The 1% Better Conference

🎤 Speaker Announcement: Back by Popular Demand!

We’re excited to welcome back Austin Dunham and Reed Campbell to The 1% Better Conference!

After an incredible response last time, they’re returning to lead their high-energy improv workshop on both days of the conference.

If you missed it before, here’s your chance. If you were there… you already know 👀

Their sessions are more than just fun (though there’s plenty of that). You’ll walk away with:
1️⃣ Stronger communication skills
2️⃣ Greater confidence thinking on your feet
3️⃣ Real connection with others in a way that sticks

This workshop was one of the most talked-about experiences from our last event - and we couldn’t be more excited to bring it back again.

🌟 Speaker Announcement

We are honored to welcome Dr. Ferial Pearson as a speaker at our Omaha conference! A nationally recognized educator and award-winning leader in human rights education has dedicated her career to inspiring compassion, inclusion, and meaningful change.

Her impactful work has earned prestigious recognition and her innovative initiative, Secret Kindness Agents, has been highlighted by Hallmark, Teaching Tolerance, and Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, and is the focus of her books, TEDx Talk, and academic research.

Discover how small, intentional acts of kindness can transform schools, workplaces, and communities. Dr. Pearson’s inspiring message demonstrates how empathy and compassion can create powerful ripple effects that make the world a better place - one thoughtful action at a time.

Join us as Dr. Pearson shares practical ideas and uplifting stories that will empower you to become a catalyst for kindness in your everyday life.

✨ Don’t miss this inspiring session!

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Jill Bruckner, presenter of Communicating Across The Generations.

Dr. Bruckner is an educator, strategist, and consultant whose work focuses on empathy, belonging, and strengthening leadership through intentional communication. With experience spanning nonprofit, academic, corporate, and media environments, she brings a thoughtful and practical approach to helping organizations build stronger cultures and more effective teams.

In this session, Dr. Bruckner will explore how generational perspectives influence communication styles, expectations, and dynamics. Attendees will gain tools to reduce misunderstandings, foster collaboration, and communicate with clarity and confidence across age groups.

If you work or have friends of family that come from different generations - this conversation will help you connect more effectively and with greater understanding.

Meet our Event Organizer and Host, David Gillis!

In his workshop Turning Ideas Into Action, David will guide attendees through the process of transforming inspiration into real progress. Great ideas are only the beginning — success comes from taking intentional, consistent steps forward.

Whether your goal is personal growth, career advancement, or pursuing a long-held dream, David’s session will provide the encouragement and tools to help you move forward with confidence.

Your next step could change everything.

Speaker Announcement: James Eagle Feather

James Eagle Feather is an author, motivational speaker, and mentor from North Omaha NE who uses his experiences with the justice system to help at-risk youth. After serving 18 and a half years in prison, he is now a prominent voice for redemption and resilience, sharing his story through speaking engagements.

We know that our attendees will be inspired by his talk “The Journey Starts Within: Why Me, Why Now?”.

Speaker Announcement: Dena Gillis

We are honored to welcome Dena Gillis back as a speaker at the 1% Better Conference. Dena brings a deeply personal and compassionate perspective to her presentation, “Healing From Loss.”

Through her own journey of navigating grief after losing her brother, Dena has discovered that healing is not linear, predictable, or the same for everyone. Her message reminds us that every person carries a story of loss - whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a career, or health - and that growth often begins in the spaces we never expected to walk through.

Join us as Dena reminds us that healing is possible - and that even in loss, we can still move toward better. 💛

🎤 Keynote Speaker Announcement

We are thrilled to announce that Leia Baez will be joining us as Keynote Speaker for the Omaha conference!

Leia is an inspirational speaker, award-winning author, and powerful storyteller whose life journey has inspired millions around the world. Through vulnerability, authenticity, and courage, Leia helps audiences recognize the strength within their own stories and empowers them to move forward with confidence and purpose. She has been featured on “The Oprah Podcast” and is excited to share her message to our attendees in August.

Get ready to be inspired, encouraged, and challenged to become 1% better every day.

Stay tuned for more speaker announcements!

Read more about her at www.leiabaez.com