CIU’s 9th Annual
Leadership Summit
2026
Featuring Jon Gordon
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Columbia International University
Columbia, SC
Positive Mindset + Leadership for Your Life
Join us for the CIU Leadership Summit 2026 featuring Jon Gordon, one of the world’s most sought-after voices on leadership, positivity, and peak performance. Whether you’re leading a company, coaching a team, managing a staff, or inspiring a classroom, this is your opportunity to reframe challenges and rediscover purpose.
Back by popular demand, Jon returns to CIU to deliver powerful tools to:
- Lead with vision and positivity—even in adversity
- Build stronger, more engaged teams
- Fuel your mission with passion and resilience
What You Will Learn
Whether you’re leading a business, a team, a classroom, a non—profit, or a church—Jon’s dynamic message will empower you to:
- Build a culture of positivity and purpose
- Overcome adversity and energize your people
- Elevate personal performance and inspire others to do the same
About Jon Gordon
Jon Gordon is one of the most influential and sought after leadership authors and speakers today. He’s a consultant to numerous leaders, CEO’s, NFL, NBA, and MLB Coaches, championship teams and high performers and an inspirational teacher who has helped millions of people have a more positive mindset.
He is the author of 32 books including 18 best sellers and 5 children’s books. His books include the timeless classic The Energy Bus which has sold over 3 million copies.
His clients include The Los Angeles Dodgers, In-N-Out Burger, The Los Angeles Rams, Campbell Soup, Dell, Publix, Southwest Airlines, The Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Truist Bank, Clemson Football, Northwestern Mutual, Bayer, West Point Academy and more.
“Jon beautifully articulates the power of positive energy and attitude.”
— Dabo Swinney, Head Coach, Clemson University
Event Schedule
Columbia International University, 7435 Monticello Road, Columbia, SC 29203
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Leadership Forum – Jon Gordon Live @ Shortess Chapel – Jon will be discussing principles from his latest book, 7 Commitments of a Great Team.
12:15 PM – 1:30 PM | VIP Sponsor Luncheon – Special Remarks from Jon @ Moore Fitness Center – Jon will share an actionable guide to energizing your team! He’ll spend time answering your team’s question and join you for a group photo.
Sponsorship Opportunities
$3,000 Full Sponsor
- 8 seats at the VIP Luncheon – Jon has a message just for our sponsors, your team will have a chance to meet Jon and get a team photo with him. AND each person you bring will receive a copy of his new book, 7 Commitments of a Great Team.
- 16 tickets to the Leadership Forum – Invite your team and special guests to join you at the Forum.
$1,500 Half Sponsor
- 4 seats at the VIP Luncheon – Presentation by our speaker and meet Jon Gordon and each receive four copies of his new book, 7 Commitments of a Great Team.
- 8 tickets to the Leadership Forum – Invite your team and special guests to join you at the Forum.
To pay by credit card:
To pay by check:
Advancement Department
Columbia International University
PO Box 3122
Columbia, SC 29230
Questions or Premium Sponsorship Options
Contact Event Co-Chairs:
- Dr. Hans Finzel | CIU Board Chair | (303) 808-7581 | hans.finzel@ciu.edu
- Randy Halfacre | CIU Community Ambassador | (803) 360-0253 | randy.halfacre@ciu.edu
