The Tenth Annual
Eugene Young
Professionals Summit
September 18th @ Graduate Eugene
The Region’s Largest Gathering Dedicated to Young Professionals
Going on 10 years, the Eugene Young Professionals Summit is the regions premier, day-long conference bringing you the best of professional development, inspiring keynotes and networking opportunities.
Beyond skill-building, it’s a chance to learn about local issues and discover how you can get involved in shaping Eugene’s future. Attendees often say the most inspiring part is connecting with so many young professionals they didn’t even realize were here — making the energy in the room truly electric.
Your ticket includes: Tons of breakout opportunities, access to the best networking in the region, Coffee, lunch, and drink tickets to our YP Happy Hour at the end of the day
Meet Your 2025 Opening Keynote
Join Marcus Harvey, founder of Portland Gear, as he explores the power of entrepreneurship in community transformation. Discover how aligning business goals with civic pride can lead to meaningful impact.
Marcus Harvey is the founder and CEO of Portland Gear, a brand born from his passion for Portland and its community. What began as an Instagram account, @Portland, evolved into a thriving apparel company that celebrates the city’s unique spirit. Through Portland Gear, Marcus has created a platform that connects locals and visitors alike, offering products that embody the pride and energy of Portland.
Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Marcus is deeply committed to civic engagement. He is a charter investor in the Portland Diamond Project, a grassroots initiative aiming to bring Major League Baseball to Portland. This involvement underscores his dedication to shaping the city’s future and fostering community pride.
At the conference, Marcus will discuss the intersection of entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and community building. He’ll share insights on how businesses can play a pivotal role in shaping the cities they inhabit and the importance of creating brands that resonate with local values and aspirations.
Summit Schedule Overview
Get a glimpse into your full day schedule of the 2025 YP Summit
8:00 – 9:00 AM
Check-in & Networking
Time to get ready for the day! Grab a coffee, meet some fellow YPs.
9:00 AM
Summit Kickoff & Keynote Marcus Harvey
Hear from Marcus on how entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and community building all intersect and play a pivotal role in shaping a city.
10:30 AM
Breakout Session One
Summit your way. Choose from a variety of breakout sessions and topics.
Breakout one
Personal Branding Without the BS: Purpose, Not Persona
Dave Moss, Executive Director
Eugene Symphony
Breakout two
The Holistic Health Roundtable
India Lind
Downtown Athletic Club
Jen Stanton
Downtown Athletic Club
Bethany Thomas
Evergreen Nutrition
Breakout three
CEO Q&A
Get direct access to local CEOs who are ready to answer your questions and share valuable insights.
Paula Lafferty, CEO
SnoTemp
JJ Urhausen, CEO
Deployed Logix
11:35 AM
Lunch
Grab a bite and network! Lunch is provided.
12:45 PM
Breakout Session Two
Summit your way. Choose from a variety of breakout sessions and topics.
Breakout one
Groundedness and openness, with a pinch of intentionality: a recipe for traveling the career path that lies ahead.
Jesse Nelson, Executive Director
Connected Lane County
Breakout two
Skip the Startup: How to Own (or Expand) a Business by Buying One – Stop grinding from zero. Start with customers, cash flow, and a real foundation
Samantha Doyle, Owner
Executive Forum and Strategic Business Coaching LLC
Breakout three
Parenthood & Professional Growth: A Balancing Act
Jessica Thomas, General Manager
Sweet Cheeks Winery
Shelly Ivey, Executive Director
Boys & Girls Club of Emerald Valley
Joshua Bates, Executive Director
Library, Recreation, and Cultural Services- City of Eugene
1:45 PM
Closing Session | Our Community’s Future is Up to Us: So Let’s Make it Happen
An interactive panel on how YPs can show up and make a positive impact in our community.
3:45 – 4:30 PM
Summit After Party!
Drink tickets included. Spend some more time networking and getting to know your fellow YPs.















