City of Valparaiso builds connections and inspires leadership through annual Valparaiso Community Conference at Valparaiso University

From interactive presentations to breakout sessions, the City of Valparaiso welcomed local residents and business leaders to the Valparaiso Community Conference. The event was hosted at Valparaiso University’s Harre Union.

The program started with an introduction from Maggie Clifton, Director of Community Engagement for the City of Valparaiso. She highlighted how this year’s event would build upon last year’s with sessions that are focused on tools and ideas that everyone can apply.

“We’re thrilled to see a room full of people who want to make a positive difference here in our community,” Clifton said. “Today is really designed to be welcoming, interactive and helpful. We hope people leave here with new connections and new ideas.”

Clifton introduced Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas, who is grateful for the City of Valparaiso’s partnerships to bring events like this to life.

Costas emphasized the importance of not just being in a position to guide others, but to display the characteristics of someone who leads.

“Leaders are overrated; leadership is not. It’s a matter of encouraging leadership at every level. I think that’s been a big part of our history here in Valparaiso,” Costas said. “Trust is always necessary for progress, for peace and for us to build a strong community.”

Mitch Isaacs, Executive Director of Shafer Leadership Academy, was the keynote speaker at this year’s Community Conference. His presentation focused on the importance of body language and interacting with people.

“My presentation is about when you’re going to be in a community and public setting, what might you be feeling when you’re meeting new people? What’s happening to you physiologically? What can you do to demonstrate great confidence and body language? This helps you make the kind of connections you want as you go out and about in the community,” Isaacs said.

Between mastering a handshake, maintaining good posture and even positioning your belly button towards the person you’re talking to, Isaacs provides everyone with the best steps to take if they want to display positive body language.

“People might be gathering in groups with people, drifting in and out, and meeting people that they don’t know,” Isaacs said. “They might have some mutual interest in these breakout sessions that will spark conversation around topics and shared values. It’s a great opportunity to meet people who believe what you believe in, or are interested in what you’re interested in.”

Last year, the Valparaiso Community Conference featured an “I love Valparaiso because…” board to help people express their passion for the community and find similarities with their peers. This year, attendees were welcome to participate in an activity where they could mark on a Valparaiso map the things that spark their connection.

“Community is ultimately about bringing people together in unity, and we do that through expression,” Isaacs said. “It’s about the desire to love where they live and to improve where they live. I hope people take away a renewed interest in their community, and a recognition that others care in the way that they care.”

Between the City of Valparaiso and the support of a volunteer committee, more than 100 people were introduced to new tactics on how to make a difference at home, in their neighborhoods and throughout the community. The City of Valparaiso is looking forward to seeing how these people share their skills with others in the community and to work towards the best version of the city.

For more information on the City of Valparaiso, you can visit ci.valparaiso.in.us.