Front Door Forum 2026

Annual Support Staff Conference

Red logo with a door labeled "N," surrounded by tech icons, and text below about teamwork and tools.

October 1-2, 2026 | Holiday Inn, 110 2nd Avenue, Kearney, NE

Join us for Powering the Front Door: Technology, Tools, and Teamwork in Action—a conference dedicated to the professionals who keep our organizations running smoothly. Discover innovative resources, learn new skills, and connect with colleagues who share your commitment to excellent service. Leave inspired, empowered, and equipped with tools you can put into action right away.

The cost to attend is $125 dollars if registered by 8/31/2026. It will be $135 if registered after that date.

Register Today

 

 

Hotel Booking

Please contact the Holiday Inn at 308-237-5971 and request a room under the 2026 Nebraska Extension Front Door Forum room block.

Rooms are available for $139.95 per night on September 30 and October 1. A limited number of rooms are being held for the night of September 30, and the room block will be released back to the hotel on September 1.

If the room block fills before September 1 and you still need a room, we encourage you to call the hotel directly. In previous years, the hotel has honored the Front Door Forum group rate for guests who mention they are attending the Nebraska Extension Front Door Forum, even after the block has filled.

Hotel check-in begins at 4:00 p.m., and check-out is 11:00 a.m.

 

If you have questions, you can call any member of the Front Door Forum Committee:  Chandra Hawley, Bobbie Hingst, Macy Flesher, Lisa Kaslon, Alexa Pedersen, John Re, Carley Swartzendruber, Lori Wachter, or Wendy Winstead 

Agenda 

*All Sessions Still Subject to Change 

Thursday, October 1

9:00 a.m. Registration Opens & Professional Headshots
10:00 a.m. Welcome & Opening Activity

10:20–11:00 a.m. Powering Your Digital Front Door
Technology is often the first way people experience Extension. Learn practical ways to make every interaction easier, clearer, and more effective.

11:00 a.m. General Session
11:45 a.m. IT Updates & Resources
12:05 p.m. Lunch

1:05–1:50 p.m. AI Is Here…Now What?
Take the mystery out of AI with practical guidance, realistic expectations, and hands-on examples.

2:00 p.m. Breakout Sessions (Round 1)

  • Capturing Extension’s Story (tentative title)
  • Business Center-related breakout
  • Communications-related breakout

2:55 p.m. Breakout Sessions (Round 2)

  • Capturing Extension’s Story (tentative title)
  • Business Center-related breakout
  • Communications-related breakout

3:45 p.m. Breakout Sessions (Round 3)

  • Capturing Extension’s Story (tentative title)
  • Business Center-related breakout
  • Communications-related breakout

4:30 p.m. Closing Discussion & Peer Networking
5:00 p.m. Adjourn for the Day

Friday, October 2

8:30 a.m. Breakfast & Featured Speaker

9:00–9:45 a.m. Working Better Together in Microsoft 365
Discover how Microsoft 365 helps teams communicate, collaborate, and share information more effectively.

9:45 a.m. Topic Q&A and Networking Corners

  • Business Center
  • Technology
  • Communications

10:30 a.m. Professional Development Session
11:15 a.m. Interactive Activity / Q&A
11:30 a.m. Remarks from the Dean
12:10 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. Announcements, Service Awards & Door Prizes
2:00 p.m. Safe Travels Home