By Arrick Garringer —
VALPARAISO, IN — Shafer Leadership Academy Executive Director Mitch Isaacs will serve as the keynote speaker for the upcoming Valparaiso Community Conference, taking place Thursday, April 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Harre Union at Valparaiso University.
Hosted by the City of Valparaiso, the Community Conference brings together residents, city leaders, and community partners for a day of learning, dialogue, and connection focused on strengthening Valparaiso’s neighborhoods and civic life.
Isaacs’ interactive keynote, “Reading the Room: Building Meaningful Connections,” will explore the role of nonverbal communication in everyday interactions. Through real-life examples, humor, and audience participation, Isaacs will help attendees better understand how body language and presence shape connection, confidence, and engagement—especially in community and public settings.
“Making meaningful connections doesn’t require being the loudest person in the room—it requires awareness,” Isaacs said. “This session is designed to help people feel more confident engaging with others and more comfortable participating fully in their communities.”
The keynote is designed to set the tone for the day and lead directly into lunch and networking, reinforcing the conference theme of Sparking Connections.
Maggie Clifton, Community Engagement Director for the City of Valparaiso, said “We are thrilled to feature the expertise of Shafer Leadership Academy at our second-ever Valparaiso Community Conference. Whether your new to Valpo or have been here for ages, the conference is an opportunity to find more meaningful ways to engage in our neighborhoods and across the community.”
Isaacs is the Executive Director of Shafer Leadership Academy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing leaders and strengthening organizations throughout East Central Indiana. He is a frequent keynote speaker and facilitator known for his engaging, approachable style and practical tools that participants can immediately apply.
In addition to the keynote, the Valparaiso Community Conference will feature sessions on city services, neighborhood engagement, public safety partnerships, and environmental stewardship. Tickets are $25 and include lunch.
Registration and additional information are available at ValpoCommCon.eventbrite.com.
