Christine Rathbun Ernst

Headlining the event as keynote speaker will be Christine Rathbun Ernst, a writer, performer, teacher, activist, and speaker who has performed at the Cotuit Center for the Arts. Christine will be speaking about her experiences on the Cape, and will share how she has crafted a career from storytelling.

Kathryn Eident

The Emcee for the event is Kathryn Eident, and award-winning journalist and co-host of Morning Edition on WCAI-FM. 

Opening Morning Session with the Riddle Room

Get ready for the day with Riddle's Mobile Hot Seat, with co-owners Nicole Merriman and Ashley Lancaster! Riddle is Cape Cod’s first escape room business. Get a laugh watching your peers try to escape before heading off to the first panel of the day. And don't worry - the Hot Seat will be set up all day, so there will be plenty of opportunities to give it a try!

Take Your Seat: Get Engaged in Town Government

Learn why being informed in the local political conversation and decision-making process is important, especially here on Cape Cod.  Discover where to find information on meetings, issues, topics of discussion, votes, and general community events that help create stronger empathy among community members. Also discover how to develop your role in your town's community -- on Boards or committees, in elected positions, and more.  

Moderator: Josh Richards, Sail Cape Cod

Panelists: Senator Julian Cyr, Cape and Islands; Elizabeth Jenkins, Town of Barnstable; Chris Dwelley, Town of Yarmouth; Matt Terry, La Tanzi, Spaulding & Landreth, LLP

Don't Fake It, Just Make It: Applying Your Skills to Advance in the Workplace

No need to “fake it till you make it.” You have the skills needed to succeed and Cape Cod is full of resources to help you “make it.” Enhance your professional skills and advance your career whether you’re looking for a new job or not. Identify your personality type and use it to your advantage while networking, balancing professional relationships, and presenting your best self to co-workers or hiring managers.  

Moderator: Matt Cronin, Boardwalk Business Group 

Panelists: Liz Daly, Cape Cod Community College; Emily Schorer, Cape Cod Healthcare; Levi Smith, The Cornerstone Group

Mind, Body, & Soul: Eat, Play, and Stay Healthy, 2.0

Back by popular demand!  Are you tired? Stressed? Overworked? This interactive session will provide you with a look into the benefits of putting down your phone, taking a pause, and focusing on yourself.

Panelists: Mary Catherine Starr; Nicole Cormier, Delicious Living Nutrition

​Managing Your Modern Family

Being a young professional on Cape Cod can be challenging, especially while raising a family. This session will provide you with resources and advice, while learning from others who are currently navigating this road. 

Moderator: Adrienne Baumann, Cape Cod Children's Museum

Panelists: Meghan Kemp & Sarah Nitsch, Cape Cod Children's Place; Amy Leonardi, Cape Cod Moms; Stacie Peugh, Cape Cod YMCA

​Top 3 Effective Social Media Strategies for Small Businesses

Mastering social media can yield huge benefits for small business owners but with constant change and a growing number of networks and tools to master, it can be overwhelming. Hear from three local small business owners & marketing experts about the latest strategies and trends in the social media field and how small businesses can integrate them into their marketing strategies.

Moderator: Craig Orsi 

Panelists: Allison Oberton, Oberton Marketing; Dina Zawaski, MSPCA - Angell; Patrick Clarke, Cape Clasp

Building A Dynamic Local Economy

Building a dynamic local economy on Cape Cod takes hard work, vision, and cooperation between business owners, town governments, and local citizens in order to build an environment in which small businesses can grow and thrive. Hear from local business, media, and economic development leaders about what they think are the key building blocks of a vibrant and dynamic local economy where business can thrive in a unique, Cape Cod fashion.

Moderator: William Scotti, Axial Financial Group

Panelists: Jan Aggerbeck, Cape Cod Coffee; Rory Eames, Organic Market; Shelley Cardoos, EforAll; Joy Jordan, Cape & Plymouth Business Magazine

Housing 360

As with the unique and ever changing shape of Cape Cod, the Cape’s housing landscape can only be fully grasped from an aerial view. In Housing 360, get a bird’s-eye view of the Cape’s housing landscape as it exists today, and a sense of the opportunities of tomorrow. From market opportunities for first-time home buyers and non-profit assistance programs that help young professionals and families call Cape Cod their “forever home,” to political efforts and modern development projects that will help diversify the Cape’s housing inventory – Housing 360 will provide insight into programs and projects working to achieve an all-around sustainable future on Cape Cod.

Moderator: Heather Harper, Barnstable County

Panelists: John Connell, Mashpee Commons; Andrea Aldana, Community Development Partnership; Charlotte Green, Salem Five; Stefanie Coxe, Consultant

​Keeping Cape Cod Sustainable

Cape Cod is a delicate ecosystem. Everything we do, from managing wastewater to trash disposal, affects the longevity of our sandbar. This panel will focus on how people are working to protect Cape Cod through sustainable living, recycling, and more. Learn why protecting the Cape’s unique natural resources is so important, especially for future generations.

Moderator: Kara Boule, Nauset Disposal

Panelists: Michael Maguire, Buy Fresh Buy Local; Kari Parcell, County of Barnstable; Neil Rhein, Keep Massachusetts Beautiful

Finding your Niche in Networking

Networking is not for sissies! If you’re shy or new to networking, this session is full of experts who are here to give you tips and tricks to build, reinforce, and maintain professional relationships. Make sure to bring your business cards!

Moderator: Laurel Hartman, Cape & Plymouth Business Magazine

Panelists: Beth Patkoske, The Davenport Companies; Liz DiGirolamo, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce; Paul Dunn, Cape Associates

Solving the Social Riddle: Making Lasting Friendships on Cape Cod

Whether you’re a washashore or a native Cape Codder, making new friends on this beautiful island isn’t always easy. With the guidance of Riddle and Cape Cod Beer, you will be encouraged to get out of your shell and mingle with your peers in this fun and interactive session.

 Panelists: Ashley Lancaster & Nicole Merriman, Riddle; Amanda Kaiser, Cape Cod Beer

Breaking News! Cape Cod Hot Topics

Want to know what’s newsy in our community?  Join our interactive panel of media professionals who know what the "hot topics" are on the Cape, and share your thoughts on what we can do to address these issues.

Moderator: Sara Colvin, Cape Cod Community Media Center

Panelists: Matt Pitta, Cape Cod Media Broadcasting; Mindy Todd, WCAI, John Cotton, First Citizens Federal Credit Union