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Spring 2024 Marlin Business Conference: Unlocking Career Potential
Bi-annual event features distinguished speakers and student competitions
University News | April 3, 2024
The Marlin Business Conference, a bi-annual event hosted at Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU), stands as a beacon of opportunity for aspiring students and seasoned professionals alike. With its upcoming edition themed "Building Careers," the conference promises to be a transformative event where attendees can forge new connections, explore emerging technologies, and gain invaluable insights that could shape the trajectory of their professional journeys. 
Scheduled for April 8-11, the conference is orchestrated by Professor Futyma's MBE 301: Principles of Management class, a testament to the university's commitment to experiential learning. The spring conference begins with a keynote address by Yvonne Allmond, Executive Vice President and Community Financial Engagement Officer at TowneBank. With more than three decades of experience in the financial services industry, her wealth of knowledge and leadership acumen is sure to inspire attendees as they embark on their career-building journeys. Allmond’s dedication to sharing her expertise through credit and business financing seminars for local nonprofits and community groups exemplifies the spirit of mentorship and giving back, a cornerstone value of the conference, and VWU itself.
Over the course of four days, the conference will feature distinguished speakers such as Chris Keffer, President and CEO of STIHL, whose dynamic leadership and customer-centric approach has propelled brands to new heights, and Alice Jones, Director of Career Development at Virginia Wesleyan University, offering invaluable seminars on personality testing, dressing for success, business etiquette, and resume building.
The conference is not merely a platform for passive learning but also a stage for active engagement and competition. Student-led initiatives such as the Shark Tank competition, Consulting Competition, and Ethics Competition provide a space for budding entrepreneurs and future business leaders to showcase their creativity, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making skills.
Reflecting on the conference's theme of "Building Careers," student CEO Thomas Gray emphasizes its significance in providing career opportunities for all attendees. “More than just securing jobs, the conference aims to equip individuals with the tools, insights, and networks necessary to construct fulfilling and impactful careers.”
As professionals and aspiring leaders prepare to mark their calendars for the Marlin Business Conference, they can anticipate a transformative journey filled with inspiration, learning, and the invaluable connections that could shape the trajectory of their careers for years to come.