Program
Keynote Speaker: Keisha Rivers
Leading Through What's Next
Keisha Rivers | Keynote Speaker
Meet Keisha Rivers
Keisha A. Rivers harnessed the lessons learned while leading during a harrowing Hurricane Katrina experience to become a successful international speaker, change agent and learning leader. As Chief Change Officer and President of The KARS Group LTD, she facilitates successful outcomes by equipping people to embrace, manage and lead through change. Leveraging over 29 years of experience in the strategic consulting and organizational development space, she creates opportunities for change, growth and sustainable success with clients across a variety of industries.
Keisha hosts a podcast entitled "Equipped 4 Change", has authored several books, the latest entitled "Equipped for Change: Doing the Deep Work of Transformation", and gives back through her 501c3 nonprofit organization The KARS Institute. Keisha holds a BA from University of Pennsylvania, a M.Ed. from University of New Orleans and a Certificate in Women's Entrepreneurship from Cornell University. She is a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP), Certified Diversity Executive (CDE), Certified Talent Optimization Consultant and SHRM Recertification Provider.
Keisha is a TEDx speaker and has been named "2022 Enterprising Women of The Year" by Enterprising Women Magazine; "50 Most Influential Women of 2021" by the Mecklenburg Times for her leadership in the Charlotte area; "10 Most Influential Black Women in Business to Follow in 2021" by CIO Views Magazine; "Multicultural Entrepreneurs You Should Know" by PRIDE Magazine and a 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist for her book "Equipped for Change: Doing the Deep Work of Transformation".
About The KARS Group LTD:
The KARS Group LTD is a change leadership and transformation consultancy specializing in the People Side of Change. We serve organizations navigating shifts, change and transformation by equipping their people to embrace, manage and lead through change. Our focus on service areas around engagement, learning and leadership enable us to create safe communities where people are seen, heard and valued while fostering opportunities for ongoing learning, growth and development. As a fast-paced, dynamic organization with people located across geographic areas, we understand the challenges and opportunities that exist in building cross-functional, deeply collaborative teams. Our belief systems ring true throughout all aspects of what we do—both internally and in our work with clients. Simply put - we walk the talk. Past clients include: Walmart, Conduent, Linkedin, Predictive Index, F5, The City of Charlotte, Bunnelle Foundation, and others. For more about us, visit www.karsgroup.com.
Workshops
The conference education team has put together a stellar program for this year's event, with 25 individual workshops to choose from featuring more than 30 presenters. Speakers this year include experienced NATA members, previous conference favorites, and plenty of new faces sharing new ideas.
When you register for this year's event you'll be asked to tell us which sessions you might be interested in. This is going to help the team with meeting room assignments at the venue, but you will NOT be locked into these choices. You may change them at any time by updating your registration, or you may just choose something else when you arrive at the conference. No worries!
Check out the speaker bios and workshop descriptions here.
Full Schedule at a Glance
The schedule displayed is preliminary and may change slightly before it is finalized.
Opening Night Fun!
Join us after the Opening Banquet for a rousing live version of Who Knows One?!
Each game of Who Knows One? is an opportunity to reconnect with people we care about, make new friends and connections, and reinforce the notion that we are part of something larger than ourselves. It’s truly a soul-nourishing experience for all.
NASCAR Hall of Fame
Guess what? You don't have to be a NASCAR fan to have a blast at the NASCAR Hall of Fame!
Challenge your friends to a race in the simulator, join a pit crew competition, broadcast a race, learn about the history of racing, and so much more. We will have the entire place to ourselves so join us for yummy treats and fun with friends.
NATA Night Out
Downtown Charlotte has an abundance of fantastic local cuisine for you enjoy with new acquaintances and old friends.
You'll want to sign up to join a group or create one of your own. Then hit the town to eat, drink, laugh, and learn. Everything is within walking distance of the hotel for easy access to an enjoyable evening out.
Closing Celebration
This year's closing banquet will be a unique experience worth waiting for!
After honoring our annual award winners in grand theater style, and before saying a final farewell to friends, you'll enjoy dinner and drinks while exploring this innovative, hands-on museum that encourages scientific exploration and creativity.
2023 Annual Conference | December 2-5, 2023 | Charlotte, NC
