Special to The Hays Daily News

Fort Hays State University's Center for Civic Leadership and the Department of Leadership Studies will have the fourth annual women's leadership conference, Leadership Advantage, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 26 on the FHSU campus.

The walking conference will start at Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center and will include several breakout sessions in other historic FHSU buildings.

"We want to provide a forum for discussion on issues, concepts and skills regarding leadership development for all Kansas women," said Christie Brungardt, conference administrator and FHSU professor of leadership studies. "We're hoping to encourage and enhance the ability of the attendees to actively participate in leadership at all levels."

Conference objectives include strengthening networking opportunities for women, encouraging development of leadership in women of all generations, promoting mentoring between and among women, and fostering a celebration of women's diversity.

The conference's keynote speaker will be Jody Urquhart, author of "All Work & No Say." Urquhart has presented keynote addresses around the world for more than 10 years. She is passionate about spreading the message of using influence in leadership, and meaningful work through the use of humor. Urquhart is dedicated to educating participants in the importance of humor in all areas of their lives but especially when wearing their "leadership hat."

For the first time, a free meet and greet social with the conference keynote speaker will be hosted on the evening preceding the conference in the historic Chestnut Street District in downtown Hays. Bildschon Haus will sponsor the event for pre-registered conference attendees along with a book signing by Urquhart.

Conference emcee will be Jemelle Holopirek, anchor and reporter for Wichita's KAKE News. Holopirek joined the staff of KAKE in 1997 as a general assignment reporter and weekend anchor. She now co-anchors "Good Morning Kansas" and KAKE news at 11:30 a.m. weekdays.

This year will mark the second annual service project associated with the conference. Participants of the conference will have the opportunity to take part in the new items drive for Kansas Domestic violence shelters, which will play a significant role in helping these organizations serve women in need. This service project has been implemented to honor two young women leaders who lost their lives in 2008 -- Jana Mackey and Cari McGrath.

"We're excited for another successful conference," Brungardt said. "We are hoping for an even bigger and better event this year. We're confident that our attendees will gain valuable insight on women's roles in leadership, and they'll have a great time doing it."

Conference sponsors include FHSU's Center for Civic Leadership and Department of Leadership Studies, Eagle Communications, Target and Mary Kay.

Registration deadline is March 12. The cost to register is $99 and includes lunch and all conference materials. A limited amount of $50 student scholarships are available for high school or college students.

For scholarship confirmation, to register or to receive more information, contact Chantelle Arnold, planning committee member, at (785) 628-5592 or visit www.kansaswomensleadership.org. The conference also has a Facebook fan page.