This very popular and engaging presentation has been presented at numerous venues nationwide for several professional associations over the last decade, to standing-room-only capacity. It is targeted to any level, so come experience it for yourself. The basic premise here is to challenge attendees to participate in talking honestly about those things in their organizations that make them crazy, stress them out, create worry, or just plain annoy them. This Happy Hour Jam provides a safe space to vent, learn something, get some feedback, and have fun. The topics are focused on current trends, challenges, issues, and concerns that we all share in our organizations. They often take on a different personality each time, depending upon who is contributing, resulting in the sharing of some great stories, self-reflection, poking fun at ourselves, and in some cases, a call for action. Often the discussions lead to topics of leadership as we set the tone for positive conflict with the goal of providing solutions and provoking thought. Recent iterations have ventured off into workforce solutions, mental health, succession planning, mentoring, coaching, innovation, and of course dealing with annoying crap! Nothing is off limits! Attendees can expect a few surprises, mystery guest speakers, and more, closing out with some recognition for key contributors. This is a must-see event you won’t forget. Accredited Agency: Des Moines, IA, Department of Public Works
After this session, participants will be better able to:
• Diagnose the hurdles, challenges, and obstacles often associated with our environments, organizations, and stakeholders, and learn to be bold in overcoming those challenges.
• Recognize and understand the challenges of communicating with stakeholders, like the boss, the city council, the staff, and constituents, while doing it better, tactfully, honestly, and more directly.
• Identify the challenges we all face regardless of the size of our organizations, relating to current issues, like workforce, mental health, succession planning, mentoring, coaching, innovation, and of course dealing with annoying crap!
Contributor/Source
Jim Proce-Assistant City Manager, Jonathan Gano-Public Works Director
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Related Resources
Proficiency Levels
Introductory
Focuses on a general or broad overview of the topic, awareness of basic factual recall. Limited experience of the subject matter is necessary to understand content areas.
Applied
Focuses on practical implementation of technical steps or strategies, some prior knowledge and experience of the topic is necessary.
Advanced
Mastery of basic concepts associated with an area has been obtained. Focuses on understanding nuances, advanced concepts, and intricacies with implementation within knowledge area. Strong understanding of how the concept impacts other factors or areas of operations.
Program Types
CLL
Click, Listen & Learn (CLL) are interactive educational webinars. Each program is led by top experts in the field who share new ideas, methods, and technologies in a fast-paced two-hour time frame. These programs are available free to APWA members. CLL programs are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Primer
Primers are used to educate policymakers about public works roles and responsibilities in public rights of way, the impact of federal workforce development policies on the industry and workforce, and the importance of resilient infrastructure.
Public Works Radio Podcast
Public Works Radio is the official podcast of the American Public Works Association (APWA), bringing the stories behind our communities to life. This podcast shines a spotlight on the people and projects that keep our cities running—humanizing the work and the professionals who make it happen. Each episode dives into a wide range of topics designed to educate and inspire, making public works more visible to everyone.
PWX
PWX session recordings cover a wide variety of topics, including integrating modes of transportation, traffic and transit, construction management, emergency management, engineering and technology, fleet and facilities, management, parks and grounds, snow and ice control, and stormwater/flood control, as well as solid waste, roads and bridges and water/wastewater. PWX sessions are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Reporter Articles
APWA Reporter articles are written by public works practitioners on subjects such as solid waste management, water resources, municipal engineering, transportation, equipment services, buildings and grounds, snow removal, and other public works-related topics.
Snow
The Snow Conference session recordings feature public works professionals sharing the latest best practices in managing winter/snow operations more successfully, taking advantage of emerging technologies, understanding and preparing for the challenges ahead, and providing better service to their communities. Snow sessions are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Tech Boxes
A tech box is a PDF take-away that provides information in lists, steps, or defined areas specifically focused on trending technologies.
Virtual Program
Virtual programs are live, interactive educational programs led by top experts in the field who provide timely information or address trending topics within an area. Programs often conclude with an open forum for Q&A.