Pictured, from left, are Haylee Gatien, Riley Rebholz, Payton Saari, Gracelyn Wiles, Landon (Marcy) Dugree, Matthew Keast, Wyatt Groleau, Jake Poquett, Hunter Robinson, Andrew Lord, Connor Howes and Gabriel Viau. Not pictured is Nicholas Chaillier. (Courtesy photo)

ESCANABA – Students from Bay College/LSSU Escanaba Regional Center Business Professionals of America chapter joined nearly 7,000 members from across the world at the 2026 BPA National Leadership Conference, held May 6-10 in Nashville, Tennessee.

While in Nashville, students competed for national recognition in BPA’s Workplace Skills Assessment Program, showcasing their talents in business administration, finance, digital communication and design, information technology, management, marketing and more.

In addition to competition, attendees participated in leadership workshops, connected with industry professionals, explored college and career opportunities, and engaged in service activities supporting Special Olympics, BPA’s national service partner.

The following students from the Bay College/LSSU Escanaba Regional Center BPA attended the National Leadership Conference:

Gabriel Viau – Digital Marketing Concepts 1st place, Contemporary Issues 3rd place, Meeting & Event Planning Concepts 3rd place, Project Management Concepts Top Ten

Riley Rebholz – Podcast Production Team 1st place

Payton Saari – Podcast Production Team 1st place Matthew Keast – Prepared Speech 1st place, Video Production Team 1st place

Landon (Marcy) Dugree – Video Production Team 1st place, Presentation individual Top Ten

Wyatt Groleau – Video Production Team 1st place

Connor Howes – Financial Analyst Team 3rd place

Nicholas Chaillier – Financial Analyst Team 3rd place

Andrew Lord – Financial Analyst Team 3rd place Haylee Gatien – Entrepreneurship Top Ten, Human Resource Management Top Ten

Hunter Robinson – Advanced Interview Skills Top Ten, Small Business Team Top Ten

Jake Poquett – Prepared Speech Top Ten, Small Business Team Top Ten

Gracelyn Wiles – Interview Skills Top Ten

“Attending the National Leadership Conference is a powerful experience for our students,” said Patrick W. Schultz, BPA’s executive director. “They not only demonstrate their skills at a national level but also grow as leaders, build confidence, and connect with peers and professionals from across the country.”

This year’s conference also featured keynote speaker Sam Demma, whose message on resilience, leadership and personal growth inspired attendees to take small actions that create a big impact.

Students also explored the Exhibitor Showcase and College & Career Fair, gaining insight into future pathways and connecting with organizations that support their academic and professional goals.

BPA’s 2027 National Leadership Conference will be held in Denver, Colorado, from May 5 to 9, 2027.