2025 Crossroads Summit
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
This August, the Young Professionals Network (YPN) will host its highly anticipated biennial conference: the 2025 Crossroads Summit. As the largest professional development event in the state tailored for young professionals, the summit represents everything YPN stands for—connection, growth and civic engagement.
Taking place Thursday, Aug. 21, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center, the full-day experience will feature compelling keynote speakers, dynamic breakout sessions, interactive engagement spaces and extensive networking opportunities. Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned leader, the Crossroads Summit invites you to
connect, reflect and take action.
This year’s theme: Changing the game
The 2025 theme, Changing the game, challenges attendees to think boldly about the future. This year’s speakers have disrupted industries, challenged norms and created real impact. Attendees will leave energized and equipped to bring fresh momentum to their roles, organizations and communities.
“I am confident that attendees will walk away with actionable insights to apply in their careers,” said Crossroads co-chair Matt Zobel. “I hope they leave inspired to change the game in their industries and in our community.”
A legacy of impact
Launched in 2011, the Crossroads Summit was created to unite emerging professionals and highlight the depth of opportunity within YPN. Since then, it has featured dozens of local and national speakers and grown from 300 attendees to nearly 600 in 2023.
The audience reflects the diversity of the region’s workforce, bringing together professionals from marketing, finance, real estate, health care, nonprofit, education, construction, agriculture and more. The summit fosters cross-industry collaboration, strengthening the Sioux Falls community through shared knowledge and connection.
Meet the 2025 keynotes
This year’s summit features two powerhouse keynote speakers who embody the theme Changing the game. Opening the day is Dzenan Berberovic, a mission-driven leader at Avera whose journey from refugee to philanthropy executive inspires bold vision and service. Closing the event is Jordan Harbinger, a globally known podcast host and networking expert whose high-stakes experiences and sharp communication insights will leave attendees ready to lead with confidence.
Breakout sessions and experiences
Attendees can personalize their summit experience by selecting from a variety of breakout sessions tailored to individual interests and goals. Topics include:
• Personal growth and well-being
• Professional development and leadership
• Creativity, innovation and problem-solving
• Community involvement and civic engagement
Whether you want to sharpen your skills, expand your thinking or deepen your impact, there’s something for everyone.
Between sessions, attendees can recharge and reconnect in interactive engagement spaces featuring retro video games, photo booths and refreshment areas. The day wraps up with a post-party celebration—a fun, relaxed environment to network and reflect on the day’s experiences.
Recognizing local leaders: 4 Under 40
A beloved tradition of the Crossroads Summit is the 4 Under 40 Awards, which honor four outstanding young professionals who demonstrate excellence in their careers and meaningful contributions to the community.
Nominees are submitted by peers and selected by a committee of past recipients and Chamber leadership. Winners will be recognized during the summit
lunch program.
“Being recognized with the 4 Under 40 award two years ago was such an honor,” said Bethany Buitenbos, a 2023 recipient. “Since then, it’s been a journey of growth, learning and building deeper connections. The impact we have—through small gestures or big collaborations—continues to drive me. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside incredible people who push me to step into new challenges. I’m truly grateful for the mentors and community members who’ve supported me. This recognition is a reminder of the importance of showing up, supporting one another and contributing to this amazing community.”
Be part of the experience
“This is more than just a conference. It’s an opportunity to plug into a community of ambitious, driven and supportive peers,” said co-chair Destinie Marshall. “If you’re new to the area, new to your career or just looking for that next spark—this is the place to find it. One day really can change your trajectory.”
Whether you’re looking to advance your career, expand your network or explore new ideas, the 2025 Crossroads Summit offers a day of growth, inspiration and opportunity.
Tickets are on sale now—register early to secure your spot and invite your team to join you.
Visit siouxfallsypn.com/crossroads to learn more and be part of this game-changing event.
Dzenan Berberovic
Dzenan spent six years in a refugee camp in Germany before immigrating to the United States with his mother at age nine. Today, he serves as chief philanthropy officer at Avera, where he oversees more than 20,000 annual benefactors and leads Avera’s community engagement efforts. To date, Dzenan has helped raise more than $550 million and serves on multiple regional and national volunteer boards.
Jordan Harbinger
A master of connection and communication, Jordan began helping companies and law enforcement test the security of their communication systems before he was old enough to drive. Since then, he has traveled the globe—including war zones—been kidnapped twice and lived to tell the tale thanks to his unmatched skills in negotiation, influence and relationship-building.
Dubbed “the Larry King of podcasting,” Jordan will share actionable strategies for building powerful networks—turning what many dread into one of your strongest competitive advantages.