The Leadership Conference: 2026 Cedar Rapids

Thank you so much for your interest in attending The Leadership Conference: Cedar Rapids on April 21-22, 2026. 

Though we tried all that we could to get every person who wants to be in the room to be in there, we are at event capacity and don’t have the option to add in more in-person attendees. We wish we could! We’re so grateful for the incredible response and interest for this years event. 

We would love to have you join us virtually, tickets are still available and offer access to powerful content and conversations from wherever you are.

• Virtual Registration: $225/person
  - Registration includes access to live broadcast of keynote speakers, one breakout session, plus on-demand replay of keynote speakers recordings following the close of the in-person conference.

PURCHASE VIRTUAL TICKETS
 

This program is valid for SHRM Credits | PDCs: 8

We'd be thrilled to visit with you about sponsorship opportunities at The Leadership Conference: 2026 Cedar Rapids. Benefits include brand exposure to 1,000+ conference attendees, complimentary registrations, and much more.

Contact Kristin Eschweiler at kristin.eschweiler@wlcglobal.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities and benefits for The Leadership Conference: 2026 Cedar Rapids. 

Do you want to be a keynote speaker? Are you looking for a place to start and hone your craft? Women Lead Change is offering this unique opportunity to 4 different speakers on varying topics to present a 20-minute breakout session at The Leadership Conference: 2026 Cedar Rapids at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex on April 21-22. 

At the conference, there will be a judges panel and attendee voting form. Judges and attendees will vote on your presentation quality, effectiveness, and presence. The winner will earn consideration for a speaking opportunity at a future Women Lead Change event.

All selected speakers will receive complimentary registration to attend the full two-day conference, and will be notified of selection on Friday, January 23. 

Speaker Requirements:

1. Application and $25.00 application fee must be submitted by Friday, January 16th
2. Content must focus on personal/professional development
3. Speakers are responsible for their own travel accommodations

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED. 

The WLC team has carefully curated this incredible group of vendors to be both fun and informative. Whether you get your gift-shopping completed, buy something for yourself, or learn something new, we highly encourage you to explore each one.

• Ameriprise
• Beautiful Strength
• BT Training & Coaching
• Creative Planning
• Crystal Group
• DoubleTree by Hilton
• Executive GlobeTREK
• Hello Mindful You
• Hopeful Mama
• It’s Not That Serious, LLC
• Jordan Essentials with Diane
• Junior League of Cedar Rapids
• Just The Girls
• LaLa B’s Boutique
• Leaders Who Lunch
• Lubben Vineyards & Wines
• McGrath Family of Dealerships
• MercyCare Business Health Solutions
• MidAmerican
• Midwest Bath Company
• Mount Mercy University
• Norwex
• Nurse Leslie Permanent Makeup
• Perfectly Posh
• QC Kinetix - Coralville
• Roxy & Lola
• Scout / Scribe
• Simply Stella Rose
• SmartHer
• Sutton Analytics
• Sweet Julie Marie
• Touchstone Crystal & Beauty Society
• UConnect Solutions, Inc.
• UI Tippie College of Business
• University of Northern Iowa - College of Graduate, Research and Online Education (GROE)
• Youth For Understanding USA

Women Lead Change is committed to bringing all leaders to our events, with an attendee makeup that reflects the communities in which the events are hosted. The Leadership Conference: 2026 Cedar Rapids takes place on April 21-22 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex. 

Anyone is able to apply for the chance to attend the conference free of charge, regardless of background, industry or current employed state. This opportunity is intended to create a broader audience at Women Lead Change events in order to learn from each other. Diversity of thought fosters learning and insightful conversation. Special consideration may be given to applicants with ties to Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities.

A total of 20 scholarships will be awarded: five Student Scholarships, five Professional Scholarships, five Small Business Owner Scholarships, and five Community Engagement Scholarships. Student Scholarships are valid for Day 1 of the conference only.

Each scholarship awarded is valid for one conference registration for yourself, along with exclusive invitations to conference events. Scholarship recipients are responsible for their own travel accommodations.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED. 

This scholarship opportunity is presented by Women Lead Change and BankIowa.