MARQUETTE — Grow & Lead and Connect Marquette have announced the second year of the Connect & Grow Conference to take place over two days in mid-October on the Northern Michigan University campus in Marquette.

The two-day conference, Thursday and Friday, Oct. 16-17, brings together businesses, nonprofit leaders, board members, staff and volunteers from across the Upper Peninsula to NMU’s Northern Center for learning and networking.

The event will feature keynote speakers Derek Deprey and Dr. Nerita Hughes, along with interactive workshops, learning lab roundtables and networking activities designed to support and inspire those who work for the greater good in their communities.

“This event is a true collaboration between Grow & Lead and Connect Marquette,” said Amy Quinn, CEO of Grow & Lead. “Every fall, each of us typically hosts our own conference, but Molly and I started talking and thought, ‘Why not combine them?’

“We joined forces for the first time last year, and it was such a success that we’re back again for Year 2 with one seamless conference.”

“One of our biggest goals was to make professional development more accessible, especially for people who aren’t local,” Connect Marquette President Molly Holmstrom-Bolster said. “Now they don’t have to make two trips to Marquette — they can experience both events in one.

“Even for local professionals, it means just a couple of days away from work to gain valuable knowledge and networking opportunities all in one place.”

The first day of the conference, Nonprofit Day, will feature Deprey as keynote speaker; he is creator and founder of Fit to Lead. An author, professional speaker and leadership coach, Deprey is passionate about helping people become the leaders they would want to follow.

He is the author of “SHIFT: Move from Frustrated to Fulfilled and Everyday Leaders: Small Actions, Big Results.”

“Nonprofit work demands more than good intentions — it requires the leadership, habits and systems that turn ideas into impact,” Quinn said. “That’s why we are thrilled to welcome Derek Deprey.

“Through his inspiring five-gear process and practical strategies, he will equip nonprofit leaders and volunteers to re-energize and continue creating lasting change in their communities.”

The second day of the conference, Professional Development Day, will feature Hughes as keynote speaker; she is president of Bay de Noc Community College based in Escanaba.

Prior to joining Bay, Hughes served as interim associate vice president of Academic Affairs & Workforce Innovation at North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.

She brings expertise in training and staff development, leadership development, racial equity, and workforce innovation. She has a special interest in strengths-based development, cultural competency and entrepreneurship, where she helps individuals maximize their innate talents to develop their strengths.

Tickets may be purchased separately for either day. A two-day ticket is also available and offers a $25 discount, available online at cgconference.org.

All tickets include access to two networking events — the 20th anniversary celebration of the U.P. Nonprofit Conference on Wednesday, Oct. 15, and the conference mixer the following day.

Discounted rates are available for Connect Marquette and Grow & Lead members. They may request a coupon code from their respective organizations before registering. Student rates are also available to college students with valid student ID who are from any institution.

About Connect Marquette — Connect Marquette is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit serving as Marquette County’s professional development organization. It focuses on facilitating the growth of talent, connections, community and leadership opportunities. For more information, email cmqtconference@gmail.com.

About Grow & Lead — Grow & Lead equips nonprofit organizations in the U.P. with expertise, training and resources to help them meet their missions effectively and sustainably. The organization provides workshops, tailored consulting and training, and shares new ideas, technology and resources with nonprofits across the region. For more information, call Grow & Lead at (906) 228-8919 or email info@growandleadup.org.