Now in its fourth year, Impact Maryland will feature TED-style talks, thought-provoking presentations and unexpected pairings of leaders from across the state. The Baltimore Banner’s signature ideas conference will take place Wednesday, Oct. 14, at a new venue, The Talon at M&T Bank Stadium.

The event will bring together influential voices, innovators, creators and community change makers to examine forces shaping how Marylanders live, work and engage.

Gov. Wes Moore, Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott and award-winning journalist and “PBS NewsHour” co-anchor Geoff Bennett are among the public officials, journalists, business executives and community leaders in this year’s program.

Tickets, available at impactmaryland.thebaltimorebanner.com, include a continental breakfast, access to all sessions, lunch and complimentary parking. Breakfast and registration begin at 8 a.m., followed by welcome remarks at 8:30 a.m. Attendees can expect panel discussions, fireside chats and interactive Q&As throughout the day. The event concludes at 4:30 p.m.

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“Impact Maryland has become a can’t-miss event for people who want to understand the issues shaping our communities,” said Bob Cohn, CEO of The Venetoulis Institute of Local Journalism. “By bringing together dynamic leaders from across the state, we aim to inspire new thinking and big ideas that help create a brighter future for Maryland.”

Moore will open the day with a look at the choices and opportunities shaping Maryland’s next decade. Scott will take part in a one-on-one discussion about the progress Baltimore has made, the work that remains and the decisions shaping the city, including public safety, neighborhood investment, growth and accountability.

Author and journalist D. Watkins will sit down with Southwest Airlines Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson to examine how connectivity influences economic growth and regional competitiveness. Maryland Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani and Aging Secretary Carmel Roques will explore the difference between lifespan and healthspan, the factors outside the doctor’s office that influence well-being and what longer lives mean for health care, caregiving, the workforce and communities across the state.

Dr. Sarah Hemminger, chief executive officer and co-founder of Thread, will examine why a sense of belonging can be a stronger predictor of success than talent or ambition. Fagan Harris, president and chief executive officer of the Abell Foundation, will moderate a discussion about investing in proven solutions and turning promising approaches into measurable progress. The remainder of the program will address medical breakthroughs through the experiences of doctors and patients, Baltimore’s ability to attract and retain talent, the erosion of trust, neighborhood investment and what sports can teach businesses about building winning teams.

Attendees will have opportunities throughout the day to connect with speakers and people working across Maryland’s business, healthcare, technology, sports, education, nonprofit and civic sectors. The VIP reception will feature a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity with Baltimore Ravens legends and Super Bowl XXXV champions Qadry Ismail and Jermaine Lewis.

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“As an institution deeply rooted in Maryland and Baltimore, Johns Hopkins strives to ensure our communities flourish, whether through the ways in which we hire, buy, and build or our enduring commitment to support educational, health, and social opportunities for Baltimoreans,” said Ron Daniels, president of the Johns Hopkins University. “We are excited to be part of The Banner’s Impact Maryland, a convening that reflects the commitment we share with neighbors and partners to make a meaningful impact in the city and state we have called home since our founding 150 years ago.”

“More than 5,400 BWI-based Southwest employees work every day to move Maryland forward with their heart and hospitality, uniquely empowering our local engine that’s focused on making meaningful connections every day,” said Watterson, of Southwest Airlines. “I’m honored to represent our people at Impact Maryland to share our perspectives on the promise and opportunity we see ahead as Maryland’s hometown airline.”

About The Baltimore Banner

The Baltimore Banner is a Pulitzer Prize-winning multiplatform news organization serving Greater Baltimore and Maryland. Its mission is to provide trusted and indispensable journalism that informs, strengthens and inspires communities in Baltimore and surrounding Maryland. The Banner has built a nonprofit digital news operation that allows people to access its journalism across multiple platforms, with coverage spanning politics, criminal justice, sports, education, business, health, arts and culture. To learn more, visit thebanner.com.

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