2026 Dates Coming Soon!
The CPE Center
10449 US Hwy 301 S., Statesboro, GA 30458
*The priority deadline has passed for the Call for Proposals, but we will review and accept proposals until all time slots are full.
The Southeast Leadership Conference (SLC) is tailored for businesses and industries in the Southeast region of the U.S.
This year’s conference theme is “Leadership Reimagined: Innovating the Way We Lead” In today’s fast-evolving world, traditional leadership approaches are no longer enough.
This conference will explore cutting-edge leadership strategies that embrace innovation, adaptability, and modern trends such as remote/hybrid work, technological advancements such as AI, and shifting workforce dynamics. Attendees will learn how to cultivate forward-thinking leadership styles that empower teams, drive growth, and foster a culture of creativity and resilience. Join us to reimagine what it means to lead in the 21st century and inspire a new era of leadership.
Drew Epting
Director of Talent Services and Marketing at MAU
Drew Epting is a leading workforce solutions company specializing in talent, process, and technology solutions for manufacturers. With a passion for creating strong team cultures and effective workforce strategies, Drew plays a key role in helping his customers thrive in a competitive market.
Read More about Drew
Drew graduated from Augusta University, where he also played baseball, developing a strong foundation in teamwork, discipline, and leadership. Prior to his work at MAU, he spent 11 years working for a non-profit that focused on faith-based leadership development. He joined MAU seven years ago and works with customers throughout the Southeast. Outside of his professional work, Drew is deeply committed to his family, church and local community. He lives in Augusta, Georgia with his wife, Jes, and their three children. He enjoys the outdoors, reading, playing golf, and mentoring younger leaders.
Leslie Smith
Vice President for Leadership and Education, Association of the U.S. Army,
Leadership Professor, Georgia Southern University
Lieutenant General Leslie C. Smith, US Army (retired) currently serves as the Vice President for Leadership and Education, Association of the United States Army, a visiting leadership professor at Parker College of Business – Georgia Southern University, a director on several corporate boards and the CEO for LV Smith Corporate Group, LLC. LTG Smith received his commission from Georgia Southern University (GSU) in 1983 as a Field Artillery Officer. In 1985, he graduated from GSU with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and as a distinguished military graduate and branched as a Chemical Officer. He was inducted into Kappa Alpha Psi in the Iota Pi Chapter at GA Southern in April 1982.
Read More about LTG Smith
LTG Smith’s final assignment on active duty from 2018 to 2021 was as The Inspector General, Office of the Secretary of the Army, the first Chemical officer to serve in that position.
As a general officer his assignments included the 25th Chief of Chemical and Commandant of the United States Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear School, Commanding General 20th Support Command (CBRNE) (responsible for leading Explosive Ordnance Disposal and CBRN Soldiers in 15 states and 3 -5 countries, the Commanding General of the United States Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood (the first chemical officer to do so), and as the Deputy the Inspector General.
LTG Smith holds a Master of Science degree in Administration from Central Michigan University and a Master of Arts degree in national security strategy from the National Defense University.
He is married to Vanedra, they have two grown daughters.
Conference Strands
- Innovation and Efficiency: Explore how to balance creativity with streamlined processes to drive innovation while improving operational efficiency. Discover new tools and strategies to foster a culture of continuous improvement and problem-solving.
- Empowering People and Teams: Focus on building strong, motivated teams by empowering individuals through trust, collaboration, and leadership development.
- Navigating Change: Gain insights into leading organizations and teams through periods of uncertainty and transformation. This strand will provide practical strategies for adapting to change with resilience and agility.
- Culture and Engagement: Learn how to create and sustain a positive workplace culture that fosters employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention. This track emphasizes the importance of values-driven leadership in shaping organizational success.
- Effective Communication: Enhance your communication skills to inspire, persuade, and connect with diverse audiences. This strand focuses on techniques for clear, impactful communication that drives alignment and collaboration.
- Promoting Growth and Longevity: This track explores how leaders can ensure their organizations thrive in the future using strategies for sustainable growth and long-term success, including innovation, succession planning, and continuous learning.
Registration
Registration Now Open!
Early Bird Registration Ends February 28
| Early Bird Rate | Regular Rate | |
| Participant | $155 | $180 |
| GS Staff/Faculty | $130 | $150 |
Payment Policy
- All conference registration fees must be paid prior to attending the conference.
- Payment must be received within 30 days of registration.
- Receiving an invoice does not guarantee a seat at the conference.
- Registrations with outstanding balances that are older than 30 days may be canceled.
- Any credentials or certificates will be withheld until payment is received.
Call for Proposals
- Must fall into one of the tracks
- Title
- 300-word description
- One or more learning objectives
- Innovation and Efficiency: Innovative approaches, tools, and best practices to streamline processes, boost productivity, and drive efficiency.
- Empowering People and Teams: Building strong, motivated teams by empowering individuals through trust, collaboration, and leadership development.
- Navigating Change: Practical strategies for adapting to change with resilience and agility.
- Culture and Engagement: Sustaining a positive workplace culture to foster employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
- Effective Communication: Techniques for clear, impactful communication to drive alignment and collaboration.
- Promoting Growth and Longevity: Strategies for sustainable growth and long-term success, including innovation, succession planning, and continuous learning.
Accepted presenters will not be offered payment or travel reimbursement for presenting but will receive free admittance to the conference.
FAQs
This conference is designed for a wide range of professionals in leadership roles or those aspiring to lead in their respective fields. Attendees may include:
- C-suite Executives and Senior Leaders – who are responsible for setting organizational direction and strategy.
- Mid-Level Managers and Team Leaders – seeking to enhance their leadership skills and learn modern approaches to managing teams.
- Entrepreneurs and Business Owners – looking for innovative leadership strategies to grow their businesses.
- HR and People Operations Professionals – interested in leadership trends related to talent management, organizational culture, and employee engagement.
- Change Agents and Thought Leaders – who are passionate about driving transformation in their organizations or industries.
- Aspiring Leaders – early-career professionals or those looking to step into leadership roles who want to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to lead effectively.
- Nonprofit and Community Leaders – focused on leading with purpose, driving social change, and innovating within mission-driven organizations.
- Educators and Leadership Coaches – involved in leadership training and development, seeking new insights to empower future leaders.
This event is ideal for anyone looking to modernize their leadership approach, stay ahead of emerging trends, and foster innovation within their teams or organizations.
The dress code for the conference is business casual.
The Southeast Leadership Conference is located at the Georgia Southern University CPE Center located in Statesboro, Georgia. 10449 US Hwy 301 S., Statesboro, GA 30458
Parking for the Southeast Leadership Conference will be in the CPE Center Parking Lot.
Parking at the Georgia Southern University CPE Center is free.
Yes. There are Georgia Southern University’s Division of Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) CEUs available.
For general conference information, contact:
Email: dceconferences@georgiasouthern.edu
Phone: 912-478-5555
For registration assistance, contact:
Email: ce-registrations@georgiasouthern.edu
Phone: 912-478-5551