WAUSAU — A conference intended to encourage young professionals in central Wisconsin to network and be active in building a competitive community will be held in mid April in Wausau.

The Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce will host the first Greater Wausau Young Professionals Conference from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 16 at the City Grill Restaurant & Event Space in Wausau. It is a full day event.

The conference will also feature a YP Forum. This discussion will focus on the region’s quality of place and offer an opportunity for participants to share ideas while building their network.

“Placemaking is a very important piece of the economic development strategic plan that we are building for our region, especially as we work to attract and retain talented young professionals,” said Dave Eckmann, president/CEO of the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce, in a news release. “This conference will allow young professionals throughout central Wisconsin to gather and activate their voice to build a competitive community, while also offering a unique network building opportunity for young professionals.”

John Karras, vice president of strategic accounts with Atlas Integrated of Austin, Texas, will be one of the keynote speakers at the conference. Karras will share insights on the most important question companies and communities are asking about young professionals, how do young people decide where to live?

Karras will also interview a panel of young professionals about their choice to live in the Wausau region. This panel will include three perspectives: a lifelong central Wisconsinite, a Wausau native who left and returned and a newcomer from out of state who has made the region home.

Pafoua Her, business partner with Leading Edge Payroll & HR Solutions, will offer the other keynote address at the conference. Her will examine the impact of unconscious bias and microaggressions on diverse professionals in the workplace.

The conference will give employers the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to professional development and offer a point of community engagement for their young professionals. Employers may use this event as a tool to better equip young professionals to serve as ambassadors for the business or organization in recruitment efforts.

Check-in and networking will begin at 10 a.m. followed by the program. A social hour with appetizers and a cash bar will be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $50 for members and non-members and includes lunch. A table of eight can be reserved for $400.

To register for this event, visit WausauChamber.com or call 715-845-6231.