The key to being an effective leader is to be well-rounded in not only academic and technical skills, but also in soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, teamwork, problem solving, creativity and more. This is why one of Business Professionals of America’s three pillars is Leadership Development, putting a laser-focus on the continuous improvement of soft skills that future business leaders need to succeed!

At this year’s National Leadership Conference, take part in the multitude of Leadership Passport workshop offerings that are designed to hone the soft skills you already possess, as well as introduce you to new views, experiences, and toolkits from industry professionals and topic experts that will further help you to cultivate your personal and professional development.

To facilitate that development, BPA encourages participants to engage in at least six (6) specifically identified Leadership Passport workshops sessions that will put you on a journey of self-discovery and growth. The Leadership Passport program participation and recognition details will be available in the 2023 National Leadership Conference App.

Passport Program Information

Student attendees interested in participating in the Leadership Passport Program at NLC will be able to pick-up the passport and supporting details outside the workshop rooms.  Participants will earn a stamp for each workshop they engage in, with a total of six (6) stamps required for recognition.  Program participants will be recognized upon completion of the program after the conclusion of the National Leadership Conference.

Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Thursday, April 27 – 8:00 to 8:50 am – Marriott Marquis Ballroom - North
Learn how to communicate from the stage using stories to gain trust and connect with people and how to overcome the fear of presenting. This session will share the do’s, don’ts, and myths of public speaking and how to effectively convey your message.
Michael Ivanov, SpeakLife365

Building Your Personal Brand

Thursday, April 27 – 9:00 to 9:50 am – Marriott Marquis Ballroom - North
Learn how to use social media and other simple content creation tools to share your ideas, win people over for a cause, and build a personal brand. You will also get training on how to easily write, publish, and market your own professionally edited book and establish yourself as a thought leader.
Michael Ivanov, SpeakLife365

How to Win Friends and Influence People

Thursday, April 27 – 10:00 to 10:50 am – Marriott Marquis Ballroom - North
Taking a page out of Dale Carnegie’s classic How to Win Friends and Influence People, this workshop teaches you how to use the most effective tools in breaking down barriers, gaining trust, and winning people over. In this workshop, you will learn how to remember and use names; ask great questions and be more interested than interesting; create a comfortable personal and professional environment that allows people to open up, feel heard and seen, and become their best!
Michael Ivanov, SpeakLife365

Taking Responsibility Like a True Leader

Thursday, April 27 – 11:00 to 11:50 am – Marriott Marquis Ballroom - North
We all face adversities and conflicts at some point in our personal and professional lives. Learn how to have tough conversations, resolve conflicts between teammates and defuse tense situations, create an environment that allows others to make mistakes and learn from them, and handle situations that may arise in leadership positions.
Michael Ivanov, SpeakLife365

Taking Action on Your Goals

Thursday, April 27 – 1:00 to 1:50 pm – Marriott Marquis Ballroom - North
This workshop will prepare you to spot opportunity in adversity, set clear and specific goals, and make measurable progress towards those goals. By taking small steps, you make measurable progress, build self-confidence while gaining momentum, and put yourself on an inevitable path to success in life and business. First we crawl, then we walk, then we run, and finally we leap!
Michael Ivanov, SpeakLife365

Separating from the Crowd

Thursday, April 27 – 2:00 to 2:50 pm – Marriott Marquis Ballroom - North
Learn the five principles for thinking and achieving beyond your boundaries. You will learn how to stand out from the crowd by discovering and using your unique skills, talents, gifts, and abilities to build your career, serve your community, and leave your mark on the world!
Michael Ivanov, SpeakLife365

How to Dress for Success

Thursday, April 27 – 3:00 to 3:50 pm – Marriott Marquis Ballroom - North
Join Men’s Wearhouse, a leader in the professional fashion industry, to learn tips and best practices on how to dress for the occasion, navigate the job search and interview process, and how to feel confident and make a lasting impression. This one isn’t just for the boys; everyone is encouraged to attend!
Jorgina Urbano, Tailored Brands

Change Maker Master Class: Applying your Leadership Skills to Advocate for the Causes You Care About

Friday, April 28 – 8:00 to 8:50 am – Marriott Marquis Ballroom - North
Do you want to apply your leadership skills to create a positive change in your school or community? In this session, you will learn the secret formula to advocacy and prepare to apply your leadership skills to create change around an issue or cause important to you. Whether it's traffic safety, environmental protection, anti-bullying, mental health, or another cause you are passionate about, this workshop will allow you to collaborate with fellow BPA leaders to create a ready-to-use action plan that can be implemented when you return home.
Bryan Delaney, National Transportation Safety Board

Just the Beginning

Friday, April 28 – 9:00 to 9:50 am – Marriott Marquis Ballroom - North
Join the 2022-2023 Executive Council for a collaborative workshop on how BPA can help you during school and beyond. The officers will share their journeys to becoming officers and what they have planned after their terms of service.
2022–2023 BPA Executive Council

Save/Spend/Give: The Reason for Financial Wellness

Friday, April 28 – 11:00 to 11:50 am – Marriott Marquis Ballroom - North
As a BPA member, you've been developing valuable skills to use as a business professional of tomorrow. Learn how the 3Nickels app can help you bolster life skills related to money. This interactive session is designed to introduce you to the app and demonstrate how you can use the education, tools, and advice within to make wise financial decisions.
John Shupe, GuidedChoice/3Nickels

Finding Peace at School, the Workplace, and Home **SESSION CANCELLED**

Friday, April 28 – 1:00 to 1:50 pm – Marriott Marquis Ballroom - North
This workshop offers an inspiring introduction to mindfulness and its practical applications that can be applied to any area of your personal and professional life. Mindfulness is about being in the present moment, letting go of the overwhelming and negativity—all to bring peace, relaxation, balance, and positivity into your life.
Tonya Schumacher, BPA Alumna

Speed Dating with CPAs!

Friday, April 28 – 2:00 to 3:30 pm – Marriott Elite 2&3
Ever wonder what it’s really like to be an accountant? From career paths to a day-in-the life to how they spend their free time, get your questions answered from CPAs with various backgrounds in this speed dating style session. Following the networking event, enjoy food, drinks, and prizes!
Christin Hunter, AICPA & CMA