Omaha 2026

The National Conference will kick off in the afternoon on Monday, July 13, and why not arrive in Omaha a little early? Participate in a half-day pre-conference opportunity!

Learn about all the pre-conference opportunities and register for something of interest here. 

Nicole M. Bianchi

Nicole will be our opening keynote speaker, kicking off the conference, Monday, July 13th.

As the founder of Bravership® (Bravery + Leadership), Nicole Bianchi has spent her life helping leaders rise—from inside the boardroom leading transformations in Fortune 500 companies to global stages and audiences, her message has become a movement. Not by playing it safe, but by choosing courage over comfort, clarity over chaos, and purpose over fear.

Recognized for transforming leadership and team dynamics through her engaging approach and actionable strategies, Nicole inspires leaders to foster a culture of bravery and authenticity by turning tough conversations into opportunities for growth and using bravery as a competitive advantage.

Nicole is a truth-teller, a fire-starter, and a fiercely compassionate guide for leaders and teams who are ready to do the inner work that fuels outer impact. When the stakes are high and brave leadership is the difference between misalignment and momentum, Nicole is the speaker they call to turn insight into action, and action into measurable results. Get ready to be challenged, inspired, and moved—because when Nicole speaks, things shift.

PJ Diamond

On Tuesday, July 14th, PJ Diamond will start our day as our first speaker. She is a globally experienced educator and relational leader with 15 years of experience designing people-centered learning across higher education, nonprofit, and corporate spaces. She is known for creating meaningful dialogue that builds trust, bridges differences, and helps communities move from shared values to collective action. PJ has partnered with leaders and communities across Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, and Latin America, bringing a strong cross-cultural and relationship-driven approach to leadership development.

She holds a Master’s degree in Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of Pittsburgh, is certified to teach English as a Second or Foreign Language, and is a co-founder of the nonprofit Queer Bozeman. PJ currently serves in leadership roles with the Rotary Club of Austin and the Association of Leadership Programs, and supports The Black Fund of Central Texas, with a continued focus on strengthening communities and cultivating inclusive leadership.

Demetrius "D" Parker 

On our last day, Thursday, July 16th, Demetrius “D” Parker will be our first keynote speaker. He is the Founder and CEO of Trust Leadership Collective, a firm focused on shifting organizational culture and developing leaders through self-awareness and trust-building. A U.S. Army veteran and former local government professional with more than 40 years of leadership experience, Demetrius now serves as an inspirational speaker, workshop facilitator, and executive coach. He is known for a facilitation style that blends pragmatic philosophy with energy and entertainment, making leadership development effective, enjoyable, and immediately useful.

His session, “The Active Leader” will be about turning lessons into movement and helping participants turn insight into intentional action. Through a guided reflection and action-mapping activity, participants will name one key lesson, connect it to a real leadership opportunity, and define a practical next step they can take within the next 7–10 days.

This experience invites participants to become active stewards of what they have learned by translating key insights into practical leadership commitments they can carry back to their teams, organizations, and communities.

Beth Goodwin 

We continue our Thursday July 16th session with Beth Goodwin. As an Employee and Social Impact Manager at Amazon, she leads the Community Leadership Activation (CLA) program, a national initiative connecting Operations leaders to Community Leadership Programs across the US and Canada. With 7 years at Amazon and 15+ years in enterprise people strategy spanning Nike and EY, Beth describes her work in three words: builder, strategist, connector. She specializes in converting complex business needs into scalable frameworks that connect individual leadership development to measurable community outcomes. 

Last year, Amazon shared the story of building a leadership program partnership. This year, Beth will take us deeper. “Measuring What Matters” is where she will walk us through how Amazon moved from anecdotal feedback to a structured measurement framework designed to show impact to their key audiences. Learn how to apply this approach to participants, funders, and communities and walk away with a practical framework for telling the story of your program's value.

Abraham Sorock and Alicia Cassels

This duo from LeadersAtlas will be presenting, “Stories of Impact: National Voices from the Network,” a data-rich synthesis of the wins, the impact, and the bright spots emerging across the ALP network. Attendees will walk away with a clearer picture of where this field is going and how their work fits into the larger story.

Abraham Sorock is the Founder of LeadersAtlas and creator of Mosaic, an AI-powered platform that helps corporate teams and professional communities connect, learn, and share their impact stories. Abraham integrates AI with organizational dynamics to turn strategic intent into visible evidence of impact.

Alicia Cassels is the Chief Operating Officer at LeadersAtlas, where she pioneered the Mosaic platform to help organizations reflect on and share stories of success at scale. Alicia graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2023 with a degree in Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management, and was named BostInno's 25 Under 25.

Becky Ruppert McMahon

Our last keynote speaker will be Becky Ruppert McMahon. She is the President & CEO of the Cleveland Leadership Center, which serves nearly 2,000 leaders across Northeast Ohio annually. Before joining CLC in 2024, she served for a decade as CEO of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association and the CMBA Foundation, where she led the development and execution of comprehensive strategic plans that elevated both organizations' regional impact and national visibility. Her background also includes leadership roles in law, banking and higher education. Becky is a proud graduate of CLC's Cleveland Bridge Builders Class of 2008 and Leadership Cleveland Class of 2018, and she serves as Board Chair for First Federal Lakewood, the largest depositor-owned bank headquartered in Ohio.

During her session, “Stories of Impact: A Formula to Tell Yours,” she shares the Cleveland Leadership Center's formula for collecting, evaluating, and telling impact stories, including the ripple-effect story of Leadership Cleveland's Class of 2025. Attendees will leave with a process they can take home and apply to their own programs immediately.

Late Nights at the Zoo

Guests ages 21+ can explore the Zoo in a different perspective as the zoo comes alive after hours. Guests can enjoy a quieter, more intimate atmosphere while learning fascinating facts from expert guides and observing animal behaviors rarely seen during the day.

Sip, stroll, and connect as you experience returning favorites like Zoo-tique, a market featuring local creators, music bingo, and special appearances by Ambassador Animals.

Time: 7:00 PM CT - 9:00 PM CT

Cost: $30 (includes one drink ticket)

Please register by June 15 to guarantee a ticket!

Getting to Omaha

Omaha is easy to reach by air or highway, making travel simple for ALP members from across the country.

By Air
The convenient Eppley Airfield (OMA) is located just 10 minutes from downtown Omaha and offers nonstop service to more than 30 major U.S. cities. With quick access to the city center and short security lines compared to larger hubs, OMA makes arrival smooth and stress-free. There are currently modernization projects impacting the airport roads, but travel is still easy and convenient. 

For attendees traveling internationally, connecting through major hubs such as Chicago, Denver, Dallas, or Minneapolis makes Omaha easily accessible.

By Car
Situated in the heart of the Midwest, Omaha is within a comfortable driving distance for many ALP members. If you prefer to skip the airport, a road trip through America’s heartland might be the perfect way to kick off your conference experience.

• Lincoln, NE – 1 hour
• Des Moines, IA – 2 hours
• Kansas City, MO – 3 hours
• Sioux Falls, SD – 3 hours
• Minneapolis, MN – 5.5 hours
• St. Louis, MO – 6.5 hours
• Chicago, IL – 7 hours
• Denver, CO – 8 hours

The 2026 ALP National Conference in Omaha promises to be an extraordinary event filled with networking opportunities, insightful discussions, and impactful experiences. We encourage all attendees to extend their stay and explore the vibrant city of Omaha and the surrounding region. Known for its welcoming spirit, thriving arts scene, and rich Midwestern heritage, Omaha offers so much to enjoy beyond the conference.

Whether you’re bringing family or colleagues, staying a few days before or after the conference will give you ample time to experience all that Omaha has to offer. Here are some suggestions to make the most of your extended visit:

• Explore the Historic Old Market District
  The heart of downtown Omaha, the Old Market is known for its cobblestone streets, historic brick buildings, boutique shops, galleries, and locally owned restaurants. It’s the perfect place to stroll, dine, and soak in the city’s charm. Just steps away, the newly revitalized Gene Leahy Mall offers green space, riverfront views, and a beautiful setting for an evening walk.
  

• Visit a World-Class Zoo
  Omaha is home to the internationally acclaimed Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, consistently ranked among the best zoos in the world. From the iconic Desert Dome to the indoor rainforest and aquarium, it’s an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
  

• Experience Omaha’s Cultural Scene
  Omaha’s arts and culture scene is vibrant and accessible. Visit the beautifully renovated Joslyn Art Museum, catch a performance at the historic Orpheum Theater, or enjoy a show at the Holland Performing Arts Center. Contemporary art lovers will appreciate the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, a nationally recognized creative hub.
  

• Savor Omaha’s Food Scene
  Omaha is famous for its steaks, but the culinary scene goes far beyond that. From classic steakhouses to innovative farm-to-table restaurants, cozy cafés, and a growing craft brewery scene, there’s something for every palate. The Old Market and surrounding downtown neighborhoods offer plenty of local favorites to explore.
  

• Discover Riverfront Views & Outdoor Spaces
  Take a walk across the iconic Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, where you can stand in both Nebraska and Iowa at once. Enjoy the scenic riverfront parks, including Heartland of America Park, or visit Lauritzen Gardens for beautifully curated botanical displays and peaceful walking paths.
  

• Day Trips & Regional Highlights
  Omaha’s central location makes it easy to explore beyond the city. Visit nearby Council Bluffs, Iowa, explore charming small towns, or enjoy the rolling landscapes and wineries of eastern Nebraska. The region offers a relaxed pace and authentic Midwestern hospitality.

ALP Conference attendees will be able to access exclusive savings with Visit Omaha's Show Your Badge program. View savings opportunities here.

By extending your stay in Omaha, you’ll find the perfect balance between attending the 2026 ALP National Conference and discovering the best of Omaha and the surrounding region. Make the most of your time in Omaha—experience the spirit, flavors, and culture that make this city unforgettable!