INARF Annual Conference Preview: Business and Industry Section

The INARF Annual Conference provides a wide array of educational programming targeted at the needs of INARF's diverse membership. Designed around the needs of INARF's Professional Interest Sections, Annual Conference programming tracks allow agency staff to easily identify the sessions most applicable to their job functions. 

With over 30 sessions to choose from, the Annual Conference is the best place for staff of all levels of experience to connect with colleagues from around the state while engaging in quality professional development opportunities. 

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The Business and Industry Section educational track offers several opportunities of interest to professionals involved with business operations and industrial services. The track kicks off with "21 Leadership Truths," presented by Kip Backscheider. This fast-paced workshop explores several aspects of quality leadership in a multi-media format that participants can use on the job. 

In the afternoon, Business and Industry Professionals are invited to attend "Life Itself is a Death-Defying Act," by keynote speaker Dr. Chuck Dietzen. In this inspirational session, participants will learn how people with disabilities can safely participate in a multitude of adventurous activities. Alternatively, attendees may wish to attend Kip Backscheider's presentation on "Using Paradoxes to Bring Out the Best in People You Supervise," which explores decision making and motivation. 

On Friday Morning, it is recommended that those following the BIS track attend "Employment Learning Community, Building Blocks for Systems Change," presented by Karen Flippo, MRA. This informative session will describe this new national employment initiative and how it is being used to improve employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Also offered on Friday morning is Doug Beebe's "Behavior Resulting from Cognitive Deficits Associated with Traumatic Brain Injury." Participants in this session will learn about the variety of behavioral issues that can result from TBI, as well as effective interventions and long-term supports. 

Finally, to round out the conference, Scott Warrick will present "Coaching the Hypersensitive Employee," which will address challenges in supervising individuals that can be toxic to the workplace and offer suggestions for effective communication and leadership. Attendees will learn how to define a "tolerant" environment that does not allow for bullying or hypersensitivity. Business and Industry Section participants may also take part in "Trauma and Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities," part of the Dual-Diagnosis Track offered by Conference Partner Meridian Health Services.