Local Leaders

Networking Reception

February 23 | 6–8 p.m.
Henry Doorly Zoo Scott Aquarium

Launch Forum

February 24 | 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Embasssy Suites La Vista

Networking Reception

February 23 6–8 p.m.

Henry Doorly Zoo Scott Aquarium

Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails included.

Launch Forum

Febraury 24  |  8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Embassy Suites La Vista Hotel & Conference Center

Breakfast & lunch included.

About the Event

The Go Big Future Launch Forum is the inaugural showcase of the Nebraska Chamber Foundation’s Signature Local Leaders Series, setting the tone for a yearlong exploration of Nebraska’s future through three defining themes: diversified energy, workforce, and technology innovation. This event serves as both a celebration and a call to action, blending data and storytelling to reveal how Nebraska can seize its role as a leader on the national stage while honoring the state’s legacy of resilience and powerful leadership.

This event will affirm that by aligning innovation, community vitality, and long-term investment, Nebraska can assert its competitive edge nationally. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how affordable energy, technology innovations, and workforce intersect to define Nebraska’s competitive advantage—and will be empowered to become champions of this transformative vision for Nebraska’s success.

Go Big Future Launch Forum will begin with a networking reception on the evening of February 23rd from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Henry Doorly Zoo Scott Aquarium. The event will include hors d’oeuvres and cocktails along with brief remarks from Omaha Mayor John Ewing & Valentine Mayor Kyle Arganbright.

The Forum will take place the following day at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha La Vista Hotel & Conference Center from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A breakfast will be included before the event and lunch will be included at the end.

More information will be provided prior to the event.

About the Event

The Go Big Future Launch Forum is the inaugural showcase of the Nebraska Chamber Foundation’s Signature Local Leaders Series, setting the tone for a yearlong exploration of Nebraska’s future through three defining themes: diversified energy, workforce, and technology innovation. This event serves as both a celebration and a call to action, blending data and storytelling to reveal how Nebraska can seize its role as a leader on the national stage while honoring the state’s legacy of resilience and powerful leadership.

This event will affirm that by aligning innovation, community vitality, and long-term investment, Nebraska can assert its competitive edge nationally. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how affordable energy, technology innovations, and workforce intersect to define Nebraska’s competitive advantage—and will be empowered to become champions of this transformative vision for Nebraska’s success.

Go Big Future Launch Forum will begin with a networking reception on the evening of February 23rd from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Henry Doorly Zoo Scott Aquarium. The event will include hors d’oeuvres and cocktails along with brief remarks from Omaha Mayor John Ewing & Valentine Mayor Kyle Arganbright.

The Forum will take place the following day at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha La Vista Hotel & Conference Center from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A breakfast will be included before the event and lunch will be included at the end.

More information will be provided prior to the event.

Agenda

This event will feature a series of conversations, panels, and keynote discussions. Below is a preview of the topics you can expect.

Why A Long Term Strategy Matters
What The Foundation's Data Tells Us
The Challenge of Silos & Alignment
Ideas for a Competitive Workforce
Harnessing Nebraska's Home-Grown Energy
Technology & Innovation in Our State

Speakers

Full lineup coming soon. Check back for updates!

Owen Palm

President and CEO
21st Century Holdings

Lance Fritz

Former CEO
Union Pacific

Hunter Traynor

Executive Vice President - Legislation & Policy
NE Chamber of Commerce & Industry

K.C. Belitz

Former Nebraska Economic Development Director

Heath Mello

President and CEO
Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce

Dana Bradford

CEO
C3 Brands

Josh Moenning

New Power Nebraska,
Former Mayor of Norfolk

Sarah Pillen

Pillen Family Farms,
DNA Swine Genetics

Emily Allen

Executive Director
Tech Nebraska

Jim Sutfin

Former Superintendent
Millard Public Schools

Dan Hoffman

CEO
Invest Nebraska

Ready to GO BIG?