Leadership conference offered at reduced rate

Individuals wanting to improve their skills in communicating, negotiating, resolving conflict and managing people—both face-to-face and digitally—are invited to take advantage of reduced rates for the Northwestern Leadership Series.

Titled “Courageous Communication,” the professional development conference will be held on the campus of Northwestern College Aug. 10 through 12. Registration, which includes a Monday night banquet as well as two full days of sessions and meals, is $199. Northwestern College alumni can attend the conference at a rate of $99.

Keynote speakers for the conference are communications director and former news anchor Kristie VerMulm and acclaimed author and speaker V.J. Smith. They will be joined by 16 experts, including area entrepreneurs and business and community leaders. See www.nwciowa.edu/lead for the complete list.

VerMulm, a former KTIV-Sioux City news anchor, will open the conference the evening of Monday, Aug. 10. She earned several Emmy Awards and broadcasting honors, including Overall Excellence in Anchoring and Reporting. She is the director of communications for United Real Estate Solutions.

Smith will speak on Wednesday, Aug. 12. He is the author of a best-selling book, “The Richest Man in Town,” about his relationship with a Walmart greeter whose approach to his circumstances changed Smith’s life. Smith travels the country, making more than 100 speaking appearances each year.

During the conference, attendees can choose among sessions on powerful public speaking, conflict resolution, negotiating toward your goals, and using technology and remote communication effectively.

The conference is sponsored by Northwestern College Graduate School & Adult Learning and the college’s Franken Leadership Center in partnership with Pizza Ranch. Conference registration is open until July 31; visit www.nwciowa.edu/lead for conference details and to register.