Three people smiling, one holding sign: “Together, we shape the future of aging.” Blue banner: “Change Makers.” LeadingAge Nebraska.

LeadingAge Nebraska 2026 Annual Conference & Expo

March 16-18, 2026
Younes Conference Center South
Kearney, Nebraska
Conference Theme: CHANGEMAKERS

The 2026 Annual Conference & Expo brings together aging services professionals from across Nebraska for three days of learning, collaboration, and practical insights. This year’s theme is “Changemakers", a celebration of the people who are transforming aging services in our state. Every day, individuals in your organization lead with creativity, courage, and compassion, inspiring others and driving positive change for the residents and teams they serve. *Session details subject to change.

  • Pre-Conference: March 16, 2026, 2:00-5:00 pm

    2:00 - 5:00 pm (separate registration required)

    Beyond Retention: Rethinking How We Support and Retain the Workforce That Powers Aging Services


    The long-term services and support sector depends on the dedication and compassion of the direct care workforce and yet these essential team members often face an unstable personal life that cause significant stress and hardship. This interactive pre-conference session will deepen the participants’ understanding by seeing the world through the eyes of the direct care professionals- their demographics, unmet needs, daily challenges and aspirations. By combining data, storytelling, and experiential learning, participants will explore workforce demographics, examine the realities of poverty and the benefits cliff, and engage in reflective exercises to respond and support those who provide care. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen organizational culture by building more supportive environments for the people who provide care every day. The Pre-Conference includes 3 hours of continuting education credit. See more details below.


    Faculty:

    • Molly Carpenter, LeadingAge Director of Workforce Strategy and Development
    • Michele Magner, Inspired Caring
    • Therese Nelson, Omaha Bridges out of Poverty
    • Aaron Morlock, Work Well

    Click below to register for Pre-Conference session ONLY. If you plan to attend the Pre-Conference  AND the conference, please use the main conference registration form.

    Pre-Conference ONLY

  • Welcome Reception: March 16 5:00-6:00 pm

    Join fellow Pre-Conference and Conference attendees for a relaxed time of networking, conversation, and connection. Located at the Younes Conference Center South.

  • Conference Day 1: March 17, 2026

    Join us on day 1 for breakout sessions, the Awards Luncheon, and the Signature Social at The Automobile Experience in Kearney!

    • 8:00-8:55 Welcome and Introduction to Changemakers
    • 9:00-11:55 Nursing Home Deep Dive (ombudsman, fire marshal, DHHS survey, LeadingAge)
    • 9:00-11:55 Assisted Living Deep Dive (DHHS survey, fire marshal, ombudsman, med regulations)
    • 9:00-9:55 Make Leadership Intentional with Pathway Consulting
    • 10:00-10:55 Connecting Care Across Nebraska: Enhancing Dementia Support Through GUIDE with Michelle Hoeft, GUIDE Program Director
    • 11:00-11:55 Don't Panic, It's Just Death with Amy Hensley
    • 12:00-1:15 AWARDS LUNCHEON
    • 1:30-2:20 Track A: Psycho-Social Regulations: How Harm and Severity Are Determined and How to Avoid Deficiencies in Your Nursing Home Services with Jodi Eyigor, LeadingAge
    • 1:30-2:20 Track B: Business Continuity Planning/Continuity of Operations Planning 101 with Keith Hansen, Transcendex
    • 1:30-2:20 Track C: Evaluating Your Employee Culture with Blake Hoogeveen, BetterCulture
    • 2:30-3:20 Track A: Medicaid Waiver Updates for all A&D Providers with Jennifer Clark DHHS
    • 2:30-3:20 Track B: Gradual Dose Reductions: What Surveyors Are Looking for with Psychotropic Medications with Guardian Pharmacy
    • 2:30-3:20 Track C: Memory Care Transitions: Supporting Families Through Transitions of Care with Michele Magner, Inspired Caring
    • 3:30-4:20 Track A: Therap Now and Into the Future with Therap Services & Nebraska DHHS
    • 3:30-4:20 Track B: Parkinson’s Disease Progression and Fall-Prevention Strategies with Karla Frese, Parkinson’s Foundation & Home Care Partners
    • 3:30-4:20 Track C: AI and Your Organization with David Arredondo, UNK

  • Mar 17 Social: The American Automobile Experience 6-8:30

    Join conference attendees, speakers, and exhibitors for an unforgettable evening of networking, dinner, drinks, and entertainment at the classic car collection. Explore more than 135 beautifully restored vehicles and immersive exhibits that bring automotive history to life, from a recreated 1950s gas station to a nostalgic drive-in theater featuring the original Kearney Drive-In ticket booth.

  • Conference Day 2: March 18, 2026

    Join us on day 2 for keynotes, breakout sessions, and the Carnival of Change Expo Hall!

    • 8:00-8:50 Track A: Activity Directors Roundtable Discussion facilitated by Jeanette Denson, Custer Care Center
    • 8:00-8:50 Track B: VA Benefits and Aging Services with Marabeth Kracher & Karie Vasa, Veterans Affairs
    • 8:00-8:50 Track C: Safe Care for Seniors Program Introduction with Kierstin Reed, LeadingAge NE
    • 9:30-10:30 KEYNOTE: Leading with a Growth Mindset with Rev Dr Zina Jacque
    • 11:00-11:55 Track A: Medicaid Eligibility Determinations with Dinah Wetindi & Jerrilyn Crankshaw, DHHS
    • 11:00-11:55 Track B: The Nuts and Bolts of Water Managment Systems Compliance with Josette McConville, ICAP
    • 11:00-11:55 Track C: Communication That Creates Calm: Conversations That Matter at End of Life with Kelly Sparr, The Grace Space
    • 1:30-2:30 CLOSING KEYNOTE: Igniting Your Fire and Leading with Your Values with Jodi Krymuza, Authentically Yours Development

  • Carnival of Change Expo: March 18, 2026

    This year’s Expo is getting a playful makeover, and we want you to be part of the excitement. We’re turning the exhibit hall into the Carnival of Change: a lively, colorful space full of games, prizes, and carnival-themed creativity … all with a changemaker twist!

Conference Expo - Carnival of Change

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 - Conference Day 2 and Carnival of Change Expo

The final day includes keynotes, education sessions, the annual Expo. This year’s Expo is getting a playful makeover, and we want you to be part of the excitement. We’re turning the exhibit hall into the Carnival of Change: a lively, colorful space full of games, prizes, and carnival-themed creativity … all with a changemaker twist!

Conference Location: Younes Conference Center South, 416 W Talmadge Rd, Kearney, NE 68845


Hotel Information: A room block is available at the Comfort Inn – Kearney. To receive the group rate, contact the hotel directly and request the LeadingAge Nebraska room block.  Comfort Inn Kearney phone number: (308) 236-3400. As in previous years, our room block sells out, so do not wait to reserve your room. The room block closes February 16, 2026.


Award Nominations and Luncheon: We are excited to announce that nominations for the LeadingAge Nebraska Awards! Award nominations will be open from January 2 - February 2, 2026. The LeadingAge Nebraska awards recognize and honor members and individuals across Nebraska who have strengthened the field of aging services and embodied excellence in leadership and service to older adults. Award winners will receive recognition at the LeadingAge Nebraska Annual Conference at our awards ceremony on March 17, 2026, in Kearney, Nebraska. Please submit your nominations using the nomination form. All organizations are invited to submit a nomination for the Changemakers Award!  


We will be giving awards in the following categories: 

  • Changemaker Awards (2026 ONLY)
  • Excellence in Care and Service 
  • Leadership in Aging Services 
  • Lifetime Achievement 
  • Friends of Aging Services 
  • Ron Jensen Memorial Award for Advocacy and Public Policy 

Conference Cost:

Early-Bird Discount:  Receive an additional 5% off your bill when you register by February 16, 2026! Discount will be shown on final payment screen.

Registration Cost
Pre-Conference Member Rate (March 16) $150
Pre-Conference Non-member Rate $250
2-day Conference Member Rate (March 17-18) $425
2-day Conference Non-member Rate $625
Single day Member Rate (March 17 OR March 18) $250
Single day Non-member Rate (March 17 OR March 18) $450
Student-Retiree-Direct Care Staff Per-Day Rate $95 (per day)
Non-exhibiting Vendor Member Rate $550
Non-exhibiting Non-member Rate $800
Group Rate *See details below $2000

*Group Rate: The group rate allows LeadingAge Nebraska member provider communities to register an unlimited number of participants with one flat fee. Must provide names, titles and email addresses for all who will be attending on the registration form. Substitutions allowed. The Group Rate is available to LeadingAge Nebraska provider members only. The group rate does NOT apply to the Pre-Conference program - separate registration is required. Note: Individual communities within multi-site organizations are considered separate communities for purpose of applying discounts for multiple participants. The corporate headquarters of a multi-site organization is considered to be a community in this context and may apply the discount for multiple participants who are employed at the corporate headquarters.

To close the conference we will also be hosting Jodi Krymuza of Authentically Yours Development. Jodi will leave us all inspired, refueled, and ready to continue making an impact in our communities! 


With 20 years of experience in Corporate Human Resources - including five years as an Executive Vice President overseeing more than 4,000 employees worldwide - Jodi saw behind the curtain of what drives success (and what drains it). She knows what it’s like to climb the ladder, chase all the traditional metrics of achievement, and still feel completely out of alignment. She's seen firsthand what happens when leaders lose alignment with their purpose: burnout, disengagement, and stalled growth. Now, as a business coach and keynote speaker, Jodi has taken that hard-earned insight and flipped the script. She helps entrepreneurs, small business owners, corporate leaders, and teams build sustainable success rooted in their core values - without sacrificing their sanity. 
Elder Dynamics
Elder Dynamics

Signature Social-The American Automobile Experience: Join your colleagues for a relaxing and entertaining experience on Tuesday evening, March 17! Enjoy dinner, drinks, and tour the extensive collection at The American Automobile Experience in Kearney. 3600 US-30 W, Kearney, NE 68847.


The Dinner Sponsor for the Signature Social is Elder Dynamics.


Conference Attire: Our conference is relaxed but professional. We ask that you wear comfortable, business-casual attire. We also suggest wearing layers as temperatures can vary from room to room.

Continuing Education: 15 hours of continuing education from Nebraska DHHS Regulation and Licensure, Board of NHA has been approved for this conference (12 for main conference + 3 for pre-conference). Appropriate records will be maintained for other disciplines to receive credit from their credentialing organizations. 14 Nursing Contact Hours provided through SMK Medical LLC: Provider by the State of California Board of Registered Nursing Provider Number (CEP) 17919, for 14 CEs. The certificate must be retained for at least four years.


Cancellation Policy: No refunds will be given for cancellations. Substitutions are accepted. However, if you cannot attend due to circumstances out of your control (such as exposure to/testing positive for COVID-19, a death in the family, or state surveyors in your community during the conference) and no substitute is available, a credit will be issued for you to use at a future LeadingAge Nebraska event. Please send credit requests by email to Natalie McCormick at natalie.mccormick@leadingagene.org and LeadingAge Nebraska will review your request promptly and respond on whether a credit will be granted in your situation.


Handouts: Session handouts will be available a few days prior to the conference by email and in the conference app. Participants are encouraged to download and/or print handouts prior to arrival at the conference. Note that not all sessions will have handouts.

Infinity Rehab

Nametag Sponsor: The Conference Nametag Sponsor is Infinity Rehab.


Consent: Photographs will be taken during the LeadingAge Nebraska 2026 Annual Conference & Expo. By registering for this event, you agree to allow LeadingAge Nebraska to use your photo in our related publications, promotions, or website.


Code of Conduct: LeadingAge Nebraska asks that all attendees keep the following in mind when attending all our events. LeadingAge Nebraska reserves the right to remove any persons not abiding by these standards.

  • Be considerate, respectful, and collaborative
  • Be mindful of the surroundings and of fellow attendees
  • Cease conduct that makes others uncomfortable when asked to do so
  • Alert staff of any dangerous or harassing situation or an attendee in distress

FAQs


  • Do exhibitors need to register for the conference separately from their Expo registration?
    Exhibitors who register for an Expo booth receive full access to the conference. They do not need to register separately, but they will be asked to RSVP for conference events.
  • Do speakers need to register for the conference?

        Yes, speakers need to register but will receive a discount code to register for free. Speakers will receive the code once                          registration opens.

  • Are the Pre-Conference sessions included with conference registration?
    No. Pre-Conference sessions require separate registration. You will be able to register for the Pre-Conference sessions on the main conference registration form once registration opens.
  • Who is invited to the Welcome Reception on March 16?

        Everyone, including Pre-conference registrants, conference registrants, speakers, and exhibitors are invited to attend the

        Welcome Reception.

  • How do I register?

       Use the registration link on this page once registration opens in mid-January.

  • Do I need to choose which breakout sessions to attend when I register?

       No, you may choose which sessions to attend at the conference. There is no need to choose before arriving.

  • When does conference registration open?

       Registration opens on Friday, January 16, 2026.

  • When does the early-bird rate end?

       The early-bird rate ends on February 16, one month prior to conference.

Contact:


LeadingAge Nebraska
625 S 14th Street, Suite A
Lincoln, NE 68508
(402) 975-8436
natalie.mccormick@leadingagene.org

Rev. Dr. Zina Jacque

Keynotes: We are excited to be hosting two fabulous keynote speakers on Wednesday, March 18th! Reverend Zina Jacque, Ph.D. is a writer, public theologian, and leadership-formation guide known for helping people lead from the inside out. With decades of experience across higher education, ministry, and nonprofit leadership, her work centers on purpose, belonging, and the spiritual formation required for sustainable leadership. She is the creator of The Sacred Pause, a contemplative series that invites leaders to slow down, listen deeply, and step forward with clarity and courage. She is also the President and Board Chair of National Senior Communities, the most extensive not-for-profit portfolio of continuing care retirement communities. NSC supports over 28,000 residents and 15,000 staff.  A sought-after preacher and public voice, Dr. Jacque invites individuals and communities to take stock of their passions, imagine new possibilities, and align both with a purpose that can be faithfully and fully lived.
McKesson

A recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from Boston University, Citizen of the Year in Barrington, and the Women of Distinction Award, Dr. Jacque is widely regarded as a voice of grace, wisdom, and hope. Zina's keynote is sponsored by McKesson.