RISE Leadership Conference

Name: RISE Leadership Conference
Start: 2026-04-28T08:00:00-05:00
Location: Crowne Plaza Springfield - Convention Ctr

Schedule

Tue, 28 Apr, 2026 at 08:00 am

UTC-05:00

Location

Crowne Plaza Springfield - Convention Ctr | Springfield, IL

RISE Springfield is excited to announce their second annual RISE Leadership Conference presented by INB!
This full-day conference is designed for young professionals eager to enhance their leadership and professional skills. This event has a program full of accomplished speakers from the Springfield area that will cover a wide variety of topics that young professionals won’t want to miss!
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in the below professional development sessions, multiple networking opportunities, connect with local Not-for-Profit organizations and resources, and more throughout the day. Lunch will be provided for attendees. The conference will conclude with a reception for young professionals to unwind and continue to build their professional connections and enjoy complimentary beverages and light hors d'oeuvres.
Spots are limited, so make sure to register yourself and/or your young professionals today!
2026 RISE Leadership Conference Registration
$175 - through March 20
$225 - after March 20
Not-for-Profit and Resource Expo Table Registration
$150 - through March 20
$200 - after March 20
Not-for-Profit and Resource Fair (8:00 - 9:00am & 12:15 - 1:15pm)
The morning of the 2026 RISE Leadership Conference will include a Not-for-profit and Resource Expo where young professionals attending the conference will have the opportunity to connect with local organizations to learn about volunteer opportunities and resources that are available.
Table registration includes one table and chair for one organization representative in the main event space. Tables will have the opportunity to engage with attendees during the morning expo, morning breaks, and lunch break. Tables will be asked to pack up at the conclusion of the lunch break.
2026 Conference Speakers (9:00am - 4:30pm)
Keynote Speaker
David Werner Ziebler - President & CEO, Ziebler and Associates
“Unbreakable: The Iron Will and Emotional Intelligence Behind Bold Leadership”
Main Sessions
Josh Frye- Director of People Operations, O'Shea Builders: “Thriving Through Change”

Beverly Neisler - President & CEO, Leadership411, LLC.: “Everyone Communicates, Few Connect”

Breakout Sessions - Round 1
Ann Comerford - Associate Vice Chancellor for Auxiliary Services, University of Illinois Springfield: “Success in an Intergenerational Work Environment”
John Manilla - Partner, Crowe LLP: “Smart Leadership Using OpenAI's Custom GPTs: Boost Your Impact and Lead the Future”

Breakout Sessions - Round 2
Steven Johnson Jr. - Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Engagement, University of Illinois Springfield: "Balancing Self and Service: Staying Grounded in Purpose While Prioritizing Well-Being"
Amy Beadle - Marketing Manager, Visit Springfield: “Leadership Development Through the Lens of Reputation, Resources, Network, and Community Involvement”
CEO Panel
Reception (4:30 - 6:00pm)