Conference Agenda

The one-day conference schedule is filled with an excellent Keynote Speaker, plus three rounds of Breakout Sessions and Networking opportunities.

time activity
8:00–8:45 am Registration Starts
8:45–9:05 am Opening Remarks
9:05–9:45 am YMCA Professional Networks
10:00–10:45 am Breakout 1
11:00–11:45 am Keynote Speaker
11:45–12:00 pm Youth Speaker
12:00–12:45 pm Lunch & Celebrations
1:00–1:45 pm Breakout 2
2:00-2:45 pm Breakout 3
2:45–3:00 pm Closing Remarks and Prizes

Keynote Speaker - Eric M. Bailey

Eric

Eric M. Bailey is the bestselling author of The Cure for Stupidity: Using Brain Science to Explain Irrational Behavior and President of Bailey Strategic Innovation Group, one of the fastest-growing human communication consulting firms in the United States. Eric has a diverse set of experiences that includes helping NFL All-Pro Larry Fitzgerald pet a rhinoceros, doing barrel rolls in an F-16, and chatting with LL Cool J on the campus of Harvard University.

Honored as Diversity Leader of the Year, Eric is the creator of the Principles of Human Understanding™, a leadership and communication methodology based in brain science and psychology. Eric’s unique style blends fact and emotion and finds ways to appeal to the analytical thinkers, the emotional feelers, and everyone in between. Eric has a unique ability to communicate seemingly complex concepts in practical, easy-to-comprehend ways, aiding in self-awareness and knowledge retention.

As a honoree of the prestigious 40 Under 40 award, Eric has been featured on CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Fox Soul, Huffington Post, Forbes, the Consciously Unbiased Podcast and has helped leaders and teams across the world see common problems from new and different perspectives. Eric works with Google Inc, the US Air Force, Los Angeles County, the City of St. Louis, MO, Phoenix Police Department and many more. Eric also runs a YouTube series of 2-minute executive lessons called The Walking Meeting (www.thewalkingmeeting.com).

Eric has a Master’s degree in Leadership and Organizational Psychology from Saint Louis University and is a lifetime learner of human and organizational behavior. When not working or researching, you can find Eric and his wife Jamie racing on their road bikes, being cheered on by their three children.

Conference Breakout Sessions

This year our sessions are designed to provide targeted insights across a variety of learning tracks, including: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI); Frontline Leaders; Director Level Staff; Youth Development; CEO Leadership; Advocacy; and Volunteer Engagement. Each track offers an opportunity to deepen your knowledge and exchange ideas with peers.

Breakout 1: 10:00-10:45 am

Communication & Connection: Lost in Translation

Location: Arcadia Ballroom

Eric M. Bailey translates decades of brain science research into everyday language, helping you break through common communication barriers that will improve every relationship in your life.

Facilitated by:
Eric Bailey, Bailey Strategic Innovation Group


A Journey to Belonging: The Member Lifecycle, Journey, & Experience

Location: Glens 1

In our work at the Y, the three concepts of member lifecycle, journey, and experience are often used interchangeably. In reality, these are three interconnected but separate concepts that each play a critical role in membership growth at the Y. Join Y-USA's Director of Strategy & Quality Practices for Membership, Joe Kovalcheck, as he redefines membership at the YMCA, discusses our role in guiding our members' journeys, and shares resources for your Y to improve member growth, retention, and happiness.

Facilitated by:
Joe Kovalcheck, YMCA of the USA


Project Innovation and Implementation

Location: Glens 2

Innovation at the Y means problem-solving, continuously improving and developing new programs, services and business models that contribute to operational excellence and strong communities. During this workshop, participants will be introduced to YMCA Innovation Leading Practices, resources available to activate them, and engage in various activities designed to support creative and critical thinking around adding continuous value to programs and membership, as well as staying ahead of market trends.

Facilitated by:
Alison Huppert, YMCA of the USA


Working with Youth with Trauma

Location: Glens 3

This workshop will review what is trauma, why it is important to learn about and be aware of, types of trauma, the impact on the brain and behaviors, and actions we can take to work more effectively with children and youth who have experienced trauma.

Facilitated by:
Amber Walker, Community Healing Center/Children's Advocacy Center, Kalamazoo


A tale of Two Ys: Case Studies and Conversations on Community Partnerships

Location: Prairies 4

In this hands-on breakout, YMCA leaders will hear the "tale of two cities" from the largest YMCA in Michigan and the smallest YMCA in Michigan. Attendees will review the basics of community partnership building, listen to examples from the facilitators, and have the chance to create a draft plan for a new community partnership for their YMCA.

Facilitated by:
Laura Archer, Shiawassee Family YMCA
Lynette Simmons, YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit


Mental Health Community Care: A Community-Focused Approach to Mental Health

Location: Prairies 6

The YMCA Community Care Model is an innovative approach to mental health care emphasizing prevention and community-based support. This model empowers individuals to provide informal mental health support by promoting well-being, such as healthy behaviors, protective factors, and building resilience. Learn how the YMCA is building capacity for staff to recognize signs of poor mental health, provide support, and connect individuals with appropriate resources. The Y believes that by empowering communities to take an active role in promoting mental well-being and fostering collaboration between informal and formal support systems, overall mental health outcomes will improve, and communities will become more resilient.

Facilitated by:
Karen Freidman, YMCA of the USA


Ask the Executive! A Conversation on Professional Journeys in the Y Movement

Location: Stone Theater

Join us for an insightful dialogue with seasoned executives from the YMCA as they share their unique professional journeys within the Y Movement. This session will explore the various pathways to leadership, highlighting key experiences, challenges faced, and lessons learned along the way. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your career, this conversation will inspire and equip you with the tools to thrive in your professional journey.

Facilitated by:
Zach Klipsch, Sherman Lake YMCA
Steve Krankota, YMCA of Bay City
Parrish Underwood, YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit

Breakout 2: 1:00-1:45 pm

Time Management at the Y

Location: Glens 1

While you can't get more time in the day, you can make better use of the time that you have. This workshop will provide practical tools that you can begin using immediately to become more organized, get more done at work, better enjoy your time away from work, and lower your stress level.

Facilitated by:
Jamie Scaffidi, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids


Serving, Supporting and Understanding Poverty - An Experience

Location: Glens 2

No matter where we live or work, chances are we regularly encounter people who live in poverty. Often we have opinions about choices we see people making and ideas about how we could help. The reality is that unless we have lived in poverty it’s difficult to understand the experience or to connect with people to provide real help and hope. Poverty 101 will give you tools to help you understand the causes of poverty, to communicate and connect with people who live in poverty, to become an advocate armed with facts rather than myths, and to help our neighbors get access to the resources and opportunities they need to move out of poverty toward a sustainable living.

Facilitated by:
Marlene Webster, Executive Director of Shiawassee Hope


Where and How to collect Data to Make Informed Decisions

Location: Glens 3

What data do you need for insights? What is needed to drive action? Team members from Y-USA will share more about existing and in-development resources including the Community Insights and Movement Insights tools developed by the Y for the Y. Join us to discuss how the Y Movement can use data-based insights to strengthen communities.

Facilitated by:
Sarah Goheen, YMCA of the USA
 


Framing Your Impact for Grant Proposal and Reports

Location: Prairies 4

Learn how to effectively communicate your organization’s impact to secure funding and enhance accountability. We’ll explore key strategies for framing your narrative, including how to articulate goals, measure outcomes, and highlight success stories that resonate with funders. Participants will engage in hands-on activities to develop compelling impact statements and practice crafting concise, data-driven proposals. Whether you're a seasoned grant writer or new to the process, this session will equip you with the tools to present your organization’s achievements in a way that captures attention and builds trust with potential funders. Join us to transform your approach to grant proposals and reporting!

Facilitated by:
Dawn Palmer Van Camp, YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit
Lynette Simmons, YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit
Michael Strong, YMCA of Metro Detroit


Advocacy Panel- The Influence of Budget on Policy and Our Ability to Broaden the Work

Location: Prairies 5

Join us for an insightful panel discussion featuring experts Andy Damore, Laura Archer, Kellie Rankey, and Todd Tennis as they explore the critical relationship between budgetary constraints and policy-making in the non-profit sector. This engaging conversation will examine how funding decisions shape advocacy efforts, influence program development, and ultimately affect the ability to expand and enhance services. Our panelists will share their diverse perspectives and experiences, highlighting successful strategies for navigating budget challenges while advocating for meaningful change. Attendees will gain valuable insights into aligning financial resources with organizational goals and broadening their impact in the community. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals about the intersection of budget and policy advocacy!

Facilitated by:
Laura Archer, Shiawassee Family YMCA
Todd Tennis, Capitol Services
Andy Damore, YMCA of Saginaw(Board Chair)
Kellie Rankey, State Alliance of Michigan YMCAs


Responsibility of Board Members

Location: Prairies 6

This session will cover the core responsibilities of YMCA board members and how they can maximize their effectiveness serving their YMCA. It will allow time for Q&A and discussion of specific situations in the YMCAs of the participants.

Facilitated by:
Paul McEntire, All Together Better


Ask the Director! A Conversation on Professional Journeys in the Y Movement

Location: Stone Theater

Dive into an engaging conversation with experienced directors from the YMCA as they share their professional journeys within the Y Movement. This session will focus on their personal stories, key milestones, and the challenges they encountered along the way. Participants will have the chance to ask questions, gaining insights into leadership development, career progression, and the importance of community engagement. Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned professional, this dialogue will provide inspiration and practical advice to help you navigate your own path in the Y Movement.

Facilitated by:
Kelly Stubbe, YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit
Miranda Bex, YMCA of Greater Flint
Bobby Ludwick, YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo
Tiffany Young, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids
Chris Deary, Ann Arbor YMCA
Lee Anna Massey, State Alliance of Michigan YMCAs

Breakout 3: 2:00-2:45 pm

Time Management at the Y

Location: Glens 1

While you can't get more time in the day, you can make better use of the time that you have. This workshop will provide practical tools that you can begin using immediately to become more organized, get more done at work, better enjoy your time away from work, and lower your stress level.

Facilitated by:
Jamie Scaffidi, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids


Serving, Supporting and Understanding Poverty - An Experience

Location: Glens 2

No matter where we live or work, chances are we regularly encounter people who live in poverty. Often we have opinions about choices we see people making and ideas about how we could help. The reality is that unless we have lived in poverty it’s difficult to understand the experience or to connect with people to provide real help and hope. Poverty 101 will give you tools to help you understand the causes of poverty, to communicate and connect with people who live in poverty, to become an advocate armed with facts rather than myths, and to help our neighbors get access to the resources and opportunities they need to move out of poverty toward a sustainable living.

Facilitated by:
Marlene Webster, Executive Director of Shiawassee Hope


The WHY Behind a Positive Work Culture at Your Y

Location: Glens 3

Creating culture is one of the hardest, but most important things you do as a leader. In today’s dynamic and rapidly evolving professional landscape, the significance of work culture cannot be overstated. A healthy work culture goes beyond employee satisfaction and retention, it impacts the association’s productivity, influences the member experience and our reputation in the community, and can be a major factor in the overall success or failure of a YMCA. Come talk about how you can influence your culture, inspire your team, and help your Y thrive by creating an environment that positively shapes the daily experience of everyone within your organization.

Facilitated by:
Becca Schnetzer, State Alliance of Michigan YMCAs


Beyond Background Checks: Screening Out Offenders

Location: Prairies 4

Offenders need access in order to offend against a youth, right? So they look for jobs working with youth, they volunteer with you and then they are able to maintain this contact by using social media, etc. Our time together will focus on restricting this access- making sure, by screening and selecting, that these offenders don’t have an opportunity to come into our organization at all.

Facilitated by:
Christina Carter, State Alliance of Michigan YMCAs
Becky Haveman, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids


Succession Planning for Organizational Success

Location: Prairies 6

Systematic and comprehensive succession planning is critical for YMCA CEOs and board members. Change is inevitable and at times unexpected. Being prepared ahead of time ensures strong leadership in the CEO role as well as maintaining a strong pipeline of leaders. Best practices will be presented and time will be allowed for Q&A on issues specific to your YMCA.

Facilitated by:
Paul McEntire, All Together Better


YMCA Feeding Programs: Building Capacity For Equitable Access & Sustainability

Location: Stone Theater

Equitable food access is at the heart of the YMCA's Mission. This workshop will provide an overview of opportunities, resources and best practices for a variety of feeding programs to suit the needs of communities across Michigan - from mobile markets, hydroponic gardens, reimbursable programs and more. Whether your Y is considering beginning a feeding program, or interested in building capacity in existing programs, this session will offer tangible information and guidance to build sustainable feeding programs.

Facilitated by:
Amanda Schmitz, Monroe Family YMCA; YMCA of the USA
Marika Beecherl, YMCA of the Blue Water Area
Belisa Melton, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Networking Groups

Our Network Gatherings give conference attendees dedicated time to connect with their cohorts from across the state to discuss best practices, trends, and challenges. This year, Networking Groups will be scheduled from 9:00-9:45 am.

Peer Group Room
Camping Glens 1
Membership & Marketing Glens 2
Finance (front)
Fund Development (rear)
Glens 3
Aquatics (left front)
Health & Wellness (right front)
Youth & Adult Sports (left rear)
Outreach (right rear)
Meadows
Branch Directors / Operators Prairies 4
CEOs Prairies 5
Human Resources (front)
Information Technology (rear)
Prairies 6
Childcare / Out of School Stone Theater

Conference Location: Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center

The Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center is located in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Address:

Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center

100 W. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: 269-343-3333

Parking:

The parking structure is located at the intersection of Rose Street and West Michigan Avenue in downtown Kalamazoo. There are two entrances, one on Rose Street and another on Church Street. The three-lane exit opens onto Church Street. Parking validation stickers are available at the registration table.

Conference Sponsors

The Michigan YMCA Leaders Conference relies on the generous sponsorship of local businesses and individual leaders to present the highest quality conference for Y professionals and volunteers. Our sponsors will be in attendance at the conference, so if you have the opportunity please give them your consideration and recognize their contributions.

Platinum Sponsors

OVD Insurance logo

RCX Sports logo

Gold Sponsors

Amilia logo

Elevatus Architecture logo

Imperial Dade logo

Lakeshore logo

Matrix logo

npn 360 logo

True Fitness logo

West Bend logo

Wise Financial Development logo

Y Purchasing logo

Silver Sponsors

Ecore logo

LifeFitness logo

Partner Sponsors

Y Retirement logo