Virtual + Live* Gathering for Professionals Impacted by the State Department Fork, RIF’s and DOGE Cuts
An online conference to help you regain your confidence, rebrand your career, and navigate post-federal restrictions — all in one powerful morning.
10 September 2025
9AM to 1PM
Format: Live Online (Zoom) + Optional In-Person Happy Hour*
Starts Soon! – 9AM on 9/20/25 – Register Now!
RIFDCON2025 is free for Fork’d, DOGE’d, and RIF’d State/USAID/NGO employees.
The registration fee is $199 for recruiters and other industry professionals.
If You’ve Recently Been Fork’d, RIF’d, or DOGE’d You’re Not Alone. Join Us to Get Recharged and Reconnected.
Federal service isn’t just a job — it’s a calling, a mission, and a community.
For most of us, the recent RIF presents more than just a career change. It’s a shift in identity.
Featured Speakers
Nate Zinsser, Ph.D. – Performance Psychology Consultant and Author of “The Confident Mind”
Joining the RIFdCON speaking lineup to present a session on “Mental Resilience and Rebuilding Confidence After Career Disruption” is the author of The Confident Mind and a leading sport and performance psychology consultant, Nate Zinsser. Zinsser has coached Olympic medalists, professional athletes, military units, surgeons, and corporate leaders to achieve elite performance. Known for his engaging, practical approach to confidence, focus, and resilience, his insights have been featured by ESPN, BBC, and The New York Times.
Pam Hicks – Employment Law Attorney and Founder of the D.C. Law Collective
Pam Hicks co-founded DC Law Collective to ensure federal employees have access to trusted legal advocacy rooted in her deep public service experience. As the former Chief Counsel of a federal agency with decades of federal experience, Pam brings firsthand insight into the complexities of government systems and the need for integrity, fairness, and accountability in the workplace. Pam spent nearly 30 years in the civil service and her decision to start the DC Law Collective reflects her belief that an independent civil service is critical to providing the American public with the government they need and deserve.
Mark Langford – Professional Career Coach and Developer of the “Career Reboot System”
Navigating a post-federal career can be overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. In this empowering session, Master Career Coach Mark Langford shares his proven Career Reboot System, a 3-phase strategy that’s helped over 1,000 professionals land private-sector jobs they love. Drawing from his bestselling book Thank God It’s Wednesday, Mark will show you how to rebrand your federal experience using corporate-friendly language, optimize your resume and LinkedIn presence, and tap into the hidden job market where most opportunities actually exist. If you’re ready to find work that matches your skills and your sense of purpose, this session will help you take that first confident step.
Christopher Stammer – Entrepreneur, Global Strategist and 20-year Contract Trainer with the U.S. Dept. of State
Not only does Christopher Stammer have extensive expertise in guiding professionals through transition with clarity, confidence, and practical next steps, he will also serve as the host of RIFdCON 2025. Christopher Stammer is the founding member of Bonvalet, a tech-forward foreign affairs advisory that has worked with the U.S. Department of State and global companies to deliver training and strategic solutions worldwide. A seasoned facilitator, trainer, and keynote speaker, he has led hundreds of programs for federal agencies and private-sector organizations, helping teams improve performance, navigate change, and achieve results.
Conference Agenda
9:00 – 9:10 AM – Welcome & Opening Poll
- Host welcome, tech tips, and introductions
- Live poll: “How long were you in federal service?”
- Overview of the day’s goals
9:10 – 9:20 AM – Session 1: Making an Impact Beyond the Badge
- Navigating transition, not retirement
- Opportunities to continue to lead
- Amplifying your impact
- Connected network
9:20 – 10:10 AM – Session 2: Mental Resilience and Rebuilding Confidence After a Career Disruption
- Understanding the emotional impact of a RIF
- Identifying and re-framing personal setbacks
- Tools to rebuild self-trust and optimism
- Mindset habits for long-term resilience
- Q&A
10:10 – 10:20 AM – Stretch & Chat Break
10:20 – 11:10 AM – Session 3: Rebooting Your Career with Purpose: How to Translate Federal Experience into Private-Sector Success
- Rebrand your federal career story
- Optimize LinkedIn and resumé visibility
- Unlock hidden job market access
- Master unconventional networking strategies
- Align career with purpose and passion
- Q&A
11:10 AM – 12:00 PM – Session 4: Employment Law & Non-Competes for Post-Federal Service
- Understanding federal post-employment restrictions
- Navigating cooling-off periods and ethics rules
- Working with (or around) non-compete agreements
- Communicating with ex-colleagues
- Avoiding conflicts of interest in new roles
- Q&A
12:00 – 12:10 PM – Stretch & Chat Break
12:10 – 12:50 PM – Session 5: “Mission Match”: Purpose-Driven Networking Rounds
- Connect with purpose: Prompts will guide conversations around values, skills, and next steps.
- Fast, focused breakouts: Meet multiple peers in small, time-boxed sessions to maximize impact.
- Supportive, action-oriented exchanges: Give and receive insights, resources, and encouragement.
- Leave with momentum: Walk away with new contacts, renewed confidence, and concrete follow-ups.
12:50 – 1:00 PM – Closing & Happy Hour Invite
- Event Bonus
- Announce giveaway winners
- Recap top takeaways from the day
- Share replay and resource hub link
- Invite to in-person happy hour (starts at 4:30p.m.)
* Conference agenda and speakers are subject to change based on availability and schedules.
RIFDCON2025 – Presented by Bonvalet — strengthening the foreign affairs community through connection, opportunity, and career support.
RIFdCon 2025 is presented by Bonvalet, a modern foreign affairs advisory firm dedicated to supporting professionals navigating career transitions in diplomacy, development, and international affairs. Bonvalet connects the expertise of former federal employees with opportunities in government, the private sector, and global organizations. Through events like RIFdCON and other training and networking opportunities, Bonvalet aims to strengthen the foreign affairs community, foster meaningful connections, and equip its members with the tools, strategies, and networks they need to thrive in their next chapter. For more information, visit BonvaletGroup.com.
