Speaking & Events
Speaking, attending, and showing up in the work.
Where You’ll Find Us + How to Bring Us In
We spend a lot of time in the field: learning, sharing, and connecting with others in this work.
You’ll find us speaking at conferences, attending industry events, and partnering with organizations to talk through what’s actually working and what isn’t.
If you’re looking to connect in person or bring one of our team members to your event, you’re in the right place.
Upcoming Conferences & Events
California Gathering on Person Centered Practices
[October 7th – 9th] | In-person
Our 2026 California Gathering Theme:
“Every Voice. Every Choice. Every Day.”
The purpose of the California Gathering is to empower people, their families, and supporters to create positive change in their lives, communities, and organizations through the promotion of Person-Centered practices.
- Speaking: Melanie Bazile is the keynote speaker
Supported Life Conference
[October 8th – 9th] | In-person
Strengthening Supports in an Evolving Environment
Empowering All People with Developmental Disabilities to be Fully Included in the Community
- Speaking: “Keeping the Human in Human Services: Powerful Tools for Self-Determination in the Age of AI” with John Marr
- Speaking: Coordinated Family Support (CFS) in Action: Real Stories, Real Partnerships, Real Questions with Alicia Woodworth, Michelle Elliot, Josh Flom, and panelists
ORA NW CONFERENCE ON DISABILITY SERVICES
[October 19th-22nd] | In-person
ORA is proud to host the Pacific Northwest’s premiere
annual conference on disability supports and services.
- Exhibitor: Stop by our booth and say hi
The ARC’S NATIONAL CONVENTION
[November 18th-20th] | In-person
The Arc’s National Convention is an unmatched opportunity to connect and learn with advocates, professionals, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families. If you are interested in Medicaid and home & community-based services, AI and tech, mental health, employment, education, policy & advocacy, housing, criminal justice, and more, our sessions are sure to challenge, inspire, and motivate!
- Speaking: Beyond Warm Bodies: Building a Mission-Aligned Workforce with Melanie Bazile
Bring Compass to Your Event
We don’t speak from theory. We speak from experience.
Our team brings real-world insight from the work we do every day supporting individuals, teams, and organizations in the I/DD space.
We’re often invited to speak on topics like:
- Leadership and team development
- Recruitment and retention
- Building strong systems that support people
- Navigating growth and change
- Creating meaningful, person-centered services
What Our Sessions Feel Like
Not overly polished. Not surface-level.
- Grounded in real experience
- Clear and practical
- Honest about challenges
- Designed to actually be useful to the people in the room
Speaking Formats
- Keynote presentations
- Breakout sessions
- Panel participation
- Workshops / facilitated sessions
Meet Our Speakers
Sadie Hess
CEO, Leadership Strategist & Podcast Host
Eric Hess
CEO, Leadership Strategist, and Podcast Host
Melanie Bazile
Consultant, Keynote Speaker & Podcast Host
Zeb Gill
I/DD Technology & AI Strategist
Josh Flom
I/DD Operations & Growth Strategist
Jessica Noble
PCT Speaker & Advocate
Request a Speaker
If you’re planning an event and looking for a speaker who understands the work and can connect with your audience, we’d love to talk.
Just Looking for Our Events?
Looking for events hosted by Compass Solutions? You can find all upcoming trainings, webinars, and masterminds here: