Raise your hand if you want to level up on your leadership skills! New Memphis is excited to announce the keynote speaker and facilitators for the upcoming New Memphis Leadership Summit presented by Varsity Spirit, which will take place at The University of Memphis – University Center on August 12, 2026.
The New Memphis Leadership Summit presented by Varsity Spirit (which has sold out every year!) will bring together more than 300 professionals in a wide range of sectors to engage in leadership development sessions that will strengthen their professional skills, expand their network, and enhance their understanding of crucial issues our city faces while empowering them to take an active role in shaping the community. Sessions are designed with growth in mind for early-career professionals, mid-career leaders, and experienced executives.
“Great cities need great leaders, and Memphis is no exception. New Memphis is focused year-round on helping local leaders grow their effectiveness, but the annual Leadership Summit is the highlight of our year. Over a single day, we bring together talent across experience levels and sectors to double down on their commitment to continuous growth and their commitment to Memphis. At this conference, you can see the future of our city get brighter in real time. The Leadership Summit convenes professionals who are eager to iterate and innovate to make meaningful impact in their companies and in the community.”
The big reveal:
The 2026 Keynote Speaker will be Willie Spears, M. Ed. Spears is a highly sought-after speaker, critically acclaimed author, educator, and coach who has taken the country by storm with his passionate, energetic, and hilarious approach to teaching life management skills. Through a significant social media presence and an average of 20 presentations per month across multiple states, The Willie Spears Experience has become a trusted source of inspiration.
Keynote Topic:
From Good to Great with Willie Spears
What does wearing an apron have to do with leadership, service, and the future of Memphis? In this inspiring keynote, acclaimed author and motivational speaker, Willie Spears, unlocks the concept of “wearing an apron instead of a bib.” He empowers Memphians to move from observation to ownership while embracing the idea that meaningful change begins with individual action, daily commitment, and service to others. Attendees will explore how small daily actions — showing up, supporting others, mentoring, volunteering, collaborating, and leading with purpose — create long-term impact for neighborhoods, families, and the city as a whole.
This keynote encourages attendees to shift from waiting to be served to actively serving their community. Through principles of servant leadership, personal responsibility, and community engagement, participants will be inspired to ask themselves: “What can I do to create change?” and then make their communities better by tying on their metaphorical aprons.
Breakout Sessions:
2026 New Memphis Leadership Summit Breakout Sessions (detailed here) will challenge professionals to expand their perspectives and deepen their growth as individuals or team leaders while providing tangible takeaways that can be implemented in the workplace or in the community. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage with a dozen nonprofit organizations that are actively shaping the community and can explore opportunities to support those organizations with their professional skills and expertise.
Grab a friend and make a plan to join New Memphis for the premiere leadership conference for professionals in every sector! Find full conference details and purchase tickets at newmemphis.org/events.
The 2026 New Memphis Leadership Summit is powered by: Varsity Spirit, Sylvamo, Kroger, Pinnacle Financial Partners, AAON, Vaco, Barr Brands, and Malasri Engineering.
Great cities need great leaders, and New Memphis builds them. New Memphis is a nonprofit leadership development organization that infuses Memphis with leaders who are passionate about positive community change and have the skills needed to take action. New Memphis’ leadership development programs inspire thought, connection, action, and civic engagement, helping participants find meaningful ways to use their talents and networks to be effective city advocates at any point in their careers — from the college classroom to the C-Suite executive.
