The Power of Connection: Networking and Communicating with Purpose
About this Event
In a world that feels increasingly disconnected, meaningful relationships matter more than ever.
Whether you're building partnerships, engaging supporters, serving communities, raising funds, or leading teams, success in Virginia often comes down to relationships and your ability to network and communicate with purpose.
The most effective leaders don't leave relationships to chance.
They invest in connections, communicate with intention, and cultivate networks that support their work, their organizations, and their communities.
That's why we're bringing together nonprofit housing and community development professionals, partners, and stakeholders for a day dedicated to building stronger connections, strengthening communication skills, and creating opportunities for collaboration.
This is more than a training event.
It's an opportunity to step away from your daily responsibilities, invest in your professional growth, and connect with people who understand the opportunities and challenges of creating positive change in Virginia's communities.
Featured Keynote Speaker: Julie Brown
We're excited to welcome nationally recognized speaker, author, and connection expert Julie Brown.
Known for her engaging style and practical wisdom, Julie has inspired audiences across the country to rethink networking, relationship-building, and communication. Her message is simple but powerful: authentic connections create opportunities, strengthen organizations, and enrich our lives.
Through stories, insights, and actionable strategies, Julie will help attendees become more intentional about how they build relationships, expand their networks, communicate their value, and create meaningful professional connections.
Attendees will leave with practical tools to make networking a strategic part of their professional practice rather than something reserved for conferences and special events.
Interactive Workshop with Fred Gatty
Knowing how to network is one thing. Actually, doing it — consistently, intentionally, and in a way that builds real momentum — is something else entirely.
In this dynamic afternoon workshop, organizational development consultant Dr. Fred Gatty of Gatts Consulting will guide participants through a powerful mindset shift: from networking as something that happens occasionally to something you practice on purpose, every single day.
Through honest conversation, practical tools, and hands-on application, participants will explore why we resist networking even when we know it matters, how to introduce themselves and make genuine connections with strangers, how to set clear intentions before walking into any room, and how to build networking into their daily lives rather than saving it for special events.
Whether your goals are personal or professional — or both — this session will help you stop leaving relationships to chance and start investing in them with purpose.
Why Attend?
• Learn practical networking strategies that build meaningful professional relationships
• Strengthen your communication skills and confidence
• Discover new opportunities for collaboration and partnership
• Connect with nonprofit, housing, and community development professionals working throughout Virginia
• Gain fresh ideas, perspectives, and inspiration
• Leave with actionable tools you can put to work immediately
Who Should Attend?
Executive Directors • CEOs • Community Development Professionals • Housing Practitioners • Fundraisers • Program Staff • Communications Professionals • Emerging Leaders • Board Members • Public Sector Partners • Philanthropic Leaders • Anyone working to strengthen communities and expand opportunities throughout Virginia
Your Ticket Includes
• Full day of networking, training, and professional development
• Keynote presentation by nationally recognized speaker and author Julie Brown
• Interactive leadership workshop with Fred Gatty
• Lunch and refreshments
• Networking opportunities with nonprofit and community development leaders
• A complimentary copy of Julie Brown's book for 50 lucky attendees.
Join us for a day of learning, conversation, and relationship-building with professionals who are working every day to strengthen communities and create opportunity throughout Virginia.
Because great things happen when people connect with purpose.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 150.00 to USD 250.00
