Now in its third year, the Ignite & Inspire Leadership Conference will return to Concordia University Wisconsin’s Mequon campus May 6 with keynote speakers, leadership workshops and networking opportunities.
CUW’s Batterman School of Business will host the conference, bringing business leaders, educators and professionals together for a day centered on leadership development and collaboration. This event will include keynote presentations and breakout workshops focused on the theme “Growing Greatness: Driving Innovation, Developing People.”
“We really wanted to be intentional this year about creating a conference theme and generating content that really resonated with what businesses in Ozaukee County and the greater Milwaukee area need right now,” said Amber Gray, EdD, CPA, MSA, assistant dean for academic innovation, graduate and continuing education.
“When we created this conference three years ago, we named it Ignite & Inspire Leadership, as our goal was to ignite passion and purpose in our attendees and inspire them to return to their organizations with renewed energy to lead and serve,” Gray added.
“Great leadership doesn’t happen in isolation. It grows through shared ideas, meaningful connections and continuous learning. This conference was created to bring together aspiring and experienced leaders to learn, connect and amplify their impact.”
Gray said the planning team is focused on ensuring the event delivers meaningful value for participants.
“Our intent is to make this a conference that attendees feel is a very good use of their precious time and one that they look forward to attending every year.”
Regional leaders
Two keynote speakers will anchor the conference schedule.
Dale Kooyenga, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, will deliver the morning keynote. Drawing from his experience in politics, military service and leading one of the region’s largest business organizations, Kooyenga will share insights on succeeding when organizations face disruption and uncertainty.
In his time at the MMAC, Kooyenga has overseen significant regional growth and development through collaboration among business, civic and community partners.
Rick Schlesinger, president of business operations for the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club, will present the afternoon keynote. Schlesinger will share insights from leading business operations within a major league sports organization and discuss building a winning culture in an ultra-competitive industry.
Schlesinger was named The Business Journal’s 2025 Executive of the Year, and the Brewers were recognized as Baseball America’s 2025 Organization of the Year at the Winter Meetings — the second time the club has received the honor during his tenure.
Faculty and industry professionals
Along with keynote sessions, the conference includes multiple workshops led by professionals and Concordia faculty.
Featured presenters include:
- John Fields
- Jill Busch
- Elaine Kressin
- Dr. Amber Gray
- Dr. Kim Schave
- Dr. Laura Hurtienne
- Tammy Ellison
- Danika Holt
Sessions will address people development and retention, AI use cases in business, innovation through experimentation, and social media marketing, while giving participants practical ideas they can apply in their workplaces.
“This conference is built around hands-on workshops where participants learn by doing,” Gray said. “Whether creating an AI chatbot, designing innovation experiments, or practicing difficult leadership conversations, attendees will walk away with practical tools they can use right away.”
Learning and connection
The conference will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes breakfast, lunch and scheduled networking opportunities.
For many attendees, the event offers time to step away from daily responsibilities and reflect on leadership practices while connecting with other professionals.
“Oftentimes at conferences, the most powerful insights come from conversations with other leaders,” Gray said. “Ignite & Inspire creates opportunities to exchange ideas and learn from professionals across industries.”
The event also highlights the role Concordia’s business school plays in supporting professional development across the region.
“The Batterman School of Business has the expertise and capacity to serve the needs for continuing professional development in the area,” Gray said. “We look forward to showcasing our facility and allowing business leaders to experience a sample of what we have to offer.”
Registration is open for the Ignite & Inspire Leadership Conference. Professionals from across many industries are welcome to attend.
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Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.