Summer Conference

The Minnesota Association of School Office Professionals sponsors a conference each year prior to the start of the school year. School office professionals from across the state gather for two (2) days of learning, laughter and networking.

This conference is open to all school office professionals. The program will offer current information on issues affecting the schools as well as an opportunity to enhance professional development. Our intent is to energize, provide information on thought provoking topics, and encourage networking among the participants.

This year we would like to welcome Sherlonda Sharp as our Keynote speaker. She will be presenting Minnesota Not So Nice: Navigating Difficult Personalities. This will be a TEAMwork-Focused Keynote Experience that offers a timely, engaging, and practical exploration of how personalities, communication styles, and stress impact how teams function—especially in fast-paced, people-facing roles.

This high-energy keynote blends humor, real-life workplace scenarios, and actionable strategies to help teams work better together, even when personalities clash. It will also energize the room, create shared language, and set a strong foundation for the conference’s TEAMwork theme.

Attendees will:

  • Recognize common “challenging personality” patterns that show up on teams
  • Understand why well-intended teamwork advice often breaks down under pressure
  • Learn how stress, roles, and unspoken expectations affect collaboration
  • Gain practical tools for responding—not reacting—when tensions rise
  • Strengthen communication and trust across roles, responsibilities, and work styles

This session is intentionally designed to deepen learning without fatigue, reinforcing key concepts and helping teams leave with confidence and clarity.

Why This Matters for TEAMwork

Strong teams aren’t built by avoiding difficult people—they’re built by knowing how to work through differences effectively.

This keynote experience:

  • Creates a shared understanding of team dynamics
  • Encourages empathy while maintaining accountability
  • Strengthens collaboration across personalities and roles
  • Supports healthier, more resilient teams long after the conference ends

Attendees will walk away not just inspired, but better prepared to contribute positivity to their teams and workplace culture.