SPRINGFIELD, Mo., March 2, 2026 – Presentation proposals are now being accepted for the 15th annual Drury University Nonprofit Leadership Conference. The 2026 conference will take place Friday, Oct. 9, at Oasis Convention Center in Springfield. All sessions will feature in-person presentations. Individuals with relevant presentation proposals are encouraged to submit them for consideration.
The central focus and theme of the 2026 conference is “Time-Tested, Future Focused,” which honors the enduring foundations of effective nonprofit leadership. The conference will encourage forward-thinking approaches that position organizations for a lasting impact.
“There’s nothing like the energy that emerges when we bring the nonprofit community together for this annual day of learning and networking,” said Regina Waters, Ph.D., Leadership Collaborative Director. “This year, we’ve asked speakers to be especially mindful of the needs of nonprofits with budgets under $500,000. Everyone who attends this conference will walk away with inspiration and ideas to advance their organization’s mission.”
Conference planners invite proposals which fit into one of the following tracks.
Conference sessions are 60 minutes and prioritize audience learning and engagement. Proposals should be developed around two to three clear learning objectives appropriate for the selected conference track and, when relevant, identify the resources that will be provided to the audience.
Proposals will be accepted through Friday, May 1, and can be submitted online. For further information about the conference, contact Dr. Regina Waters at rwaters@drury.edu or call (417) 873-7251.
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Media Contact: Cris Belvin, Director of University Communications & Media Relations | (417) 873-7392 | gbelvin@drury.edu