The Leader Within 2026 IBEA Fall Convention

Discover how Columbus is turning a traditional school concession stand into a dynamic, real-world learning experience. In this session, you'll explore how students in a work-based learning class are taking full ownership of the concession stand — managing everything from inventory and budgeting to marketing and customer service. You will hear first-hand from students about how this innovative approach develops critical career skills, fosters entrepreneurial thinking, and brings classroom concepts to life. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or program coordinator, this session offers practical insights into creating meaningful, student-led business opportunities within your school.
Handouts include: Powerpoint Notes, classroom activities, and other materials.

Business educators are constantly bridging gaps—between classroom and career, between student uncertainty and professional preparation, between the known and the not-yet-known. But what happens when you are the one navigating uncertainty? When clarity is missing, decisions are delayed, or your role stretches in more directions than one? This interactive session focuses on the in-between—those uncomfortable, often overlooked spaces where you may not have all the answers, but are still expected to lead. Whether it’s helping a student choose their path, managing rapid curriculum changes, or staying steady in moments of chaos, you are the bridge—and you are not alone.

Many companies are shifting their requirements for entry-level positions, moving away from the necessity of bachelor’s degrees and focusing more on verified skills. Three out of four employers report that certifications are valuable training tools for employees and are something they actively seek in the hiring process. Certifications not only increase marketability and enhance credibility but also open doors to great entry-level jobs. Discover more about certification opportunities through Certiport and learn how to deliver these programs from your classroom.

Preparing learners to integrate technology into their everyday lives is essential. This presentation will explore the changing role of digital literacy in education, emphasizing the importance of providing all adults with access and knowledge to use technology effectively, safely, and responsibly. We’ll also discuss why digital literacy should not be treated as a separate skill but rather integrated seamlessly into classroom instruction across content areas. Participants will gain practical strategies using the BurlingtonEnglish platform to enhance digital literacy among learners, aiming to bridge the digital divide and foster greater inclusion and empowerment through improved digital skills.

Ready to turn students into the next generation of powerhouse entrepreneurs? This session is your blueprint for teaching entrepreneurship while weaving in work-based learning experiences that actually matter for long-term success. We’ll dive into the best practices that break down the walls of where learning happens, engaging the community to spark economic vitality. Let’s bring the real world into the classroom and the classroom into the real world.
This session will build bridges between entrepreneurship, work-based learning, place-making, and community engagement. Participants will learn ways that the HS entrepreneurship classroom can be leveraged and utilized as a hub for student-centered, problem-based, and community-connected learning. Participants will learn about the Innovative Leader Credential that HS students can earn through demonstration of leadership skills such as creative thinking, collaboration, decision-making, emotional intelligence, resilience. Participants will leave with an actionable plan to leverage entrepreneurial learning and leadership development across their schools.

As the demand for AI skills surges across industries, are your students equipped to leverage artificial intelligence effectively and ethically? Certiport offers specialized courses designed to teach the foundational requirements of AI in the workplace, culminating in a certification that demonstrates real-world, job-ready expertise. All IBEA attendees will receive complimentary access to these courses, practice exams, and certification opportunities—empowering you to help your students stand out in today’s competitive market. Join our session to discover the details of this offer or visit the Certiport booth during the conference for additional information.

This will be included on the SCHED event planning tool under your session title. Please think about topics and materials that can be taken back and be applied to the classroom for either high school or college level students.
It all began with a conversation in a previous IBEA conference lobby. What if we could bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world commerce by bringing business leaders directly to our students? That simple idea evolved into Trade Talks, an event series that gives students an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the business of organizing large-scale projects.
In this session, we will share the journey of conceiving and executing our Trade Talks series, from its informal beginning to its success as a professional development opportunity. We'll detail our process for connecting with industry partners and reveal how this initiative answers the common "when am I ever going to use this?" question for our students by providing them with tangible, real-world context for their curriculum. Attendees will leave with a clear roadmap for creating their own "bridge-building" events.

Discover how to integrate AI tools into your business classroom in meaningful and manageable ways. This session will explore how artificial intelligence can support teachers by streamlining everyday tasks such as lesson planning, feedback, communication, and resource creation. Learn how to use AI to save time and increase your overall efficiency—while maintaining your unique teaching voice. You'll walk away with practical tools, classroom-ready examples, and ideas you can implement right away.

Based on insights from guest speakers, college students, interns, and employers, this session includes three activities that are easy to apply and adapt to your own classroom instruction, as ways to bring students and curriculum together.  All three will show adaptations specifically for entrepreneurship, emotional intelligence, and career readiness.  Session handouts include instructions for each activity, what it is intended to accomplish, how to apply it, and suggested modifications to get your own creative energies going
          - The {Entrepreneurial} Interview (project with prep, outside work, presentation
          - The “Guest Speaker” with a twist (1-2 class periods, minimal writing, reflection)
          - The Experiential Learning Assignment (outside class extended engagement with reflection)
          - The Award Intro / Eulogy (assignment, minimal)
Session includes brief introduction to the assignments, plus Q&A time.