
Craig B. Whelden
Major General, U.S. Army (ret), Whelden Associates
Craig’s leadership journey began as an Eagle Scout at age 14. Thirty years later, he was the youngest General in the United States Army.
Combined with another nine years as a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES) with the U.S. Marine Corps, he has led thousands of Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Civilians. In 2011, he was inducted into the Purdue University Tri-Service ROTC Hall of Fame.
In March 2019, he published Leadership: The Art of Inspiring People to Be Their Best, winning four national book awards and attaining #1 international bestseller status on Amazon.
Craig is now a Global Fortune 500 Speaker and lives in Bluffton, South Carolina.
Session Title:
Inspirational Leadership in Challenging Times
Abstract:
Plenary Speaker
Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at 9:15 AM
Largely drawn from his three-time national award winning and #1 international best-selling book, Leadership: The Art of Inspiring People to Be Their Best, Craig passes on decades of leadership and life lessons — both good and bad – told in a compelling and sometimes very personal way A “master story-teller,” thousands around the world have heard his inspirational message and have read his book.

Jones Loflin
Speaker and Author, HOPE Inc.
Jones Loflin has made it his life’s work to help individuals make the best choices with their time so they can thrive. As a professional speaker, author, and coach, he has helped countless people find the clarity and confidence they need to achieve what is most important to them. His clients include Choice Hotels, Clayton Homes, Tractor Supply, and the United States Military. Jones resides in North Carolina with his wonderful wife Lisa. They have two perfect daughters and a really cool son-in-law.
Session Title:
What To Do About Too Much To Do
Abstract:
Banquet Dinner Guest Speaker
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Let’s be honest. Your proverbial plate is already running over with all you have to do. Even worse, your mind is racing with fresh ideas for improvement and growth. If only there was a solution to this dilemma that didn’t involve cloning yourself. Our speaker today says the answer is to run off and join the circus… at least mentally.
Using the model of a successful circus, this highly engaging presentation will equip you to better manage your time and energy to accomplish what’s most important to you. Get ready to say, “May all my days be circus days!”