Conversations That Convert
Conversations That Convert: Getting Results by Speaking the Language of Decision Makers
Have you ever felt the conversations you have with decision-makers miss the mark? It is as if you’re speaking a different language. This lack of communication can quickly kill a decision – or delay it and create more work — resulting in a negative impact on the company’s health and future. Part of the problem is that very often, the issue or solution is not in the decision maker’s realm of expertise.
Today’s professionals must know exactly what to say and how to say it, by using language that resonates no matter what business area that decision-maker works in. This program shares techniques, tips, and tricks to master when communicating with a colleague, leader, or client who has the power to decide on something that is not their specialty.
Join us for an in-person dinner event (with virtual option if you aren’t local), presenting a unique view on communications and a toolset for anyone who needs to get decisions made or communicate with clients or leadership. Topic is broadly based, making it easy for all generations in the company to learn and use, and creates a clear basis of understanding how to get information across to those you work with and for.
What You’ll Learn
- The Five Languages of Business and their powerful application to driving decisions.
- Identifying the language of the person across the table from you
- Ways to quickly translate a problem or need from your language into the decision-maker’s language so they get it and can say yes!
Who Should Attend
This session is ideal for AEC administrative and operations professionals who regularly communicate across roles, including:
- Firm Administrators, Office Managers, and Operations Leads
- HR, Finance, and Marketing professionals
- Project/Construction Administrators and Coordinators
- Anyone who needs approvals, resources, decisions, or client buy-in
Event Details
- Date & Time: Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (Pacific); presentation starts at 6pm
- Duration: 2 Hours (1 hour presentation + dinner / networking time)
- Locastion: SidexSide Architects
510 Maynard Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 - Cost for In-Person (includes dinner): $TBD for SDA PNW members | $TBD for SDA members of other Chapters | $TBD for Non-Members
- Cost for Virtual Attendance (no dinner): $0 for SDA PNW members | $10 for SDA members of other Chapters | $20 for Non-Members
Register / purchase tickets via the link below – note tiered pricing options. Attendees of the live event (either in-person or virtual) will receive a Certificate of Attendance and access to the recording. (SDA focus area: Leadership) Please note: Cancellations within 3 days of the event and no-shows are not eligible for a refund. If registration is closed, this session may be full.
Meet the Presenter: Jess Hickey (1029 Consulting)
An engineer turned operations maven, Jess Hickey brings her right/left brain balance to helping everyone run their businesses better. As a consultant, she’s the expert in organizational structure, operations, finance, IT, marketing, administration (she was an administrator in one career), and HR. Based on her experience in this area as well as the communication requirements from her corporate career, she published a book on how to communicate for results — “Stop Pushing String: Getting Decisions Make with the Five Languages of Business”.
As a CEO peer advisory leader, she facilitates business owners, founders and CEOs in their leadership development, company growth, and decision-making, all focused on improving their business, their families, and their communities. As a speaker, Jess brings enthusiasm, energy, and a bit of humor to her presentations. Always looking to elevate others’ success, her presentations give practical and simple approaches to gnarly problems. When she’s not presenting, facilitating, or writing, you can find her sailing on Puget Sound on the family boat. Ask her about the story of 1029