Matt Hiss of the Barton County Young Professionals told the Barton County Commission Monday morning about the upcoming Leadercast 2016, what he called a global leadership experience.
He was also was asking that the commission consider allowing county staff and department heads to take part, and perhaps pick up the tab for their participation.
“I think it would be really good for the county and for the employees,” he said. The day-long event could increase productivity and boost morale.
Leadercast will take place from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 6, at the First Christian Church, 5230 Broadway in Great Bend.
It is the largest one-day leadership event in the world, Hiss said. Broadcast live each year from Atlanta to 100,000-plus people in hundreds of locations around the world, “it brings together many of the world’s most recognized and respected global leaders to create a leadership experience unlike any other.”
This year marks the 16th year of the annual leadership conference but the first year that First Christian Church will be at hosting. The event is presented in partnership with the Barton County Young Professionals group.
The theme is “Architects of Tomorrow.”
“Architects of Tomorrow imagine a future that is rich and full of hope,” the Leadercast website reads, “a future where problems are solved, questions are answered, confusion gives way to clarity.
In its simplest form, leadership is casting a compelling vision and mobilizing those around you to help you fulfill that vision, the site said. “That is the role of Vision Architects … they design the path, they clarify the direction, and they lead their team toward that preferred future with little deviation. Today is better because of the visionary leaders of yesterday, and the future will be brighter because of the Architects of Tomorrow.”
“There are quite a few powerful speakers,” Hiss said.
Those addressing the 150-plus people who attend locally, and those attending elsewhere included:
• Kat Cole — group president, FOCUS Brands Inc. (including Cinnabon, Auntie Anne’s, etc)
• Steve Wozniak — co-founder of Apple, Inc.
• Henry Cloud — acclaimed leadership expert, clinical psychologist, and best-selling author
• Nick Saban — head football coach, the University of Alabama
• Andy Stanley — leadership author and communicator
• James Brown — network broadcaster, CBS Sports and News
• Rorke Denver — Navy SEAL commander and author
• Chris Barez-Brown — author and creativity guru
• Tripp Crosby — Host of leadercast, comedian and director
Several local employers have stepped up to endorse the leadership training event, Hiss said. Barton Community College was among the first to endorse the event by giving any of its employees the opportunity to attend free of charge.
“The presenters appear to be high caliber individuals and this is an affordable opportunity for quality professional development,” said Dr. Carl Heilman, BCC president. “We very much appreciate those involved with bringing this to Barton County.”
Great Bend Regional Hospital is also providing its supervisory team with the opportunity to attend. “I am particularly excited about this event because of the reputation it has for inspiring, recharging, and motivating attendees to think bigger,” said Dr. Roger Marshall, OB/GYN and board member for the physician-owned hospital. “There doesn’t exist another opportunity like this to send our employees to hear world class speakers without travel and lodging expenses. From an employer perspective, it’s a slam dunk.”
Registration is $60 per person, with discounts available for members of First Christian Church and Barton County Young Professionals. There are also group savings available (every fifth person to register in a group is free).
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Barton County Young Professionals page on Facebook, or visit bartonyp.com to view the event.
Employers needing information on group discounts can also use the online form, or contact the BCYP Leadership Team at bartonyp@gmail.com.
