Connections are at the heart of Missouri State University’s 23rd annual Public Affairs Conference this fall.
Themed “The We Factor: Building Connections That Matter,” the conference from Sept. 29-Oct. 1 will explore how the connections we build can strengthen our communities.
“At Missouri State, we have a statewide mission in public affairs, and for this year’s conference, we get to home in on one of those pillars: community engagement,” said Dr. Kevin Evans, 2026 public affairs fellow, conference chair and professor of geology.
“We want our students involved in these conversations as early as possible. They’re not only here to learn their craft; we also want them to learn how to live, engage with others and be part of their communities.”
What’s in store
The conference includes in-person speakers, live virtual panels and pre- and post-conference events:
- Pre-conference events – Missouri State University: Impactful Community-Employer Partnerships and Conversation Circles: Making Connections that Matter
- Four in-person plenary speakers
- Eighteen virtual panel sessions covering topics, such as civil discourse, third places, the idea of culture, science in partnership, food as a public good and more
- Post-conference event – Kickball or Catch: Building Community through Play
All events are free and open to the public. No registration is needed.
Don’t miss the plenary speakers
The four speakers who will present in the Plaster Student Union Theater are:
- Alex Los, executive coach for teams and leaders, Pluck Coaching and Consulting – she will share about helping Gen Z build community in the workplace (12:15 p.m. Sept. 30)
- Pete Davis, writer, film director and civic advocate – he will cover how genuine community and meaningful connection can transform our lives (7 p.m. Sept. 30)
- Marielle Segarra, NPR reporter and host – she will explore practical ways to build stronger relationships and connections in everyday life (12:30 p.m. Oct. 1)
- Ethan Bryan, author and community advocate – he will address how playing catch can bring people together across generations and backgrounds (7 p.m. Oct. 1)
Rainn Wilson to speak Oct. 23
Actor, writer and producer Rainn Wilson, best known for his role as Dwight Schrute on “The Office,” will present a special keynote connected to this year’s conference at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 in Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.
Wilson’s appearance was originally scheduled for Sept. 29 but was moved to Oct. 23 due to his schedule. Free and open to the public, the event is made possible by the Missouri State Foundation with support from KY3.
Wilson, who is co-founder of media company SoulPancake, spent years exploring how people seek connection, hope, truth, identity and purpose.
He and the SoulPancake team created more than a decade of award-winning content across digital, television, branded and live platforms before its acquisition by Participant Media in 2016. Since then, Wilson has continued exploring life’s biggest questions — from philosophy and creativity to spirituality, love, science and mental health — with humor and honesty.
The foundation will host a VIP Experience with Wilson at 5 p.m. before his speech. Tickets for the event are $150 and available for purchase online.
More details
Guests may park in BearPark North without a permit for in-person events.
Live virtual sessions are presented via Zoom webinar. Access Zoom links on the conference schedule page.
The free Bear Line shuttle provides transportation to PSU from BearPark North.
Discover more from News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.