Opening Keynote

Creating A Limitless Culture: Better Results, Better Relationships, Limitless Possibilities with Ben Whiting

What do you get when you combine a background in leadership development with decades of corporate entertainment experience? You get something that is fun, engaging, and that builds a bridge between insight and actionable strategies to bring the best out of your people. This is what Ben Whiting’s Creating a Limitless Culture keynote delivers. In addition to experiencing draw-dropping (and often hilarious) magic and mind reading, your group will be able to instantly increase productivity through better communication, reduce drama by learning how to create and sustain quality relationships in the workplace, and learn to thrive amidst constant change with a simple mindset shift that will also help them find not just happiness, but fulfillment in their day-to-day work lives (all while having A LOT of fun!).

• Struggling to navigate change and change management…
• Tired of your employees feeling the hybrid disconnect…
• Losing time and money to miscommunication and unnecessary drama…
• Trying to innovate in a time when things are constantly changing…
• Ready to unleash the full potential of your employees..

Then Ben is ready to give you the Blueprint to Create a Limitless Culture that will help your people… 

• Communicate in a way that increases productivity while minimizing drama
• Create quality relationships with their colleagues, clients, and customers that can be leveraged for motivation and influence (and to reduce turnover!)
• Learn a simple mindset shift that when applied empowers them to thrive through change, innovate courageously, and find fulfillment in their work.
• Inspire them with an unbelievably fun experience with lessons they will never forget!

All Conference Session

Making Your Library A Model For Disability Rights

Disability Rights activist and leader, Susan Odgers, will lead a conversation about how libraries in Michigan can serve as the model or hub for disability rights. The conversation will look at all disabilities and their impact on libraries. Emphasis will be on building upon what your library is already doing, regardless of size and resources. Conversation will look at ways to respond to conflicts with disability rights. Plenty of time for Q&A.

Closing Keynote

The Past, Present, and Future of Book Bans with Kelly Jensen

Book banning is baked into American tradition, coming and going in waves as it is politically advantageous. Now nearly four years into the current wave, what are some of the trends and shifts in the types of books being targeted? What tactics are being used not only nationally but right here in Michigan and why? While the impact of book bans is predominantly negative, this era in librarianship has also provided several positives. This keynote will offer insights into trends in book banning, discuss the mental health ramifications of book bans, and leave attendees feeling not only prepared to continue protecting the right to read but feel supported and encouraged in their unique roles as defenders of democracy.