All Topics in Phoenix

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  Thunderbird Field II Veterans Memorial & the History of the Scottsdale Airport

  Gunnar Buzzard, Exec. Vice President, Thunderbird Field II Veterans Memorial

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Educational

  Thunderbird Field II was built in 1942 for the sole purpose of training WWII Army Air Corp pilots. Over 5,500 pilots were trained at Thunderbird Field II between 1942 and October 16, 1944, when the school was deactivated. Many of these young aviators saw military action in Europe and the Pacific. Learn about the history of the 3 Thunderbird Fields, current Scottsdale airport operations, and the Thunderbird Field II Veterans Memorial. MORE >

  The Thunderbird Field II Plaza at the entrance to the new Scottsdale Airport terminal, business center and restaurant will include a monument with information on Thunderbird Field II and its military history. The Plaza’s centerpiece will be a Stearman PT-17, the aircraft used for training at Thunderbird Field II. The service plaques for all of our armed services as well as the revered POW-MIA plaque will be on permanent display.

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  Interfaith collaboration for environmental protection

  Vasu Bandhu, Faith Community Coordinator, Arizona Faith Network

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Climate

  The various religions collaborating together to protect the environment, through respect, understanding and education, in the religious diversity, to be an important ally of partnership with other sectors of society. Religions are constituted by principles that have existed for thousands of years in which they aim to promote harmony with others and with the environment in which we live. MORE >

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  Building a Better Workers’ Compensation Program

  Nancy Germond, MA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, President, True North Consultants, a Division of Insurance Writer, LLC

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Business

  Employers of all sizes struggle to manage their workers' compensation program. This lively presentation will provide you with ten top tips to build a stellar workers' compensation program, reduce injuries and manage return-to-work and other employment challenges.

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  The Run for the Roses: What Needs to be Done Before You Retire

  Jeff Young, Senior Wealth Manager, Kierland Financial Group

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Financial

  You’ve won the game! Now What? The goal of wealth accumulation gradually gives way to that of efficient money management in retirement. It certainly isn’t the same skill set and has a different set of challenges and opportunities associated with it. Planning for that stage while you are in your peak earning years can help insure a retirement of dignity and independence if you plan now. MORE >

  Financial Planner and Investment Advisor Jeff Young speaks about that life phase in this presentation entitled “The Run for the Roses.” It is he will address such issues as:
  • Creating a New Safety Net
  • Gifting
  • Planning a Social Security Strategy
  • What are RMD’s (Required Minimum Distributions from Retirement Plans) and when do you take them?
  • Educating the Survivors
  • Maximizing your tax bracket
  • End of Life Planning
  • The One Property Asset that will give your Heirs Fits and how to avoid that

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  The Academic Journey: Helping Students Build a Clear, Confident Path from Middle School to College

  Michelle Smith, Founder and CEO, Independent Education Group

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Educational

  Today’s students face more academic choices — and more pressure — than ever before. Honors tracks, AP and dual enrollment courses, private and independent schools, extracurricular expectations, and increasingly competitive college admissions can leave families wondering: Are we making the right decisions at the right time? MORE >

  In this practical and empowering session, education consultant Michelle Smith, founder of Independent Education Group, guides Phoenix-area families through the full academic journey — from early planning in middle school to high school course strategy, leadership development, and thoughtful college preparation.

  Families will gain clarity on:
  • How to map out an intentional academic plan year by year
  • When to accelerate — and when not to
  • Choosing between public, charter, and private school
  pathways
  • Building strong transcripts without burnout
  • Balancing academics, activities, and well-being
  • Positioning students authentically for college admissions

  This talk helps parents move from uncertainty to strategy, ensuring students grow not only as strong applicants, but as confident, capable young adults. Ideal for families with students in grades 5–11.

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  HEALTHY LIVING FOR YOUR BRAIN AND BODY

  Edward Givens, Insurance Agent, HealthMarkets

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Health & Fitness

  Lear ways to change your lifestyle to help your brain and body stay healthy for a long and fruitful life. Currently, an estimated 50 million people worldwide are living with dementia, including more than 5 million Americans. Barring any developments in prevention or treatment methods, this number is projected to reach nearly 14 million by 2050. The disease also affects the 16 million Americans who provide unpaid care for people living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. More than 80 percent of care provided at home is delivered by family members, friends or other unpaid caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Association® is available in communities nationwide and online to help individuals and families understand Alzheimer’s and dementia, navigate the disease and receive reliable information and support. MORE >

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  Dream Courageously: Building Unshakeable Confidence to Chase Your Goals

  Dr. Deitra Payne, Founder & CEO, Fabulous Coaching, Training, and Productions, LLC

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Self Improvement

  Too many people are waiting — for the right time, the right resources, or permission they'll never get — while their dreams quietly collect dust. Dr. Deitra C. Payne, achievement and accountability coach and a woman who won big on Let's Make a Deal after surviving one of the hardest seasons of her life, knows exactly what it takes to step boldly toward your goals even when fear says otherwise. She brings that energy — and a lot of laughter — to every room she enters. MORE >

  This presentation challenges audiences to identify the beliefs holding them back, take decisive action toward their biggest goals, and build the kind of unshakeable confidence that doesn't wait for ideal conditions. Aspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone in transition will leave this session with a renewed sense of purpose, a clearer vision for their future, and the courage to finally go for it.

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  The Human Side of Change: Communicating through Uncertainty

  Ryan Bouda, Leadership & Culture Strategist, LEAP Training & Coaching

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Business

  Change disrupts more than workflows; it disrupts the brain. When people experience change, uncertainty and resistance often follow, not because they’re unwilling, but because their brains are wired to seek safety, predictability, and meaning. The Human Side of Change equips leaders with a human-centered approach to guiding others through transition with clarity and connection. MORE >

  This session explores the neuroscience of change and introduces an 8-part communication framework designed to meet people where they are...logically, emotionally, or both. Rather than delivering one-size-fits-all messages, leaders learn how to tailor communication to individual needs, values, and motivations, creating understanding instead of resistance.

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  Challenging Your Top Performers

  Rachel Weiss, Founder, Executive Consultant, The Human Manager

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Business

  Most managers focus on the lower performers when it comes to performance management, and they need a lot of coaching time and energy. The employees you want to retain, your top performers, often get lost in the mix since they're doing good work already. But if you're not challenging them, they may leave to go somewhere they will get professional development. This can also be an interactive workshop. MORE >

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  All About Gut Health

  Dr. Benjamin Benulis, Doctor of Chiropractic, Create Health PLLC

  TOPIC CATEGORY: Health & Fitness

  It seems like more and more people are dealing with gut issues these days. Food sensitivities are far more common than they used to be and grocery stores and restaurants are adjusting their offerings accordingly. Why is this happening? And why does mainstream medicine not seem have an answer as to the root cause, or a treatment that addresses it? Dr. Benjamin Benulis is the author of the book "Create Health: Reverse Autoimmune Disease Without Drugs or Their Side Effects" and dealt with his own severe digestive issues 15 years ago. In this 30-60 minute talk he goes over what are some of the likely causes of these issues, why the mainstream medical system fails fully help most people, and most importantly how to actually heal your gut and digestive issues. MORE >

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