2026 Southern Region Leadership Conference: Full Schedule

10:30am CDT

Platinum and Silver Partners Set Up

Sunday July 19, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm CDT

Plaza Lobby

Sunday July 19, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Plaza Lobby

Exhibitor Set Up

12:00pm CDT

Pick Up Registration Packets

Sunday July 19, 2026 12:00pm - 5:00pm CDT

Plaza Lobby

Sunday July 19, 2026 12:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Plaza Lobby

Registration

1:00pm CDT

Platinum and Silver Exhibits Open

Sunday July 19, 2026 1:00pm - 5:00pm CDT

Plaza Lobby

Visit our Platinum and Silver partners in the Plaza Lobby!

Sunday July 19, 2026 1:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Plaza Lobby

Exhibits

3:00pm CDT

Meeting the Moment: Governance in Action

Sunday July 19, 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm CDT

Room 209

School board leadership is filled with moments that require sound judgment, thoughtful leadership, and a clear understanding of the board's role. In this interactive Early Bird session, participants will work together to navigate realistic governance scenarios involving legal issues, ethics, community expectations, superintendent relationships, social media, and board decision-making. This...
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Speakers

Lucas Harder

Policy Service Director and Staff Attorney, Arkansas School Boards Association

Lucas Harder serves as ASBA's Staff Attorney and leads the Association's advocacy efforts. He is the primary author of ASBA's Model Policies, writing and maintaining the comprehensive policy manual used by school districts across Arkansas, while also providing legal guidance to boards... Read More →

Tammie Reitenger

Deputy Executive Director and Board Development Director, Arkansas School Boards Association

Former elementary teacher and principal, Tammie leads board development and training initiatives across the state. She has extensive experience in educational leadership and is passionate about empowering board members to serve effectively.

Sunday July 19, 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Room 209

Early Bird Session

3:00pm CDT

Signals and Shifts: Leading Through the Trends That Matter

Sunday July 19, 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm CDT

Room 208

This interactive session helps school board members identify and respond to major education and societal trends shaping the future of public schools. From student mental health and declining enrollment to technology integration and workforce alignment, participants will explore how these trends affect district operations, student success, staffing, facilities, and community expectations.

Speakers

Dr. Denotris Jackson

Executive Director, Mississippi School Boards Association

Dr. Denotris R. Jackson has served as Executive Director of the Mississippi School Boards Association (MSBA) since 2020 and is the first woman, first African American, and first former school board member to hold the position. Since joining MSBA in 2007, she has led initiatives in... Read More →

Sunday July 19, 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Room 208

Early Bird Session

5:00pm CDT

Bronze and Exhibiting Partners Set Up

Sunday July 19, 2026 5:00pm - 7:00pm CDT

Grand Lobby

Sunday July 19, 2026 5:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Grand Lobby

Exhibitor Set Up

5:00pm CDT

Hospitality Event: Dinner at Crystal Ridge Distillery Sponsored by American Fidelity, Centegix, and TIPS

Sunday July 19, 2026 5:00pm - 9:30pm CDT

Crystal Ridge Distillery

Join us Sunday evening at the Crystal Ridge Distillery for dinner sponsored by American Fidelity, Centegix, and TIPS. We hope to see you there!
RSVP to [email protected].

Sunday July 19, 2026 5:00pm - 9:30pm CDT
Crystal Ridge Distillery 455 Broadway Street, Hot Springs

Hospitality Event

7:00am CDT

Full Buffet Breakfast

Monday July 20, 2026 7:00am - 8:15am CDT

Horner Hall

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,...
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Monday July 20, 2026 7:00am - 8:15am CDT
Horner Hall

Breakfast

7:00am CDT

All Exhibits Open

Monday July 20, 2026 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT

Plaza Lobby & Grand Lobby

Visit our Platinum and Silver partners in the Plaza Lobby and our Bronze and Exhibiting partners in the Grand Lobby!

Monday July 20, 2026 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Plaza Lobby & Grand Lobby

Exhibits

7:00am CDT

Pick Up Registration Packets

Monday July 20, 2026 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT

Plaza Lobby

Monday July 20, 2026 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Plaza Lobby

Registration

8:15am CDT

Opening Ceremonies and Keynote Speaker

Monday July 20, 2026 8:15am - 10:00am 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 PresidentPresentation of Colors: Jacksonville AFJROTC Pledge of Allegiance: Taft Kleinpeter, LSBA President National Anthem: Annslee Young, Sheridan High School ...
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Speakers

Rex Nelson

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

General Session

10:00am CDT

Refreshment Break

Monday July 20, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am CDT

Grand Lobby

Enjoy refreshments in the Grand Lobby while you visit our sponsoring partners. Refreshments sponsored by Kids First Education and NoLimits Photography.

Monday July 20, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am CDT
Grand Lobby

Refreshment Break

10:30am CDT

Building and Supporting SRO Units in Today's Environment.

Monday July 20, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Rooms 102-103

As schools continue to face evolving safety challenges, strong School Resource Officer (SRO) programs are more important than ever. Join Lt. Jordan Kelley, NASRO Region 6 Director and instructor, as he shares best practices for developing and sustaining high-quality SRO units that protect, educate, and build positive relationships with students, staff, and the community.

Speakers

National Association of School Resource Officers

G10, National Association of School Resource Officers

SRO Lt. Jordan Kelley holds a Bachelor of Criminal Justice from Athens State University and a Master of Justice Administration from Faulkner University. As a 18-year veteran of public safety, he has held several positions throughout his career with two (2) separate departments. Most... Read More →

Monday July 20, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Rooms 102-103

Concurrent Session 1

10:30am CDT

Disagreement within the Board: What Data Reveals and How Board Members Can Lead Through It

Monday July 20, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Rooms 203-204

In today’s complex and often polarized educational landscape, school boards are increasingly called to make high-stakes decisions under pressure, making how boards navigate disagreement more important than ever. This session draws on Arkansas data examining school board voting patterns, including split votes, failed motions, and the issues most likely to produce division. Grounded in real-world...
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Speakers

Dr. Rick Gales

Assistant Professor, University of Central Arkansas

Dr. Rick Gales is a faculty member in the University of Central Arkansas’s College of Education, Department of Leadership Studies, following a 25‑year career in K–12 public education. His professional background includes classroom teaching (grades 7–12), school administration... Read More →

Dr. Matthew White

Assistant Professor, University of Central Arkansas

Dr. Matthew White is an assistant professor at the University of Central Arkansas. A former Arkansas K-12 teacher and administrator, he now coordinates the building and district level leadership preparation programs at UCA. His research centers around school governance and effective... Read More →

Monday July 20, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Rooms 203-204

Concurrent Session 1

10:30am CDT

Governing with Clarity: Strengthening Transparency, Accountability, and Decision-Making in School Boards

Monday July 20, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Room 208

Effective school board governance requires more than well-run meetings—it demands clear processes, transparent communication, and strong alignment to district priorities. In this session, board members will explore practical approaches to improving governance through structured workflows, better access to information, and intentional use of technology. Rather than focusing on tools, this session...
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Speakers

Dr. Dennis Coe

Account Executive, Simbli by eBOARDsolutions

Originally developed by GSBA for the purpose of helping Georgia school boards operate more efficiently and effectively, Simbli’s board management software includes a suite of integrated modules that help streamline paperless meetings, strategic planning, policy management, board... Read More →

Charlie Rigby

Business Development Manager, Simbli by eBOARDsolutions

Mark Willis

Chief Operating Officer, Simbli by eBOARDsolutions

Govern with Clarity SRLC pdf

Monday July 20, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Room 208

Concurrent Session 1

10:30am CDT

Managing Chaos: Redefining The Role of Today's School Board Member

Monday July 20, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Room 209

In today's rapidly changing educational environment, school board members are often challenged to manage personal and political preferences as they ponder the greater good of the educational community. As politics and outside interests collide, the role of the school board member is often at odds with the reality and responsibility of the role: School board members are curators of educational...
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Speakers

George Cotton Sr.

Board Chairman, Delta Preparatory Schools

George Cotton serves as Chairman of the Delta Preparatory School Board and has been a member of the Board since 2023. He has also previously served as School Board member and President of the School Board in University City, Missouri and also previously served as a member of the City... Read More →

Cotton Managing Chaos pdf

Monday July 20, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Room 209

Concurrent Session 1

10:30am CDT

More than Maintenance: Financial Leadership for School Facilities

Monday July 20, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Room 207

School facilities represent one of a district's largest investments, and school boards play a critical role in ensuring those assets are maintained for current and future generations of students. This session will explore the financial side of facilities management, including long-term maintenance planning, capital improvement strategies, budgeting for repairs and replacements, and making informed...
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Speakers

Jerrod Williams

Finance Consultant, Arkansas School Boards Association

Williams Facility Leadership Handout ASBA 7.20.26 pdf

Williams More than Maintenance pdf

Monday July 20, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Room 207

Concurrent Session 1

10:30am CDT

The Multi-Hat Leader: Navigating the Realities of Modern School Administration

Monday July 20, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Rooms 201-202

Today's school leaders face a rapidly changing landscape shaped by evolving legal requirements, increased school choice options, heightened public expectations, and ongoing workforce challenges. This session explores practical strategies for leading schools in the modern era, including navigating legal and compliance issues, strengthening communication, managing people effectively, and using...
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Speakers

Dr. Tyler Broyles

Superintendent, Gentry School District

Dr. Tyler Broyles serves as Superintendent of Gentry Public Schools. His educational background includes a bachelor's degree in Business, a Juris Doctor (J.D.), two master's degrees in Education, an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Administration, and a Doctorate... Read More →

Broyles The Multi Hat Leader Navigating the Realities of Modern School Administration pdf

Monday July 20, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Rooms 201-202

Concurrent Session 1

11:30am CDT

Buffet Lunch

Monday July 20, 2026 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT

Horner Hall

Please note the location change from the Plaza Lobby to inside Horner Hall. There will be 4 identical food stations throughout the hall.

Join us for a full buffet lunch in Horner Hall. - Name tag required for entry.

Monday July 20, 2026 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT
Horner Hall

Lunch

1:00pm CDT

Opening the Door to Effective Leadership: Keys to Good Governance

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Rooms 203-204

The LSBA Board of Directors knew that it was time for our association to rebrand itself and really focus on what “Good Governance” is all about. In leading today’s and tomorrow’s school board members and superintendents, understanding their roles and responsibilities are key in increasing better student outcomes. The LSBA Team and the LSBA Board of Directors did a deep dive into what...
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Speakers

Taft Kleinpeter

President, Louisiana School Boards Association

Debra Schum

President-Elect, St. John the Baptist Parish Schools

Brandon Harrell

Vice President, Louisiana School Boards Association

Dr. Katherine Lemoine

Immediate Past-President, Louisiana School Boards Association

Dr. Janet Pope

Executive Director, Louisiana School Boards Association

Dr. Janet Pope was selected by the Louisiana School Boards Association (LSBA) as their Executive Director in July 2018 after serving five years as their Board Development/Legislative Specialist. Pope’s appointment marked a notable milestone in both the association’s and the state’s... Read More →

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Rooms 203-204

Concurrent Session 2

1:00pm CDT

Strategic Governance in a Reactive World

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Room 207

The current culture and political landscape often creates challenges to school district culture, impacting trust and belief in a school system with challenges that occur daily in school systems. This session will share strategies on how to navigate these challenges and elevate strategic thinking and planning to keep the focus on a school board's priorities.

Speakers

Dr. Gregory Pilewski

Superintendent, North Little Rock School District

Dr. Gregory J. Pilewski became the Superintendent of the North Little Rock School District in November 2020. He joined the NLRSD from the Queen Anne's Public Schools in Maryland, where he served as Deputy Superintendent. Dr. Pilewski is credited with improving academic programs and... Read More →

Mike Poore

Executive Vice President, Education Partners

Having recently completed an illustrious 38-year career that spans teaching, coaching, and administration, Michael Poore now serves as a leading voice on educational issues. Poore is a highly sought-after speaker whose advocacy for literacy has been lauded nationally. Named Arkansas... Read More →

Dr. Rochelle Redus

Board President, North Little Rock School District

Dr. Rochelle Redus is an educator, author, advocate, and community leader whose life and work are rooted in service, faith, and perseverance. Married for 36 years, she is the proud mother of three children—a cherished son now deceased, a daughter, and a bonus son—and grandmother... Read More →

Southern Regional School Board Association Deck.pptx pdf

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room 207

Concurrent Session 2

1:00pm CDT

The First Amendment in Today's Schools: Navigating Today's Legal Landscape

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Room 209

The First Amendment continues to shape some of the most challenging issues facing public schools today. From religious expression and the Ten Commandments litigation in Arkansas and Louisiana to employee speech and other emerging legal disputes, school boards are increasingly called upon to make decisions with significant constitutional implications. This session will examine recent court cases...
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Speakers

Jay Bequette

Attorney, BBK Law

Bequette First Amendment pdf

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room 209

Concurrent Session 2

1:00pm CDT

The Power of 10

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Rooms 201-202

How an underperforming Arkansas school district of 4,300 K-12 students used strategic branding, reduced variability, and robust instructional accountability structures to build teacher collective efficacy—ultimately boosting district-wide proficiency rates by 10% in both Math and ELA on state assessments in just one year. This will give a blueprint as well as feedback on what we would have done...
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Speakers

Eric Foister

Superintendent, West Memphis School District

Mr. Eric Foister has been the Superintendent at West Memphis Schools since December of 2024. He has been in education for over 30 years and has experience as as a Teacher, Coach, Special Education Coordinator, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Assistant Superintendent. He was an... Read More →

Foister The Power of 10 (2) pdf

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Rooms 201-202

Concurrent Session 2

1:00pm CDT

Youth Violence and Conflict Resolution

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Room 208

The Youth Violence Conflict Resolution Seminar is a community focused initiative dedicated to helping young people overcome challenges associated with violence and conflict. As schools across the nation continue to face challenges related to student conflict, bullying, gang involvement, and community violence, YVCRS offers a proactive approach focused on prevention, education, and empowerment.

Speakers

Immanuel Israel

Youth Violence & Conflict Resolution Seminar

Our program is designed to provide students with practical tools to navigate conflict peacefully, develop leadership skills, improve communication, and foster positive relationships within their schools and communities. Through engaging seminars, mentorship opportunities, and community-based... Read More →

Gedaliah Israel

Youth Violence & Conflict Resolution Seminar

Tramane Walter

Event Coordinator, Youth Violence & Conflict Resolution Seminar

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room 208

Concurrent Session 2

2:00pm CDT

Refreshment Break

Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Grand Lobby

Enjoy refreshments in the Grand Lobby while you visit our sponsoring partners. Refreshments sponsored by Kids First Education and NoLimits Photography.

Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Grand Lobby

Refreshment Break

2:30pm CDT

Building and Supporting SRO Units in Today's Environment.

Monday July 20, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

Rooms 102-103

Speakers

National Association of School Resource Officers

G10, National Association of School Resource Officers

Monday July 20, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Rooms 102-103

Concurrent Session 3

2:30pm CDT

Building Culture, Academic Systems, and Accountability Across the District

Monday July 20, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

Rooms 201-202

In this session, the audience will receive a systematic approach to leadership and building culture district-wide. They will also see actual systems used in our district that are practical and easily used in any district. Those systems will include developing 30-60-90 day plans for each level of your district. We will have an exact blueprint of the expectations, areas for growth, additional goals,...
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Speakers

Doug Smith

Superintendent, Smackover-Norphlet School District

Doug Smith is Superintendent of the Smackover-Norphlet School District, where he has led significant academic growth and district improvement. Prior to becoming superintendent, he served as principal at Parkers Chapel High School, where he was twice nominated for Arkansas Principal... Read More →

Superintendent Support pdf

Academic Systems and Accountability pdf

Accountability and Artifacts of Growth pdf

Building Culture Slides pdf

Monday July 20, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Rooms 201-202

Concurrent Session 3

2:30pm CDT

Rethinking How We Use Paraeducators to Support Reading Interventions for K-1

Monday July 20, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

Rooms 203-204

Between August 2025 and December 2025 (4 months), our kindergarten students demonstrated a 28% increase in reading proficiency! School systems will hear how we implemented the ONCE program from the ground up for all kindergarten students in our district, including how we recruited and celebrated our Once instructors to build buy-in.

Speakers

Dr. Lisa Fussell

Assistant Superintendent, Tangipahoa Parish School District

Lisa Fussell, Ed.D., is an Assistant Superintendent in Tangipahoa Parish School System located in Louisiana. She previously served as a high school teacher, assistant principal, high school principal, CTE/Secondary Supervisor and the Director of Academics for the parish. Lisa has... Read More →

Tangipahoa Parish Board Members

Monday July 20, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Rooms 203-204

Concurrent Session 3

2:30pm CDT

Strength in Schools, Success in Children - Transitioning to Neighborhood Schools

Monday July 20, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

Room 208

This session is focused on collaborative change to meet the needs of a school district. Districts must constantly assess the needs of the district based on the current situation. When change is necessary, it is imperative to do it in a collaborative environment that includes all of your stakeholders. The Siloam Springs School District is undergoing a transition from grade specific schools to a...
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Speakers

Aric Bergthold

Board Member, Siloam Springs School District

Aric has served on the Siloam Springs School Board since 2023. He works in Business Development at McElroy Metals and has lived in Siloam Springs for most of his life.

He and his wife have four children, all current students in the Siloam Springs School District, which makes his... Read More →

Jason Carter

Legislative Liaison, Siloam Springs School District

Jason Carter is a newly elected board member and a lifelong resident of Siloam Springs. As a proud alumnus of the Siloam Springs School District, he brings a strong, personal commitment to both the district and the community.

Jason serves as a Loan Officer at Arvest Bank, where... Read More →

Heath Nance

Vice President, Siloam Springs School District

Heath joined the Siloam Springs School Board in 2024 and proudly represents a long family legacy in the community. He works at Nance Machine, Inc., where he was humorously given the title “Lead Broom Operator” as a young boy growing up in the family business. A title he still... Read More →

Shane Patrick

Superintendent, Siloam Springs School District

Shane Patrick is the Superintendent of the Siloam Springs School District and a veteran educator with more than three decades of experience in public education, leadership, coaching, and school administration. Throughout his career, he has championed student-centered practices, organizational... Read More →

Mary Ann Spears

Board Secretary, Siloam Springs School District

Elected in May, Mary Ann is the newest member of the Siloam Springs School Board. She currently serves as Superintendent of the Lincoln School District and will retire from education at the end of the 2025–26 school year.

Over her 32-year career in education, she has held many... Read More →

Chris Whorton

Board President, Siloam Springs School District

Chris serves as a Business Owner, is a certified Maxwell Leadership Life & Career Coach, and a certified, Ramsey Financial Coach. Chris is also the Lead Pastor at Trinity Church in Siloam Springs. A lifelong resident of Siloam Springs and proud SSSD alumnus, Chris has strong ties... Read More →

Monday July 20, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Room 208

Concurrent Session 3

2:30pm CDT

The First Amendment in Today's Schools: Navigating Today's Legal Landscape

Monday July 20, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

Room 209

Speakers

Jay Bequette

Attorney, BBK Law

Bequette First Amendment pdf

Monday July 20, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Room 209

Concurrent Session 3

7:00am CDT

Full Buffet Breakfast

Tuesday July 21, 2026 7:00am - 8:15am CDT

Horner Hall

Tuesday July 21, 2026 7:00am - 8:15am CDT
Horner Hall

Breakfast

7:00am CDT

Platinum Exhibits Open

Tuesday July 21, 2026 7:00am - 11:00am CDT

Plaza Lobby

Visit our Platinum partners in the Plaza Lobby.

Tuesday July 21, 2026 7:00am - 11:00am CDT
Plaza Lobby

Exhibits

8:15am CDT

Performance by Bryant High School Hornet Band

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:15am - 8:30am CDT

Horner Hall

Enjoy the sounds of the award-winning Bryant High School Hornet Band!

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:15am - 8:30am CDT
Horner Hall

Performance

8:30am CDT

Closing General Session: The Voices That Matter

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 11:00am CDT

Horner Hall

The conference concludes with the perspectives that shape public education every day—from the students we serve to the leaders who guide our schools and govern with purpose. Session 1: The Future Starts Here: Student Voices (Panel), Student Leaders from Arkansas High Schools Hear directly from outstanding student leaders representing school districts across Central Arkansas as they share their...
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Speakers

Rozenberg Slides Edited pdf

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 11:00am CDT
Horner Hall

General Session

11:00am CDT

Closing Comments / Adjournment

Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:00am - 11:00am CDT

Horner Hall

Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:00am - 11:00am CDT
Horner Hall

Adjournment

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