Agenda

10:00 AM	FROM NEW HIRES TO VETERANS: CANDID CONVERSATIONS THAT COUNT Whether you're just getting started or have years of experience, this session offers a space for open, honest dialogue. Newer directors can ask questions (big or small), and seasoned leaders can share lessons learned along the way. Come for the connection, stay for the insights. Facilitated by: Beth Archer & Kirby Player
12:00 PM	LUNCH & CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
1:00 PM	CONTENT SHOWCASE: TELLING OUR STORY Discover how storytelling can strengthen your program’s impact. You'll participate in a guided activity to shape your own story and exchange ideas with peers on how to elevate storytelling within your program and beyond.
3:00 PM	IAPAL BUSINESS MEETING Facilitated by: Jordan Burroughs
5:30 PM	INFORMAL HAPPY HOUR AT THE HOTEL
6:30 PM	WELCOME RECEPTION: A TASTE OF MICHIGAN Enjoy a relaxed evening of networking with fellow attendees while sampling Michigan-grown foods and craft beverages. Join us as we celebrate community, connection, and the unique tastes of the Great Lakes State. Come representing your program with your logo wear!

7:00 AM	BREAKFAST AND NETWORKING Guests staying at the Embassy Suites Hotel are welcome to enjoy a complimentary breakfast in the dining room adjacent to the lobby.
8:00 AM	CONTENT SHOWCASE: REFLECTIVE PRACTICE Participants will share their leadership stories and learn how reflective practice deepens learning, fosters connection, and helps translate experience into lasting impact across our leadership programs.
9:30 AM	RIVERIDGE CIDER CO Riveridge is a leader in Michigan’s apple industry, integrating innovation, sustainability, and superior quality from orchard to market. As part of a vertically integrated grower, packer, and marketer, Riveridge brings deep knowledge of MI apples - from blossom to bottle.
12:00 PM	NEW CITY FARM / NEW CITY NEIGHBORS & LUNCH New City Farm, part of New City Neighbors is a mission-driven urban farm empowering youth through sustainable agriculture. By growing fresh, local produce and providing hands-on training, the farm cultivates leadership, entrepreneurship, and food equity in the community.
2:30 PM	SWISSLANE FARM Swisslane Farm, a fourth-generation dairy farm, is dedicated to sustainable dairy production, herd care, and agricultural education. Combining tradition with innovation, Swisslane advances efficiency, animal welfare, and leadership development in the dairy industry.
6:30 PM	THOUGHT DESIGN DINNER Enjoy an immersive evening featuring creativity, collaboration, camaraderie, and culinary delights.

7:00 AM	BREAKFAST AND NETWORKING Guests staying at the Embassy Suites Hotel are welcome to enjoy a complimentary breakfast in the dining room adjacent to the lobby.
8:00 AM	CONTENT SHOWCASE: APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY Engage in a strengths-based conversation about what’s working well across IAPAL programs - and where we can grow next. You’ll collaborate with fellow attendees to exchange effective practices, explore shared challenges, and imagine the future of agricultural leadership together.
11:30 AM	SPRING MEADOW NURSERY & LUNCH Spring Meadow Nursery is a leading innovator in ornamental shrub propagation. With a focus on research, sustainability, and industry leadership, Spring Meadow supplies high-quality plants to growers nationwide, shaping the future of horticulture. Bring a lightweight jacket to stay warm.
3:00 PM	DINNER CRUISE AND AWARDS CEREMONY Join us for a scenic sunset cruise on Lake Michigan, complete with breathtaking views, meaningful networking, and reflections on the region’s vital water resources. As we unwind from a week of inspiring discussions, we’ll also honor outstanding contributions during a special awards ceremony.
9:00 PM	RETURN TO HOTEL

7:00 AM	BREAKFAST AND NETWORKING Guests staying at the Embassy Suites Hotel are welcome to enjoy a complimentary breakfast in the dining room adjacent to the lobby.
8:00 AM	ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS Join your IAPAL peers for informal, topic-based roundtable discussions focused on issues that matter most to our group. These conversations are an opportunity to exchange ideas, ask questions, and share innovative practices. Whether you're looking to solve a challenge or spark a new idea, you'll leave with fresh insights and practical takeaways to strengthen your own program.
11:30 AM	CONFERENCE WRAP UP AND ADJOURN
12:00 PM	LUNCH