2025 EMERGE Conference Recap- Through the Eyes of an Intern

The lobby of Central Bank Center in downtown Lexington, Kentucky was abuzz with energy as emerging leaders from across Central Kentucky gathered for the 2025 EMERGE Conference.

Attendees ranged from young professionals, such as myself, seeking to advance in their careers to senior managers, networking over coffee and pastries as they prepared to listen to Coach Matthew Mitchell's keynote address.

Coach Mitchell kicked off the day by sharing insights from his latest book, “Ready to Win: How Great Leaders Succeed through Preparation.” Drawing on his extensive coaching experience at the University of Kentucky, Mitchell inspired the audience with his message of perseverance and continuous learning. He emphasized that even as a three-time SEC Coach of the Year, he encountered challenges in leadership roles that required him to adapt and grow. He shared a memorable story about his time as a defensive coordinator at a Mississippi high school, a position he initially had no experience in. Instead of shying away from the challenge, Mitchell embraced the opportunity to learn, setting an example of resilience and self-improvement for all attendees .

Through his types of preparation, he focused on things such as stepping into our lives to live them more fully, taking the time to reflect on the day and wanting to be in constant growth. His book exemplifies the little things everyone can sometimes use a reminder on.

The conference then moved into its first round of breakout sessions, focused on professional development and community education. The sessions offered a blend of interactive activities and informative presentations, all designed to provide attendees with actionable insights. One standout session, titled Greater Lexington’s Strategy for Attracting and Retaining Talent, unveiled the region’s first marketing campaign aimed at strengthening its workforce and keeping local talent engaged. Brett Bibb and Betsy Dexter of Commerce Lexington provided a comprehensive overview of regional statistics, including cost of living, the job market, and available entertainment options, sparking a dynamic conversation among participants.

Attendees engaged in an interactive SWOT analysis exercise, divided into three groups based on the Live, Work, and Play components of the marketing campaign. Each group brainstormed the region’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, generating valuable feedback to help shape future initiatives.

The afternoon featured a lively "fireside chat" between Raquel Carter, owner of Guide Realty, and Bruce Drake and Brian McCarty, owners of Bluegrass Hospitality Group. The three shared personal success stories, continuing the theme of “Ready to Win,” and candidly discussed their failures and achievements, offering valuable lessons on resilience and moving forward. The session was made even more engaging with a live question and answer session, allowing the audience to submit questions via QR code and fostering an interactive dialogue with the panelists.

The second round of breakout sessions shifted focus toward community engagement. One particularly popular session, DevelopLex Live, featured Ross Boggess and Weston Lockhart of the DevelopLex podcast, alongside Seth Turner of Turner Commons and Chad Walker of the Warehouse Block. The discussion centered around how they all got to where they are today and on new developments coming to the region and their potential impact on local communities. These projects, which include new entertainment venues, restaurants, and business spaces, aim to attract people to the area rather than push them away. The panel highlighted the importance of creating more opportunities for large-scale events, such as concerts, which have historically drawn entertainers to cities like Cincinnati and Louisville due to their capacity to host major performances.

The EMERGE Conference provided a platform for community-minded leaders to share their ideas and gain the tools needed to advance their careers and contribute to the region’s growth. The event empowered professionals at all levels by offering practical strategies and fostering connections that would help them make a lasting impact.

Leaving the conference, I felt energized and inspired by the valuable lessons shared by Coach Mitchell, the dynamic breakout sessions, and the rich discussions with fellow Central Kentucky business leaders. I was reminded of the importance of embracing discomfort, taking risks, and fully committing to projects—lessons that I look forward to applying as I continue to grow in my career.

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