2027 Bend Emerging Talent Passports
ET Passport Options
Your passport to growth, leadership & connection
We heard you. More affordable. More access. More connection. More impact.
Grow your skills. Expand your network. Find your people. The 2027 Bend Emerging Talent (Bend ET) Passport brings together year-round learning and meaningful connections in one more affordable professional development experience, making it easier to invest in your growth.
Who should purchase a Bend ET Passport?
Early to mid-career professionals, aspiring leaders, organizational and HR leaders seeking impactful affordable talent development and upskilling.
Financial assistance is available, as we are committed to ensuring cost is not a barrier for anyone in our community.
Individual Passport
Year-long program access for one person.
Business Passport
Grants an organization one seat at each Bend Emerging Talent event.
What's Included?
Bend ET Passport Benefits
Whether you choose the Individual or Business Passport, you’ll receive access to all of the valuable core benefits listed below.
9 Expert Labs
Practical, interactive professional development sessions covering confidence, strategic thinking, managing people, collaboration, communication, conflict, project management, change and business basics.
3 Coffee Socials
Approachable morning opportunities to meet and connect with local professionals.
6 Evening Socials
Relaxed networking experiences with Central Oregon’s emerging talent community.
Mentorship Program
Access to a year-long peer mentorship cohort to deepen relationships and provide emerging leaders with support as they navigate the next step in their professional journey.
Additional Perks
Includes select Bend Chamber event access and partner benefits.
Expert Labs
A learning journey that builds all year
The 2027 Expert Labs are designed to build on one another, while still delivering useful, standalone learning at each session.
Lead Yourself First: Confidence & Executive Presence
Think Bigger: Strategic Thinking & Decision-Making
From Peer to Leader: Managing People for the First Time
Leading Teams
Communication that Moves People
Conflict Without Chaos: Productive Conversations at Work
Turning Plans into Action: Project Management Essentials
Business Basics for Emerging Leaders
Leading Through Change: Adaptability, Influence and Resilience
NEXTUp Leaders Program
Become a sponsor
Questions
Business Benefits
A tool for employee retention & increased profitability
We enroll 10 bankers each year in the Bend Chamber’s Emerging Talent Passport Program because it builds more than skills—it builds community. Through this experience, our team members grow as professionals and as people, forming connections that strengthen our workforce and deepen our ties to the communities we serve.
Bend Emerging Talent was the first networking group I joined when I went all-in on my business in early 2023, and it quickly became the place where I found people who truly get the entrepreneurial journey—friends, mentors, partners, and a supportive community that made building my business feel a lot less lonely and a lot more energizing.
21%
Business benefits
Leadership development has been shown to boost profitability by 21%, improve talent retention up to 20X, and helps organizations successfully navigate challenges 86% of the time.
600%
Forbes
Companies that make an investment in leadership development are 3.6X more likely to excel, and a 2023 study found a $7 return for every $1 spent, a 600% ROI.
29%
Industry Leaders Magazine
Companies that invest in leadership programs are 29% more likely to successfully retain valuable employees in the long term.
Thank you to our Sponsors and Passport Supporters
