Attendees chat amongst themselves during a table discussion.
The Up Next Summit by Young Professional Society (YPS) of Greater Springfield is built for emerging professionals who are ready to level up their leadership. At this year’s high-octane, one-day experience on Oct. 15, participants received fresh tools from special guests, forged valuable connections and found momentum to trend upward toward their next professional steps.
YPS of Greater Springfield President Aiden McDonald checks in on a table discussion.
“An event of this magnitude is not possible without the people who show up and support it,” reflected YPS President Aiden McDonald. “I am incredibly proud of all those who participated. They came to better themselves and in doing so bettered our community. Those that participated in the Up Next Summit, from vendors to attendees, are the future of this community.”
By 10am, participants reported to the Aria Ballroom at MGM Springfield in the heart of downtown for a day full of personal and professional growth. A welcome address by YPS President Aiden McDonald set the tone for the day before he introduced Colleen Delvecchio, the keynote speaker.
With more than 20 years of experience in strengths-based leadership, organizational change and staff development, Delvecchio knows how to maximize performance and job satisfaction by helping individuals lean into their natural gifts. She is the founder of Maxady, a service through which she provides executive coaching, career coaching, workshops, training and public speaking.
Panelists answer audience questions.
The afternoon included a leadership panel and presentations that empowered listeners to start conversations, breaks to allow time to forge connections and numerous micro workshops.
Andrea Bailey, founder of Evolving Mind and Body and creator of TheraRuck, instructed “Leading without Losing Yourself” to help participants preserve their sense of autonomy.
Angelle Lopez of the Springfield Business Improvement District (BID) spoke about the importance of keeping one’s culture at the forefront of their leadership pursuits, drawing on her experience as the outreach and public relations chair for the Springfield Puerto Rican Parde.
Dee Ward, volunteer manager at United Way of Pioneer Valley, preached the importance of community engagement and volunteerism amidst professional responsibilities.
Gary Dawson, director of learning and development at the Employers Association of the NorthEast, gave a crash course on the basics of modern business etiquette and maintaining a professional presence.
Lastly, Kelly Martins, founder and brand strategist for GRATI Consulting, helped participants take a step back from their marketing efforts and view their promotional tactics with fresh eyes.
Did you miss out on the Up Next Summit and the discussions led by these amazing individuals? Get a taste of the conference at this month’s Leadership Luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 12-1:30pm at the University of Massachusetts Center at Springfield’s Tower Square when Kelly Martins returns to help attendees stop marketing themselves live a resume and learn to better articulate their defining talents. You can register online at SpringfieldYPS.com today.
At the end of the evening, an after party at the MGM Terrace helped guests debrief the day and cement the connections they made throughout the full day of programming.
McDonald extends his appreciation to the members of the YPS of Greater Springfield Executive Board and sub-committees that made the occasion possible by working tirelessly behind the scenes, as well as the event’s valued sponsors. This includes Peoples Bank; MGM Springfield; Bacon Wilson, P.C.; the Employers Association of the NorthEast; the Young Professionals of MassMutual’s Business Resource Groups (BRG); Visual Sound Productions, Inc.; United Way Pioneer Valley; and Springfield Downtown.
Don’t want to miss out on 2027? Keep posted on the group’s website and social media for frequent updates.
Representatives from the YPS of Greater Springfield Executive Board greet the audience at the beginning of the Up Next Summit at MGM Springfield.