Leadership Institute 2026: Schedule at a Glance
Leadership Institute 2026 is where child care leaders come together to dig into some of the biggest obstacles and opportunities facing the child care resource network, such as leading with strategic foresight, forging strategic partnerships, and building long-term system sustainability. Filled with impactful topics and engaging conversations, attendees gain valuable connections, real-world solutions, and tools and tactics they can put to use immediately in their own communities and networks.
Please note: Session titles, descriptions, and speakers are subject to change, so be sure to check back often for the most current information!
4:30PM - 6:00PM
Registration Desk Open
7:30AM - 5:00PM
Registration Desk Open
8:00AM - 9:00AM
Breakfast & Exhibit Hall Open
Networking
9:00AM - 9:15AM
Welcome to Kansas City
OPENING REMARKS
9:15AM - 9:30AM
Welcome to Leadership Institute 2026
WELCOME REMARKS
9:30AM - 10:30AM
Keynote
KEYNOTE SESSION
10:30AM - 11:00AM
Break & Exhibit Hall Open
NETWORKING
11:00AM - 11:50AM
Concurrent Sessions
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Dig deeper into the keynote topic at one of the roundtable discussions or breakout sessions.
11:50AM - 12:00PM
Transition to Lunch
12:00PM - 1:00PM
Lunch
1:00PM - 1:30PM
Break & Exhibit Hall Open
NETWORKING
1:30PM - 2:30PM
Leading Through Vision
PLENARY SESSION
2:30PM - 3:00PM
Break & Exhibit Hall Open
NETWORKING
3:00PM - 3:50PM
Concurrent Sessions
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Choose a roundtable discussion or breakout sessions where you can expand on leading through vision.
3:50PM - 4:15PM
Break & Exhibit Hall Open
NETWORKING
4:15PM - 5:00PM
Closing: Reflections on Day 1
PLENARY SESSION
5:00PM - 6:30PM
Welcome Reception
NETWORKING
7:30AM - 12:00PM
Registration Desk Open
7:30AM - 8:30AM
Breakfast & Exhibit Hall Open
Networking
8:30AM - 8:45AM
Welcome to Leadership Institute 2026 Day 2
WELCOME REMARKS
8:45AM - 9:45AM
Leading Through Strategy
PLENARY SESSION
9:45AM - 10:30AM
Break & Exhibit Hall Open
NETWORKING
10:30AM - 11:20AM
Concurrent Sessions
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Join a roundtable discussion or breakout session for a deeper exploration of leading through strategy.
11:20AM - 11:30AM
Transition to Lunch
11:30AM - 12:30PM
Lunch
12:30PM - 1:30PM
Leading For Sustainability
PLENARY SESSION
1:30PM - 1:40PM
Transition to Concurrent Sessions
1:40PM - 2:30PM
Concurrent Sessions
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Explore leading for sustainability at a roundtable discussion or traditional breakout session.
2:30PM - 2:40PM
Transition to Closing Session
2:40PM - 3:30PM
Leading With Care
PLENARY SESSION
3:30PM - 4:00PM
Closing Remarks
4:00PM