Connect Conference

Attend Conference
Get ready to immerse yourself in thought-provoking discussion with like-minded professionals from different industries throughout the region. During the 2023 Connect Conference you’ll tailor your day to the topics that interest you as a manager or employee.
With the theme of Embracing Change and Transformation, this year’s conference will focus on discussing how to create and accept change and implement transformation with your work and home-life.
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Event Information
Date
Friday, October 27th, 2023
Time
Doors open at 8am
Location
Northern Michigan University Center
Ticket Price
Student, member & non-member pricing available
Our Speakers
Our confirmed speaker list will include

Nancy Lyons
CEO of Clockwork & Author

Karyn Olsson
CEO of Marketing Department, Inc.

Todd Brassard
Vice President/COO of Calumet Electronics Corp.

Stosh Wasik
The Fire Station

Cheryne Clements
Co-Owner of Fit Body Boot Camp

Gabby Steinhoff
LLMSW at UGL

Jana Hendrickson
JH Coaching LLC​

Gianna Ferraro
Communication and Marketing Specialist at Edge Partnerships
Conference Agenda
- Check-In 8:00 - 8:30 am
Registration, Networking, Coffee
Complimentary Headshots with Molly Jo Photography - Conference Welcome 8:30 - 8:45 am
Conference Welcome Message and Thank Yous
- Opening Speaker 8:45 - 9:45 am
Cheryne Clements - Co-owner and Head Coach/Client Coordinator Ryan Peterson
In our opening session you’ll hear from Fit Body Boot Camp Marquette owner Cheryne Clements and head coach Ryan Peterson as they discuss everything from the challenges of owning a business, to the wild success behind their motivational family style culture. They’ll share tidbits on how they are motivating hundreds daily, both inside and outside the gym, so that you are able to successfully implement change in your day to day life. - Transition to Breakout Sessions 9:45 - 10 am
During this year's conference you'll be able to choose your own path by selecting two breakout sessions to attend throughout the day.
- Break Out Sessions 10:00 - 11:00 am
Option 1 - Creating a Life and Mindset of Having it All
Jana Hendrickson
This is perfect for you if: - you are wondering how to feel more fulfillment at work (or how to make a career change happen) - what steps will lead to an abundant experience with money, - you tend to think that something has got to give and you can't have it all (e.g. a stellar career, all the money you need, an incredible relationship, time for yourself and a family...) - you are ready to be inspired to actually create your dream life - you're unclear why you don't feel so happy even though you have a great life on paper.
Option 2 - Resume Workshop
Karli Jenshak - Recruiter at Manpower Group - Break Out Sessions 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Option 1 - Rolling with Resistance
Gabby Steinhoff - LLMSW at Upper Great Lakes Family Health
Have a conflict in your workplace that seems unsolvable? We will look at how to use the research-based method of Motivational Interviewing (MI) to end positional arguing and increase positive change actions in your organization.
Option 2 - Being the Change in Your Community
Victoria Leonhardt - Leadership Manager I US Communities at GivingTuesday
How do you make an impact on a community issue that interests you? This session will guide attendees in identifying the change they would like to see. We'll brainstorm ways to be changemakers using time, talent, and treasure. There will also be an opportunity to practice giving back. - Lunch 12:00 - 12:30 pm
Lunch will be served and coffee will be available throughout the day
- Transforming Workplace Culture Panel 12:30 - 1:30pm
Hear from a panel of local business leaders as they discuss the challenges of implementing workplace culture and tips for how to insight change as a manager or an employee! This panel will be made up of Karyn Olsson of The Marketing Department, Inc., Todd Brassard of Calumet Electronics Corporation, Stosh from The Fire Station, and Gianna Ferraro of Edge Partnerships and moderated by Andrew Lacombe.
- Break 1:30 - 1:45 pm
- Networking Activity 1:45 - 2:45 pm
It's a Secret!
- Keynote - Nancy Lyons 2:45 - 3:45pm
Work Like a Boss: Embracing Change to Lead Innovation
Workplaces want motivated humans who take initiative. People want to care about work and contribute to a bigger purpose. Rolling out engagement programs or adding new professional development tracks won’t help. The answer is developing work cultures and personal mindsets that embrace change, accountability, and risk. In this talk, Nancy Lyons inspires people and teams to change their perspectives on work. With humor, humility, and a lot of energy, Nancy reframes hierarchy and power, and focus our attention on the mindsets needed for future-forward workplaces. - Questions & Closing 3:45 - 4:00 pm
Q & A session with Nancy Lyons following her keynote presentation. We'll also do a short closing speech during this time.
- AFTER PARTY 4:30pm
Join us a the Ore Dock Brewing Company at 4:30 p.m. for additional networking with Conference Attendees and Connect members, a book signing from our Keynote Nancy Lyons and enjoy a free drink on us!
Conference Pricing
Want to Attend Conference? Check out our pricing for this year’s event and purchase your tickets now:
Conference Will Also Include
Complimentary headshots taken by Connect Marquette Board Member and owner of Molly Jo Photo, Molly Holmstrom-Bolster.


A mysterious team building activity customized by a local company to create a fun and unique experience during a day of discussion!
We’ll be giving away free Connect Marquette swag as well as other prizes from local businesses. Don’t miss your chance to snag some cool door prizes.

Sponsored By
Big thanks to all of our sponsors who have helped make this event possible!
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Register to Attend
reserve your spot at conference. purchase your ticket online now
Refund Policy
This year any cancellations will be considered a donation that will go towards making next year’s conference bigger and better. We hope to see everyone who registers if possible! For more information on this, feel free to reach out at cmqtconference@gmail.com.