All you need to know about this year’s event

Welcome Reception

The Welcome Reception kicks off Elevate 2026 in a relaxed and welcoming environment, creating space for meaningful connection before the conference begins. This gathering provides attendees, speakers, sponsors, and partners the opportunity to network, build relationships, and preview the exciting conference ahead. It sets the tone for an engaging and collaborative conference experience!

When:

Friday, June 5, 2026 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Where:

The African Lodge at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo

Perks for Attendees:

Appetizers and refreshments

Photobooth, karaoke, and line dancing

Networking opportunities with peers, presenters, and partners

Introduction to the Elevate 2026 schedule and conference highlights

Shuttle service at the zoo

Elevate is a conference like no other, focused exclusively on the business of child care. This innovative event brings together child care business owners and entrepreneurs across the state for a day of learning, growth, and collaboration around child care business development.

*Spanish interpretation will be available all day

Conference

Saturday, June 6, 2026 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM

When:

Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium Conference Center at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo

Where:

6 In-Service Hours (Nebraska Only)

Perks for Attendees:

Door Prizes

Zoo Admittance

Exclusive Elevate Swag

Scholarships for Travel Reimbursements (Based on Eligibility)

Conference Agenda

8:00 – 8:30 AM

Registration + Light Breakfast

8:30 – 8:45 AM

Welcome to Elevate 2026!

8:45 – 9:45 AM

Opening Keynote

See. Shift. Shine: Together, We Lead Change in Early Childhood Education

Valora Washington, Ph.D., President and CEO, The Cayl Institute

9:45 – 10:00 AM

Break

10:00 – 11:00 AM

Morning Breakout Sessions

See. Shift. Shine in Action: A Leadership Lab for Early Childhood Leaders
Valora Washington, Ph.D., The CAYL Institute
De la Idea al Éxito: Creando un Plan de Negocios para tu Programa de Cuidado Infantil (Spanish Session)
Brissa Borjas Esparza, Center for Rural Affairs
Social Media Made Simple
NECC Strategic Communications Team
Smart Money Moves: Tax and Accounting Essentials for Child Care Providers
Aaron Hill, MBA, Peak Tax & Accounting

11:00 – 11:15 AM

Break

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM

Provider Panel

Angela Blaesi

Family Child Care Provider, North Platte

Lisset Christian

Family Child Care Provider, Omaha

Tasha McNeil

Center-Based Child Care Provider, Omaha

Shannon Stutzman

Family Child Care Provider, Columbus

12:00 – 1:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 – 2:00 PM

Afternoon Breakout Sessions

The Child Care Insurance Crisis: What Every Early Educator Must Do Now
Samantha Phillips, Comploy
From Idea to Success: Creating a Business Plan for Your Child Care Program
Jessica Campos, Center for Rural Affairs
Prepared for a Crisis: Communication Fundamentals for Child Care Business Owners
Erin Owen & Kelly Jefferson Minty, Clarity Channels Communications
Smart Money Moves: Tax and Accounting Essentials for Child Care Providers
Aaron Hill, MBA, Peak Tax & Accounting

2:00 – 2:15 PM

Break

2:15 – 3:15 PM

Closing Keynote

The Power in You: Leadership, Storytelling, and the Future of Child Care

Erica Phillips, Executive Director at National Association for Family Child Care

3:15 – 3:30 PM

Closing Remarks

Accommodations

Host Hotel:

Even Hotel Omaha Downtown

2220 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE

Distance from Venue: 2.9 miles (approximately 10 minutes) from the Aquarium Conference Center at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo

Shuttle Service: Complimentary local shuttle available daily from 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM within a 3-mile radius of the hotel

Parking: $15 per day

Room Rate: $164 per night + applicable taxes

Amenities: Fitness center, on-site dining options, and walkable downtown location

Book a Room

Travel Scholarships

Thanks to the generosity of our Elevate 2026 sponsors, NECC is excited to offer scholarships to offset the costs of travel and lodging to qualified attendees! Travel and lodging scholarship reimbursements will be offered on a first come, first served basis dependent on eligibility and funding availability. Funds will be awarded after the conference.

Applications Are Closed

Eligibility requirements:

Applicants must be registered for the Elevate conference
Applicants must be traveling 40+ miles from the conference location
Applicants must be a Nebraska child care provider or work at a Nebraska child care program
Applicants must stay for the entirety of the conference on Saturday, June 6, 2026

Guidelines:

Scholarships will be awarded at a max rate of $375 for both hotel/lodging and mileage.
Hotel/Lodging reimbursement is limited to one night's stay up to $200 on either of the following dates:
- Friday, June 5, 2026
- Saturday, June 6, 2026
Scholarship amounts for mileage only will be calculated at the federal rate of $0.725/mile up to the $375 max

Questions?
Please reach out to elevate@nebraskaearly.org with "Elevate Scholarship Question" in the subject line

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no cost to attend Elevate. Thanks to our generous donors, registration is completely free for participants.
Nope! Attendance at the Friday evening welcome reception is not required to receive in-service hours.
In-service hours are awarded based on participation in the approved conference sessions on Saturday, June 6.
We will not be doing headshots at this year's conference, but it is on our list to bring back for future conferences.