Speakers

Go to Top

Agenda Speakers Sponsors  Exhibitors Hotel and Travel FAQ's

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

OPENING SPEAKER:

"Letting Go: The Myth of Workplace Retention" 
Jack Stahlmann

Most organizations treat retention as the ultimate metric of success. But what if the obsession with keeping employees is costing you more than turnover itself? In this keynote, Jack flips the script: retention isn't about holding on, it's about developing talent so fully that peoples thrive - whether they stay or eventually move on. With humor, stories, and actionable strategies, Jack shows why so-called retention perks like free soda Friday or foosball tables don't work, and what employees really want: managers who care, listen, and invest in their growth. And here's the dirty little corporate secret: The cost of disengaged employees is much higher than the cost of bringing on new ones. When you invest in growth - even if people eventually leave - you create stronger teams, a healthier culture, and a pipeline of talent that never funds dry. 

Jack Stahlmann brings Hollywood storytelling to the corporate world. With a background as an actor, producer, director (and a waiter), Jack infuses his keynotes with humor, authenticity, and real-world insight.  But after spending over a decade as a speaker and consultant, peeking behind the curtain of companies, associations, and banks, he uncovered a surprising truth: most organizations are addressing workplace retention all wrong. So, he set out to change that—developing a proven formula to reframe retention from the inside out.

CLOSING SPEAKER:

"The Human Advantage: How Novel Experiences Build Happier Teams and More Loyal Banking Relationships" 
Elle Benson

In a rapidly changing financial landscape, the true differentiator is happiness. This keynote highlights how novelty supports emotional well being, innovation, and trust. Elle Benson shows how community banks can leverage new experiences, not big disruptions, to create meaningful moments that strengthen teams and foster lasting relationships. 

Elle Benson is a keynote speaker, author, and renowned national consultant specializing in helping organizations  transition to greater impact and build capacity. She founded Nonprofit Leadership LLC to support the social sector and brings extensive experience in organizational development, executive transition, strategic planning, leadership development, and board governance.

Benson holds an MBA in organizational change and a BA in business, with certifications in Board Source and group facilitation. Her TEDx talk, “A Crash Course in Learning to Laugh,” and her books Cultivate Your Happiness: Mama-to-Be and Cultivating Calmness in Children focus on mindfulness, happiness, and practical strategies for everyday well-being.