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.

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Just Looking for Our Events?

Looking for events hosted by Compass Solutions? You can find all upcoming trainings, webinars, and masterminds here: