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MARQUETTE -- The 2026 Connect Conference will be held on Friday, Sept. 25, in the Northern Center at Northern Michigan University and registration is now open.
Beginning at 8:30 a.m., the morning will include a period of networking and light refreshments. The conference agenda will include a good mix of speakers, breakout sessions, and a panel which will touch on professional growth, workplace challenges, and establishing yourself within a career. New to conference this year is a mini pitch series where three local business owners will highlight their creative offerings and how they could benefit your workplace.
First on the agenda, we will announce the winner of the 2026 Tom Baldini Award. This award goes to a leader who has shown a fresh interest in community and civic engagement. Nominations can be submitted through Friday by visiting the Connect Marquette website.
The morning will continue on with an opening note from Christopher Germain on leadership and the importance of authenticity in the workplace before the panel: "Workplace Well-Being and Sustainable Performance" moderated by our keynote speaker.
Following the panel, guests will have the opportunity to choose between the first of our two breakout sessions. The morning breakout topics cover communication and workplace styles or AI in the workplace.
Afternoon breakout sessions will have guests select from two options: learning about collaboration and engaging the community or figure out why workplace culture is so important to your successful leadership.
The new mini pitch session will take place after those breakouts with three, 10-minute glances at local businesses: Katherine Helppi, a Pampered Chef consultant; Anton Reinaas, founder of FindLocal906; and Daniel Morgan-Heredia, co-founder of Doozers.
Finally, our keynote speaker will be joining us: Johnny D, The Motivational Cowboy and sharing with us how to Create, Communicate, Collaborate and Live an outstanding Life.
Regular registration price is $100. Sponsorship opportunities are available at all levels (prizes to Premier Level). For more information on this professional development conference, sponsorship, and registration, visit ConnectMarquette.org and for questions, reach out to cmqtconference@gmail.com.