ATD Greater Twin Cities Conference 2026 Block 3 Session A: Skip the Small Talk: Make Connections That Matter October 7, 2026Block 3 - 2:50 PM - 3:50 PM Being surrounded by people doesn't guarantee meaningful connection. Too often, networking stays at the surface: exchanging job titles, collecting contacts, and promising to "stay in touch." In this highly interactive session, participants won't just learn about connection—they'll experience it. Through a series of fast-paced, structured conversations, participants will practice asking better questions, discovering common ground, exchanging ideas and resources, and turning introductions into relationships worth continuing. They'll leave with new connections, practical conversation tools, and a simple framework they can use to create stronger connections within their teams, organizations, professional communities, and future events. Learning Objectives Use intentional questions to move conversations beyond surface-level networking and create more meaningful professional connections. Apply a simple connection framework to discover common ground, exchange ideas and resources, and create mutual value. Adapt structured connection activities to strengthen peer learning, collaboration, and relationships within teams, learning programs, meetings, and organizational events. Meet Our Presenter: Amy Zastrow is a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and clarity and alignment strategist who helps leaders and teams cut through complexity, focus on what matters, and turn clarity into action. A former corporate training director, Amy designed and led learning initiatives for 2,000 employees across four divisions. With 20+ years as a speaker and facilitator, Amy creates engaging experiences where participants leave inspired, equipped with practical ideas, and ready to take meaningful action.
Being surrounded by people doesn't guarantee meaningful connection. Too often, networking stays at the surface: exchanging job titles, collecting contacts, and promising to "stay in touch." In this highly interactive session, participants won't just learn about connection—they'll experience it. Through a series of fast-paced, structured conversations, participants will practice asking better questions, discovering common ground, exchanging ideas and resources, and turning introductions into relationships worth continuing. They'll leave with new connections, practical conversation tools, and a simple framework they can use to create stronger connections within their teams, organizations, professional communities, and future events.
Learning Objectives
Meet Our Presenter:
Amy Zastrow is a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and clarity and alignment strategist who helps leaders and teams cut through complexity, focus on what matters, and turn clarity into action. A former corporate training director, Amy designed and led learning initiatives for 2,000 employees across four divisions. With 20+ years as a speaker and facilitator, Amy creates engaging experiences where participants leave inspired, equipped with practical ideas, and ready to take meaningful action.
