Looking Back at Reno 2026
Four days of keynotes, workshops, recognition, and connection at Silver Legacy Resort in Reno, Nevada.
Highlights from the Annual Conference
A look back at the keynotes, sessions, and connections that made the 2026 conference one to remember.
Conference Schedule
The sessions, speakers, and celebrations from the 2026 conference.
Wednesday, September 30
9:00 AM
BOARD
Board Meeting
Board Meeting
Location: Silver Baron E
COMMITTEE
Committee Meetings
Committee Meetings
Location: Silver Baron E/1-2-3
4:30 PM
– 6:00 PM
NETWORKING
Welcome Mixer
Welcome Mixer
Location: Rum Bullion Patio
Kick off conference week! Reconnect with national peers, meet chapter leaders, and network with attendees.
TIME TBD
NETWORKING
Open Evening for Attendees
Open Evening for Attendees
Free evening to explore downtown Reno, check into the hotel, and dine with colleagues.
Thursday, October 1
8:30 AM
– 9:15 AM
MEAL & BREAK
Conference Opening + Light Breakfast
Conference Opening + Light Breakfast
Location: Silver Baron A
Official welcome and opening remarks for the 2026 NMA Annual Conference with breakfast served.
9:30 AM
– 10:30 AM
KEYNOTE
Educational Session: Shawn Harper — Play to Win
Shawn Harper
Educational Session: Shawn Harper — Play to Win
Shawn Harper
Location: Silver Baron A
Shawn Harper
Former NFL Athlete & Keynote SpeakerDiscover how to transition from playing not to lose to playing to win. Shawn Harper, former NFL offensive lineman and corporate speaker, shares actionable strategies on overcoming adversity, turning setbacks into opportunities, building an unstoppable mindset, and mastering elite leadership.
Key Takeaways: Shift mindsets to achieve winning outcomes; turn obstacles into competitive advantages; foster resilience and high-performance team culture.
10:30 AM
– 11:00 AM
NETWORKING
Shawn Harper Book Signing
Shawn Harper Book Signing
Location: Silver Baron A
Meet keynote speaker Shawn Harper, pick up a signed copy of his book, and connect one-on-one.
11:00 AM
– 11:15 AM
MEAL & BREAK
Morning Break
Morning Break
Short intermission before the next educational track.
11:15 AM
– 12:30 PM
BREAKOUT
Educational Session: Ana Larrea-Albert — Leading with Excellence: Three Languages That Turn Challenges into Opportunities
Ana Larrea-Albert
Educational Session: Ana Larrea-Albert — Leading with Excellence: Three Languages That Turn Challenges into Opportunities
Ana Larrea-Albert
Location: Silver Baron A
Ana Larrea-Albert
Executive Coach & Global Leadership StrategistLearn actionable techniques for fostering inclusive corporate cultures, leading cross-border teams, and navigating modern workplace shifts with authenticity and strategic vision. Ana Larrea-Albert, Executive Coach and Global Leadership Strategist, shares insights on leveraging communication frameworks to align multi-generational and diverse teams.
Key Takeaways: Master three essential communication styles; foster inclusion and engagement across global teams; turn organizational hurdles into growth opportunities.
12:30 PM
– 2:00 PM
MEAL & BREAK
Hall of Fame Lunch (Inducting Dan Gilbert)
Dan Gilbert
Hall of Fame Lunch (Inducting Dan Gilbert)
Dan Gilbert
Location: Silver Baron CDE
Dan Gilbert
Founder & Chairman | Rocket CompaniesAnnual Hall of Fame Luncheon inducting Dan Gilbert for his transformative contributions to American business, entrepreneurship, and civic leadership.
2:15 PM
– 4:15 PM
WORKSHOP
Educational Session: Larry Kieschnick — True Colors Personality: Unlocking Team Potential Through the Four Color Framework
Larry Kieschnick
Educational Session: Larry Kieschnick — True Colors Personality: Unlocking Team Potential Through the Four Color Framework
Larry Kieschnick
Location: Silver Baron A
Larry Kieschnick
Operations Consultant & NMA FacilitatorParticipate in an interactive workshop focused on practical problem-solving, operational process management, continuous improvement, and peer collaboration. Operations consultant and NMA facilitator Larry Kieschnick guides participants through the True Colors Personality model to enhance team dynamics and communication.
Key Takeaways: Identify individual and team personality dynamics; improve cross-functional collaboration and conflict resolution; apply practical problem-solving frameworks.
4:15 PM
– 4:30 PM
MEAL & BREAK
Afternoon Break
Afternoon Break
Refreshment break prior to the NMA annual organizational update.
4:30 PM
– 5:00 PM
NETWORKING
NMA Year in Review
NMA Year in Review
Location: Silver Baron A
National leadership presentation highlighting annual achievements, member milestones, and strategic initiatives.
5:00 PM
NETWORKING
Free Evening & Past Chairs Dinner
Free Evening & Past Chairs Dinner
Open evening for conference attendees alongside the invitation-only NMA Past Chairs Dinner.
Friday, October 2
8:00 AM
– 9:00 AM
NETWORKING
Lockheed Martin Synergy Meeting
Lockheed Martin Synergy Meeting
Location: Silver Baron A
Special chapter alignment and networking session for Lockheed Martin Leadership Association officers and team members.
9:30 AM
– 11:30 AM
MEAL & BREAK
Recognition Brunch
Recognition Brunch
Location: Silver Baron CDE
Brunch gathering celebrating outstanding national chapters, volunteer leaders, and organizational awards.
12:00 PM
– 1:15 PM
KEYNOTE
Educational Session: John Di Domenico — The Winning Voice: Elevating Executive Presence
John Di Domenico
Educational Session: John Di Domenico — The Winning Voice: Elevating Executive Presence
John Di Domenico
Location: Silver Baron A
John Di Domenico
Corporate Performer & Presentation CoachGain key insights on commanding executive presence, leveraging humor in professional environments, building trust, and communicating with authentic impact. John Di Domenico, corporate performer and presentation coach, demonstrates how to captivate audiences and deliver memorable leadership messages.
Key Takeaways: Develop an authentic executive voice and commanding presence; use humor strategically to build rapport; craft compelling and persuasive presentations.
1:15 PM
– 1:30 PM
MEAL & BREAK
Afternoon Break
Afternoon Break
Short networking break before the interactive improv workshop.
1:30 PM
– 3:30 PM
WORKSHOP
Educational Session: THEY Improv — Mental Agility & Corporate Adaptability
Educational Session: THEY Improv — Mental Agility & Corporate Adaptability
Location: Silver Baron A
Engage in an interactive group workshop using improvisational techniques to enhance team agility, active listening, creative thinking, and workplace collaboration. Facilitated by THEY Improv, this session provides dynamic exercises to help teams adapt quickly to changing business environments.
Key Takeaways: Sharpen active listening and rapid problem-solving skills; enhance team trust and adaptability under pressure; boost workplace creativity through collaborative exercises.
4:00 PM
– 6:00 PM
NETWORKING
Member of the Year Celebration (Honoring Colin Catto)
Colin Catto
Member of the Year Celebration (Honoring Colin Catto)
Colin Catto
Location: Silver Baron CDE
Colin Catto
NMA Member of the Year | NokiaSpecial reception honoring Colin Catto of Nokia as Member of the Year featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres, carving stations, and cash bar.
Saturday, October 3
8:30 AM
– 9:30 AM
WORKSHOP
Educational Session: David Sandhu — The Power Prompt: How to Get More Out of AI in Less Time & Continental Breakfast
David Sandhu
Educational Session: David Sandhu — The Power Prompt: How to Get More Out of AI in Less Time & Continental Breakfast
David Sandhu
Location: Silver Baron A
David Sandhu
Technology & Digital Skills LeaderExperience a hands-on practical session focusing on digital tools, prompt engineering, and artificial intelligence skills to boost daily productivity. Technology leader David Sandhu leads attendees through real-world applications of AI tools (laptops recommended).
Key Takeaways: Master effective prompt engineering techniques; leverage AI tools to streamline workflows and reduce manual tasks; apply practical tech skills immediately.
9:30 AM
– 10:00 AM
NETWORKING
Contestant & Judges Briefings
Contestant & Judges Briefings
Location: Silver Baron 1 (Contestants) & Silver Baron 3 (Judges)
Final rules review and logistical alignment prior to the speech contest.
10:00 AM
– 11:00 AM
KEYNOTE
38th Annual National Leadership Speech Contest
38th Annual National Leadership Speech Contest
Location: Silver Baron A
Watch national student finalists deliver inspiring speeches competing live for college scholarships.
11:00 AM
– 11:30 AM
NETWORKING
Judges Deliberation
Judges Deliberation
Location: Silver Baron 3
Official scoring and evaluation window by the speech contest judging panel.
11:30 AM
– 12:15 PM
KEYNOTE
Speech Contest Awards & Charity Presentation
Speech Contest Awards & Charity Presentation
Location: Silver Baron A
Presentation of student scholarship winners and official conference donation check presentation to the Veterans Guest House.
12:15 PM
– 5:00 PM
NETWORKING
Free Time
Free Time
Afternoon break to prepare for the gala, visit downtown Reno, or relax at the resort.
5:00 PM
– 6:00 PM
NETWORKING
Executive of the Year Reception
Executive of the Year Reception
Location: Rum Bullion Patio
Pre-banquet cocktail hour and formal gathering before the executive dinner.
6:00 PM
– 10:00 PM
KEYNOTE
EOY Banquet (Honoring Dr. Tahllee Baynard) & Dance Party
Dr. Tahllee Baynard
EOY Banquet (Honoring Dr. Tahllee Baynard) & Dance Party
Dr. Tahllee Baynard
Location: Silver Baron A
Dr. Tahllee Baynard
Executive of the Year | Lockheed Martin SpaceFormal gala honoring Dr. Tahllee Baynard for outstanding industry leadership, followed by the conference closing dance and celebration!
38th Leadership Speech Contest & 25th Silent Auction
The Shorey Silent Auction was held on-site to raise funds for the NMA Leadership Speech Contest, which has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarship funds to student leaders.
Speech Contest
Student leaders took the stage at the National Leadership Speech Contest on Saturday, October 3.
Silent Auction
Attendees bid at the auction tables outside Silver Baron A through noon on Saturday, October 3.
Awarded in student scholarships since inception
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Supporting the Veterans Guest House
2026 OFFICIAL CONFERENCE CHARITYEvery year, the NMA Annual Conference strives to leave a positive footprint in the host community by donating to a local cause. The 2026 conference charity partner was the Veterans Guest House in Reno.
Founded in 1993 under the credo “never again on our watch,” the Veterans Guest House provides veterans and their families temporary overnight accommodations during medical treatment.
Visit Veterans Guest House (opens in a new tab)A hundred years of leaders started the same way you will.
Individual, company, community, and student memberships available — every one comes with the same network and the same standard of leadership.