Cedar Rapids event ‘Workplace Revolution’ to put focus on improving the workplace

National experts on creating sustainable, healthy, inclusive and productive workplaces will headline a June 8 event in Cedar Rapids.

The third annual Workplace Revolution, a one-day conference at the DoubleTree by Hilton, is sponsored by the cities of Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, Diversity Focus of Cedar Rapids, the Iowa City Area Development Group and Kirkwood Community College.

'I believe Workplace Revolution 2016 will be our best ever,” said Chad Simmons, president and CEO of Diversity Focus. 'It's really focusing on developing a resilient organization. We're allowing people to grow and develop and do inspiring work.”

Aaron Hurst, CEO of Imperative in Seattle, Wash., will be the luncheon keynote speaker. Hurst, author of The Purpose Economy, said people who work to help others and for their own well-being, rather than for a paycheck or personal status, are purpose oriented.

'It's a pretty distinct segment of the population - 28 percent of the workforce. In every single measure, they outperform those who work for status or money.”

Hurst said purpose-oriented individuals have a positive impact on their workplace as well as their community.

'It improves the performance of their employers, who are able to hire more people, be more successful and sustained,” he said. 'They create products and services that are geared toward solving peoples' real problems in the world.”

In addition to Hurst, Workplace Revolution 2016 speakers will include:

' Art Johnson, CEO of Infinity Systems, who has developed a reputation for strong team leadership, cost savings and revenue generation;

' Allison Poss, co-founder of Axle Rev in North Liberty and an adjunct psychology professor at Coe College. Poss also founded Girls With Ideas, an organization focused on developing young girls into creative, confident leaders;

' Mayor Mick Cornett of Oklahoma City, Okla., who is leading a thriving community that reflects the same principles his parents instilled in him;

' Hans Armknecht, manager of performance and leadership development at WP Engine in Austin, Texas;

' Ben Snyder, founder of Copper Black Services in North Liberty, which assesses organizational culture and strategic planning.

Tickets for the conference are $189 per person. To register, go to www.workplace-revolution.com