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
10:00–10:50 am Breakout 1
11:00–11:45 am Keynote Speaker
11:45–12:00 pm Youth Speaker
12:00–12:45 pm Lunch & Celebrations
12:50–1:40 pm Breakout 2
1:50-2:40 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 breakout sessions will include information about fundraising best practices, nationwide programming changes, and great things happening at Ys across Michigan.

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 during our Breakout Sessions.

 

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.