Creating a culture that embraces frequent candid feedback is essential to the growth of both individuals and organizations. Without it, productivity falls, communication becomes ineffective, and ultimately employee engagement and retention suffer. Although these facts are well known, many still avoid feedback because it can by nature be uncomfortable or even feel personal at times. In this highly interactive training participants will be equipped with specific skills to deliver even challenging feedback in a way that is both effective and empathetic. Also attendees of this program will learn specific techniques to receive feedback in a way that allows them to manage their internal and external responses, and as a result gain value from each exchange. While this topic is of particular interest to those in leadership roles, the concepts discussed in this training are essential for employees of all levels to implement.

Learning Objectives

Participants will develop the skills to both deliver and receive candid feedback in ways that are effective, empathetic, and constructive, enabling stronger communication, improved engagement, and greater professional growth across all levels of the organization.

Prerequisites & Preparation

• Prerequisites: None
• Advanced Preparation: None

Credits & Approvals

• HRCI: Pre-approved for 2.5 HR (General) recertification credit hours toward aPHR®, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™ and SPHRi™.
• SHRM: MISBO is recognized by SHRM to offer SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP PDCs. See shrmcertification.org.
• SHRM BoCK: Communication; Relationship Management; Leadership & Navigation
• SHRM PDC Credit: 2.5

In today’s competitive and uncertain landscape, how can independent schools align mission, enrollment strategy, and financial sustainability? This interactive workshop offers practical, data-informed strategies to help schools meet net tuition revenue and enrollment goals while building long-term financial health. Drawing on insights from the Enrollment Management Association’s (EMA) 2025 report An Independent School Education: Family Perceptions of Value and Affordability and the joint EMA-NBOA-NAIS 2022 Cost-Per-Enrollment Study, the session explores how family perceptions and institutional costs intersect. Designed for Heads of School, CFOs, and senior leaders, this session provides tools for tuition strategy, collaboration, and sustainable decision-making.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to apply practical, data-driven strategies to align mission, enrollment, and financial sustainability. They will be able to use insights on family perceptions, institutional costs, and tuition models to strengthen collaboration among school leaders and make sustainable financial decisions that support long-term success.

Prerequisites & Preparation

• Prerequisites: None
• Advanced Preparation: None

Credits & Approvals

• HRCI: Pre-approved for 2.5 Business credit hours.
• SHRM: MISBO is recognized by SHRM to offer SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP PDCs.
• SHRM BoCK: Business Acumen
• SHRM PDC Credit: 2.5

The human brain possesses an incredible amount of power to store and recall information. Unfortunately most people are never taught how to fully access this ability. In this fun and highly engaging training, attendees will learn unique and exciting methods to increase their memory skills to extraordinary levels—and how to apply them daily. Instantly recalling people’s names, giving presentations without notes, increased focus, and improved mental organization are just a few of the practical benefits.

Learning Objectives

Participants will apply practical techniques to enhance memory and recall in daily life (e.g., remembering names, presenting without notes, improving focus and mental organization).

Prerequisites & Preparation

• Prerequisites: None
• Advanced Preparation: None

Credits & Approvals

• HRCI: N/A
• SHRM: N/A
• SHRM PDC Credit: N/A

The Enrollment Management Association (EMA) and the Education Records Bureau (ERB) merger presents exciting possibilities for independent schools. CEO Mike Flanagan will discuss unifying these organizations to bridge Admissions and Academics, unlock insights, and transform the student and family experience from enrollment through graduation, drawing on 30+ years in independent schools, associations, and edtech.

Learning Objectives

Understand opportunities created by the EMA–ERB merger; apply strategies to create synergy, enhance the student/family experience, and support organizational transformation.

Prerequisites & Preparation

• Prerequisites: None
• Advanced Preparation: None

Credits & Approvals

• HRCI/SHRM: N/A

Independent schools consider two basic forms of capital improvement funding: long-term “core debt” for transformational projects and short-term “pledge monetization debt” during campaigns. This session clarifies when, how much, and how to integrate each to empower your school’s future.

Learning Objectives

Distinguish core debt vs. pledge monetization debt; determine optimal integration for capital improvements; evaluate financing options for strategic, sustainable decisions.

Prerequisites & Preparation

• Prerequisites: None
• Advanced Preparation: None

Credits & Approvals

• HRCI/SHRM: N/A

A welcoming, non-technical introduction to AI for HR, finance, advancement, communications, admissions, and other administrative roles. Explore practical uses of tools like ChatGPT and Claude through live demos, prompts, and curated starter tools—no prior AI experience required.

Learning Objectives

Understand practical AI applications for non-instructional operations; use beginner-friendly prompts and tools to draft content, summarize documents, generate ideas, and integrate AI confidently.

Prerequisites & Preparation

• Prerequisites: None
• Advanced Preparation: None

Credits & Approvals

• HRCI: Pre-approved for 1 HR (General) hour.
• SHRM: MISBO is recognized by SHRM to offer SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP PDCs.
• SHRM BoCK: Business Acumen
• SHRM PDC Credit: 1

Leaders face sensitive situations with parents and employees where communication can build or undermine trust. Through case studies and practice, this session equips leaders to deliver difficult feedback, address inappropriate behavior, and manage expectations with empathy, clarity, and legal compliance.

Learning Objectives

Apply strategies to navigate sensitive conversations that build trust and maintain professionalism with clarity, consistency, and compliance.

Prerequisites & Preparation

• Prerequisites: None
• Advanced Preparation: None

Credits & Approvals

• HRCI: Pre-approved for 1 HR (General) hour.
• SHRM: MISBO is recognized by SHRM to offer SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP PDCs.
• SHRM BoCK: Communication; Relationship Management
• SHRM PDC Credit: 1

Explore career stages of an IT Director—from core responsibilities to advanced strategic leadership and fully independent operation—through interactive discussion with peers.

Learning Objectives

Identify IT Director career stages and apply strategies to elevate organizational impact through effective IT leadership.

Prerequisites & Preparation

• Prerequisites: None
• Advanced Preparation: None

Credits & Approvals

• HRCI/SHRM: N/A

Meet in small groups with MISBO Consortium Partners to learn the latest from experts and identify ways to realize purchasing efficiencies and savings.

Learning Objectives

Identify potential ways to realize purchasing efficiencies and savings.

Prerequisites & Preparation

• Prerequisites: None
• Advanced Preparation: None

Credits & Approvals

• HRCI/SHRM: N/A

Learn how Hilton Head Preparatory School created a comprehensive business program driving student motivation, college acceptances, career progression, community impact, and school differentiation.

Learning Objectives

Understand opportunities and challenges in launching a business program that enhances student outcomes and differentiates schools.

Prerequisites & Preparation

• Prerequisites: None
• Advanced Preparation: None

Credits & Approvals

• HRCI/SHRM: N/A

A high-level economic overview tailored to school finance: GDP, labor markets, capital markets, consumer sentiment, and implications for tuition, enrollment, endowment, debt planning, and bank credit risk.

Learning Objectives

Develop strategic understanding of key indicators to inform planning, advise leadership, and frame data-informed conversations with heads and boards.

Credits & Approvals

• HRCI: Pre-approved for 1 Business hour.
• SHRM: N/A

Explore intentional hiring, mentoring, and leadership development to diversify the talent pipeline—especially women and veterans—and build future-ready facilities teams.

Learning Objectives

Apply strategies for hiring, mentoring, and developing leaders; implement approaches to identify and cultivate future leaders and diversify teams.

Credits & Approvals

• HRCI: Pre-approved for 1 HR (General) hour.
• SHRM: MISBO recognized provider. BoCK: Leadership & Navigation. SHRM PDC: 1

How to build sustainable auxiliary programs via zero-based budgeting, GL reconciliation of auxiliary activity, integrating student billing, managing third-party vendors, pricing strategy, and aligning risk management and internal controls.

Learning Objectives

Apply effective financial practices and workflows to create sustainable, accountable, and scalable auxiliary programs.

Credits & Approvals

• HRCI: Pre-approved for 1 Business hour.
• SHRM: N/A

As AI evolves faster than we can civilize it, schools need a compass: dual transformation. Explore how to maintain stable operations while building a bridge to an AI-shaped future.

Learning Objectives

Understand and apply dual transformation to balance current operations with AI-driven change; evaluate emerging tools and develop sustainable strategies.

Credits & Approvals

• HRCI: Pre-approved for 1 Business hour.
• SHRM BoCK: Business Acumen (Competency)
• SHRM: MISBO recognized provider. SHRM PDC: 1

Michael Reddington, CFI, shares a practical approach to uncovering insight, trust, and collaboration in everyday interactions—transforming conversations into catalysts for success.

Learning Objectives

Apply the Disciplined Listening Method to enhance self-awareness, appreciate others’ perspectives, and build meaningful connections.

Credits & Approvals

• HRCI: Pre-approved for 1 HR (General) hour.
• SHRM: MISBO recognized provider.
• SHRM BoCK: Communication; Relationship Management; Leadership & Navigation
• SHRM PDC Credit: 1

Focus on the CFO’s leadership in aligning stakeholders and translating master plans into actionable blueprints—balancing aesthetics, functionality, and long-term goals while fostering transparency and mitigating risk.

Learning Objectives

Align stakeholders, navigate priorities, foster accountability, and build a transparent culture to deliver successful facilities projects.

Credits & Approvals

• HRCI/SHRM: N/A

Explore where AI is showing up across schools, associated risks, data protection strategies, the impact of deepfakes, and practical steps leaders can take to stay secure.

Learning Objectives

Recognize AI-related risks; protect student/institutional data; assess deepfake impact; apply practical steps for resilience.

Credits & Approvals

• HRCI: Pre-approved for 1 Business hour.
• SHRM: N/A

How one Head of School shifted faculty culture to embrace the school’s financial engine—improving retention, brand alignment, engagement, and sustainability.

Learning Objectives

Engage faculty in financial sustainability and mission alignment; recognize strategies to foster shared ownership and improved outcomes.

Credits & Approvals

• HRCI/SHRM: N/A

Test HR knowledge in a lively, game-show-style session covering compliance, culture, and leadership—learning through friendly competition.

Learning Objectives

Reinforce HR principles and apply knowledge in a team-based, practical format to boost retention of best practices.

Credits & Approvals

• HRCI: Pre-approved for 1 HR (General) hour.
• SHRM: MISBO recognized provider. SHRM PDC: 1

Learn how to use the MISBO Purchasing Toolkit to simplify procurement, maximize consortium benefits, and stretch your budget.

Learning Objectives

Use the MISBO Purchasing Toolkit to simplify procurement, leverage consortium power, and achieve greater savings.

Credits & Approvals

• HRCI/SHRM: N/A

Review options, costs, trends, misconceptions, and emerging topics (including AI-assisted robots) in long-term care.

Learning Objectives

Identify options, costs, and trends related to future care while dispelling common misconceptions.

Credits & Approvals

• HRCI/SHRM: N/A

Rapid-fire strategies for the biggest HR challenges facing schools—walk away with ready-to-use ideas for legal changes and more.

Learning Objectives

Identify current HR challenges and apply practical, ready-to-use strategies.

Credits & Approvals

• HRCI/SHRM: N/A

Understand how tiered color printing works, its budget impact, and how to optimize resources while maintaining professional results.

Learning Objectives

Evaluate tiered color printing to reduce costs while maintaining quality; plan implementation strategies.

Credits & Approvals

• HRCI/SHRM: N/A

Introduce an instructional approach blending inquiry, interdisciplinarity, and real-world application to strengthen value proposition, competitiveness, and alignment of financial strategy with mission impact.

Learning Objectives

Apply inquiry-based, interdisciplinary, real-world strategies to build creative problem-solvers, ethical leaders, and globally competent graduates.

Credits & Approvals

• HRCI/SHRM: N/A

Explore strategic advantages of recruiting and integrating military veterans into independent schools, with actionable steps for hiring and onboarding.

Learning Objectives

Recognize veterans’ unique skills and apply strategies to recruit and integrate veterans across instructional and administrative roles.

Credits & Approvals

• HRCI: Pre-approved for 1 HR (General) hour.
• SHRM: MISBO recognized provider. BoCK: HR Expertise—Talent Acquisition & Employee Engagement. SHRM PDC: 1

Interactive roundtable for heads of IT (Director, CIO, CTO, etc.) covering operations, challenges, planning, and management.

• Field of Study / Delivery / Level / Credits: N/A