ZIPD celebrates 15 years of learning, networking, and inspiration

A dynamic blend of innovative talks, career guidance, and industry networking peaked this fall with Commonwealth University’s Zeigler College of Business celebrating 15 years of excellence in business education and leadership.

This year’s ZIPD Business Conference showcased pride in its heritage while embracing forward-thinking themes with a slate of programming that featured everything from generative AI’s impact on productivity to trends in financial services and economic leadership, reflecting the rapid evolution of today’s corporate world.

“There's a good case to be made that we’ll be replaced or certainly some people will be supplemented with AI,” said Marc Steckel ’93, a Bloomsburg alumnus and annual panelist who recently retired from the Federal Housing Finance Agency. “You're going to college. You're aiming for a career that's not all about that.”

He added, “You're aiming for something where you build those business relationships, and it takes people to run businesses. I don't see AI being anywhere close to being able to do that.”

Panels That Shape Careers

Commonwealth University students from all three campuses — many of varying business majors — took advantage of a rich array of panel sessions designed to inform and inspire. Topics included supply chain resilience, social media marketing, entrepreneurship, leadership, negotiation techniques, and the future of work-life balance.

Each session was tailored to provide actionable insights, whether in mastering personal and corporate finance or building effective teams, ensuring students gained real-world perspectives from seasoned professionals.

“That's what this conference is all about,” said Terry Zeigler ’76, the business school and conference’s namesake and annual panelist, president and CEO of Datacap Systems, Inc. “Because at the end of the day, the personal interaction is a huge deal in business-to-business sales.”

He added, “To me, the best marketing is when somebody who wants or needs your services seeks you out. And you don't have to pay a thing for it.”

Insightful Keynotes and Influential Talks

A highlight was the keynote address by Ronn Cort, president of Dunmore, a Steel Partners Company, exploring how business professionals can thrive in a world without a traditional syllabus and adapt to modern challenges.

The conference also featured ZED Talks, inspired by the TED format, offering powerful presentations by industry leaders like Gilberto Tito Machado ’15, CEO of the world's fastest-growing sports tech platform, and Carol Fastrich Aranos ’88, a strategic marketing expert.

Networking That Matters

From mock interviews and resume reviews with alumni to speed networking sessions and receptions, the conference fostered strong connections between students, alumni, and recruiters. The networking luncheons and receptions provided an avenue for personal branding and showcased student organizations, amplifying opportunities beyond classroom learning.

Forward-Thinking Friday

Friday’s sessions focused on AI and customer experience, soft skills, remote work technologies, sustainability, DEI, and business resilience. With panels on cybersecurity, big data analytics, digital marketing, and the growing influence of millennials, attendees were steeped in conversations about the future of business and workplace culture.

ZIPD Business Conference at Bloomsburg

ZIPD Business Conference at Lock Haven

ZIPD Business Conference at Mansfield