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2026 LeadingBetter™ Summit to Bring National Leadership Experts to Louisville on April 22

One-day hybrid event will focus on communication, collaboration, and the evolving skills leaders need to navigate today’s workplace.

Louisville, KY — Over 600 leaders from across industries will gather on April 22, 2026, for the LeadingBetter™ Summit, a one-day leadership event designed to address the growing complexity of leading teams in today’s environment.

Hosted at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts with a virtual attendance option, the Summit will bring together nationally recognized speakers and regional leaders for a full day of learning, connection, and practical skill-building.

The event focuses on leadership challenges that are becoming increasingly common across organizations, including communication breakdowns, cross-functional collaboration, generational differences, and the rapid impact of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

National Speakers Address Key Leadership Challenges

This year’s main stage features a lineup of speakers focused on practical strategies leaders can apply immediately within their teams and organizations.

• Alison Fragale, organizational psychologist and author, will share research-backed strategies for building influence and credibility without relying on formal authority.
• Cynthia Knapek, CEO of Leadership Louisville Center, will explore how listening can be used as a strategic advantage in negotiation and decision-making.
• Marcus Canady, former U.S. Coast Guard commanding officer, will introduce “intrusive leadership” as a model for strengthening accountability and team performance.
• Diya Wynn, a leader in responsible AI, will address how organizations can navigate AI disruption with intention, trust, and ethical decision-making.
• Dr. Derek Greenfield, leadership expert and educator, will focus on building stronger collaboration across generations in today’s workforce.

Together, these sessions reflect a broader shift in leadership development, with increased emphasis on human-centered skills such as communication, influence, trust-building, and adaptability.

Breakout Sessions Offer Deeper Skill Development

In addition to the main stage, in-person attendees will have access to breakout sessions designed to provide hands-on learning in smaller group settings.

• Leading with Inspiration: Story-Driven Leadership with Aaron Miller
• Leading with Purpose: Creating a Psychologically Safe Team with Donald Woolridge, Sr.
• Leading with EQ: Emotional Intelligence in a Changing World with Heather Yerrid
• Rise: Leading with Confidence, Connection, and Courage with Lisa Zangari

These sessions are structured to help participants translate big-picture ideas into practical behaviors they can use immediately in their day-to-day work.

A Strong Virtual Option for Leaders Joining from Anywhere

The virtual experience is designed for leaders who want access to the full main stage lineup in real time without traveling to Louisville. Virtual attendees can join live, engage in the event experience, and revisit the main stage sessions through recordings after the Summit.

In-person attendees also receive access to the virtual platform and main stage recordings after the event, making it easier to continue the learning beyond a single day.

More Than Inspiration. Tools You Can Use Right Away.

Great leadership events should do more than motivate people for a day. They should help people return to work with stronger language, sharper thinking, and practical ideas they can apply in conversations, team meetings, planning sessions, and high-stakes decisions.

That is what makes the LeadingBetter™ Summit stand out. The day is built to combine fresh perspective with immediate application, while also creating opportunities for connection with leaders across industries and sectors.

For organizations, it is also a strong investment in employee development, engagement, and retention. Sending a team can help create shared language, reinforce leadership expectations, and bring new energy back into the workplace.

Registration Now Open

Registration for the 2026 LeadingBetter™ Summit is now open. In-person capacity is limited, and early registration is encouraged.