2026 Thought Leadership Conference Brings Community Conversation to The Lerner Theatre on May 7th from 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM

The Lerner Theatre is excited to announce the 2026 Thought Leadership Conference – Building a Connected Culture by Centering Human Relations – Continuing the Conversation: It Takes a Village is coming to The Lerner Theatre on Thursday, May 7^th from 3:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This is a free, community-centered event designed to foster dialogue, reflection, and meaningful connection. This year’s conference moves away from traditional conference sessions, instead creating space for shared conversation around youth, families, and community vitality.

The Thought Leadership Conference is built around participation and collective reflection, inviting community members of all ages to engage in thoughtful dialogue and learn from one another. Through interactive programming, panel discussions, and informal connection opportunities, the conference emphasizes the power of conversation as a catalyst for understanding and positive change.

The afternoon begins at 3:00 PM on the Lerner Theatre stage with the Youth Empowerment Symposium (YES!), featuring keynote speaker Seth Maust, whose message will inspire and equip young people to find their voice and potential. From 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the Lerner Theatre lobby will host a Youth & Family Community Fair, featuring interactive booths from community partners highlighting resources, programs, and opportunities for youth and families.

At 6:00 PM, the conversation continues in the auditorium with an opening reflection by Michaeleen Doucleff, setting the tone for an evening centered on connection and shared responsibility. Immediately following, the conference will present “It Takes a Village,” a free, public panel discussion featuring Rod Roberson, Larry Huff, and Levon Johnson, engaged in a moderated dialogue on youth development, family support, workforce pathways, and the overall vitality of the community.

The evening concludes at 7:30 PM with a book signing and photo opportunity with Dr. Doucleff, providing an informal opportunity for continued engagement and conversation.

This event is free and open to the public; however, tickets are required for entry and can be purchased through The Lerner Theatre Box Office, either in person or by phone at (574) 293-4469.

For more information about the 2026 Thought Leadership Conference, including full schedule details, visit https://thoughtleadershipconference.com/#conversation.
https://thelerner.com/event/2026-thought-leadership-conference/

Who: The Lerner Theatre
What:  2026 Thought Leadership Conference – Building a Connected Culture by Centering Human Relations – Continuing the Conversation: It Takes a Village
When:  Thursday, May 7 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: 410 S. Main St. Elkhart, Indiana 46516
Cost: Free; Ticket Required for entry
Contact information: www.thelerner.com or The Lerner Box Office: (574) 293-4469

About 2026 Thought Leadership Conference

In its tenth year, the Thought Leadership Conference reflects a meaningful milestone focused on Building a Connected Culture: It Takes a Village—offering anchor-day speakers, community education experiences, youth engagement, and cross-sector conversations that strengthen relationships and spark collaborative action. The gathering brings business, education, and community leaders together to relate, interact, and grow—advancing thriving communities.

About The Lerner Theatre:

The Lerner Theatre, an Elkhart landmark, is part of a revival, a new era for the arts, commerce and life in the heart of our community. The Lerner Theatre is a 100-year-old city owned and operated facility, built in 1924. With the completion of an $18-million-dollar renovation in 2011, The Lerner Theatre has truly put the “heart” back in downtown Elkhart. The Lerner is evidence of this rebirth with its timeless, never-lost quality of an old theatre reborn as a state of the art performance and event facility.