Everything You Need to Know for the 2026 Global Leadership Summit
Leaders from across Wichita will gather for two inspiring days (August 6-7) of learning, connection, and growth at the Global Leadership Summit. Whether you're joining us for the first time or returning for another year, we're excited to welcome you.
To help you make the most of your Summit experience, we've gathered everything you need to know.
Still need to register? Walk-up registration will be available at the door starting Thursday morning. We'd love to have you, your friend, your coworker, your family…join us.
Start Your Summit with a Plan
Doors open at INTRUST Bank Arena at 8:00 a.m. on both Thursday and Friday.
Enter through Entrance A or Entrance B on Waterman, located on the south side of the building.
Parking & Arrival
Parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Available lots include:
Lot 1 (closest to the south entrance)
Lots 2, 3, and 4 on the north side of the building (including ADA parking)
Additional parking north of the building on Emporia
Arriving a little early will help ensure a smooth start to your day.
Can't stay all day? No problem. You're welcome to come and go as your schedule allows. Whether you're attending every session or planning around the speakers you're most excited to hear, we encourage you to make the Summit work for you.
If you haven't already, take a few minutes to review the speaker lineup and map out the sessions you don't want to miss.
Don't Miss Our Local Opening Session
We're excited to begin Day 1 with a special local session featuring Lead Wichita CEO Damon Young.
Thursday, August 6 | 9:15 a.m.
This session is a meaningful way to kick off the Summit and reflect on leadership right here in Wichita.
Lunch Is On Us
One of the best parts of the Summit is connecting with other leaders - and great conversations often happen over lunch.
Lunch is provided both days.
Thursday
Jimmy John's
Friday
Umi
Funky Monkey Munchies
Smokin' Diner
Plus, DJ Mario will be providing music during Friday's lunch to keep the energy high.
Feel free to bring a refillable water bottle. Please note that outside food is not permitted.
Leadership Happens Between Sessions
The learning doesn't stop when a session ends.
Be sure to spend time in the Leadership Lobby, where you'll meet local nonprofits, community organizations, and partners who are creating meaningful impact across Wichita.
It's a great opportunity to discover new ways to serve, collaborate, and strengthen our community together.
Diverse Voices. Practical Leadership.
One of the strengths of the Global Leadership Summit is the diversity of perspectives you'll experience.
Speakers come from backgrounds including business, education, sports, nonprofit leadership, ministry, and more. Some will share how faith has shaped their leadership, while others will offer lessons from their own professional journeys.
No matter your role or industry, you'll leave with practical leadership insights you can apply wherever you lead.
View the speaker schedule below:
Download the GLS Summit App
Before you arrive, download the GLS Summit 2026 App.
The app is the easiest way to access schedules, updates, and important event information throughout the Summit.
Download the app by searching for Global Leadership Summit 2026 by Global Leadership Network in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
You can also view the latest conference schedule here:
https://ussc.globalleadership.org/gls26-in-person-conference-calendar/
Connect After Day One
The conversations continue after the final session.
Join us for the WIBA-sponsored Social Hour beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, immediately following Day 1.
It's a wonderful opportunity to continue conversations, build new relationships, and connect with fellow leaders from across our city.
Capture the Experience
Don't forget to have a little fun while you're here!
Visit the Lead Wichita Photo Booth to capture the moment, then stop by the merchandise area to browse exclusive GLS 2026 apparel, including this year's limited-edition T-shirt.
More Than a Conference
The Global Leadership Summit is more than two days of incredible speakers.
It's a gathering of people who believe leadership can strengthen workplaces, neighborhoods, organizations, schools, churches, and our city.
Thank you for choosing to invest in your leadership - and in Wichita.
We can't wait to welcome you.
Inspire. Connect. Transform.
Earn CEU Credits
If you're planning to receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs), don't forget to check in at the registration table both days to receive credit.
For additional information, visit:
https://www.globalleadership.org/continuing-education