Expanding Connections: A Multi-Part Series on Mastering Networking for I/DD Professionals

August 26, 2025 - August 28, 2025

1:00pm-2:00pm EST

The I/DD field is all about relationships. We cultivate relationships every day with the people we serve, their support teams, our own colleagues, community partners, and more. But equally important, and sometimes overlooked, are the connections we develop and grow with other I/DD professionals.

Develop the confidence and skills to build meaningful professional relationships in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) field with this three-part interactive series. You’ll engage in discussions with peers in the I/DD field, and refine your networking skills in real-time through structured activities. Learn strategies to maximize networking opportunities at conferences, fundraisers, and advocacy events, establish long-term connections, and leverage networking to strengthen the I/DD community.

Through expert insights and hands-on exercises, you’ll gain practical tools to navigate both online and in-person networking with ease.

What to Expect

Session 1: Foundations of Effective Networking

Reframe networking as a relationship-building tool rather than a transactional task. Explore common barriers like discomfort, imposter syndrome, and fear of small talk—and gain practical tools to build confidence, introduce yourself effectively, and initiate meaningful conversations. Through real-time practice and peer feedback, you’ll leave with a clear strategy and language you can use to connect more authentically in any professional setting.

Session 2: Mastering Online & In-Person Networking

Build confidence navigating both digital platforms and in-person events with practical strategies tailored to real-world professional settings. Learn how to optimize your online presence, craft effective outreach messages, and make meaningful connections at conferences and fundraisers. This session offers concrete tools to help you approach conversations with clarity, follow up with confidence, and strengthen relationships that support long-term success in the I/DD field.

Session 3: Networking for Leadership & Community Impact

Learn how to use networking as a strategic leadership tool to advance your career, expand your influence, and build lasting partnerships. This session explores how to deepen connections over time, strengthen your professional visibility, and turn relationships into opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and long-term impact. You’ll leave with actionable strategies to sustain your network, support your leadership goals, and foster a more connected professional community.

Can’t attend one or more of the sessions live? All registrants will receive the full recording of each session.

What You’ll Gain

Clear frameworks to approach networking with confidence and intention
Practical tools to connect effectively in both virtual and in-person environments
Real-time practice and feedback to refine your introduction and outreach
Strategies to sustain and grow your professional relationships over time
Insight into how strong networks support leadership, visibility, and long-term success in the I/DD field

Who Should Attend?

This series is designed for professionals across the I/DD field who want to enhance their networking skills to support career growth, collaboration, and leadership development. Ideal participants include program directors, senior managers, emerging leaders, fund development professionals, and anyone who regularly attends conferences, fundraisers, coalitions, or stakeholder meetings and wants to build more meaningful and strategic professional connections.

Presenters

Lisa Proctor, Vice President of External Affairs, National Children’s Center
Darlene Scott, President & CEO, The Phoenix Residence
Lauren Tilghman ’24, Director of Strategic Communications, Inglis
Megan Todd ’26, Executive Director of GoodLife University, GoodLife Innovations

Registration

ANCOR Members: $125
Non-ANCOR Members: $300