Apr 24, 2023
Non-profit associations are unique in their business approach, as they focus on creating value for their stakeholders and not just profit-making. One of the ways they achieve this is by investing in their employees’ professional development and training, creating a knowledgeable staff who are ready to support the stakeholders. Inspired by the model of our clients, Talley recently held our first-ever, employee-only learning and professional development conference. We were excited to bring nearly all of our employees together for a two-day conference at the Marriott in Philadelphia.
The conference had several speaker-led sessions that encouraged our team to sharpen their communication skills and improve how we work as a primarily virtual team. One especially insightful session covered the basics of an employee-owned company and how they work. As an employee-owned company, it was great to see the progress Talley has made over the last three years and how it has allowed us to grow. The sessions were informative and interactive, allowing us to ask questions and share our experiences with one another to build team cohesion.
One session on managing difficult conversations was led by a professional coach and focused on effective communication skills. We learned about different communication styles and techniques to manage difficult conversations in the workplace. This session was particularly helpful as we often encounter difficult conversations while managing mission-driven associations where stakeholders are passionate about their cause.
The last session on the ESOP model was led by the CFO of Talley, Diann Furfaro, CPA. We got a refresher on the history of employee-owned companies and how the ESOP model works. The session also covered the benefits of employee ownership and how Talley has fared since becoming an ESOP three years ago. This session was particularly enlightening for team members who were not familiar with the ESOP model and helped them understand our company's unique ownership structure.
The conference was well-organized, and there was great employee engagement and interaction. We were able to connect with one another and share our experiences across departments and clients, getting better insight into what our team members spend their days working on. Of course, the swag bags provided by the company added a nice touch to the event. Overall, the conference was a great success, and I left feeling empowered, inspired, and better equipped to handle the challenges of managing non-profit associations. TalleyCon represents the company’s commitment to employee development and creating a positive work culture. I’m excited to watch this turn into an annual tradition and watch it grow each year.
One of the best signs of success was that everyone had overwhelmingly positive feedback about the event. As a company of many meeting planners and coordinators, it was great to hear that everyone thought highly of our event. Our team of meeting planners and coordinators were happy to take a step back and enjoy a meeting, instead of worrying about the behind the scenes details.
Many team members mentioned that the conference provided them with a valuable opportunity to learn new skills, network with their colleagues, and gain a deeper understanding of the company's mission and values. They appreciated the company's investment in their professional development and recognized that the conference was an excellent way to show employees that the company cares about their growth and well-being.
Talley is an association management company, and our mission and values are central to our business practices. The conference was an opportunity to reinforce these values and principles among our team. The event helped to create a shared sense of purpose and togetherness among us, even though many of us work remotely.
Company-sponsored events like this are essential for building and maintaining a positive workplace culture. It demonstrates that Talley is committed to investing in its employees and provides a platform for employees to connect and learn from each other. This type of event is especially important in a remote work environment, where team members may feel isolated and disconnected from their colleagues.
Furthermore, employee-centric meetings allow us to recharge our batteries and come back to work feeling refreshed and invigorated. They provide an opportunity to step away from day-to-day work responsibilities and focus on personal and professional growth.
Talley’s first-ever, employee-only learning and professional development conference was a tremendous success! The conference provided all team members with valuable skills and knowledge that will help them excel in their roles, as well as a renewed sense of purpose and connection to the company's mission and values. It was an excellent example of how association management companies can create value for their stakeholders by investing in their employees' professional development and well-being.