Central Illinois employers, nonprofit leaders, educators and rising professionals are invited to Live2Lead Springfield 2026, a one-day leadership experience at Erin’s Pavilion in Southwind Park on Friday, Nov. 13. Doors open at 8 a.m. for networking and the program runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hosted locally by LeadershipDNA and powered by Maxwell Leadership, the event carries the theme “Climb Higher,” built around the next level of growth in how leaders lead, serve and influence others.
This year’s lineup brings five nationally recognized voices to Springfield in a single day:
- John C. Maxwell, founder of Maxwell Leadership, author of more than 90 books and the leadership expert whose principles anchor the Live2Lead experience
- Dan Heath, number one New York Times bestselling co-author of Switch, Made to Stick and Upstream, on removing the barriers that stall progress
- Kathryn McLay, former president and CEO of Walmart International and of Sam’s Club, on growth, transformation and building high-performing organizations
- Stephanie Chung, author of Ally Leadership and former chief growth officer of Wheels Up, on leading people who are not like you
- Rory Vaden, two-time New York Times bestselling author and Hall of Fame speaker, on trust, reputation and influence
Alongside the national teaching, the day includes a live panel of local experts and facilitated interactive sessions. Each segment is built to move from insight to application, so participants leave with practical takeaways and next steps to implement immediately.
“Live2Lead is designed to give leaders more than inspiration for the moment,” said Adrienne Dalenberg of LeadershipDNA. “It is a chance to step back, gain perspective, sharpen focus and build momentum for what comes next. ‘Climb Higher’ is a strong fit for leaders and teams who know there is another level of growth in front of them.”
The format is built for organizations sending more than one person. Teams attend together, hear the same material and return with shared language for the conversations that follow. LeadershipDNA offers a group rate of six seats for the price of five.
Registration is $150 through Oct. 31 and $199 beginning Nov. 1. Springfield Business Journal readers receive $25 off with code SBJ1126, good through October 31. Lunch is included, provided by Bloom Catering.
Live2Lead Springfield 2026 is sponsored by Northwestern Mutual Springfield IL and Kurent Safety and Industrial. Seating at Erin’s Pavilion is limited to 200.
Tickets are available at //illinoistimestix.com/events/live2lead-springfield-11-13-2026. Additional details, including schedule updates and sponsor announcements, will be shared as they become available.
About LeadershipDNA
LeadershipDNA develops leaders and strengthens organizations through coaching, training and behavior assessments. Founded by Darren and Adrienne Dalenberg, the Pawnee-based firm partners with owners and leadership teams across Central Illinois and the Quad Cities to strengthen communication, accountability and execution.
About Live2Lead
Live2Lead is a global leadership simulcast and development experience created by John Maxwell and his team. Each year the event brings leadership teaching and practical development tools to audiences around the world, equipping participants to lead with greater impact in their work and lives.