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Trainings and Speaking Engagements

Trainings and Speaking Engagements

Inspire your team. Reinvigorate your approach. Drive impact.

What We Offer

At La Piana Consulting, we bring decades of experience in the social sector to the training room. Whether you’re looking for a thought-provoking keynote, a dynamic panelist, or an interactive workshop facilitator, our team delivers engaging, actionable content that helps leaders and organizations move from intention to impact. We regularly present at conferences, host workshops and webinars, and lead custom trainings for nonprofit networks, foundations, associations, boards, leadership teams, and cross-sector initiatives. Our sessions are grounded in real-world experience and designed to spark reflection and equip participants with practical tools.

We’re available for:

  • Conference keynotes and panels

  • National and regional convenings

  • Virtual and in-person webinars

  • Custom workshops (1 hour to full-day formats)

  • Leadership retreats and board development sessions

We tailor all sessions to your audience’s needs and can combine or adapt topics for greater impact.

 

Leadership Development & Governance
Strategic Thinking
  • Strategy Development 101
  • Considering Collaboration: Mergers, Alliances, & Shared Services
  • Finding Your North Star Through Board Partnership
  • Impact Frameworks and Dashboards
  • Successful Strategy Implementation
  • Strategies for Innovative Program Design
  • Scenario Mapping
Culture & Organizational Dynamics
  • Building Culture in any Work Setting
  • Managing Change
  • Equitable and Transparent Decision-Making
  • Mastering Task Forces, Committees, and Working Groups
  • Demystifying Employee Engagement
Sustainability Planning
  • Financial Storytelling at Every Stage
  • Tools for Prioritizing Management Tasks
  • Business Planning and Accelerating Growth Models
  • Nonprofit Financial Management 101

Family Focused Treatment Association Conference
July 7–10, 2026 | Chicago, IL

Ali Carella, Senior Consultant, will present Sustained Collaboration: Unlocking Greater Impact Through Strategic Partnership at the annual national conference of the Family Focused Treatment Association in Chicago, IL

In this workshop, Ali will present the full spectrum of strategic partnerships available to nonprofits, including mergers, shared services, back-office consolidations, and other alliance models. Designed for leaders navigating complex organizational challenges, the session will provide practical guidance on how to assess partnership opportunities and initiate conversations with potential collaborators.

Participants will gain insight into partnership structures, readiness indicators, and key process considerations, along with the cultural factors that influence successful collaboration. The session will also feature case studies and real-world examples, with time for Q&A and access to additional tools and resources to support continued learning.

Access registration and conference information here.

 

2026 Meals on Wheels Annual Conference & Expo
August 17–20, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV

Onuka Ibe, Managing Partner, will present on strategic partnerships, mergers, and alliances at the 2026 Meals on Wheels Annual Conference & Expo in Las Vegas.

This session will explore key considerations such as organizational readiness, cultural alignment, partner selection, change management, and sustaining momentum over time. Meals on Wheels leaders who have successfully navigated strategic partnerships will share their experiences, lessons learned, challenges, and results.

From shared services and joint programming to formal alliances and deeper organizational integration, panelists will offer real-world insights into building partnerships that create lasting value. Participants will leave with practical tools and strategies for using collaboration to strengthen their organization and amplify community impact.

Access registration and information here.

 

California Child & Family Services Conference
September 1, 2026 | Monterey, CA

Scott Cotenoff, Partner, will present Building Success in Challenging Times: Strategic Collaboration for Sustained Impact at the 2026 California Child & Family Services Conference.

As youth- and family-serving nonprofits face tightening funding, rising costs, and increased demand for services, leaders are grappling with important questions about organizational sustainability, structure, and long-term viability. In this session, Scott will explore how strategic partnerships, mergers, asset transfers, and other forms of collaboration can help organizations strengthen their impact and position themselves for the future.

Participants will gain practical frameworks, real-world examples, and opportunities for discussion designed to help executive leaders and board members assess strategic options and navigate complex decisions with greater clarity and confidence.

Find conference information here.

 

Easterseals National Conference for Affiliates
October 28, 2026 | Chicago, IL

Onuka Ibe, Managing Partner, will lead Mergers and Alliances as a Sustainability Strategy for Mission-Driven Organizations at Easterseals national conference for affiliates in Chicago, IL. The session will include an educational presentation followed by a facilitated panel featuring Easterseals affiliate leaders who have successfully grown through mergers.

In this 90-minute workshop, Onuka will share how mergers and alliances can serve as powerful tools for navigating today’s increasingly complex nonprofit landscape. With nonprofits facing mounting challenges — from funding pressures to workforce shifts — this session will help leaders understand how strategic partnerships can drive mission-aligned growth, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

Attendees will gain practical insight into the “what, why, and how” of M&A, including operational considerations, cultural alignment, and key lessons learned from real-world experiences.

More information coming soon.

Interested in Booking Us?

Let’s design a session that meets your goals and energizes your audience.

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