W.Va. Leadership Conference examines managing the generational divide

CHARLESTON -- In its sixth year, the theme of the West Virginia Leadership Conference is Developing West Virginia's Future Leaders: A Look at the Four Generations at Work.

For the first time, four distinct generations are working side by side. With differing values and seemingly incompatible views on leadership, these generations have stirred up unprecedented conflict in the business world as well as unique opportunities as they relate to recruitment, retention, and transfer of leadership.

Presentations will focus on insights with practical applications for West Virginia's leaders. The West Virginia Roundtable project, called an 'annual school for leaders', will take place this year at the Waterfront Place Hotel in Morgantown on April 22-23.

"The West Virginia Leadership Conference is a valuable workshop for business, education and community leaders to network with others and discuss leadership principles important to shaping our future," said Paul E. Arbogast, president of the West Virginia Roundtable. "It is an opportunity for West Virginia's current and future leaders to gather and focus on the management principles they will face."

Cam Marston, author of the book Motivating the "What's in it for Me?" Workforce, will deliver the keynote address focusing on the generational workforce. Marston, founder and president of Generational Insight, has spent years studying the traits of the young and mature workforce to discover what makes each generation tick.

The conference is designed to provide advice for West Virginia's leaders and an opportunity for up-and-comers to network with top business leaders from across the state.

"This is the premiere outlet to teach and inspire the state's next generation of leaders," said Arbogast. "We take pride in enhancing these emerging leaders and motivating them to be their best."

The West Virginia Roundtable expects more than 300 attendees, including the members of the 2008 class of Leadership West Virginia, the statewide leadership development and education program.

The two-day conference begins with lunch on Tuesday and concludes with lunch on Wednesday. Single registration is $325 and student registration is $150. Student registrations are limited.

For more information about the West Virginia Leadership Conference or to register, visit www.wvleadershipconference.org

West Virginia University is the title sponsor of the West Virginia Leadership Conference. Additional sponsors include Bowles Rice McDavid Graff & Love LLP; Dixon Hughes PLLC; Jackson Kelly PLLC; Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC; Steptoe & Johnson PLLC; The State Journal and United Bank.

The West Virginia Leadership Conference is an annual project of the West Virginia Roundtable Inc., an independent, non-profit and non-partisan organization comprised of the state's leading Chief Executive Officers. The Roundtable is committed to advocating public policies that create economic opportunities and wealth for all West Virginians. The Roundtable's members identify and study relevant policy issues, culminating in the development of policy recommendations and action plans.