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November 12th
The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel
Forum:
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cocktail Reception, Dinner and Husker Volleyball Watch Party:
5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
About the Event
Go Big: Defining the Future Forum is the capstone event of a nine-stop statewide innovation campaign, celebrating the data insights, momentum and leadership that has emerged across Nebraska in 2026. This experience will convene some of the most influential voices from across business, industry, government and local communities to reflect on our statewide journey — and zero in on what comes next.
The Go Big series has demonstrated how Nebraskans can champion a future of tech and talent innovation, energy independence and economic opportunity. It’s time to get started.
This afternoon-to-evening experience will include a forum with a keynote address followed by a cocktail reception, dinner and Husker Volleyball Watch Party.
Speakers

Matt Williams
Chairman
Flatwater Bank
Immediate Past President
NE Chamber

Marc LeBaron
Chairman and CEO
Lincoln Industries
Chairman
NE Chamber Foundation

Hunter Traynor
Executive Vice President - Legislation & Policy
NE Chamber

Joseph Young
President & CEO
NE Chamber

Troy Dannen
Director of Athletics
University of Nebraska

Mike Johanns
Former Governor of Nebraska

Dave Heineman
Former Governor of Nebraska

Pete Ricketts
U.S. Senator
Former Governor of Nebraska

Josie Gatti Schafer, Ph.D.
Director
Center for Public Affairs Research

Laurel Oetken
Chief Executive Officer
Open Range

Dawson Brunswick
President,
Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce

Weston Svoboda
Attorney & Rancher
Rembolt Ludtke

Jim Clifton
Chairman
Gallup
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