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
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
When:
Saturday, June 6, 2026 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
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
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Opening Keynote
Valora Washington, Ph.D.
President and CEO, The Cayl Institute -
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Session 1:
Topic: Program Operations
Speaker: Valora Washington, Ph.D., The CAYL InstituteSession 2:
Topic: Business Planning (Spanish Session)
Speaker: Brissa Borjas Esparza, Center for Rural AffairsSession 3:
Topic: Social Media Made Simple
Speakers: NECC Strategic Communications TeamSession 4:
Topic: Taxes & Recordkeeping
Speaker: Aaron Hill, MBA, Peak Tax & Accounting
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Speakers:
Angela Blaesi
Family Child Care Provider, North PlatteLisset Christian
Family Child Care Provider, OmahaTasha McNeil
Center-Based Child Care Provider, OmahaShannon Stutzman
Family Child Care Provider, Columbus -
Lunch
Visit Exhibit Tables
Last Call for Door Prize Tickets
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Session 1:
Topic: Insurance & Risk
Speaker: Samantha Phillips, ComploySession 2:
Topic: Business Planning
Speaker: Jessica Campos, Center for Rural AffairsSession 3:
Topic: Effective Communication in Times of Crisis
Speakers: Erin Owen & Kelly Jefferson Minty, Clarity Channels CommunicationsSession 4:
Topic: Taxes & Recordkeeping
Speaker: Aaron Hill, MBA, Peak Tax & Accounting
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Closing Keynote
Erica Phillips
Executive Director at National Association for Family Child Care -
Closing Remarks
Door Prizes
Survey
Attendance
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
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 depending on eligibility and funding availability. Funds will be awarded after the conference. See below for details.
Eligibility:
Attendees must be traveling 40+ miles from the location of the conference.
3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68107
Attendees must be a Nebraska resident
Attendees must stay for the entirety of the conference on Saturday, June 6, 2026
Attendees must submit their W-9 along with their receipts and mileage
Guidelines:
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
*Receipt with final stay amount must be sent with your reimbursement request.
Mileage will be reimbursed for round-trip travel to and from the location of the conference at the federal rate of $0.725/mile
Mileage should be calculated from your place of residence to the location of the conference.
Attendees will have the option to receive the funds via check by mail or direct deposit (ACH).
Timeline:
Attendees will submit a scholarship reimbursement request after the conference concludes.
The request form will open at 9 a.m. CDT on June 8 and close by 5 p.m. CDT on June 12. Attendees will receive an email with the form link.
Eligible reimbursements will be issued within 21 business days from the date of submission after the conference concludes.
Questions?
Please reach out to ap@nebraskaearly.org with “Elevate reimbursement question” in the subject line.
Frequently Asked Questions
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There is no cost to attend Elevate. Thanks to our generous donors, registration is completely free for participants.
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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.
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We will not be doing headshots at this year's conference, but it is on our list to bring back for future conferences.