Leadership Conference Focuses on Growth, Networking, and Community Impact

Leadership Portage County (LPC) will host its annual Level Up Leadership Conference on April 2, 2026, offering area professionals a day of intensive professional development and networking. The event is designed to empower attendees with actionable leadership tools while fostering connections among diverse sectors within Northeast Ohio.KENT, Ohio – Leadership Portage County is preparing to welcome business leaders, nonprofit executives, and emerging professionals to the Level Up Leadership Conference on April 2. This one-day event provides a concentrated curriculum of workshops and networking opportunities designed to strengthen the regional workforce. By focusing on the Level Up Leadership Conference, LPC aims to equip the local community with the skills necessary for impactful, confident leadership in both public and private sectors.Developing Skills at the Level Up Leadership ConferenceThe Level Up Leadership Conference serves as a premier professional development hub for Portage County. The 2026 program is structured to provide high-level insights into modern leadership theories and practical applications. Participants can expect a variety of interactive workshops that go beyond traditional lectures, focusing on "soft skills" that yield hard results in the workplace.Key topics often featured in the LPC curriculum include:Social Emotional Intelligence: Leading with empathy and self-awareness to improve team dynamics.Equity and Inclusion: Strategies for creating a culture of belonging within organizations.Behavioral Styles (DISC): Understanding personal leadership approaches and how to adapt to others.Servant Leadership: Harnessing the power of leading through service to others.Networking Opportunities in Northeast OhioA core pillar of the Level Up Leadership Conference is the opportunity for meaningful networking. Unlike standard seminars, this conference intentionally brings together a cross-section of industries, from agribusiness and healthcare to government and education. This diversity allows for a unique exchange of ideas, helping attendees build relationships that extend well beyond the conference floor at the Kent State University Hotel.Registration and Event LogisticsThe conference is scheduled for Thursday, April 2, 2026, running from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center. Registration is open to the public, including LPC alumni and community members.Date: April 2, 2026Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.Location: Kent State University Hotel, 215 S Depeyster St, Kent, OH 44240Cost: $98 per ticket (includes all meals)Registration: Available online at leadershipportagecounty.orgFor more information regarding sponsorship opportunities, contact Executive Director Andra Polasky at 330-388-2438.