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For the tenth consecutive year, Commerce Lexington’s EMERGE Conference brought together the next generation of Central Kentucky leaders. About 350 people enjoyed a full day of networking, engaging keynote speakers, informative breakout sessions, and discovering ways to better connect to and impact the community.  An outgrowth of one of Commerce Lexington’s past Leadership Visits, the 2023 Commerce Lexington EMERGE Conference was presented by Forcht Bank on Tuesday, March 7.

EMERGE 2023 Photos by Mahan Multimedia:

PRESENTED BY:
Forcht bank logo
Agenda
BREAKOUTS
MEET THE SPEAKERS

Keynotes:
The Elephant in the Room
OPENING KEYNOTE SPONSORED BY:
Guide Realty
Morning Keynotes: Cherena Fox and Keionna Baker (left) of The Elephant In The Room

Our morning keynote speakers were Cherena Fox and Keionna Baker of The Elephant In The Room, an interactive diversity and inclusion company focused on organizational transformations and development through creating comfortable spaces to have uncomfortable conversations.  During their workshop entitled “Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself,” Baker and Fox focued on Implicit Bias and Cultural Awareness and Inclusion.  They took a deep dive with the audience members into everyday interactions and ways of thinking, proactively addressing what microaggressions are and how to examine personal biases before they become damaging to your brand's image and internal teams. The Elephant in the Room will equipped audience members with the tools needed to create a strong inclusive work culture, and create open communication between teams and management.

David Horning
LUNCHEON KEYNOTE SPONSORED BY:
UK Online
Luncheon Keynote: David Horning of Water Cooler Comedy

​Our luncheon keynote was David Horning of Water Cooler Comedy, providing a session titled “Stand Up & Lead: How 'Thinking Like A Comedian' Creates Standout Cultures.”  Employers and employees continue to struggle to engage teams and drive productivity in a post-COVID hybrid, work-from-anywhere world.  In this customized program, participants experienced an introduction to innovative leadership based on the principles of humor that have turned strategic communications firm Peppercomm and others into perennial top workplaces.  

PLATINUM SPONSORS:
Picture
Picture
HRG logo
OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER SPONSOR:
Picture
LUNCHEON KEYNOTE SPEAKER SPONSOR:
Picture
CHARGING STATION SPONSOR:
Kinetic by Windstream logo
NAME BADGE SPONSOR:
BRANDING SPONSOR:
Picture
Picture
GOLD SPONSORS:
Billings Law logo
Chiropractic Care
Toyota logo
SILVER SPONSORS:
KFB logo - Kristin Clark
Kristin Clark, Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance
Lexington Legends logo
Lexmark logo
Simply Clean logo
RECEPTION SPONSOR:
Dinsmore logo
MUGSHOT SPONSOR:
Mahan Mutimedia
For EMERGE sponsorship opportunities, please email Angela Carlos.
Copyright © 2023 Commerce Lexington Inc., all rights reserved.
COMMERCE LEXINGTON® and the Commerce Lexington logo are registered trademarks of Commerce Lexington.
330 East Main Street, Suite 100, Lexington, Kentucky, 40507
Phone: (859) 254-4447  |  Fax: (859) 233-3304
  • About
    • Message from the Board Chair
    • President's Message
    • Top Investors
    • Board of Directors
    • Racial Equity Pledge
    • Staff Directory
    • Find Our Offices | Parking
    • NEWS
  • Do Business
    • Business Directory
    • Economic Development
    • Minority Business Development >
      • Minority Business Directory
      • Procurement Opportunities
    • Business & Education Network
    • Resources >
      • Start a Business
      • Relocate a Business
      • Funding & Financing
      • Publications
  • Live & Work
    • Relocation Guide
    • Job Openings
    • Getting Around
    • Demographics
    • Cost of Living
    • Lexington History
    • Lexington Rankings
    • Education >
      • Public Education
      • Private Education
    • Health Care
  • Advocacy
    • About Public Policy
    • Your Government >
      • Local
      • State
      • Federal
    • Policy Statements & Key Issues
  • Membership
    • Member Benefits
    • Member Discounts
    • Member News
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
    • JOIN
  • Events
    • Commerce Lexington Events Calendar
    • Community Calendar
    • Submit an Event
    • An Evening With Commerce Lexington
    • EMERGE 2023 >
      • EMERGE Breakouts
      • Speakers
      • Agenda
    • Leadership Visit >
      • Grand Rapids 2023
      • Impact
      • Past Trips >
        • Tampa-St. Petersburg 2022
        • Austin 2021
        • Raleigh 2019
    • Portugal 2023
    • Regional Summit
    • Washington Fly-In
    • Salute to Small Business >
      • Nominate a Business
      • Award Categories
      • Small Business Awards Application
      • Past Award Winners
  • Connect
    • Become a Member
    • Peer Programming >
      • Business Owners Advisory Boards (BOAB)
      • Peer Groups
    • Emerging Leaders of the Bluegrass
    • Leadership Development >
      • Leadership Lexington >
        • Application
        • Class Roster
        • Class Projects
        • Steering Committee
        • Alumni
      • Leadership Central Kentucky >
        • Class Roster
        • Board of Directors
        • LCK Alumni
    • Ambassador Program