2025 Education Forum

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Power in the Details: Elevating Protocol in Executive Support Roles

In this session, we’ll dive into the importance of protocol within roles such as assistants, chiefs of staff, and those who manage support teams. You’ll get a clear picture of how immediate team members can support each other's work and why it’s important for organizations to recognize protocol expertise – especially in non-military and non-governmental industries. Plus, we’ll collaborate on key points and tips to help guide conversations with principals and between managers and staff.

Hope Laman, Founder, Hope Filled Solutions, LLC; Bryn MacPherson, Assistant Vice-President, Office of the President & Chief of Protocol, University of Toronto; & Darin Pfeifer, University Secretary, Drexel University

Technology Tips & Tricks for Event Invitations & Onsite Registration

This program is for anyone who plans events of any scale, format, or scope. We will learn how data and technology play an important role in the guest experience, from the moment they learn of an event with the invitation, to the first impressions they receive at onsite registration, and ultimately throughout their entire time at the event.

Mackenzie Wasilick, Social Secretary, Office of the Governor Kathy Hochul

Rules of Protocol 

Protocol plays a key role in creating structure and setting the tone for formal interactions and events. This session will explore general principles that support respectful and effective engagement across a variety of settings. Attendees will gain a broader understanding of how protocol contributes to professionalism, diplomacy, and relationship-building. Perfect for anyone interested in the foundational role protocol plays behind the scenes.

Magaye Sow, Manager

3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Leveraging Effective Intercultural Intelligence

In the one-hour breakout session, participants will delve into intercultural strategies alongside assessments of cultural intelligence, reflecting contemporary practical applications. The session will provide a brief overview of historical shortcomings in this area and explore effective solutions, including cultural intelligence testing, to underscore the significance of this competency. By integrating intercultural intelligence into the workplace, organizations can significantly improve interactions, fostering collaboration towards shared objectives in a global context.

Jill Isaac-Johnson, Managing Director, Global Intercultural Consulting

Fashion & Diplomacy

Fashion and diplomacy are a powerful pair. Learn how fashion has been used as a diplomatic tool throughout history, how you can better brief the principals you work with about dressing for the occasion, and how to harness the power of colors, fabrics, and designers to advance your own protocol career.

Mary Guido, Founder, Mary Guido Atelier

Analyze how contemporary trends align with or diverge from traditional protocol practices. Investigate the origins of these trends, highlighting their benefits and the challenges they pose to adaptability and sustainability. Share insights on the future evolution of protocol and diplomacy.

Jennifer Beckett, Director of Protocol, Department of the Air Force; Maryse Larche Mele, Partner, Protocol International; Mark Verheul, Partner, Protocol International

Join protocol colleagues working in higher education to learn more about cultivating connections and honouring a diverse landscape of protocols in higher education. Hear from professionals who have collaborated with Indigenous partners to incorporate protocols in academic ceremonies, learn about days of significance and the protocols to include appropriate considerations in event planning, and how to navigate cultural differences when hosting dignitaries and important guests. Speakers will share real life examples, stories and learnings, and provide guidance and tips on how to navigate a variety of cultural connection points in our day to day work.

Liz King Osadczuk, Director, Ceremonies & Events, University of British Columbia & Bryn MacPherson, Assistant Vice-President, Office of the President & Chief of Protocol, University of Toronto

10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

The Future of Diplomacy in a Changing World of Artificial Intelligence, ChatGPT and Social Media

A compilation of new trends and best practices in the use of artificial intelligence and social media in diplomacy.

Axel Tullmann, Protocol & International Affairs, Aviation

The Role of Culture and Sports Diplomacy in Modern Protocol Practices 

This session explores how cultural exchanges and international sporting events serve as impactful tools of diplomacy, complementing traditional protocol practices. Through real-world examples, speakers will highlight how these initiatives build bridges across communities, foster goodwill, and humanize international relations. Attendees will learn best practices for integrating culture and sports into protocol while navigating challenges such as cultural sensitivities and public perception.

Reggie Colimon, Deputy Director of Global Affairs & Protocol, City of Boston

The Power of Protocol and Diplomacy in the Ever-Evolving World of Post-Secondary Education

The Power of Protocol and Diplomacy in the Ever-Evolving World of Post-Secondary Education explores how the strategic use of protocol and diplomacy can greatly improve cross-cultural collaboration, strengthen institutional partnerships, and cultivate a more cohesive educational environment. As academic institutions navigate an increasingly globalized landscape, they strive to build alliances, support international students, and engage in collaborative research initiatives. These endeavors necessitate nuanced approaches rooted in effective protocol and diplomacy to bridge cultural divides, navigate complex bureaucracies, and harmonize diverse educational standards. By integrating these elements, post-secondary institutions can foster a more inclusive and dynamic educational framework, benefiting both students and institutions alike.

Whitney Ferguson, Associate Director, Government Relations, SAIT

1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Soft Skills: an Undying Language

The demand for soft skills training is increasingly shaping job market trends both domestically and globally, as employers prioritize communication, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence alongside technical abilities. This shift is driven by changing consumer expectations for personalized and seamless brand experiences, leading companies to enhance their employee relations and focus on retention strategies. As a result, young professionals are expected to develop a broader skill set, preparing them for dynamic work environments where adaptability and strong interpersonal skills are essential for career success.

Britney Lowery, Founder & COO, Doers HQ

Connect, Contribute & Grow: Maximizing your PDI-POA Membership

Want to get more out of your membership? Join us for an engaging session exploring the many ways you can get involved, grow your network, and make a difference through volunteer opportunities with the association. Whether you have a few hours or are ready to take on a leadership role, there's a place for you—let’s find the right fit together!

Catherine Wilson, PDI-POA President