For the 12th year, the Jim Blanchard Leadership Forum, hosted by the Leadership Institute at Columbus State University, will bring a lineup of the best and brightest minds in the world to Columbus. This year’s event, themed “Inspired Leadership” features leaders in various sectors, including business, education, technology, leadership, sports, politics and military.

The two-day event, held at the Columbus Iron Works and Trade Center, begins at 1 p.m., Monday, Aug. 28 and runs through Tuesday, Aug. 29. Monday afternoon opens with U.S. Senator and Former Fortune 500 CEO David Perdue and the evening features Academy Award-Winning Actress Octavia Spencer. Speakers scheduled for Tuesday include Dan Rose, Facebook’s VP of Partnerships; John O’Leary, inspirational speaker best-selling author; and Ron Clark, America’s Educator; among others.

For the fourth year, students currently enrolled with a valid CSU ID can watch the forum, including Monday night’s keynote address with Octavia Spencer, live via simulcast from the University Hall Auditorium. For the first time, students at CSU’s RiverPark Campus will also have their own viewing room, at Legacy Hall.

“Inspire means literally to ‘breathe into,’” said Ed Helton, assistant vice president of Leadership Development at Columbus State University. “Each one of our speakers at this year’s event has inspired—breathed life and passion into—education, politics, military, technology, business, religion and personal achievement.”

The 12th annual speaker lineup includes:

· James H. Blanchard – Forum namesake and chairman, board of advisors, Jordan-Blanchard Capital LLC

· Ron Clark – America’s Educator and Best-Selling Author

· Chris Conlee – Author and Lead Pastor, Highpoint Church

· Amy Cuddy – New York Times Best-Selling Author

· John O’Leary – Inspirational Speaker and Best-Selling Author

· Anita Howard – Head Women’s basketball Coach, Columbus State University

· Senator David Perdue – U.S. Senator and Former Fortune 500 CEO

· Bruce Pfau – Partner, Human Capital Strategy and Culture Transformation, KPMG, LLP

· Dan Rose – Vice President of Partnerships, Facebook

· Octavia Spencer – Academy Award-Winning Actress

· General Eric J. Wesley – Commanding General, U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence

· Shana Young – Executive Director, Leadership Institute at Columbus State University