Dubuque’s Leading Personal & Professional Development Experience

Please join us for our Dubuque Area Chamber’s Young Professionals Dubuque Symposium 2025 on Wed., November 5th. YPD Symposium is a half-day, conference-style experience designed to provide area young professionals with tools to accelerate their careers and access out-of-the-box development. This dynamic event will feature the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and peers, gain insights from experts, and amass actionable takeaways covering essential skills like leadership, networking, and productivity.

Whether it be professional or personal, we strive to present attendees with information and connections to help them thrive in both the Dubuque community and today's competitive workforce. This conference is a must-attend for anyone focused on professional growth and personal success.

The YPD Symposium 2025 will be held on Wed., November 5th at Hotel Julien Dubuque. Registration closes October 29th. 

AGENDA

11:30 AM - NOON | Registration and Lunch buffet

Noon - 12:10 PM | Welcome, Matt Thole, YP Chair

12:10 - 1:00 PM | Opening keynote | Jason Douglas, Corporate Speaker & Team Building Keynote, The Comedian Company | Power of Thank You | His POWER OF THANK YOU keynote has been a success at events nationwide. Key Points Jason covers:1) Team building. 2) Defining the goals and setting small goals on the way to the top. 3) Using humor as a tool. 4) Opening up communication lines with your team. 5) The power of “thank you”. This presentation is mixed with humor & customized for your group so it’s not just a boring speaker!

Jason’s speaking engagements are a mix of motivation, humor, business keynote, and most importantly how to work as & build a winning team. Jason mixes humor and motivation in a unique way. He's a stand up comedian and also is the president of one of the largest comedian booking companies in America. He talks about the obstacles he’s faced over the last 20 years, the wins, and yes – Even the fails. Jason believes we learn from both wins and losses. His journey is one of inspiration and determination. Jason loves to talk about how building a team changed his business for the better. You laugh together, you learn together, and at the end we’ve grown together. Jason has spoken to many Fortune 500 companies and tons of small local businesses as well. His company has generated tens of millions in revenue over the past decade. Jason’s appeared on CBS, Fox, and SiriusXM.

1:00 - 1:10 PM | Giveaways/Share Breakout information for both sessions

1:10 - 1:25 PM | Break

1:25 - 2:10 PM | Breakout 1

• 1A) Jason Douglas | Better Communication with Humor | In this engaging, interactive workshop, Jason Douglas expands on his signature keynote The Power of Thank You and pairs it with his popular session Better Communication with Humor. Together, these two powerful themes show how gratitude and laughter can transform any team.
   
• 1B) Discover Dubuque Panel | Hidden Gems & Local Favorites | Join us for an engaging panel featuring local leaders who are passionate about all things Dubuque! This session will shine a spotlight on the unique activities, events, sights, and community spaces that make Dubuque such a great place to live, work, and play. From hidden gems to can’t-miss experiences, our panelists will share ways to get involved, explore, and connect with the city beyond the usual hotspots. Whether you’re new to town or a longtime resident, you’ll walk away inspired to rediscover Dubuque—and maybe even fall in love with it all over again.
  Panelists include:
  • -Wayne Buchholtz, Lead Educator, National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
  • -Carrie Koelker, VP, Community Engagement, Travel Dubuque
  • -Jared McGovern, Director, The Wanderwood Gardens

2:10 - 2:20 PM | Break

2:20 – 3:15 PM | Breakout 2

• 2A) Ty Lewis, Speaker, Consultant, Community Leader, Futurist, NEXT Generation Consulting, Inc. | Foresight 101: Your Playbook for Future Thinking | This interactive session takes the mystery out of “futurist thinking.” You’ll learn practical tools to identify trends, spot opportunities, and make confident decisions in uncertain times. Through short activities and discussion, you’ll discover how to apply foresight to your own goals, work, and leadership journey.
   
• 2B) Local Business Panel | Empowering Entrepreneurs | Join us for an engaging and insightful Local Business Panel featuring entrepreneurs, industry experts, and community leaders who are driving growth and innovation in today’s business landscape. This discussion will explore the challenges and opportunities small businesses face — from growth and marketing to operations, hiring, and adapting in a changing economy. Attendees will gain practical strategies, hear real-world success stories, and have the opportunity to ask questions and connect directly with experienced business owners. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a current business owner, or simply interested in learning about local businesses, this panel offers valuable perspectives and actionable takeaways to help you on your journey.
  Panelists include:
  • -Chris Brewer, Founder/CEO, River City Logistics
  • -Megan Eisel, PA-C, CAQ-Derm, Owner, Driftless Skin Center, P.C.
  • -Wes Hartig, CEO, MedOne Pharmacy Benefit Solutions
  • -Chad Richardson, Owner, Richardson Motors

3:15 – 3:20 PM | Break

3:20 - 3:30 PM | Giveaways/Meghan Hackett award presentation

3:30 – 4:30 PM | Closing keynote | Ty Lewis, NEXT Generation Consulting, Inc. |  Don’t Wait for the Future, Build It | This interactive session takes the mystery out of “futurist thinking.” You’ll learn practical tools to identify trends, spot opportunities, and make confident decisions in uncertain times. Through short activities and discussion, you’ll discover how to apply foresight to your own goals, work, and leadership journey.

Ty Lewis — known to many as “Ty Lewie” or “Ty the Guy” — is a dynamic speaker, consultant, and community leader dedicated to helping others discover their purpose and potential. From humble beginnings in Stone Mountain, Georgia, to leading initiatives that invested over $100,000 in Black academic success, Ty’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and impact.

With a background in banking, real estate investing, and nonprofit leadership, Ty knows how to turn big dreams into measurable results. As the lead facilitator of Think Like a Futurist (TLAF) training and a soon-to-be certified StrengthsFinder coach, he helps individuals and teams operate in their “zone of genius” and build a vision for the future.

Ty’s speaking style is authentic, energizing, and deeply relatable. Whether he’s mentoring young professionals or inspiring executives, he leaves audiences empowered to take bold action and create lasting change.

Where Ty goes, transformation follows.

4:30 – 5:00 PM | Giveaways and Final announcements

5:00 PM | Adjourn

Questions? Call Justine at the Chamber for details, 563.557.9200.