SSOE named exclusive Legacy Sponsor of 2026 Generational Differences in the Workplace Conference. Leading Architecture and Engineering Firm Demonstrates Commitment to Collaboration, Innovation and Building Stronger Multigenerational Workplaces PERRYSBURG, Ohio - Organizers of the 2026 Generational Differences in the Workplace Conference are proud to announce SSOE as the event's exclusive Legacy Sponsor, the conference's highest level of sponsorship. The Generational Differences in the Workplace Conference will take place Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Perrysburg, Ohio, bringing together business leaders, human resource professionals, managers, emerging professionals, community partners and workplace teams for a day focused on strengthening collaboration across generations. SSOE's commitment as Legacy Sponsor represents a significant investment in the conference and its mission to help organizations better understand, engage and lead today's increasingly multigenerational workforce. "We are incredibly grateful to SSOE for stepping forward as our Legacy Sponsor," said Dr. Willie McKether, President of WLM Cultural Communications and conference presenter. "This level of support goes far beyond sponsorship. It demonstrates a commitment to the people who make organizations successful and to building workplaces where different perspectives, experiences and generations can work together effectively. SSOE understands that collaboration is essential to building the future, and that makes them an ideal partner for this conference." At SSOE, collaboration and innovation are central to the company's approach to designing and building the future. As internationally ranked architects and engineers, SSOE embraces complex challenges and brings people, expertise and ideas together to create meaningful solutions. That philosophy closely aligns with the purpose of the Generational Differences in the Workplace Conference: helping organizations move beyond generational stereotypes and turn workforce differences into opportunities for stronger communication, leadership, engagement and performance. Today's workplaces can include employees from several generations working side by side, each shaped by different experiences, expectations, communication preferences and definitions of success. The conference will help leaders better understand those differences and provide practical strategies for creating workplaces where employees across generations can contribute, collaborate and thrive. The event will feature nationally recognized generational leadership expert Dr. Tim Elmore, Founder of Growing Leaders, as keynote speaker, along with Dr. Willie McKether, a business anthropologist whose work examines generational differences through the lens of culture and organizational performance. Conference discussions will address topics including: * Why generational values and differences matter in today's workplace * What leaders can do now to create greater workplace harmony * Understanding generational communication styles * Strategies for improving organizational and bottom-line performance * Employee engagement and retention * Leadership development and knowledge transfer * Building stronger cross-generational teams "Organizations are navigating one of the most significant workforce transitions we have seen," McKether said. "The companies that succeed will be those that learn how to translate across generations rather than expecting everyone to think, communicate and work in exactly the same way. SSOE's support helps us bring that conversation to leaders throughout Northwest Ohio and beyond." As the conference's exclusive Legacy Sponsor, SSOE will receive premier recognition throughout the event and conference communications, reflecting the company's leadership-level commitment to advancing the conversation around the future of work. Conference organizers extend their sincere appreciation to SSOE for helping make this important regional workforce event possible. About SSOE At SSOE, Toledo is designing and building the future, today. SSOE is an internationally ranked architecture and engineering firm whose professionals thrive on challenge, embrace innovation and believe collaboration powers progress. Together with its clients and partners, SSOE is committed to building great things and creating solutions for the future. About the Generational Differences in the Workplace Conference The Generational Differences in the Workplace Conference brings professionals at every career stage together to move beyond age-based stereotypes and unlock the value of cross-generational collaboration. Through expert insights, real-world discussion and actionable strategies, attendees will explore ways to reduce workplace conflict, strengthen employee engagement and retention, support knowledge transfer, develop future leaders and build more adaptable organizations. The conference will be held October 30, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Perrysburg, Ohio. For conference information, registration and sponsorship opportunities, visit: generationaldifferencesconference.com MEDIA CONTACT Generational Differences in the Workplace Conference Melissa Gorris WLM Cultural Communications Phone: 949-697-8176 Email: [email protected]

SHYFT Collective design team acquired by SSOE Group. SSOE Group, a global architecture and engineering firm headquartered in Toldeo, Ohio, announced the acquisition of Des Moines-based SHYFT Collective's architecture and design team to enhance its service capacity in the Des Moines and Columbus, Ohio, markets. "Our clients will continue working with the same trusted team, now supported by the scale and experience of SSOE," Steve Reynolds, founding partner and principal of SHYFT, said in a prepared statement. "SSOE brings the capacity and portfolio of a firm that successfully delivers projects of every size and complexity. With their resources behind us, we now can execute larger scopes and provide a full range of services under one roof while also creating more informed designs using computational and AI powered tools." The acquisition closed on Oct. 10, with Shyft Construction continuing to operate independently in the Iowa and Ohio markets. Founded in 1948, SSOE is a global design firm with more than 1,400 employees and 20 offices worldwide.