Agenda: Oct. 22, 2025
NextGen Government Training Virtual Summit:
Powering Your Future Career With Skills and Collaboration
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 | 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT-4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT
Please see below for the agenda for the upcoming virtual summit, and be sure to register now.
Agenda:
10-11 AM ET/7-8 AM PT – Opening Keynote Session:
Agency Culture – How to Define It, Improve It and Manage It
A strong agency culture is the backbone of effective public service. This keynote will explore how to define your agency’s identity, foster a collaborative environment, and lead with purpose. You’ll learn how to build a culture that supports mission-driven work, boosts morale, and helps your team thrive—even in the face of bureaucratic challenges.
The 5 Skills You Need to Thrive in Government
Success in government requires more than just technical know-how. This session highlights the five essential skills—like adaptability, communication, and critical thinking—that will help you navigate complexity, serve your community more effectively, and grow your career in public service.
11-11:15 AM ET/8-8:15 AM PT – Break
11:15 AM-12:15 PM ET/8:15-9:15 AM PT – Breakout Session Round 1 (1 CPE Credit):
What Is AI Prompt Engineering and How Do You Excel at It?
AI is reshaping how government delivers services and solves problems. This session introduces prompt engineering as a critical skill for leveraging GenAI tools in your daily work. Learn how to craft effective prompts that enhance productivity, streamline communication, and support data-informed decision-making.
Key Takeaway: Learn the basics of AI prompt-engineering.
How to Up Your Situational Awareness
In government, being aware of your environment—political, organizational, and social—is key to making sound decisions. This session will help you sharpen your situational awareness so you can anticipate challenges, respond strategically, and lead with confidence in changing public sector settings.
Key Takeaway: Hone your situational awareness skills and improve your critical thinking and decision-making at work.
Finding the Good in Imposter Syndrome
Even the most accomplished public servants can feel underqualified or ill-equipped to handle new challenges. This session reframes imposter syndrome as a sign of growth and commitment. Learn how to turn self-doubt into a source of motivation and resilience as you navigate your career.
Key Takeaway: Hear strategies and tips for overcoming imposter syndrome.
Make Yourself Agile
Agility is essential in a world where policy, technology, and public needs are constantly evolving. This session shows how to apply agile thinking to government work—helping you adapt quickly, collaborate effectively, and deliver better outcomes for the communities you serve.
Key Takeaway: You’ll better understand how to adapt to changing dynamics at your agency.
Decision-Making – How to Open Yourself Up to New Ideas
Agencies have long had the reputation of being organizations that uphold the status quo rather than challenges it. But government decisions directly impact lives—so how do you ensure they’re informed, inclusive, and innovative? This session explores how to challenge assumptions, embrace diverse perspectives, and make smarter, more forward-thinking choices in your role.
Key Takeaway: Discover why open-mindedness is a professional skill – and asset.
12:15-12:30 PM ET/9:15-9:30 AM PT – Break
12:30-1:30 PM ET/9:30-10:30 AM PT – Lunch Keynote Session:
How to Ace Your Next Pitch
Whether you’re proposing a new initiative, requesting funding, or presenting to leadership, your pitch matters. This keynote will help you craft compelling, mission-aligned messages that resonate with stakeholders and move your ideas forward.
Rediscovering Your Why
Public service is a calling—but even the most dedicated professionals can lose sight of their purpose. This keynote invites you to reconnect with the values that brought you to government work, helping you find renewed energy and meaning in your role.
1:30-1:45 PM ET/10:30-10:45 AM PT – Break
1:45-2:45 PM ET/10:45-11:45 AM PT – Breakout Session Round 2 (1 CPE Credit):
Why Plain Language Is Needed More than Ever
Clear communication is a cornerstone of public trust. This session makes the case for plain language in government, showing how it improves accessibility, reduces confusion, and ensures your message reaches every constituent—no matter their background or level of understanding.
Key Takeaway: You’ll learn the basics of plain language and how to apply it to your work.
Competency-Based Management – How to Maximize Your Output
Managing in government means getting the most from your team while staying aligned with mission goals. This session introduces competency-based management as a framework for developing talent, clarifying expectations, and driving performance in a structured, equitable way.
Key Takeaway – Learn how to apply a structured framework to your management style.
Dealing With Negative Perspectives and Personalities
Every agency has its share of difficult dynamics. This session offers practical tools for managing negativity and fostering a more constructive, respectful workplace—so you can stay focused on your mission and maintain a healthy team culture.
Key Takeaway: Improve your interpersonal skills with colleagues and management.
How to Make Yourself Indispensable
Want to become a go-to leader in your agency? Learn how to build unique value, anticipate needs, and consistently deliver results that align with your agency’s mission. This session will help you stand out and make a lasting impact in your role.
Key Takeaway: We’ll focus on personal branding and communicating your value at work.
Networking With Purpose: Tips for Creating Meaningful Relationships
In government, relationships are everything. This session will teach you how to build authentic, strategic connections that support your career and your agency’s goals. Learn how to network with intention—whether you’re collaborating across departments or engaging with external partners.
Key Takeaway: Expand your network with meaningful relationships.
2:45-3 PM ET/11:45 AM-12 PM PT – Break
3-4 PM ET/12-1 PM PT – Closing Keynote Session:
I’m Burnt Out – How to Find Creativity and Inspiration
Burnout is common in mission-driven work—but it doesn’t have to be the end of your passion. This keynote offers strategies to rekindle your creativity, reconnect with your purpose, and find inspiration in the impact you make every day.
Gov Thought Leaders Panel – I’m in Government Because…
Hear from fellow public servants about what drives them to serve. This candid panel will explore the personal stories, challenges, and triumphs that define a career in government—and remind you why your work matters more than ever.
