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CAPstone Fall 2026 is 100% virtual and your opportunity to deep dive into Human Resources, Organizational Management, Business Writing, and Meeting and Event Planning. These specialty certificate courses provide relevant and up-to-date content designed specifically for administrative professionals.
Starts week of September 28th – Ends week of November 16th

Community Calendar Specialty Courses Membership Discounts

CAPstone Fall 2026

Whether you are expanding your competencies for your current role or are looking to expand your skills for a new role, CAPstone offers just what you need, right to your home or office. Courses are open to all administrative professionals, but spaces are limited to ensure personalized learning, so register early! Specialty certificate courses are worth 25 recertification points for CAP designees.


CAPstone Fall is held on the week of September 28th – Ends week of November 16th. While most of the content can be experienced at times convenient to you (asynchronous learning), these specialty courses require attendance during the weekly live virtual 60-minute session (synchronous learning).

These sessions create space to connect with your learning community and facilitator for questions, discussion, and engagement for high-level learning. You’ll also be invited to a Virtual Meet & Greet before launch to get to know the platform, expectations, and your fellow learners and facilitator.

We strongly recommend taking only one CAPstone course at a time to ensure you have the time and capacity to fully immerse yourself in the learning experience. This focused approach allows you to engage deeply with the material, apply your knowledge effectively, and achieve the best outcomes for your professional development.

Organizational Management

Live sessions:

Fridays, 1:15pm-2:15pm CST Oct. 2nd –Nov. 20th

Organizational Management is a practical, skills-focused course designed to strengthen how you navigate workplace relationships, communication, and team dynamics. With a strong emphasis on organizational behavior, strategic planning, and effective communication, this course helps administrative professionals build supervisory and leadership skills that positively shape their work environment.

Through real-world application and discussion, participants develop tools to work more effectively with individuals and teams—making this training especially valuable for conflict prevention, collaboration, and day-to-day operational success.

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Project Management Specialty Certificate Course 

Human Resources

Live sessions:

Thursdays 1-2pm CST Oct. 1st -Nov.19th

Human Resources is a hands-on, interactive course designed to expand your understanding of HR responsibilities and how they impact today’s workplace. Whether you currently support HR-related duties or want insight into how HR partners drive organizational success, this course walks through the full employee lifecycle using real-world scenarios, case studies, and practical application. You’ll gain valuable perspective on workplace trends, compliance considerations, and effective ways to collaborate with HR while strengthening your own career path.

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Project Management Specialty Certificate Course 

project-configuration Meeting & Event Planning

Live sessions:

Wednesdays, 12pm-1pm CST Sept 30th – Nov. 18th

Meeting & Event Planning is an eight-week specialty designed for administrative professionals who plan meetings and events of all sizes, from internal meetings to large-scale, client-facing programs. Developed in partnership with industry leader Meeting Professionals International (MPI), this course provides a clear, repeatable process for planning successful in-person, virtual, and hybrid events, from defining goals and budgets to managing logistics, vendors, and measuring event success.

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Project Management Specialty Certificate Course 

Business Writing

Live sessions:

Fridays, 12pm –1pm CST Oct. 2nd –Nov. 20th

Business Writing is an interactive eight-week studio designed for administrative professionals who manage daily correspondence, documents, and email. You’ll strengthen your skills across prewriting, writing, rewriting, and e-writing, using real work examples to improve clarity, credibility, and efficiency. This hands-on course goes beyond theory to help you write with confidence and professional impact.

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Project Management Specialty Certificate Course 

Live Session Dates

Starts week of September 28th – Ends week of November 16th
All four specialty certificate courses are worth 25 recertification points for CAP designees.

Pricing of specialty certificate courses

IAAP Members – $850
Nonmembers – $1050

Register 5 or more attendees and receive a 10% discount. To access this discount, please email us for more information.

Claim the Discount!


Includes all course materials – no additional fees are required! Course fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. 

Not an IAAP member? Join today!

Community Calendar

Community calendar offers a comprehensive platform for users to stay informed about upcoming events as well as browse through photo galleries from past events. The calendar also facilitates easy registration and ticket purchasing for select events through its online platform.

Check out the calendar

Specialty Certificate Course Facilitators

Amanda Box

Organizational Management Specialty Certificate Course

Amanda Box taught full time on the university level for 10 years and continues to serve as adjunct faculty while consulting with business and industry. She rounded out her professional skills while serving as the communication coordinator for four years for Mississippi Forestry Association where she was responsible for all internal and external communication including several publications, the web site, and media campaigns..
 

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Mandi Stanley

Business Writing Specialty Certificate Course

With more than 27 years of experience on the seminar circuit, Certified Speaking Professional Mandi Stanley works primarily with administrative professionals who want to boost their professional image by becoming better speakers and writers. She has traveled throughout North America entertaining and educating more than 95,000 seminar participants and has presented at several IAAP Summits.

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Maggie Peters

Human Resources Specialty Certificate Course

Maggie is passionate about the role Human Resources and Change Management plays in people’s lives and towards the overall success of organizations. Maggie’s knowledge and experience in Human Resources is deep and wide. She has spent her career in both public and private organizations of all sizes, small to Fortune 500.

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Coming Soon!

Meeting & Event Planning Specialty Certificate Course

Mary Beth has over 25 years of experience in project management, change management, performance management, and risk. Mary Beth’s experience includes managing a wide range of project efforts in various market segments including finance, global risk, telecommunications, IT, publishing, health care, non-profit, state and federal agencies, and energy.

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What Your Peers Are Saying

Strategic Empowerment

“The Technical Application CAPstone reignited my passion—not only for technology, but for the work we do every day as administrative professionals. After 30+ years in the profession, I’ve seen firsthand how much technology has evolved.

This course didn’t just keep pace—it challenged me to think strategically about the tools I use, how they integrate, and how they drive real impact. The structure was immersive, the collaboration energizing, and the learning immediately applicable. I walked away with new skills, fresh ideas, and a stronger sense of community. If you’re considering it, take the leap—this course is truly something special.”

Debra Bullis
CAP

Learning Advocate

I am an advocate for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. I believe we must take advantage of the opportunities available to help us excel in our chosen profession.
I thoroughly enjoyed the IAAP CAPstone Specialty courses I have taken. The instructors are well-versed in the specific and timely needs of today’s administrative professionals and have tailored their classes accordingly. They want students to succeed and make themselves available to ensure each student completes the courses successfully.
I am fortunate to have the support of my executive in my professional development efforts. She offers encouragement and appreciates my keeping her up to date on my course projects. She is also there to assist with any barriers I face on my learning journey. My team has implemented several productivity strategies I learned in my CAPstone courses.
As a member of IAAP for over 20 years and a former volunteer leader, I applaud IAAP for making CAPstone Specialty courses cost-effective and accessible to administrative professionals worldwide—thereby contributing to the success of our profession.
Karen Swoopes

Evolving Excellence

The CAPstone courses have been instrumental in my growth as an administrative professional. They have challenged me to think outside the box and opened my eyes and mind to many new ways of working. As our profession continues to grow and the needs of those we support change, it is essential to stay current with new technology and approaches to administration.
The CAPstone courses provide the tools and knowledge needed to remain current with the ever-evolving landscape of the administrative profession. The virtual classrooms allow you to work at your own pace and around a busy schedule. IAAP sources excellent instructors who are very knowledgeable in their fields. The weekly virtual cohort meetings are a great way to share knowledge and experiences with people across various fields in the workforce. I would highly recommend the CAPstone courses to any administrative professional who wants to consistently excel in their chosen field.
Simone Callender
M.S.Ed., CAP Expert

IAAP CAPstone

Spring 2026

Fall 2026

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Organizational Management Specialty Certificate Course

Organizational Management is a practical, application-driven course designed to strengthen workplace relationships, communication, and overall effectiveness. This virtual offering focuses on building supervisory and leadership skills through a deeper understanding of organizational behavior, teamwork, and strategic planning. With communication woven throughout every component, participants learn how to navigate workplace dynamics more thoughtfully and contribute to healthier, more productive environments.

This course emphasizes real-world scenarios and immediately usable tools, making it one of the most practical trainings you can take offering. By developing stronger communication and collaboration skills, both individually and as part of a team, participants gain strategies that help prevent conflict before it starts, improve day-to-day operations, and support long-term organizational success.

Participants are required to be online at the same time for the 60-minute live weekly, virtual discussions; these take place every week on Fridays from 1:15 – 2:15 p.m. CST for the 8-week course on the Zoom platform.  
  
This course runs from October 2 – November 20, 2026.

All materials included. Course fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.  

Human Resources Specialty Certificate Course

Human Resources is a hands-on, interactive course designed to expand your understanding of HR responsibilities and how they support both employees and the organization. Whether you currently handle HR-related duties or want deeper insight into how HR functions behind the scenes, this course provides a comprehensive look at the full employee lifecycle, from attracting and engaging talent to developing, rewarding, and retaining employees.

Through real-world examples, case studies, and interactive discussions, participants explore core HR disciplines such as talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, HR technology, compliance, and workplace trends. You’ll apply your learning to practical scenarios, strengthen your ability to partner effectively with HR, and leave with a clearer understanding of how HR strategies influence organizational success and your own professional growth.

Participants are required to be online at the same time for the 60-minute live weekly, virtual discussions; these take place every week on Thursdays from 1 – 2 p.m. CST for the 8-week course on the Zoom platform.  
  
This course runs from October 1 – November 19, 2026.

All materials included. Course fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.  

Meeting & Event Planning Specialty Certificate Course

Meeting & Event Planning is an eight-week specialty designed for administrative professionals who are responsible for planning meetings and events ranging from internal board meetings to large-scale, client-facing programs. Developed in partnership with industry leader Meeting Professionals International (MPI), this course provides a structured, end-to-end approach to event planning, starting with defining goals, objectives, and stakeholder needs before moving into budgeting, blueprints, RFPs, and contracts.

As the course progresses, participants gain hands-on experience managing speakers, content, venues, menus, room setups, transportation, and onsite logistics for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. You’ll also learn how to evaluate event success, communicate results, and continuously improve future meetings. With a strong focus on real-world application, this program equips you with practical tools and best practices to deliver impactful events that support organizational goals and demonstrate measurable business value.

Participants are required to be online at the same time for the 60-minute live weekly, virtual discussions; these take place every week on Wednesdays from 12 – 1 p.m. CST for the 8-week course on the Zoom platform.  
  
This course runs from September 30 – November 18, 2026.

All materials included. Course fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.  

Business Writing Specialty Certificate Course

This interactive eight-week studio session is designed for administrative professionals responsible for overseeing outgoing correspondence, professional documentation, and email each day.

For Fall 2026, we’ve added a round-table discussion regarding using generative AI tools in business writing. Your administrative professional peers will share first-hand experiences, and we’ll compile the pros and cons of using AI as writers. In addition, you will have two optional business writing assignments in which you can experiment with AI’s quality of message.

The framework features the breakdown of business writing into its three thorough components—prewriting, writing, and rewriting—to expand your writing experience and career opportunities. We are including a fourth component on e-writing with specific email management tips for writing efficiency.

Many exercises will be based on your actual documentation. This is no cookie-cutter generic business writing course.

E-writing – One Week

Many administrative professionals today tend to multitask with email. Any emailed correspondence bearing your name or your organization’s logo must be absolutely error free. Even a careless mistake in an email can damage an organization’s reputation and make an entire work group look bad. Solutions lie in this fast-moving interactive learning module in which participants will learn:

  • The top seven credibility-robbing email mistakes and how to avoid them
  • The importance of a complete email subject line—and how to write one consistently every time to get your emails opened and read
  • How to use email to communicate fluidly and build relationships in today’s hybrid work environment
  • Three instances when NOT to use email—and pick up the phone instead
  • How long is too long to wait for a response
  • How to get a grip on your inbox with a few email management tips
  • How to make sure your e-messages are absolutely error free with no embarrassing typos or mistakes
  • A few practical punctuation pointers to eliminate run-on sentences along with hot topics such as tone and SCREAMING IN ALL CAPS

Prewriting – One Week

  • Applying the Plain Language Initiative to everyday business writing—and why this is important and necessary
  • Mapping to organize your main points and save time writing
  • Overcoming writer’s block with two unique techniques
  • Determining your readers’ destination point
  • Identifying the prewriting, writing, and rewriting phases as they pertain to the quality review process
  • Defining acronyms, jargon, and certain technical terms for readability
  • Using the BLUF approach to catch skimmers

Writing – Four Weeks

  • AUDIENCE FAVORITE: Practicing five new guidelines for using bulleted lists in your technical message
  • Using generative AI for two optional writing assignments with an opportunity to share results and ask questions
  • Eliminating clichés, wasted words, and smothered verbs
  • Tightening the message by identifying the most frequently overused unnecessary filler words in technical writing
  • Eliminating false subjects
  • Knowing when to use the 1 = 1 Rule for technical documentation

Rewriting – Two Weeks

  • How to make sure documents bearing your name and your organization’s insignia are absolutely error free with no embarrassing mistakes or typos
  • BONUS: A customized focus on grammar and proofreading, including these practices:
  • The “Newspaper Proof”: A fail-safe three-step approach to proofreading
  • How to proofread for quality under tight deadlines, even in a distracting office environment
  • How to spot errors of omission and why you never should proofread directly from your computer screen
  • The START Strategy for mistake-free messages
  • A round-table Q&A on updated grammar guidelines including punctuation and capitalization

Participants are required to be online at the same time for the 60-minute live weekly, virtual discussions; these take place every week on Fridays from 12 – 1 p.m. CST for the 8-week course on the Zoom platform.  
  
This course runs from October 2 – November 20, 2026.

All materials included. Course fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.  

Amanda Box
Organizational Management Specialty Certificate Course

As the self-proclaimed communication evangelist, and the unleasher of the awesome, Amanda trains and coaches individuals and teams for improved communication skills. The result for participants is more connection and cohesion in the workplace which improves productivity and reduces draining conflict. At the end of a training day, participants are equipped with structures, words, and strategies. The goal is to tackle the challenge, while strengthening the team.

That philosophy is the foundation for Amanda Box while teaching and facilitating the fundamentals of communication. Her 25+ year career has been spent in a dual role of teaching on the college level and consulting with business and industry.

Amanda Box taught full time on the university level for 10 years and continues to serve as adjunct faculty while consulting with business and industry. She rounded out her professional skills while serving as the communication coordinator for four years for Mississippi Forestry Association where she was responsible for all internal and external communication including several publications, the web site, and media campaigns.

Other talents include consuming large amounts of baseball, fiction, and Diet Coke.

Amanda earned her undergraduate degree in communication from Freed-Hardeman University and a master’s degree in communication from Mississippi College. Currently, Amanda is based in College Station, Texas.

Mandi Stanley
Business Writing Specialty Certificate Course

With more than 27 years of experience on the seminar circuit, Certified Speaking Professional Mandi Stanley works primarily with administrative professionals who want to boost their professional image by becoming better speakers and writers. She has traveled throughout North America entertaining and educating more than 95,000 seminar participants and has presented at several IAAP Summits. Some of her repeat clients include:

  • Campbell’s Soup
  • United States Air Force
  • USDA
  • McDonald’s USA
  • Kimberly-Clark’s World Headquarters
  • Godiva Chocolate
  • NASA
  • National Football League (Mandi had a blast teaching business writing to the NFL)

If her name sounds familiar, then you may recognize her as OfficePro magazine’s regular “Grammar for Grownups” columnist. She’s a summa cum laude graduate with concentrations in English, communication, and management from Mississippi State University, and she serves as president elect of MSU’s Shackouls Honors College board of advisors.

In 2003, Mandi was designated a CSP, Certified Speaking Professional. Fewer than 9 percent of all worldwide speakers have earned this designation, and Mandi is the first Mississippian in history to receive this honor through the National Speakers Association. She’s the award-winning author of The No-Panic Plan for Presenters: How To Speak Confidently & Compellingly Anywhere, Anytime. Audiences appreciate her platform enthusiasm, interactive style, and content-rich messages, and she’s bringing that same level of excitement to facilitating the Business Writing Specialty Certificate for IAAP.

Maggie Peters, HR Options, LLC

Maggie is passionate about the role Human Resources and Change Management plays in people’s lives and towards the overall success of organizations. Maggie’s knowledge and experience in Human Resources is deep and wide. She has spent her career in both public and private organizations of all sizes, small to Fortune 500. Her agility and business savvy have been built from the variety of industries she has supported including technology, consulting / professional services, distribution, manufacturing, and defense/aerospace. Additionally, Maggie is a forward-thinking and innovative professional.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida and a Master’s in Business Administration from Webster University.  Maggie currently holds four active HR certifications, Predictive Index (PI) Talent Optimization Consultant, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) certified practitioner, SHRM Senior Professional in HR (SPHR) and the HRCI Senior Certified Professional (SCP).  She is trained in the Korn Ferry Leadership Framework and in Prosci ADKAR Change Management.

Mary Beth Imbarrato, PMP, CSM, SPP, CMS MBI Consulting, LLC

Mary Beth has over 25 years of experience in project management, change management, performance management, and risk. Mary Beth’s experience includes managing a wide range of project efforts in various market segments including finance, global risk, telecommunications, IT, publishing, health care, non-profit, state and federal agencies, and energy. Other efforts include helping clients establish best practices through process improvement assessments which will identify efficiencies and increase effectiveness in an effort to support continuous improvement plans.

 

She is a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is a graduate of the PMI Leadership Institute Master Class (2013). Mary Beth is also an elected member of the Upstate New York PMI Chapter Board of Directors and serves as the VP of Marketing as well as the Director of Sponsorship Program. She is also a member of the Association for Strategic Planning (ASP) and the Capital Region Chapter of the Association of Talent Development (CRATD) and established the Capital Region Project Manager’s Meetup group to help further the project management profession locally with new and aspiring Project Managers.