MARQUETTE — Grow & Lead and Connect Marquette will have the second-annual Connect & Grow Conference on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 16-17, at the Northern Center on the campus of Northern Michigan University in Marquette.

The two-day conference will bring together businesses, nonprofit leaders, board members, staff and volunteers from across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for two energizing days of learning and networking. The event will feature keynote speakers Derek Deprey and Dr. Nerita Hughes, along with interactive workshops, learning lab roundtables and networking activities designed to support and inspire those who work for the greater good in their communities.

“This event is a true collaboration between Grow & Lead and Connect Marquette,” said Amy Quinn, CEO of Grow & Lead. “Every fall, each of us typically hosts our own conference, but Molly and I started talking and thought, why not combine them? We joined forces for the first time last year, and it was such a success that we’re back again for year two with one seamless conference.”

Molly Holmstrom-Bolster, president of Connect Marquette, added: “One of our biggest goals was to make professional development more accessible, especially for people who aren’t local. Now they don’t have to make two trips to Marquette — they can experience both events in one. Even for local professionals, it means just a couple of days away from work to gain valuable knowledge and networking opportunities all in one place.”

The first day of the conference, Nonprofit Day, will feature keynote speaker Derek Deprey, creator and founder of Fit to Lead. An author, professional speaker and leadership coach, Deprey is passionate about helping people become the leaders they would want to follow. He is the author of “SHIFT: Move from Frustrated to Fulfilled” and “Everyday Leaders: Small Actions, Big Results.”

“Nonprofit work demands more than good intentions — it requires the leadership, habits and systems that turn ideas into impact,” Quinn said. “That’s why we are thrilled to welcome Derek Deprey. Through his inspiring five-gear process and practical strategies, he will equip nonprofit leaders and volunteers to reenergize and continue creating lasting change in their communities.”

The second day of the conference, Professional Development Day, will feature keynote speaker Dr. Nerita Hughes, president of Bay de Noc Community College. Prior to joining Bay College, Hughes served as interim associate vice president of Academic Affairs & Workforce Innovation at North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn Park, Minn.

Hughes brings expertise in training and staff development, leadership development, racial equity and workforce innovation. She has a special interest in strengths-based development, cultural competency, and entrepreneurship, where she helps individuals maximize their innate talents to develop their strengths.

Tickets may be purchased separately for Day One, the U.P. Nonprofit Conference, or Day Two, the Connect Conference. A two-day ticket is also available and offers a $25 discount at cgconference.org. All tickets include access to two networking events: the 20th anniversary celebration of the U.P. Nonprofit Conference on Wednesday, Oct. 15, and the conference mixer on Thursday, Oct. 16.

Discounted rates are available for Connect Marquette and Grow & Lead members, who may request a coupon code from their respective organizations before registering. Student rates are also available to college students from any institution with valid student ID.