Your Professional Growth Starts Here

Ready to level up your career?

You told us professional and leadership growth matters—especially for those newer to the field and eager to build their careers. We’re delivering.

At AAA 2026, the Academy is bringing back our popular Beyond the Booth Series on Wednesday, April 22. Join us for these professional development sessions led by expert executive facilitators and coaches that will focus on soft skill tools and lessons you don’t learn in school. Earn CEUs for every session you attend—at no additional cost. Don’t miss out!! Just be sure to select the Beyond the Booth Series when you register so we can plan ahead.

Beyond the Booth Line-Up

Financial Wellness 101: What You Need to Know About Personal Finance (But Were Afraid to Ask)

Wednesday, April 22, 11:30am–12:30 pm

Presented by Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, Founder of Mind Money Balance; Social Worker, Financial Therapist, Author, and Speaker

Led by a financial therapist, this shame-free session introduces financial wellness through the lens of emotions, values, and lived experience. Instead of rigid budgets or rules, attendees will focus on self-awareness and sustainable habits. You’ll leave with practical tools, a high-level financial wellness checklist, and greater confidence to take the next step toward financial ease—whether early in your career, mid-career, or navigating a major life transition.

Work/Life Balance: Building Personal Leadership Skills

Wednesday, April 22, 12:45–1:45 pm

Presented by Jennifer Campbell, Owner, Flashlight Thinking; Instructor, University of Texas Austin Extended Campus; Host, Unmute Yourself Podcast

This practical and reflective course is designed for professionals who want to create healthier boundaries, reduce overwhelm, and bring more intention to how they manage their time and energy. Whether you’re feeling stretched thin, struggling to prioritize competing demands, or simply seeking a more sustainable rhythm, you’ll learn realistic strategies to align your daily choices with what matters most—so you can thrive at work and at home.

Emotional Influence: Using Storytelling to Change Outcomes and Motivate to Action

Wednesday, April 22, 2:00–3:00 pm

Presented by Joy Stephens, Chief Consultant, New Heights A&L Consulting This workshop explores how storytelling builds emotional connections and influences decisions across professional and personal relationships. Attendees will learn why stories resonate, how to refine their personal brand, and how to communicate with clarity and authenticity. Through practical exercises, participants will leave equipped to use storytelling to advance goals, strengthen relationships, and amplify their impact at work and at home.