Conference Agenda
The Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference envisions a Nebraska where every community is empowered and united in its commitment to high-quality early childhood education and care. By fostering collaboration, amplifying local voices, and equipping leaders with knowledge and tools, the conference inspires action to address critical challenges and embrace new opportunities.
Together, we are building a future where every Nebraska child and family can thrive.
Monday, September 15
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 - 7:00 pm | Early Check-In & Exhibitor Booth Exploration |
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Tuesday, September 16
| Time | Activity | |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 - 9:00 am | Check-In & Exhibitor Booth Exploration | |
| 9:00 - 9:15 am | Welcome & Opening | |
| 9:15 - 10:15 am | Keynote Address | Rob Grunewald |
| 10:15 - 10:25 am | Break | |
| 10:25 - 11:25 am | Breakout Sessions | |
| 11:25 - 11:30 am | Break | |
| 11:30 -11:45 am | My Nebraska Story Videos | |
| 11:45 - 12:20 pm | Lunch | |
| 12:20 - 12:50 pm | My Nebraska Story Panel | |
| 12:50 - 1:00 pm | Break | |
| 1:00 - 1:50 pm | Breakout Sessions | |
| 1:50 - 2:00 pm | Break | |
| 2:00 - 2:45 pm | Afternoon Panel | |
| 2:45 - 3:00 pm | Closing Remarks |
Rob Grunewald - Keynote Speaker
Rob Grunewald is an independent economics and public policy consultant. Previously he held economist and analyst positions at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis from 1993 to 2022. Rob has authored over 200 articles and reports on topics ranging from regional economic conditions and banking to education and early childhood research and policy, including a widely cited 2003 paper with Arthur Rolnick, Early Childhood Development: Economic Development with a High Public Return.
He has held leadership positions on several nonprofit and advisory boards, including Board Chair for the Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency and Think Small, and President of the Minnesota Economic Association. Rob holds an M.S. in Applied Economics from the University of Minnesota and a B.A. in Economics and Religion from St. Olaf College.
