As organizations navigate constant change, growing complexity, and rising expectations of leaders, one premise remains clear: strong leadership starts with strong communication and collaboration.

The 2026 LeadingBetter™ Summit, presented by PNC, returns on April 22, 2026, bringing together more than 600 executives, managers, and emerging leaders for the region’s largest one-day leadership event. The Summit will be held in person at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, with hundreds more leaders joining virtually from across the country.

Produced by the Leadership Louisville Center through its partner brand LeadingBetter™, the annual Summit equips leaders with practical tools, fresh insight, and shared language they can apply immediately to strengthen teams, improve performance, and lead through change.

Save Over $1,000 on Groups of 5+ (Until Feb. 6)

The early deadline for individual tickets has passed, but organizations can still take advantage of a limited-time opportunity:
register a group of 5 or more by February 6 to unlock over $1,000 in savings.

Many organizations attend as teams to build shared leadership language and accelerate alignment across roles. If you’re planning to send leaders this year, this is the moment to think beyond a single seat.

Register a Group

“PNC is committed to investing in the local business landscape and the leaders who contribute to its success, and our continued support for the LeadingBetter Summit underscores that commitment. We look forward to again taking part in this powerful forum as we collectively lean into continuous improvement and skill-building that will create long-term impact for Louisville.”

— Kristen Byrd, Regional President, PNC

A High-Impact One-Day Experience

Designed as a high-impact, one-day leadership experience, the Summit blends main stage keynotes, interactive in-person breakout sessions, and intentional networking opportunities to maximize learning, connection, and practical application.

• Multiple main stage sessions featuring nationally recognized speakers
• Breakout sessions offering deeper dives into communication, collaboration, and essential leadership skills (in-person only)
• An energizing environment built for connection, insight, and action

Nationally Recognized Speakers Headline the 2026 Summit

The 2026 Summit will feature several nationally respected voices shaping the future of leadership, influence, and responsible decision-making. The full agenda will soon be announced soon, the main stage speakers include:

• Alison Fragale, organizational psychologist, UNC Kenan-Flagler professor, and bestselling author of Likeable Badass, delivering research-backed strategies for building influence with confidence and credibility.
• Diya Wynn, Principal of Responsible AI at Amazon Web Services, exploring what it means to lead, innovate, and build trust responsibly in an AI-driven world.
• Marcus Canady, former U.S. Coast Guard Commanding Officer and author of Intrusive Leadership, sharing lessons from leading through uncertainty, crisis, and high-stakes environments — and what those moments demand from today’s leaders.
• Dr. Derek Greenfield, nationally sought-after educator and bridge-building expert, leading an immersive closing experience on generational synergy, collaboration, and belonging – designed to move leaders from insight to action in real time.
• Cynthia Knapek, President & CEO of the Leadership Louisville Center and LeadingBetter™, and a Louisville Business First Most Admired CEO, bringing a deeply practical perspective on leadership, collaboration, and building results-driven organizations and communities.

Together, the speakers address the leadership capabilities organizations are asking for most: communication, trust, accountability, collaboration, and adaptability.

A Strategic Investment for Organizations

The Summit attracts leaders from healthcare, finance, manufacturing, education, government, professional services, and nonprofit organizations. Approximately 50% of attendees are at the director level or above, and many organizations attend as teams to strengthen alignment, morale, and leadership capability across roles.

For a limited time, groups of 5+ save over $1,000 when registering by February 6. Learn more and register at
join.leadershiplouisville.org/SUMMIT2026.

Interested in Sponsorship?

Summit sponsors gain strong brand visibility, meaningful community alignment, and built-in value for employees and clients, while supporting our nonprofit mission to develop better leaders.

For sponsorship information, contact Jennifer Stevens at
jstevens@leadershiplouisville.org.

Inquire About Sponsorship

Special Thanks to Our Event Sponsors

• Presenting Sponsor: PNC
• Speaker Sponsor: Humana, Inc.
• Gold Sponsor: Advanced Business Solutions and Farm Credit Mid-America
• Silver Sponsors: EY; Louisville Business First; and Louisville Public Media
• Bronze Sponsors: Hardscuffle, Inc.; Texas Roadhouse; University of Louisville College of Business; and Yum! Brands, Inc.

About the Leadership Louisville Center & LeadingBetter™

Founded in 1979, the Leadership Louisville Center has graduated over 15,000 leaders through its community leadership programs and professional training courses. Recognized as a national best practice, the Center serves as a catalyst for leadership excellence and civic engagement, empowering individuals and organizations to create meaningful impact.

LeadingBetter™ is the professional training and talent development arm of the Leadership Louisville Center, offering cutting-edge leadership development solutions designed to help individuals and organizations thrive in an ever-changing world. Through open-enrollment courses, customized corporate training, and the annual LeadingBetter Summit, LeadingBetter™ equips leaders at all levels with the skills needed to enhance communication, build high-performing teams, and drive organizational success.

Learn more at leadershiplouisville.org and leadingbetter.com.