Dr. Karla Gower

Grant Deady

Shermann "Dilla" Thomas

Brian Price

Gabby DiCarlo

Alana Doyle

Emma Gresser

Geoff Curtis

Linda Rutherford

Christie Sithiphone

Damon Jones

Dr. Karen Miller Russell

Lisa Sepulveda

Eric Winkfield

The Plank Summit

The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations

The Summit this year is focused on students and young professionals, helping them prepare to be future leaders.

Union League Club

<h3><strong><strong>The Plank Summit</strong></strong></h3><p><br></p><h4><strong><strong>Thurs., Nov. 13, 2025</strong></strong></h4><h4><strong><strong>2 – 4:45 p.m. CDT</strong></strong></h4><p><br></p><h4><strong><strong>Union League Club, Chicago</strong></strong></h4><h4>65 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604</h4>

<p>The Plank Summit celebrates Betsy Plank’s legacy, from her Alabama roots to her trailblazing start in Chicago. Students and emerging leaders will hear from dynamic speakers, including Dilla, who brings Chicago’s story of resilience to life, and our chair, who challenges communicators to lead with clarity, courage, and values.</p><p>This year’s Summit centers on redefining leadership: leading from the middle, balancing ambition with authenticity and turning mentorship into momentum. Attendees will gain practical networking tips, learn how to connect with honorees and become the kind of leader who doesn’t have all the answers—but is an effective solution.</p>

<h4><strong><strong>What You’ll Gain:</strong></strong></h4><ul><li>Audience-centered messaging techniques</li><li>Insights from success stories</li><li>Peer collaboration and feedback</li><li>Networking with fellow professionals</li></ul>

<h4><strong><strong>Who Should Attend:</strong></strong></h4><ul><li>Communications, marketing and public relations professionals</li><li>Content creators</li><li>Nonprofit communicators</li><li>Students and early-career professionals</li></ul>

<p><em><strong><strong>Dress Code:</strong></strong></em><em><em> </em></em><em><em>Business casual.</em></em></p>

Agenda

Welcome & Betsy's Legacy at 20 Years

Chicago as a Classroom

Next Reference - Redefining Leadership from the Emerging Edge

Break

Milestones in Motion – Leading with Values in a No-Reference Era

Evening Prep for Students & Emerging Leaders

Closing Remarks

Our {communityGuidelinesLink} describe the sort of content we prohibit on Eventbrite. If you suspect an event may be in violation, you can report it to us so we can investigate.

To report other categories of prohibited or illegal content, submit {link}

The Plank Summit

More events from The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations

Discover more events from The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations, from Business to other experiences you might love.

Still looking for the right event?

Explore all events in Chicago and filter by date, category, and more to find the perfect fit.

The Plank Summit

More events from The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations

Discover more events from The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations, from Business to other experiences you might love.

You might also like...

Browse more events with different dates, prices, and formats to find your next great experience.

Still looking for the right event?

Explore all events in Chicago and filter by date, category, and more to find the perfect fit.