2026 LEAD Conference

When: June 17, 2026, 10:30AM - 3PM
Where: FFA Enrichment Center, Ankeny, IA
1055 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy, Ankeny, IA 50023
Member Cost: $125  |  Non-Member Cost: $199
Includes: Speaker sessions, networking activities, lunch, and registration/drink tickets for Cocktails & Conversations following the conference

About the LEAD Conference:
The IGIA LEAD Council will host this year's LEAD Conference on June 17, which brings together up-and-coming and established leaders in the grocery, convenience and food industry. This is a great opportunity for intentional networking, with time set aside for group conversations. We'll also hear from two excellent speakers, Kent Stock and Conrad Hawley, on leadership and communication topics. In addition, the conference includes a community service food drive for Food Bank of Iowa. We will break for a lunch provided at the venue.

If you've never taken part in the IGIA Leadership Institute, this one-day conference is a great glimpse into what you would gain from that four-session program. Maybe you've already attended the Leadership Institute — come and connect with your past classmates and sharpen your leadership skills while networking with new connections. Registration is open to all members! 
​

Agenda

• 10:30 AM: Check-In and Networking
• 10:45 AM: Welcome and Introduction
• 11 AM: Kent Stock, “A Story of Perseverance and Leadership”
• 12 PM: Lunch Break
• 12:45 PM: Networking Activity Hour
• 1:45 PM: Break
• 2 PM: Conrad Hawley, “C.E.O. Leadership Lessons”
• 3 PM-5 PM: Cocktails & Conversations

​
​Dress Code: Business Casual, jeans are acceptable

2026 LEAD Conference Speakers

Conrad Hawley is a former dual-sport Power Five athlete turned national motivational speaker. After a personal identity reset that included relocating and working 65-hour weeks to rebuild his habits and mindset, Conrad developed a message centered on discipline, humility, and servant leadership. 
 
Presentation: “C.E.O. Leadership Lessons”: Conrad Hawley teaches leadership as a daily lifestyle built on discipline, consistency, and authentic service. Drawing from his “C.E.O. Leadership Lessons,” he shows leaders how to win the day through small, intentional habits—starting with 6–0 mornings, eliminating blame/excuses/negativity (“No BCD”), and bringing competitive energy into every room they enter. His message emphasizes that true leaders are the best listeners, celebrate others relentlessly, and understand that leadership is legacy—it’s about who you become and the impact you leave behind. Through powerful stories, practical frameworks, and the philosophy of servitude, Conrad equips individuals at every level to lead with humility, courage, and unwavering authenticity.

Kent Stock is a coach, educator, and motivational speaker known for leading Norway High School baseball through its legendary final season—an experience later depicted in the 2007 film The Final Season. He now delivers keynotes on perseverance, leadership, embracing change, and taking risks—helping teams and organizations “lead with purpose” and inspire action.
 
Presentation: “A Story of Perseverance and Leadership”
In this motivational keynote, Kent Stock shares how an unexpected opportunity became the defining moment of his life—and how ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things by embracing change and leading with conviction. Through personal anecdotes and scenes from The Final Season, Kent inspires individuals and teams to face their challenges with courage and heart.

Community Service Food Drive for Food Bank of Iowa

Food Bank of Iowa’s most needed items:

• Protein (canned meat or fish)
• Canned fruits or vegetables
• Canned pasta sauce
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Soups or entrees
• Breakfast items (including cereal)
• 100% fruit juice
• Personal care and paper products (toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, etc.)

 
Donation Guidelines:

• All donations must be undamaged, unspoiled and unexpired.
• Packaged food must be unopened and in its original packaging with the nutrition label.
• We strive to supply the most nutritious items possible, so please consider donating low-sodium items.

 
Rather support through a monetary donation? Donate here: https://donate.foodbankiowa.org/IGIALEAD-Conference