Florida Creativity Conference 2025: Full Schedule

10:00am EDT

Living Your Core Values

Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am EDT

Values are qualities or characteristics that describe who we are and who we want to be - as facilitators, educators, leaders, and people. When we understand our values and act on them, we are more likely to make a positive impact on ourselves, others, and the world around us. In this session, you’ll engage in hands-on exercises, reflection, and discussion to identify your core values and discover creative ways to take action on them, giving you a new tool to show up as your authentic self in your work and your life in general.

Participants will:
• Identify your core values
• Discover ways to act on your values
• Plan which values you’ll prioritize and how

Speakers

Abby Keenan

Mental Performance Coach, Intrepid Performance Consulting, LLC

Abby Keenan is an entrepreneur and mental performance coach with a passion for supporting student-athletes through their performance struggles and stressors. She blends her experiences as a facilitator, former competitive swimmer, mentor, and sport psychology professional to teach... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
Room 214

Breakout Workshops, Beginner

By Track Communication, Self-Reflection, Creativity

10:00am EDT

Play Your Way To Success

Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am EDT

Room 218

Feedback Survey

Participants will use LEGO bricks to build 3D models. They are asked to 'build' based on a question they are asked (Build a model where you feel your creativity shines) 2) They share their model (This provides them with story telling confidence and allows others to get to know them - find commonalities/differences) 3) Reflect - participants reflect on the experience, their learnings etc. Depending on the number of participants we will be able to get through 2-3 questions. A final question in each workshop is to build "one action they will take away and apply to their work/life."

Key Takeaways:

Confidence (in their ability to share)
Story Telling (ability to use alternative methods for sharing their thoughts)
Awareness (through a tactile exercise they can learn something about themselves and others for which a question may not uncover or unlock)

Speakers

Gail R Kulas

CFO - Chief Fun Officer, Leading to Unlock, LLC

Gail is a self-described “itchy sweater” - she helps people become more comfortable being uncomfortable. She is a dynamic force in the world of business strategy, education, and personal development. As the founder of Leading to Unlock, she has dedicated her career to unlocking... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
Room 218

Breakout Workshops, Inetermediate

By Track Communication, Play, Self-Reflection, Creativity, Facilitation

10:00am EDT

Whoop, There It Is! Creativity, Perception & Communication

Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am EDT

Room 208

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In this interactive session, we will explore how shifting perceptions can enhance creativity and even improve communication! Through hands-on perception exercises, including optical illusions and word games, you'll engage your senses and rewire thinking patterns to see the world in fresh, innovative ways. You will gain practical skills in the dual solutions of perception-checking and empathy building.

Key Takeaways:
• Gain insight into how your brain takes charge without you even knowing it
• Understand a clear connection between the perception process, creativity, and communication
• Learn how to change your perceptions, open your mind, and enhance your creativity

Speakers

Katharine Rumrill-Teece

Professor / Trainer, Onondaga Community College

Katharine Rumrill-Teece is an accomplished Trainer, Facilitator, and Professor of Communication with over 30 years of experience leading impactful workshops and training programs. With a Master’s degree in Intercultural Communication & Conflict Resolution and a Doctorate in Executive... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
Room 208

Breakout Workshops, Beginner

By Track Self-Reflection, Communication

1:00pm EDT

Creative Ways of Dealing With Difficult People...and Looking Forward To It! The Positive Messages These People Bring to Our Lives

Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Room 214

Feedback Survey

If you are a member of a committee, head of a business or organization or simply a person who has difficult people in your life, like a colleague, friend, family member, who are e.g. angry, controlling, demanding, this course is for you. You'll experience creative ways of dealing with difficult people so you make peace not war. Bring your difficult people scenarios and we’ll generate, thru role playing, many powerful and practical approaches to solving these frustrating situations and you'll leave with a time-tested handout of tools and techniques, in a session that will be filled with humor and poignant moments.

Key Takeaways:

Identify the underlying reasons why people become frustrated, upset, angry, entitled or controlling.
Learn specific techniques and phrases to defuse an angry person and calm their behavior.
Make life easier and more enjoyable by not allowing difficult people to steal your joy — no matter what!

Speakers

Steve Shama

Retired, JoyWorks

Steve is a retired physician and a proud 25 year member of the CPSI and the creativity community, giving many sessions at CPSI and Mindcamp. He's a full time professional speaker, engaging audiences on topics dear to his heart…endearing communications, empathic connections between... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Room 214

Breakout Workshops, Beginner

By Track Communication, Self-Reflection, Creativity

1:00pm EDT

Curiosity can Save the World (or at least our relationships!)

Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Room 208

Feedback Survey

In this session, we will explore how moving from the need to be right to embracing curiosity can foster deeper connection, even in disagreements. Through practical exercises and embodiment practices, you will learn how to shift your mindset, rekindle curiosity, and approach difficult conversations with openness and empathy. Participants will walk away with tangible tools to improve communication, build stronger relationships, and find connection in unexpected places.

Key Takeaways:

Be inspired by the Power of Curiosity in Conflict: Participants will learn how shifting from the need to be right to embracing curiosity can transform difficult conversations into opportunities for deeper connection, even with those they disagree with.
Gain skills to overcoming Barriers to Listening: Participants will explore common barriers to listening during hard conversations—such as the need for validation or protection—and practice skills to listen more effectively, even when the conversation is emotionally triggering.
Learn practical Tools for Connection: Attendees will leave with actionable techniques—such as relaxing the body, asking reflective questions, and recognizing shared vision—to rekindle curiosity and improve communication in both personal and professional relationships.

Speakers

Verónica Márquez

Somatic Practitioner, Executive Coach, Researcher, Self Employed

I’m a Certified Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner, Executive Coach and Founder of Between Us - a global initiative that aims to alleviate disconnection and loneliness by fostering community discussions on complex topics like belonging, anger, and power. Over the past six years... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Room 208

Breakout Workshops, Inetermediate

By Track Self-Reflection, Communication

1:00pm EDT

Probe the Power of Play and Paradox

Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Room 218

Feedback Survey

Do you ever get stuck when deliberate creativity bumps up against reality? Do you know why? In this discovery-focused workshop, you'll combine to powerful strategies to gain insights into yourself and the creative process. You'll start with the Playmobil ProPlay™ method--a way to invoke that magical mindset that allows you to see and say things through play that are often difficult to express through words alone. Next, you'll apply Polarity Thinking™, the both/and approach that enables you to understand and leverage the normal tension of interdependent truths (for example, Focus on the Team AND focus on the individual) to shatter the most common barriers to truly productive problem solving.

Key Takeaways:

Explore ProPlay™ as a tool for understanding the key forces that can both constrain and liberate your thinking
Discover basic Polarity Thinking™ principles and explore at least one creativity polarity that is important for you
Challenge yourself to think about specific applications of these insights for those you lead, facilitate, and work with

Speakers

Tim Hurson

Consultant and Facilitator

In third grade, Tim spread pasted sheets of paper, sticky-side up, on his classroom floor. He was thrilled with the results. Not much has changed, though he now focuses on more productive activities as an innovation consultant and facilitator for businesses and social purpose start-ups... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Room 218

Breakout Workshops, Inetermediate

By Track Play, CPS Tools, Facilitation, Communication

9:00am EDT

The Neuroscience of Creativity

Friday March 14, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

Room 218

Feedback Survey

Unleash the power of your brain to supercharge creativity and innovation! In this hands-on session, you’ll explore the neuroscience of creativity, learning how key brain networks like the Default Mode, Executive Control, and Salience Networks fuel your best ideas. Gain practical tools to overcome creative blocks, enhance problem-solving, and inspire innovation in yourself and your teams, all while collaborating in a dynamic and inspiring environment.

Key Takeaways:

Practical Neuroscience Tools: Understand how to leverage brain networks to enhance creative thinking and problem-solving, with actionable techniques to apply immediately
Overcome Creative Blocks: Learn strategies to break through mental barriers and ignite new ideas, helping you and your team stay innovative in any environment
Inspire Innovation in Teams: Gain insights into fostering a creative culture within your organization, using neuroscience-based methods to inspire collaboration and fresh solutions

Speakers

Haley Forest

Consultant, HCForest

Haley Forest is a seasoned strategist and international consultant with a deep focus on innovation, leadership, and behavioral science. Currently pursuing a PsyD in Leadership Psychology with a concentration in Neuroleadership at William James College, Haley merges her extensive background... Read More →

Friday March 14, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Room 218

Breakout Workshops, Advanced

By Track CPS Tools, Facilitation, Communication

4:30pm EDT

Discovering What Matters in the Big Picture: Challenge Mapping to Awaken Breakthrough Powerful Problem Definitions

Friday March 14, 2025 4:30pm - 6:00pm EDT

Room 214

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Experience an innovative conceptual thinking tool that integrates analytical and imaginative thinking to create better, more robust business strategies applicable to any complex problem. In this highly interactive session learn a tool and techniques you can use day-to-day to discover both real root causes and awaken to new aspirational opportunities in complex problems leading to new insights on how to best innovate. We will create an explicit logical map connecting actionable tactics to strategic pillars to broad strategic vision as a better way to articulate robust strategies with ownership.

Key Takeaways:

How to use a structured process to surface new connections and hidden insights
Greater ability to identify the right level of challenge using the “Why/What’s Stopping?” analysis
Converge with commitment on the most important challenges

Speakers

Tim Basadur

Lead Trainer and Facilitator, Basadur Applied Innovation

I have been facilitating and training people in CPS for 30+ years. I have been a presenter at CPSI for nearly 20 years now and when I was a wee lad I helped my father, Min Basadur, with his CPSI presentations.

Friday March 14, 2025 4:30pm - 6:00pm EDT
Room 214

Breakout Workshops, Intermediate

By Track CPS Tools, Self-Reflection, Communication

9:00am EDT

Hello Fellow FLCCers (Flickers)! Is Your Mind Abuzz with Ideas? Let's do something about them!

Saturday March 15, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

Room 215

Feedback Survey

After an enlightening and stimulating conference, participants have the chance to give themselves the gift of time for pausing and reflecting, so they can be more effective at implementing change when they get home? This workshop serves as an opportunity for participants to consider what they've learned and how they will implement their new ideas. The session will incorporate collaboration, mindfulness, reflection, and planning.

Key Takeaways:

Participants will experience self-reflection regarding their implementation successes of the past and use that information to support their future endeavors
Participants will engage in a guided visualization
Participants will leave with a plan in place for implementing the new ideas they've gleaned from the conference

Speakers

Jen Verbakel

Owner, The Art of Amateurity

Jen is a doodler, a creative dabbler, and a sewing gal! She is also a certified Kaizen Muse Creativity Coach. She believes that creativity helps people take up their own unique space, and she is working towards embodying that presence as well. She loves to chat about creative... Read More →

Saturday March 15, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Room 215

Breakout Workshops, Beginner

By Track Self-Reflection, Communication, Creativity, CPS Tools

9:00am EDT

Story Alchemy®: Becoming the Hero of Your Own Life

Saturday March 15, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

Room 214

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The formula is simple: Find an old story, change it, get a new one.
That’s the universal quest—and the process of Story Alchemy®.
But how do we that? How do we find our deepest core issues, transform them, and become the hero of our own life?
Story Alchemy® is the only stand-alone therapeutic system, rooted in four foundational pillars: insightful journaling, meditation, mindful movement, and a connection to nature. Separate, each of these healing modalities is a potent elixir. Together, they are magic.

Key Takeaways:

Shift your point of view and perspective through a unique process called “Transformational Narration.”
Cultivate healthy self-love
Access the knowledge, creativity, and confidence you need to write a new life story

Speakers

Rachel Schaeffer

therapist/writer/coach/teacher, self-employed

I've spent the past 30+ years teaching and facilitating large groups, mainly at retreat centers, colleges, and hospitals.

Saturday March 15, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Room 214

Breakout Workshops, Intermediate

By Track Creativity, Self-Reflection, Communication

9:00am EDT

Uncover Your Brand's Super Powers

Saturday March 15, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

Room 208

Feedback Survey

You have everything inside of you to succeed… but how to sort it out and USE it purposefully?
Isn’t it time to Awaken to your potential, that will help you love life AND impact others?
If you relate to the above let’s use our creativity and personal ‘assets’ to design the way forward, to launch your year powerfully and purposefully.

Key Takeaways:
* Your Brand’s Values
* Learn how to use your strengths to live a life you love
* Generate the affirmations & plan that will propel you forward

Speakers

Judy Winslow

CEO - Chief Excitement Officer, UnforgettableBrands

Judy Winslow, founder of UnforgettableBrands, is a well-known brandologist focused on transforming businesses. With decades of experience, she diagnoses structural vulnerabilities, offering bespoke brand solutions that amplify uniqueness. Her philosophy sees businesses as an entrepreneur's... Read More →

Saturday March 15, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Room 208

Breakout Workshops, Beginner

By Track Creativity, Self-Reflection, Communication, Business

1:00pm EDT

Don’t Sleep on Networking: An Ice Water Cocktail Party

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Room 218

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Join us for an Ice Water Cocktail Party (with a slight twist). Brave guests will do their best to go beneath the surface in their networking and connect with other guests on a deeper level. No worries if you feel you never know what to talk about in these situations…we have sneaky ways to handle awkward pauses and sleepy small talk!

Key Takeaways:

Learn a grid technique for sharing about themselves and learning about others
Interact with others to practice implementing the grid techniques
See and be seen in a deeper, and more connective way

Speakers

Amanda Cook

Founder, The Teacher’s Edge, Inc 501(c)(3)

Amanda is veteran public school teacher and community advocate. She is a 2008 graduate of UNCG with a BA in Dance Education and minor in Communication Studies. She holds a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction and Teacher Leadership from Gardner Webb University.In 2020 she... Read More →

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Room 218

Breakout Workshops, Beginner

By Track Facilitation, Communication, Self-Reflection, Networking

1:00pm EDT

The Basadur Profile: Creativity and Innovation with Original Style

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Room 208

Feedback Survey

The aim of this interactive, experiential session is to enable participants to discover and describe their unique preferred blend of the different stages of the Basadur creative problem solving process, and also to understand the preferences of others. Through use of the original CPS style preference instrument, the Basadur Profile, learn how to more fully internalize the process and put it into everyday practice, honing your own unique approach to creativity and increasing your effectiveness in working with others.

Key Takeaways:

Increase sensitivity to individual differences in problem solving style
Identify your own unique creative process style
Understand the power of cognitive diversity as distinct from knowledge diversity

Speakers

Tim Basadur

Lead Trainer and Facilitator, Basadur Applied Innovation

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Room 208

Breakout Workshops, Intermediate

By Track CPS Tools, Self-Reflection, Communication