Event Information
Wednesday, May 12, 2027
Kutztown University – McFarland Student Union Building
8:00 am - 11:30 am
Meridith Elliott Powell
The biggest threat facing business today, is not artificial intelligence or even the pace of change. The biggest threat facing business today is the missed opportunity to develop the next generation of leaders.
With more than 11,000 workers turning 65 every single day, and entry level rolls being eliminated at record rates. Companies are not only losing needed talent, and experience, they are destroying their leadership pipeline creating a massive succession gap.
It’s time to shift the focus and close the succession gap. Because the companies that succeed in today’s marketplace will be the organization focused on finding, developing and shaping their future workforce.
In The Succession GAP, Hall of Fame Speaker and business growth strategist Meridith Elliott Powell reveals why succession planning is no longer just about replacing the CEO — it is about protecting the future of the entire organization. From middle managers and top sales performers to technical experts and culture carriers, every company is vulnerable if it is not intentionally developing talent at every level.
Blending research, real-world stories, and practical strategies, this keynote shows leaders how to close the succession gap before it becomes a business crisis. Because in a world of uncertainty, the companies that thrive will not just have the best technology — they will have the strongest bench.
Meridith Elliott Powell is a Hall of Fame Speaker, Million Dollar Speaker, award-winning author, and former C-Suite executive who knows firsthand what it takes to turn disruption into opportunity. With more than 25 years of business leadership experience, Meridith has built her career on helping organizations and leaders learn to thrive in uncertainty.
Her obsession with one word — change — inspired her groundbreaking research and her proven system, ASK for CHANGE, a methodology designed to turn fear into fuel and uncertainty into competitive advantage.
Date/Time:
05/12/2027
8:00 am - 11:30 am
Location
PARKING INFO & DIRECTIONS TO McFarland Student Union Building on campus of Kutztown University:
Guests park in the A-2 lot for event. If there is anyone who needs handicap parking they can use the A-1 lot. The rest of the A-1 lot is metered parking which is enforced. Guests can park there only if they’re willing to come out to feed the meter every hour.
Multipurpose Room (MS 218) in the McFarland Student Union Building. The room is on the second floor. When entering the building, it’s easiest to use the entrance by the bookstore. There are stairs in front of you to the second floor and then the room is to the left at the top of the stairs. If you need an elevator walk straight in past the stairs and the elevator is on the back wall. Go to the second floor and the room is in front of you to the right as you exit the elevator.
EVENT TIMELINE:
| 8:00 – 8:40am | Breakfast & Networking |
| 8:40 – 8:50am | Welcome and High Center Updates |
| 8:50 – 8:55am | Partner Profile (5 mins.) |
| 8:55 – 9:00am | Speaker introduction |
| 9:00 – 10:00am | Keynote speaker (Part 1) |
| 10:00 – 10:25am | Break & Networking |
| 10:25 – 11:15am | Keynote speaker (Part 2) |
| 11:25 – 11:30am | Q&A |
REGISTRATION DETAILS
High Center members, partners and nonprofits receive 3-free attendees for this event. If more than 3 tickets are needed for your company, you are able to purchase additional tickets for the price of $75 per person plus tax and fees. Connect with us by calling or emailing: highcenterinfo@etown.edu or call 717-361-1704.