individually and within your team.

Location: 2nd Floor

Network and Navigate: Savor Connections and Resources

Speaker: Lisa Laughter, MA, ACC, Senior Coach - UC Davis Learning & Organizational Development

A lively session designed to help you connect with colleagues;  expanding your professional network, sharing insights, and discovering new resources to advance your career. Whether you're looking to forge new relationships, strengthen existing ones, or simply engage in meaningful conversations and hear of great resources, this breakout welcomes all.

Location: 2nd Floor

Informational Sessions

Lean Six Sigma Informational Session

Hosted by: Priya Venkatesan, Business Systems Analyst - UC Davis Administration & Technology

Location: 1st Floor

People Management Essentials Informational Session

Hosted by: Dr. Kristin Dees, EdD - Director, UC Davis Student Involvement

Location: 1st Floor


General Afternoon Sessions

Networking Bingo

Hosted by: ADMAN Conference Committee

Join us for an exciting and interactive networking game! In this fast-paced activity, you'll have the opportunity to meet and engage with fellow attendees while searching for individuals who match the traits or descriptions on your bingo card. It’s a fun and dynamic way to make connections!

Location: 1st Floor

AI in Administration

Speaker: Scott Kirkland, Application Developer, UC Davis College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences

Ever wondered how ChatGPT and other AI tools really work—and whether they can actually help with your administrative tasks? Join us to see where LLMs shine (and where they fall short), and learn simple tips on getting the most out of them—so you can stay ahead of the AI curve without getting lost in the tech details.

Location: 1st Floor