2026 UKWF Annual Conference
Date: Thursday, December 10, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Gatton Student Center, University of Kentucky
Theme: Resilient by Design: Cultivating Strength and Balance
The UKWF Annual Conference is your opportunity to grow both professionally and personally, whether by sharing your expertise or learning from the experiences of others. This signature event brings together professionals from the University of Kentucky, UK HealthCare, and the greater Lexington community for a day of connection, inspiration, and actionable learning.
You will leave with fresh insights, meaningful connections, and renewed energy for the work you do every day.
Conference Highlights
- Inspiring Keynotes – Hear from thought leaders who will challenge and motivate you.
- Engaging Breakout Sessions – Explore topics designed to strengthen your skills, expand your perspective, and inspire your work.
- Networking Opportunities – Build connections with professionals from across the University, UK HealthCare, and the Lexington community.
- Interactive Conversations – Participate in discussions that shape how we lead, work, and grow, individually and collectively.
Call for proposals is OPEN! Submit your proposals via the Call for Proposals Submission Form. The deadline to submit is Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST
Agenda
- 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM — Check In and Light Breakfast
- 9:30 AM to 10:20 AM — Opening Session and Keynote
- 10:20 AM to 10:35 AM — Transition Break
- 10:35 AM to 11:20 AM — Breakout Session 1
- 11:20 AM to 11:35 AM — Transition Break
- 11:35 AM to 12:20 PM — Breakout Session 2
- 12:20 PM to 12:35 PM — Transition Break
- 12:35 PM to 1:35 PM — Lunch and Keynote
- 1:35 PM to 1:50 PM — Transition Break
- 1:50 PM to 2:35 PM — Breakout Session 3
- 2:35 PM to 2:50 PM — Transition Break
- 2:50 PM to 3:35 PM — Breakout Session 4
- 3:35 PM to 4:00 PM — Closing Session
Registration is now open for the 2026 UKWF Annual Conference. The Early Bird deadline is Monday, November 2. Registration closes on Monday, November 23.
Our Keynote Speakers
- Morning Keynote Speaker: Katie Neal, Finding Your Footing: How to Lead When the Ground Keeps Shifting
- Katie Neal, PCC, is a certified executive coach, award-winning communications leader, and sought-after speaker and facilitator. As the CEO and principal of Katie Neal Coaching & Consulting, she coaches high-performing professionals at organizations like Amazon, Deloitte, Harvard, Mercy Health, Microsoft, and the University of Kentucky to lead with intention and advance their careers. Neal brings 20 years of experience delivering high-impact results in senior strategic communications roles at Wake Forest University, TimelyCare, and as an independent consultant. Neal earned her B.A. in communication from Wake Forest University and her certificate in Leadership Coaching for Organizational Performance at American University. She holds an International Coaching Federation (ICF) Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential and is an active member of the ICF Ohio Valley Chapter.
- Lunch Keynote Speaker: Krissalyn Love, Heroism on Your Terms: Knowing When to Rise and When to Rest
- Dr. Krissalyn Love is a proud graduate of the University of Kentucky, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in English. She went on to complete a Master of Arts in Adult and Higher Education at Morehead State University and later achieved her Doctorate of Education in Leadership from Spalding University. Dr. Love currently serves as the inaugural Director of the Lula Morton Drewes Center at Transylvania University. In this role, she focuses on advancing institutional effectiveness, fostering community among diverse student populations, and developing impactful educational programming. Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Love is a creative spirit who finds joy in singing, writing, and producing art for her community. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. At home, she shares life with her college sweetheart, now her husband, and together they are raising three wonderful children.
The 2026 UKWF Annual Conference program will be available soon!
- Please note that the program will only be available digitally at the conference. Download and print it if you want a paper copy!
Questions?
For questions, email Bailey Vandiver or contact the UK Wildcat Forum.