Please note the location change from the Plaza Lobby to inside Horner Hall. There will be 4 identical food stations throughout the hall.
Begin the day with a hearty breakfast buffet prepared by Levy Restaurants, the exclusive catering partner of the Hot Springs Convention Center. Enjoy a delicious selection including scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, buttermilk biscuits with sausage gravy, country sausage links, crisp bacon, fresh seasonal fruit and berries, warm cinnamon rolls, and a variety of coffee, hot teas, orange juice, and apple juice.
Monday July 20, 2026 7:00am - 8:15am CDT Horner Hall
Join us for the official opening ceremonies of the 2026 Southern Region Leadership Conference, followed by our keynote speaker Rex Nelson.
Welcome / Conference Overview: Doris Parham, ASBA President Invocation: Etta Taplin, MSBA Vice President Presentation of Colors: Jacksonville AFJROTC Pledge of Allegiance: Taft Kleinpeter, LSBA President National Anthem: Annslee Young, Sheridan High School Opening Remarks: Shannon Moore, ASBA Executive Director
Keynote: Rex Nelson, “From State of Disaster to State of Excellence” - Rex Nelson will guide attendees through the history of our region, connecting past events to present-day realities and future opportunities. His message will highlight the critical role of education and the influence of school board leadership in shaping strong communities—challenging participants to lead their districts toward excellence.
Rex Nelson is one of the most high-profile writers and speakers in the state. As senior editor of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, he writes three columns a week and essays for the cover of the newspaper's Sunday Perspective section. He is the author of three books, including the first... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 8:15am - 10:00am CDT Horner Hall
