KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Opening Keynote | Michael Novakovich | Wednesday, May 14

About the Speaker: Michael Novakovich, CDME, is a Harley-riding, scuba diving, drum-playing adventurer with a passion for life. He and his wife, Shannon, own NovaWerx, focusing on leadership development, strategy, and human resources. He is also the President & CEO of Columbia Ability Alliance. Michael holds an MBA from Washington State University, where he also graduated summa cum laude with a degree in business administration. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in organizational change and leadership from USC. Michael and Shannon are the proud parents of a boxer pup named Braekhus (Bray-Kus) they refer Ackey-Brakey, Brakey Boodles, or Brakey the Bad.

Making Vitality Your Reality

Sounds great, right? But what exactly does that mean? Workplace challenges abound, and the work of recreation and park professionals is never completed. Event attendance, staffing challenges, and other organizational concerns can keep the strongest of team members awake at night. Making Vitality Your Reality isn't wishful thinking. It's well within your grasp. Plan to have fun as we learn together and gain practical tools to positively impact your work life, home life, and points in between.

• Applying a corrective perspective to achieve peace, prosperity, and well-being
• Building bonds that support, strengthen, and revitalize
• Embracing self-care to realize resiliency

Closing Keynote | Joshua Green | Friday, May 16

About the Speaker: Josh Green is a speaker who combines motivation, humor, and practical insight to help people tackle imposter syndrome and negative self-talk. Since delivering his TED Talk, he has shared his message across the globe, encouraging audiences to embrace authenticity and self-awareness. With a background in stand-up comedy, Josh brings a lighthearted approach to serious topics, offering not just inspiration but also concrete actions that people can implement right away. His passion lies in helping others break free from doubt and step confidently into their full potential.

Breaking the Silence: Transforming Negative Voices into Empowerment

In this engaging and powerful keynote session, we’ll dive into the negative inner voices that hold us back—those whispers that tell us we aren’t good enough, we don’t belong, and we’re bound to fail. Drawing on personal experience, practical strategies, and a powerful message of resilience, this session will help you silence those voices and transform them into a source of empowerment. By recognizing where these voices come from and learning how to harness them as catalysts for growth, you’ll walk away with renewed confidence and clarity. Whether you’re a CEO or just starting your career, this session will leave you with the tools to face challenges head-on, transform self-doubt into strength, and embrace your unique potential. Close out the conference with a powerful message of perseverance and authenticity as we take the final step toward thriving—personally and professionally.

• Identify and Disarm Negative Inner Voices
• Practical Tools for Shifting Mindsets
• Building Confidence Through Self-Compassion