Central Region - Holiday Social
Event Details
| Registration | Register Online |
| Date | Thursday, December 4, 2025
Save to your calendar |
| Time | |
| Location |
Big Grove Tavern 1 E Main St Suite 101 Champaign, IL 61820 Map and directions |
| Delivery Method | In Person |
| Contact | IGFOA info@igfoa.org |
Event Cost
| Type | Before 11/25/2025 |
|---|---|
| Members | $ 40.00 |
| Government / Partner Colleagues | $ 40.00 |
| Non-members | $ 0.00 |
Event Description
NOTE: This event is for members only.
Agenda:
- Check-in & Networking: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
- Educational Session: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Networking Luncheon: 12:00 PM
Session Title: Mastering the Art of Small Talk
Session Description:
Small talk may seem trivial, but it’s a powerful tool for connection, collaboration, and building relationships, both personally and professionally. In this engaging and practical session inspired by Debra Fine’s book The Fine Art of Small Talk, we’ll explore the subtle craft behind everyday conversations. You’ll learn how to initiate dialogue, avoid dead ends, and navigate social situations with ease. Whether you're at a networking event, social gathering, or team meeting, the ability to talk comfortably with anyone is a skill you can master.
Through a mix of insights, self-assessment, strategies, and group exercises, you'll leave this session with practical tools to become a more confident and effective communicator.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Define what small talk is and debunk common misconceptions about it.
- Understand the psychological and social benefits of engaging in small talk.
- Apply key strategies to initiate and sustain meaningful conversations.
- Use practical techniques to keep conversations going and gracefully exit them when needed.
Speaker:
Beth Beaty, Business Development Representative, Software Solutions, Inc.
Beth Beaty joined Software Solutions Inc. (SSI) in January 2025 as a Business Development Representative. She has nearly 20 years of experience in the public sector, with a focus on local government finance. Prior to SSI, she served as Senior Association Manager for the Illinois Government Finance Officers Association (IGFOA), where she planned and executed the Annual Conference, chapter and committee meetings, and professional development programs. She also played a key role in implementing strategic initiatives to improve member engagement and strengthen recruiting and retention outcomes.
With nearly two decades of experience in the public sector, Beth’s previous role was as Administrative Services Manager in the Finance Department of the City of Urbana, where she gained a deep understanding of local government operations. Beth also served as Treasurer and Regional Coordinator for the Downstate Illinois Government Finance Officers Association (DIGFOA). A graduate of Eastern Illinois University, Beth remains an active member of IGFOA.
Parking Details
HILL STREET PARKING GARAGE is free up to two hours and $0.75/hr afterwards.
Parking meters are $0.75/hr
Phone Number of Location: 217-239-3505
Registration & Cancellation Policy
Registrations are accepted on a first-in, first registered basis. Payments by check should be mailed in advance or made at time of registration by credit card.
IGFOA Members are those Public Sector and Partner or Associate individuals specifically listed in the IGFOA Membership Application or Renewal. IGFOA Government non-member rate applies to staff, appointed officials, and elected officials of a government with a current IGFOA membership. If you have questions about your membership, contact IGFOA at info@igfoa.org. The IGFOA reserves the right to apply the non-member fee to any individual or government that has not paid dues for the current year.
Cancellation of an event registration is subject to the following policy:
• No refunds will be given for cancellations the day of the event and no shows.
• For IGFOA event registration cancellations five (5) business days or more prior to an event, refunds will be offset by a $20 cancellation fee.
• For IGFOA event registration cancellations within five (5) business days of the training, refunds will be offset by a cancellation fee of 50% of the registration fee.
• A substitute attendee may be designated provided that the payment has been made and the IGFOA office has been notified in advance.
• Cancellation policy for chapter events may differ from this policy at the chapters’ discretion.
• A written request for a refund must be emailed to the IGFOA prior to the event.
By submitting this registration, the applicant agrees to the registration and cancellation policy above.
IGFOA reserves the right to modify the agenda and/or speakers, cancel the training due to low enrollment, or to close registration if full. Should IGFOA cancel an event, cancellation notice will be sent to the email address provided by each registrant and prominently posted at the IGFOA website page announcing the event.
If you have questions about the cancellation and refund policy, your membership, or a complaint, please contact IGFOA at info@igfoa.org. The IGFOA reserves the right to apply the non-member fee to any individual or government that has not paid dues for the current year.