INSPIRE Northwest Conference Returns to Wenatchee Oct. 8

WENATCHEE — INSPIRE Northwest will return to the Numerica Performing Arts Center on Oct. 8 for its second annual marketing and communications conference, featuring sessions on communication, artificial intelligence, brand development and video storytelling.

The conference will be headlined by Mark Bowden, founder of TRUTHPLANE, who works with political leaders, executives and public figures on nonverbal communication. His keynote will focus on body language and techniques related to trust, credibility and influence.

"INSPIRE Northwest was created to prove that you don't have to fly to Seattle, San Francisco, or New York to hear world-class ideas," said Jennifer Bushong, founder and producer of INSPIRE Northwest and principal and CEO of JBe Marketing Group. "We're bringing that caliber of speakers to Wenatchee and pairing it with the kind of community connection only a hyperlocal event can offer."

Other scheduled speakers include Nancy Tedeschi of Pickleball Bella, who will discuss brand development and community engagement, and Apurva Luty of Optimly, whose session will focus on the use of artificial intelligence in marketing.

A panel titled "Three Lenses, One Story" will feature Jeff Ostenson, Joey Seeman and Kelsey Kurtis discussing how different creative disciplines can be combined in video storytelling.

The conference also will include a business-to-business vendor area from noon to 1:30 p.m. and a networking event following the conference sessions.

Swire Coca-Cola and TRUTHPLANE are listed as co-title presenters. Other sponsors and regional partners include Convergence Networks, iPro Building Services, SkillSource, NCW Tech Alliance, Wenatchee World, Native Network, Pool to Spa, Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority, Washington Trust Bank, Nancy's Party Rental, Cancer Support Community Central Washington and Terminal Media.

All-day passes are $75 plus tax, while student tickets are $20 plus tax, according to organizers.

INSPIRE Northwest is founded and produced by Wenatchee-based JBe Marketing Group.