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.

Capture The Moment

Thursday • 8:00–8:50 a.m. • Osceola Ballroom D
Explore the transformative power of patience, commitment to goals, and leading with love to empower themselves and others. By embracing acts of service and focusing on the essence of the present moment, we will uncover the path to growth and success, aligning with the vision of Thrive 2025. Presented by: Robert Anthony | Keynote Speaker | Limb Possible, LLC

AI-Optimized Resumes: Get Past ATS & Get Hired

Thursday • 9:00–9:50 a.m. • Osceola Ballroom D
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) dominate the employment application landscape. In this hands-on workshop will learn how to format, write, and keyword-optimize your resume for AI screening and will have the opportunity to build a 10/10 ATS-optimized resume step-by-step. Walk away with a job-ready resume—ready to submit! Presented by: Brandy Whitford | 123 Consult With Me

Landing A Job and Managing Money: What You Actually Need to Know

Thursday • 10:00–10:50 a.m. • Osceola Ballroom D
Learn the basics of budgeting (especially for first-timers!) and practical tips and tricks for interviews and resumes. Participants should plan to not just sit and listen; you’ll be contributing to a questions and answer session, role-playing, and creating resumes. Presented by: Shelbi Clinger | Idaho State University

How To Dress for Success

Thursday • 11:00–11:50 a.m. • Osceola Ballroom D
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! Presented by: Tailored Brands / Men’s Wearhouse

The Upside Down: Relating College Student-to-Student

Thursday • 1:00–1:50 p.m. • Osceola Ballroom D
Join us for a peer-to-peer perspective on college expectations and success strategies. This session will help you to understand the academic, social, and personal aspects of college life, and provide practical tips on time management, networking, and the vast array of campus resources. Presented by: Kaitlyn Denney | University of Indianapolis School of Business

The Ethics of Business: Doing Well by Doing Good

Thursday • 2:00–2:50 p.m. • Osceola Ballroom D
Dive into real-world ethical dilemmas where tough choices and competing interests collide! Explore how to balance excellence, fairness, and limited resources while making impactful decisions. Challenge yourself to think critically, navigate conflicts, and shape a responsible future! Presented by: Howard Beatty | Foundation for Economic Education

Future-Ready Leadership: Skills for the Next Decade

Friday • 8:00–8:50 a.m. • Osceola Ballroom D
Ready to stand out in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing workforce? This interactive workshop empowers you with the leadership skills essential for success now and in the future. Through engaging activities you’ll learn about adaptability, sharpen your strategic thinking, and enhance your digital leadership. Walk away with a personalized leadership roadmap designed to fuel your growth and set you on the path to success. Presented by: Brandy Whitford | 123 Consult With Me

How to Capture the Moment by Being B.R.A.T.

Friday • 9:00–9:50 a.m. • Osceola Ballroom D
Embody this year’s theme of “Capture the Moment” by being B.R.A.T.! Understand how Balance, Resiliency, Adaptability, and Teamwork can help you stand out and ultimately thrive. While this year’s theme encourages us to be present and embrace each moment, how can we use what we learn today to shape our future success? This workshop will help you develop skills that not only empower you in the present but also set the foundation for long-term growth, leadership, and achievement. Presented by: 2024-2025 Executive Council

AI-Powered Startups: Launch, Scale, Succeed This Summer

Friday • 10:00–10:50 a.m. • Osceola Ballroom D
Come join this hands-on workshop where you will rapidly launch a startup using AI. Explore AI tools for ideation, branding, and pitching while seeing how peers have scaled businesses with AI. The key takeaway: use summer to build something impactful for college applications. Presented by: Neha Khurram | Prequel

Pitch Perfect

Friday • 11:00–11:50 a.m. • Osceola Ballroom D
Pitch Perfect is your ultimate guide for mastering the art of the elevator pitch. Learn to craft a concise, compelling pitch that captures attention in interviews, networking, and introductions. You will leave having perfected your pitch with confidence and clarity. Presented by: Allyssa Norman | IA BPA Post-secondary President

Intellectual Property for Teachers and Students (Open to Advisors)

Friday • 12:00–12:50 p.m. • Osceola Ballroom A
Engage in an exciting opportunity for both teachers and students to explore the ability as individuals and as business professionals to protect your intellectual property. Learn from a United States Patent and Trademark Office - Master Teacher of Intellectual Property to become more knowledgeable abut the four types of Intellectual Property (IP). Presented by: Doug Scott | Hopkinton Public Schools

Lead Like A Zebra™

Friday • 1:00–1:50 p.m. • Osceola Ballroom D
Most students avoid leadership—not because they can’t lead, but because they haven’t unlocked their full potential. This interactive session will help you stand out and step up with confidence by mastering the 3 I’s of zebra leadership. Learn to lead by maximizing the strengths already inside you! Presented by: Nick Zizi | Nick Zizi Enterprises, Inc.

Discover Your Z-Print™

Friday • 2:00–2:50 p.m. • Osceola Ballroom D
There’s something in you that would make people fascinated—if they only knew! No two zebras have the same stripes, just like no two people have the same strengths. Through engaging exercises and interactive activities, uncover your unique Z-Print™ and learn how your gifts, experiences, and passions shape your path to success. Presented by: Nick Zizi | Nick Zizi Enterprises, Inc.

Cracking the Code: The Power of Accounting for Your Future

Friday • 3:00–3:50 p.m. • Osceola Ballroom B
Discover how accounting can unlock endless possibilities! Learn how mastering accounting fundamentals leads to exciting careers, entrepreneurial ventures, and global opportunities. Hear from experts who’ve used accounting to travel, launch businesses, and shape impactful futures. Presented by: Christin Hunter | AICPA

Unlock Your Future: Discover Your Natural Career Fit with YouScience Brightpath (Open to Advisors)

Friday • 3:00–3:50 p.m. • Osceola Ballroom A
Learn how to tap into the power of your natural aptitudes to discover the careers that are a perfect match for your unique talents. Dive into the science of aptitudes and how your innate abilities can point you toward fulfilling career paths that may not have been considered. Presented by: Marisa Littlefield | YouScience

First Ever AP Business Course in CTE

Friday • 4:00–4:50 p.m. • Osceola Ballroom D
At long last, business professionals--an Advance Placement (AP) class just for you! In 2026-2027, the College Board is launching AP Business Principles/Personal Finance worldwide. This first of its kind project-based course provides an overview of business topics such as entrepreneurship, finance & accounting, marketing, and management, while connecting personal finance concepts. As an AP course designed for the CTE business space, you will be able to earn college credit, an IRC, as well as potentially satisfy a Personal Finance graduation requirement for graduation. If you want an inside preview of this new, exciting, and engaging course, visit this session, led by a College Board representative and two teachers actively involved with the course development. Learn about how this course can prepare you for BPA competitions as well as your college and career goals. Presented by: Aanand Vasudevan | College Board, with Shauna Williams | Idaho Division of CTE and Kerri Largo | BPA Chapter Advisor

Ready to Launch: Chapter Leader Academy

Thursday • 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. • Osceola Ballroom B
Calling all Chapter Leaders! Whether you are recently elected or want to pursue a student-leadership position at the chapter, regional, state, or executive level, learn what it takes to launch your personal leadership and chapters to greater heights! Chapter leaders will connect with their peers and build the foundation to their own personal leadership plan, articulate and understand their BPA story, and identify key strategies for building healthy chapters. Presented by: Scott Mathie | BPA Leadership Development Specialist