Business owners, executives, educators, healthcare leaders, and nonprofit professionals will gather May 14 in Waite Park to explore practical strategies for overcoming procrastination and building leadership momentum.
As leadership demands continue to evolve, so do the experiences designed to support those responsible for guiding teams and organizations forward.
SHIFT 2026 returns May 14 to The Park Event Center, bringing together leaders from across industries for a full-day experience centered on one core idea: momentum. Produced by ALIGN Strategy, the growing regional event attracts CEOs, business owners, HR leaders, managers, educators, healthcare professionals, and nonprofit directors from across Central Minnesota and beyond.
Rather than operating as a traditional conference, SHIFT is designed as an interactive leadership experience. Attendees engage in reflection, conversation, and practical application, with a focus on identifying what drives momentum, what sustains it within teams, and what often slows progress in the day-to-day realities of leadership.
A major highlight of SHIFT 2026 is the return of bestselling author and keynote speaker Jon Acuff. Known for his practical and engaging approach to leadership and productivity, Acuff will deliver two keynote sessions featuring new insights connected to his upcoming book Procrastination Proof.
Acuff’s message centers on a familiar challenge for many leaders: procrastination often begins as a coping strategy but can become a barrier to meaningful progress. His work encourages leaders to shift from delay to action, creating space to move forward with clarity and intention.
In addition to keynote sessions, SHIFT 2026 includes focused mini keynotes and leadership discussions designed to help participants move from insight to action. Sessions are structured to encourage reflection and dialogue, allowing leaders to identify where they may be stuck and what practical next steps they can take.
Organizers emphasize that leadership growth does not happen in isolation. Connections and conversations across industries are a key part of the experience, often providing perspective and momentum that extend beyond the event itself.
New elements have been added to the 2026 event, including an interactive “Print Social” experience with Mary Bruno of Bruno Press in St. Joseph, offering a creative way for attendees to capture insights from the day. The event will also feature a live visual note-taker and a sign language interpreter to support accessibility.
SHIFT 2026 begins with a VIP breakfast at 7:15 a.m., followed by the main program at 8:30 a.m. The daytime experience concludes at 3:00 p.m. with a closing book signing.
Later that day, SHIFT expands its impact with SHIFT: Teens Lead, presented by Celebrate MN, extending leadership development to the next generation.
As organizations across industries continue to navigate change, SHIFT 2026 provides an opportunity for leaders to pause, refocus, and move forward with renewed clarity.
SHIFT 2026 takes place May 14 at The Park Event Center in Waite Park, Minnesota.
Additional event details, including ticket availability, can be found at www.shiftleadershipevent.com
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