Trusted by Association Leaders Nationwide
Associations West | Texas SAE | Iowa Hospital Association | MPI Chicago | MPI Indiana | MPI Philadelphia | Mid-Atlantic SAE
Clear learning objectives. Easy AV requirements. Collaborative planning process.
Practical Tools to Help Leaders Navigate Change with Clarity
Change is constant. For association members, it can also feel relentless.
Shifting regulations. Evolving professional standards. Economic uncertainty. New technologies. Workforce disruption. Member expectations rising faster than resources.
In these moments, inspiration isn’t enough. Leaders need practical tools for building resilience.
Amy C. Waninger delivers a high-impact keynote on leading through change that equips professionals with a clear, research-informed framework for moving from reactive panic to intentional, grounded leadership. Instead of abstract encouragement, participants walk away with tools they can apply immediately in their workplaces, boards, and teams.
This keynote is ideal for state and regional associations seeking relevant, actionable professional development that resonates across industries.
Why Associations Are Prioritizing Change Leadership
State and regional associations serve members navigating significant transitions—within their industries, their organizations, and their own careers.
Your members may be:
- Leading teams through restructuring
- Managing uncertainty and burnout
- Responding to rapid technological shifts
- Balancing professional and personal strain
- Making high-stakes decisions with limited clarity
Associations are increasingly prioritizing programming that helps members build durable leadership skills—not just motivation for the moment.
This keynote addresses the real challenges professionals face in times of disruption and provides a structured approach they can apply long after the conference ends.
What Participants Walk Away With
Recognize Panic Responses to Change
Participants learn how to identify the cognitive and emotional patterns that surface during uncertainty—both in themselves and in the people they lead.
Awareness is the first step toward intentional leadership.
Apply a Structured Framework to Uncertainty
Using the Moving from Panic to Purpose framework, attendees gain a clear roadmap for responding to change with steadiness and clarity rather than reaction.
They leave with language, models, and tools they can use immediately.
Make Grounded Decisions Under Pressure
When stakes are high and clarity is low, decision-making suffers. This keynote equips leaders with practical techniques for slowing down reactive cycles and making more thoughtful, values-aligned choices.
Support Teams Through Transition
Leaders don’t navigate change alone. Participants learn strategies to help their teams maintain trust, focus, and engagement—even in uncertain conditions. That's real change management.
The Moving from Panic to Purpose Framework
Based on research in leadership, emotional intelligence, and organizational behavior, the Moving from Panic to Purpose framework provides a structured model for navigating unrelenting change.
Rather than minimizing fear or uncertainty, the framework acknowledges natural human responses to disruption and offers a clear path forward:
- Recognize reactive patterns
- Reframe uncertainty
- Reclaim agency
- Respond with purpose
This model resonates across industries because it focuses on universal leadership challenges—how professionals think, decide, and act when the ground shifts beneath them.
As the author of Moving from Panic to Purpose: Surviving and Thriving During Unrelenting Change, Amy brings both intellectual depth and real-world practicality to the stage.
Designed for State and Regional Association Conferences
This keynote is especially well-suited for:
- Annual conferences
- Leadership summits
- Professional development events
- Cross-industry membership gatherings
- Emerging leader programs
Because the framework focuses on leadership behaviors rather than industry-specific content, it translates effectively across diverse professional audiences.
Sessions can be customized to align with your conference theme, strategic priorities, or industry context.
Trusted by Associations Nationwide
What Conference Attendees Are Saying
Audiences appreciate Amy's relatable stories and vivid imagery, as well as her ability to create vulnerable spaces to share and learn. Participants frequently name the balloon activity, the crystal ball exercise, and the acrobat metaphor as standout moments from the session.
“This session gave an opportunity for me to look at and release feelings, consider how others may be feeling, and find actionable small steps for change.”
— Attendee,
Kids Count Conference
“Amy was very relatable and gave actionable techniques for managing change.”
— Attendee,
University for Innovative Distribution
“Amy is engaging and her message can be executed immediately. She was funny and used imagery and scenarios that make this easy to remember. I took notes!”
— Attendee,
HFMA Indiana Annual Conference
Results for Association Leaders
Association leaders consistently describe Amy’s keynote presentations as:
- Practical and actionable
- Engaging without being theatrical
- Structured and easy to apply
- Relevant across career stages
“Everything kind of came together exactly the way it was supposed to. I didn’t have to look back and think, ‘I wish I had said this’ or ‘we should have talked more about that.’ The preparation, the messaging, and the delivery all matched what was promised.”
— Jodie Daugherty
MPI Indiana
“You make a meeting planner happy!”
— Megan Denhardt,
Associations West
“A truly collaborative experience. Amy was prepared and uniquely tailored the day to our organization. She is a wealth of knowledge. I hope every leader has the opportunity to experience her message.”
— Jared Ellis Perez
MPI Chicago Area Chapter
Repeat invitations and multi-session engagements reflect the lasting impact of this work with association audiences.
Keynote and Workshop Formats Available
This program is available as:
- 45–90 minute keynote presentation
- Keynote plus breakout session
- Half-day workshop
- Multi-session leadership series
- Virtual or hybrid delivery
Each format maintains the same structured, practical focus while adapting to your event goals and audience size.
Frequently Asked Questions about This Keynote
How is this different from a motivational change keynote?
This program focuses on practical leadership tools rather than inspiration alone. Participants leave with a clear framework and strategies they can apply immediately in their roles.
Is this keynote appropriate across industries?
Yes. Because the content addresses universal leadership behaviors in times of uncertainty, it resonates with professionals across sectors.
Can the content align with our conference theme?
Absolutely. Examples, language, and emphasis can be tailored to reflect your industry context and event objectives.
How far in advance should we book?
Many state and regional associations secure keynote speakers 6–12 months in advance, though select dates may be available sooner.
What audience sizes work best?
This keynote works effectively for small leadership retreats and large conference audiences alike. For audiences over 1,000 participants, we need at least 60 days lead time to ensure proper planning and availability of handouts.
How can we reinforce the content after the conference ends?
Participants will be invited to download an electronic "Chart Your Change" action guide to reinforce their learning and to continue the journey. You can also customize your conference package to include books, workbooks, or other materials to ensure your audience leaves with the tools they need to navigate and lead change effectively.
Bring Practical Change Leadership to Your Next Conference
If your association is seeking a keynote speaker on leading through change who delivers more than inspiration—someone who equips your members with practical tools they can use immediately—let’s explore fit.
Schedule a planning conversation to discuss your conference goals, audience, and timeline.