2026 STEEL Conference

The STEEL Conference will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at The Patriot Center at Southern State Community College, located at 100 Hobart Drive in Hillsboro. This half-day event is designed to energize and strengthen our business community by bringing together experienced leaders, emerging leaders, business owners, professionals, students, entrepreneurs, and community partners.

While the event is hosted here in Highland County, the STEEL Conference is open to the world, and we would love to welcome attendees from across the region and beyond. We are anticipating approximately 350 attendees who will leave charged up and ready to lead.

This year’s keynote speaker is Jess Ekstrom, an entrepreneur, speaker, and mom of two who believes ambition and real life can coexist. She is the founder of Mic Drop Workshop, where she helps women step into their voice and become confident speakers.

The event will also include ice breakers, networking time, and a panel discussion featuring experienced and emerging leaders from Highland County. Panelists include Dr. Corey Cockerill, Denise Fauber, Blake Herdman, Jacobey Lucas, and Galen Yoder. Jeremy Ratcliff will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

Doors will open at 10:00 a.m., and the event will conclude at 4:00 p.m.

Tickets are $100 until September 1 and may be purchased by visiting the Chamber office at 129 North High Street in Hillsboro, calling 937-393-1111, or purchasing online at www.thehighlandchamber.com with an additional fee. After September 1, tickets will increase to $150. All ticket sales are final on October 1, and tickets will not be available on the day of the event. Seating is limited, so we encourage attendees to purchase tickets early.