Nebraska Career Catalyst 2026
The Nebraska Career Catalyst annual conference sponsored by Union Bank and Trust features expert faculty and alumni presenters from the University of Nebraska’s four campuses. These unique and interactive learning sessions are tailored for early and mid-career professionals and will focus on workplace soft skills, management best practices and professional development. You can also connect with other university alumni and university leaders.
BENEFITS OF ATTENDING
The Nebraska Career Catalyst is a valuable investment in you and your organization. Through the conference you will have a tremendous opportunity to:
- Gain a deeper understanding of how soft skills play an integral role in advancing your personal and career success.
- Develop practical goals, systems and strategies that will improve your workplace environment and engagement.
- Discuss the ever-changing landscape of flexible, hybrid and remote work settings.
- Make valuable connections with alumni peers who you can call upon throughout your career.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
- Alumni and graduates of the University of Nebraska (UNL, UNK, UNMC and UNO)
- Early and mid-career professionals
- First-time and mid-career managers
- Anyone seeking how to improve and advance their career
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
8:30 a.m.
Check-In and Breakfast
9:00 a.m.
Welcome
9:30 a.m.
Breakout Session 1
Building a Career Without a Roadmap: Lessons from a First-Generation MBA Graduate, Danny Ventura
Purpose in Practice: How Philanthropy Builds Skills, Networks, and Leadership Early, Steph Drewnowski
10:45 a.m.
Breakout Session 2
Navigating Negotiation, Quinn Texmo and Lisa Lackovic
Flywheel Leadership: Designing Momentum That Compounds, Brooke Envick
12:00 p.m.
Networking Lunch
1:30 p.m.
Breakout Session 3
Stop Getting Ghosted: How to Beat Resume Filters and Win the Interview, Tori Schuetz
Authenticity Over Perfection: From Survival Mode to Leadership Without Losing Yourself, Racquel Henderson
2:45 p.m.
Closing Keynote Session
The Never Give Up Mindset: Building a Career Through Resilience, Relationships and Reinvention, Maggi Thorne
4:00 p.m.
Conference Concludes
REGISTRATION
Registration is required and includes breakfast, lunch and parking.
Early Bird Rate (Through Sept. 25) – $55
Standard Rate – $75
PARKING
Parking is available in the lot north of Innovation Campus
HOTEL
The Scarlet Hotel is the official hotel partner of the 2026 Nebraska Career Catalyst. A special room rate is available for attendees who book before Oct. 18. Call the Scarlet Hotel at 531-300-6300 and request the Nebraska Career Catalyst room rate.
Sponsored by Union Bank & Trust.
The Nebraska Career Catalyst is a collaboration between the alumni associations at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
