Sponsorship Opportunities
We're still looking for more sponsors! Check out our packages for the conference. Contact us directly if you're interested in sponsoring by emailing cmqtconference@gmail.com.
Professional Development Conference
September 25, 2026
9:00am to 4:00pm
Doors open at 8:30am
Northern Center
Northern Michigan University
Our conference is open to the public and we invite everyone to join us! Whether you’re an entry-level employee, a manager, or a business owner, our sessions are designed to offer valuable insights at every stage of your career, with flexible topics that are relevant across a wide range of industries and experience levels. Purchase your conference ticket today!
Interesting in being a speaker for the 2026 Conference? Pitch your presentation by filling out our Speaker RFP form.
We’re excited to have The Motivational Cowboy Johnny D joining us for the 2026 Connect Conference. Visiting from Detroit, Michigan, Johnny will be facilitating our panel in the morning and wrapping up the conference by presenting his OUTSTANDING message as our keynote speaker.
We’re excited to announce Honor Credit Union as the 2026 Connect Conference Premier Sponsor! This year Honor will be joining us as the lead sponsor for our professional development conference.
As a local credit union with 3 Marquette County branches, Honor Credit Union believes life’s better when their members and their loved ones thrive. That’s why they invest in what counts – members, communities, and education.
Learn more about Honor Credit Union at honorcu.com
Conference Agenda information will be published by July 31, 2026! Check back soon for more details.
We'll take this time to welcome everyone to the conference, share important updates and reminders, and thank all of our sponsors who helped make this event possible. We'll also take the time to celebrate community and civic engagement by announcing the 2026 Tom Baldini Award winner!
If you have a nominee for the award, submit a name here.
Start the morning with Christopher Germain Founder & Principal of Common Shore Solutions. Leaders improvise far more than they let on, and the instinct to hide that is usually what erodes trust. Through behind-the-scenes stories from leading complex regional initiatives, plus plenty of conversation at your table, we’ll explore authenticity not as a personality trait but as a deliberate leadership strategy — and how to know when candor builds credibility versus when it just creates noise.
Christopher Germain, AICP, spent his career at the intersection of planning and economic development in Michigan, most recently as CEO of the Lake Superior Community Partnership in Marquette, where he led work on housing, air service, energy policy, and regional coalition-building across the Upper Peninsula. He recently founded Common Shore Solutions, a consulting practice focused on economic development, housing policy, and interim executive leadership. He holds degrees from Northern Michigan University and The Ohio State University. Christopher now lives downstate in Midland with his husband Aaron and their dog Woody, who balances a rising social media career with relentless demands for ball time.
The goal of this panel is to discuss how to work better by building cohesion and a healthy inclusive environment within the workplace. We'll explore how sustainable performance can mean maintaining productivity and creativity through supportive leadership and team engagement. Panelists will also discuss how key factors like physical and mental well-being, setting intentional boundaries, and conflict resolution can impact team morale. Whether you're an entry level or executive management, you contribute to the success and environment around you.
Moderator:
Keynote Speaker John Dmytryszyn
Panelists:
Jennifer Voegtline – CEO of Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice
Ross Anthony – VP Retail Banking Manager at Nicolet National Bank
Gabby Steinhoff, LMSW – Behavioral Health Program Director at UGL
Take a quick break to enjoy some refreshments, use the restroom or decide what your first breakout session will be.
An interactive workshop designed to help participants understand their own communication and workplace styles. Participants will consider their behavioral preferences, recognize how others may communicate and approach their work differently, and explore simple ways to adapt. Through brief activities and workplace examples, participants will gain practical strategies for reducing misunderstandings, strengthening relationships, and working more successfully with others. Breakout attendees will also receive a link to additional information and resources for continued learning.
Carole J. Pence, MA, is the Founder & Principal Consultant of Pence Consulting, where she has spent more than 33 years helping organizations strengthen leadership, fundraising, and organizational effectiveness. A nationally recognized educator, consultant, and speaker, she is known for her practical approach, collaborative style, and commitment to continuous learning. Carole believes strong organizations are built by developing people, fostering meaningful relationships, and leading with purpose.
AI can help you tackle the tasks that eat up your day--and take on projects you didn’t know how to start.
In this practical session, health tech entrepreneur Justin Carlson shows how to use AI to make sense of complex information, turn rough ideas into polished work, and create useful tools for everyday problems.
Through live demonstrations and familiar workplace examples, you’ll learn how to give AI clear direction, get better results, and recognize where your own experience and judgment make the difference.
Whether you’re just getting started or already experimenting, you’ll leave with fresh possibilities for your work and a simple approach to putting them into practice.
This year we've expanded our lunch break to fit in some networking as well! Survey results showed people wanted more opportunities to talk to each other, so enjoy a break for lunch carted by NMU and spend some time networking with the people at your table and beyond!
Don't forget to take this time to pick out your next breakout session too!
The Marquette Regional History Center is a locally focused entity committed to engaging culturally curious citizens in creative, inspiring and interactive ways that bring history to the forefront of life. It takes a lot of collaboration to achieve this mission; collaboration with organizations and individuals partnered in interest and respect, committed to their own passions related to history and mysteries of the region as well as the economic and cultural health of the community. This presentation highlights the roles and value of MRHC’s relationships with volunteers, local media, local and regional businesses, fellow nonprofit organizations, service clubs, educators, donors and MRHC members. It also intends to inspire new collaborations that help expand and evolve MRHC initiatives to continue to connect local, regional and visiting stakeholders in the mission of using history as a forum for understanding the past and present, and as a guide for a future that celebrates human connection. Through real-world examples, attendees will learn how collaboration, shared purpose, and community investment can strengthen an organization’s impact, foster cultural connection, and preserve history for future generations.
Fundraising Manager for the Marquette Regional History Center Erica Goff has a professional background in journalism, communication, and grant administration, which has afforded 20+ years of experience promoting and supporting nonprofit organizations, education, scientific development and creative and cultural initiatives. From northern Lower Michigan originally, Erica moved from Fairbanks, AK to Marquette in 2012 to serve as director of the grants office at Northern Michigan University where she spent nearly a decade helping to secure and managing funding for everything from scientific research to curriculum development to programming.
Healthy workplaces aren't built by policies alone. They're built through thousands of small interactions that either create safety or create stress.
This thought-provoking session invites participants to see workplace culture through a different lens. Together, we'll explore how emotions spread, why one person's energy can influence an entire team, and how simple shifts in communication and connection can strengthen collaboration. Attendees will leave with practical ideas they can use immediately to help create a workplace where people feel supported, valued, and inspired to contribute.
JoAnne Garrow, LMSW, CAADC, is the founder and owner of Caught Dreamin’ Therapy, where she serves as both CEO and a practicing therapist. She leads a growing team of mental health professionals while continuing to work directly with clients across Michigan. Her experience as both a clinician and business owner has given her a unique perspective on the connection between mental health, leadership, and workplace culture. She is passionate about helping people build environments where communication, trust, and collaboration can flourish.
Cassandra (Cassie) Cira, LMSW, CADC, ADS serves as Clinic Manager at Caught Dreamin’ Therapy, where she oversees daily operations while continuing to see clients as a licensed therapist. Drawing from her experience as both a clinician and operational leader, Cassie is passionate about creating systems and workplace environments where people feel supported, connected, and empowered to do their best work. She believes healthy organizations are built through strong communication, trust, and a shared commitment to growth.
Sarah Bruce, LMSW serves as Clinical Manager at Caught Dreamin’ Therapy, where she provides clinical leadership while continuing to see clients as a licensed therapist. She supports therapist development and helps ensure high-quality care across the practice. Sarah is passionate about fostering psychologically safe environments where both clients and clinicians can learn, grow, and thrive. She believes strong teams are built through curiosity, collaboration, and a culture that values continuous learning and authentic connection.
Take a quick break to enjoy some refreshments, use the restroom or decide what your first breakout session will be.
New this year, Connect Marquette has added a new series called 3-in-30. This will be 3 10-minute presentations from local businesses owners. This series highlights unique and creative service offerings available within Marquette County and how these services can benefit you within the workplace.
The agenda will include:
2:15 Pitch: Yes, you should join a “pyramid scheme” with Katherine Helppi, a Pampered Chef Consultant
Katie is a driven, people‑focused leader who brings heart, skill, and purpose to her work. After more than 20 years as a dedicated nurse, she’s built a career centered on care, connection, and making a meaningful difference. Through her own passion for cooking, Katie now blends creativity with community to help others discover confidence and joy in their kitchens. If you’re looking for a change or just need some new kitchenware check out her pitch!
2:35 Pitch: Creative Promotions through Delicious Messages with Daniel Morgan-Heredia, Co-founder of Doozers
DJ and Claire Morgan-Heredia have turned a passion project into a highly successful and seriously delicious business serving cookies, sweet treats, and more all over Marquette County and beyond. Hear how Doozers can help you think creatively for your next celebration. Whether you’re promoting your business, looking to boost team morale, or just have something to celebrate, Doozers is the delicious solution you may not know about yet!
Known for his signature message, "Living the OUTSTANDING Life," Johnny D will present a customized version of his message that will inspire listeners to Create, Communicate, Collaborate, and Live an OUTSTANDING Life. This message teaches practical principles centered around Image, Attitude, Focus, and Consistency, empowering individuals and organizations to achieve lasting personal and professional growth. His presentations are customized for each audience, making every keynote relevant, memorable, and impactful.
Johnny D, The Motivational Cowboy has been captivating audiences around the world as a Motivational Speaker, Charismatic Emcee, Spoken Word Grammy Considered Artist, Author of Two Books, Radio Show Personality & The Host of the Outstanding Life Podcast. His journey has been one of relentless dedication to empowering others and spreading joy through his unique blend of wisdom and humor. For over two and a half decades Johnny D has traveled all around this great country and earned a reputation for connecting with audiences of all ages and backgrounds through authentic storytelling, humor, audience interaction, and heartfelt moments. One minute audiences are laughing, the next they are reflecting on powerful life lessons that inspire meaningful change. His high-energy delivery and genuine passion create an experience that attendees remember long after the event has ended.
During this time, we will thank all of our speakers, attendees, and sponsors for helping make the 2026 Connect Conference possible. We'll also celebrate our Tom Baldini Award winner one more time and discuss upcoming Connect Marquette events attendees may be interested in joining.
Don’t miss out on other key details for our 2026 conference! See information on becoming a speaker for this year’s conference, places to find lodging options in Marquette County, our refund policy, and how to stay up to date with our latest announcements through social media.
We're always looking for speakers to join us for the Connect Conference! If you're an experienced public speaker with a topic you think fits our create, communicate, collaborate theme, submit your application here.
Connect Marquette has a room block secured at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites where any out of town guest can receive a discount on their stay! Reservations can be made using this link to book your stay during the 2026 conference.
While we are not allowing conference tickets to be refunded this year, ticket holders will be allowed to transfer tickets into someone else's name. In order to have your ticket transferred please contact cmqtconference@gmail.com.
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Thank you to all of our generous sponsors who help make this conference possible. We truly appreciate your support! We are proud to recognize and thank the following sponsors:
We're still looking for more sponsors! Check out our packages for the conference. Contact us directly if you're interested in sponsoring by emailing cmqtconference@gmail.com.
Purchase your conference ticket today!