Missouri State University’s annual Public Affairs Conference will focus on how personal and community connections shape civic life, with more than 50 speakers participating in events from Sept. 29 through Oct. 1 and a rescheduled keynote appearance by actor and author Rainn Wilson on Oct. 23.
The conference theme, “The We Factor: Building Connections That Matter,” will examine community engagement and relationship-building, according to a community announcement. Organizers said in the announcement that the event will feature in-person presentations, virtual discussions and public activities centered on strengthening connections across communities.
“At Missouri State, we have a statewide mission in public affairs, and for this year’s conference,
we get to home in on one of those pillars: community engagement,” Kevin Evans, the university’s public affairs fellow, conference chair and a geology professor, said in the announcement. “We want our students involved in these conversations as early as possible. They’re not only here to learn their craft; we also want them to learn how to live, engage with others and be part of their communities.”
Conference events focus on community connections
Conference programming includes pre-conference and post-conference events, four in-person plenary speakers and 18 virtual panel sessions.
Topics for the virtual panels include civil discourse, culture, scientific partnerships, food as a public good and other community-centered issues.
Pre-conference events include “Missouri State University: Impactful Community-Employer Partnerships” and “Conversation Circles: Making Connections that Matter.”
A post-conference event, “Kickball or Catch: Building Community through Play,” also is planned.
All conference events are free and open to the public. Registration is not required.
Four featured speakers to headline conference
The conference will feature four plenary speakers in the Plaster Student Union Theater:
- Alex Los, executive coach with Pluck Coaching and Consulting, will discuss helping Generation Z build community in the workplace at 12:15 p.m. Sept. 30.
- Pete Davis, a writer, filmmaker and civic advocate, will speak about how community and meaningful connections can influence people’s lives at 7 p.m. Sept. 30.
- Marielle Segarra, an NPR reporter and host, will discuss practical ways to strengthen relationships and everyday connections at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 1.
- Ethan Bryan, an author and community advocate, will speak about using the simple act of playing catch to connect people across generations and backgrounds at 7 p.m. Oct. 1.
Rainn Wilson appearance moved to Oct. 23
Wilson, known for portraying Dwight Schrute on “The Office,” was originally scheduled to open the conference on Sept. 29.
His keynote address has been moved to 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts because of a scheduling conflict.
The event is free and open to the public and is being presented by the Missouri State Foundation with support from KY3.
Wilson also co-founded SoulPancake, a media company that produced content exploring topics such as identity, purpose, hope and human connection. According to the announcement, he has continued examining subjects including creativity, spirituality, science, love and mental health through his writing and public appearances.
The Missouri State Foundation plans to host a VIP experience with Wilson at 5 p.m. before the keynote. Tickets are $150.
Additional information
Visitors attending in-person events may park in BearPark North without a permit.
Virtual sessions will be conducted through Zoom webinar links available on the conference schedule page.
For conference details, schedules and event information, visit Missouri State University’s Public Affairs Conference website.
This story was produced with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri State conference to explore connection and community
