--- title: National Conference Home --- [![be-pro-logo](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/be-pro-logo.png?width=442&height=135&name=be-pro-logo.png) ](https://beprobeproud.org/national-conference-2026) - [ Event Itinerary ](https://beprobeproud.org/national-conference-2026-event?hsLang=en) - [ Sponsorship Opportunities ](https://beprobeproud.org/national-conference-2026/sponsorship?hsLang=en) - [ Travel & Accommodations ](https://beprobeproud.org/national-conference-2026-travel-accommodations?hsLang=en) [ Register Now ](https://sb94a.share.hsforms.com/2Iv8cZcbSSdW0LRdD4BxAbg) [ Donate ](https://beprobeproud.org/hs/payments/sHww4xpFt6yVJQ?referrer=PAYMENT_LINK&hsLang=en) - [ Event Itinerary ](https://beprobeproud.org/national-conference-2026-event?hsLang=en) - [ Sponsorship Opportunities ](https://beprobeproud.org/national-conference-2026/sponsorship?hsLang=en) - [ Travel & Accommodations ](https://beprobeproud.org/national-conference-2026-travel-accommodations?hsLang=en) [ Register Now ](https://sb94a.share.hsforms.com/2Iv8cZcbSSdW0LRdD4BxAbg) [ Donate ](https://beprobeproud.org/hs/payments/sHww4xpFt6yVJQ?referrer=PAYMENT_LINK&hsLang=en) ![banner-image](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/banner-image.png?width=1920&height=1080&name=banner-image.png) ![image (4)](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/image%20(4).png?width=401&height=602&name=image%20(4).png) # History in the Making Be part of driving the future of workforce development at our 2026 National Conference in Nashville, Tenn. For 250 years, skilled professionals have built America.The next generation will build what comes next. Nashville, Tennessee ## July 20–22, 2026 [ Register for the Conference ](https://sb94a.share.hsforms.com/2Iv8cZcbSSdW0LRdD4BxAbg) [ Book Your Hotel Stay ](https://virginhotels.com/nashville/reservations/#/booking/step-1?data=\('h7hd!'virgin-nashville'~a6dt*fs.~r7at!2~cn!0~cg.~al4po*co*gp*rn5ry*rk*re.~rr*ss5ax!0~cy*ds!\('p6ls*as*st*h6ee1\)~my4s6c6ne1\)*1~.3%5D1!null3!%5B4!false~5.\)%5D~6e*7s3\('%01765431.*_) ![event-banner](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/event-banner.jpg?width=1440&height=663&name=event-banner.jpg) # Be Part of Our 10th Anniversary We invite you to join us at our 2026 National Conference. Nashville, Tennessee ## July 20–22, 2026 [ Register for the Conference ](https://sb94a.share.hsforms.com/2Iv8cZcbSSdW0LRdD4BxAbg) [ Explore Sponsorship Opportunities ](https://beprobeproud.org/national-conference-2026/sponsorship?hsLang=en) ## Thank You to Our Sponsors ![JD Vertical (Black) (1)](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/JD%20Vertical%20(Black)%20(1).png?width=2000&height=2000&name=JD%20Vertical%20(Black)%20(1).png) ![final-freightliner](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/final-freightliner.png?width=631&height=129&name=final-freightliner.png) ![Final-Empire-Truck-Sales-Logo](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Final-Empire-Truck-Sales-Logo.png?width=774&height=179&name=Final-Empire-Truck-Sales-Logo.png) ![MC-kee](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/MC-kee.png?width=745&height=307&name=MC-kee.png) ![Final SPEVCO LOGO - 2](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Final%20SPEVCO%20LOGO%20-%202.png?width=902&height=241&name=Final%20SPEVCO%20LOGO%20-%202.png) ![Final Stripling Logo](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Final%20Stripling%20Logo.png?width=1454&height=359&name=Final%20Stripling%20Logo.png) ![meta-logo-primary-standardsize](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NM%20Files/NM%20Partner%20Logo/meta-logo-primary-standardsize.png?width=300&height=60&name=meta-logo-primary-standardsize.png) ![Cat-Simulators_Logo_Black 1](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Cat-Simulators_Logo_Black%201.png?width=1396&height=141&name=Cat-Simulators_Logo_Black%201.png) ![Milwaukee Logo](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Milwaukee%20Logo.png?width=1024&height=463&name=Milwaukee%20Logo.png) ![TRBA Logo](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TRBA%20Logo.jpg?width=300&height=175&name=TRBA%20Logo.jpg) [ Learn More About Sponsorship ](https://beprobeproud.org/national-conference-2026/sponsorship?hsLang=en) ## Ten years of Promoting Technical Professions ![launch](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/photo%202.jpg?width=1600&height=1094&name=photo%202.jpg) ## 2016 ### A Movement Begins in Arkansas Be Pro Be Proud launched in Arkansas as a workforce initiative focused on addressing skilled labor shortages by introducing students to technical careers through interactive experiences. ![Students](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Students.jpg?width=1368&height=912&name=Students.jpg) ## 2020 ### First Multi State Expansion Be Pro Be Proud expanded beyond Arkansas with the launch of initiatives in Georgia and South Carolina, marking the beginning of its national growth. ![first-national-conference](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/img-1413-1.jpeg?width=1000&height=750&name=img-1413-1.jpeg) ## 2022 ### First National Conference Be Pro Be Proud hosted its first National Conference in Bentonville, bringing together educators, industry partners, and workforce leaders to share best practices and collaborate on solutions. ![nashville](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/nashville.png?width=1024&height=1024&name=nashville.png) ## Today ### Impact Across Seven States Be Pro Be Proud now operates in seven states, connecting students, educators, employers, and policymakers through immersive experiences that elevate skilled careers nationwide. ## A Movement That Now Spans Seven States… and Counting As America approaches its 250th anniversary, workforce leaders, educators, policymakers and industry partners are facing one of the nation’s greatest challenges: preparing the next generation for high-demand careers that power our economy and strengthen our communities. For 10 years, Be Pro Be Proud has worked to elevate technical professions and connect students to high-demand careers through immersive experiences, industry partnerships and statewide collaboration. Now leaders from across the country are coming together at the Be Pro Be Proud National Conference to shape what’s next. ![Homepage Seven states block](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage%20Seven%20states%20block.jpg?width=2000&name=Homepage%20Seven%20states%20block.jpg) ## This is more than a conference. It’s an opportunity to: ![Homepage Build Partnerships](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage%20Build%20Partnerships.png?width=623&height=458&name=Homepage%20Build%20Partnerships.png) ### Build partnerships ![Homepage Share proven workforce solutions](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage%20Share%20proven%20workforce%20solutions.jpg?height=2000&name=Homepage%20Share%20proven%20workforce%20solutions.jpg) ### Share proven workforce solutions ![Homepage Explore scalable models](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage%20Explore%20scalable%20models.jpeg?width=2000&height=1500&name=Homepage%20Explore%20scalable%20models.jpeg) ### Explore scalable models ![Homepage Strengthen state nad regional workforce pipelines](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage%20Strengthen%20state%20nad%20regional%20workforce%20pipelines.jpg?width=2000&name=Homepage%20Strengthen%20state%20nad%20regional%20workforce%20pipelines.jpg) ### Strengthen state and regional workforce pipelines ![Homepage Help shape the future](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage%20Help%20shape%20the%20future.jpg?width=2000&name=Homepage%20Help%20shape%20the%20future.jpg) ### Help shape the future of workforce development in America ## Featured Speakers ![quote-img](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/quote-img.png?width=43&height=35&name=quote-img.png) ## Josh Perkes was appointed senior vice president and chief human resources officer in August 2024. He is responsible for all human resources and labor relations functions and is a member of Union Pacific’s senior leadership team. Previously, Perkes served as vice president-Loup Logistics, a wholly owned Union Pacific subsidiary providing innovative transportation and logistics solutions. He joined Union Pacific in 2002, and has held leadership positions on the railroad’s Marketing and Sales’ Premium, Industrial, Bulk and Operations teams, as well as across Human Resources functions such as talent management, talent acquisition, employee engagement, training, compensation and benefits. He also spent time in field sales, logistics and Operating as part of a cross-functional leadership training program.Perkes graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in English and has an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He serves as a board member for Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands. ![desktop-xl](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/desktop-xl.webp?width=1080&height=1080&name=desktop-xl.webp) ## Josh Perkes ### Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer ![quote-img](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/quote-img.png?width=43&height=35&name=quote-img.png) ## BG Henderson enlisted in Charlie Company, 875th Engineer Battalion in Paragould, Arkansas, and later commissioned as a Second Lieutenant after graduating from the Arkansas Regional Training Institute’s Officer Candidate School. He holds both a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology and an MBA from Arkansas State University and earned a master’s degree in strategic studies from Air War College. Throughout his career, BG Henderson has served in key command and staff roles within the 875th Engineer Battalion, including Battalion Commander, and has held leadership positions at the Battalion, Brigade, and State levels. He currently serves as Director of Joint Staff. BG Henderson resides in Sherwood, Arkansas. His daughter Hallie is a US Army doctor, currently serving as an anesthesiology resident at Brooke Army Medical Center. ![brigadier-img](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/brigadier-img.png?width=232&height=288&name=brigadier-img.png) ## BRIGADIER GENERAL MICHAEL HENDERSON ### Director of Joint Staff, Arkansas National Guard ![quote-img](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/quote-img.png?width=43&height=35&name=quote-img.png) ## Lora Barnett is a Government and Community Relations Specialist with the TennesseeValley Authority. In this role, she acts as the primary liaison to local, state, and federallyelected officials, as well as community stakeholders, within her service provider territory. Her responsibilities cover twelve counties across three states: Tennessee, Virginia, andNorth Carolina. Before joining the Tennessee Valley Authority, Lora served as the Senior Director ofGovernment Relations and Workforce Development at the Kingsport Chamber. Herexperience reflects a strong commitment to government relations and workforcedevelopment in the region. Throughout her career, Lora Barnett has actively participated in numerous boards and nonprofit agencies. She is currently a member of the Junior Achievement Tri-Cities AdvisoryCouncil, the City of Kingsport Board of Zoning Appeals, and Hands On! Discovery Center.Additionally, she is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Kingsport, continuing herdedication to community service and engagement. Lora is married to Phillip and is the mother of two children, Nikolas (23) and Mason (20). ![Lora Headshot](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Lora%20Headshot.jpg?width=1200&height=1302&name=Lora%20Headshot.jpg) ## Lora Barnett ### Community Relations Specialist ![quote-img](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/quote-img.png?width=43&height=35&name=quote-img.png) ## Melissa Higginbotham is a Human Resources Professional offering 20+years of support experience with a special talent in building and maintaining an excellent network of business relationships for company success. ![Melissa Higginbotham Headshot (2)](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Melissa%20Higginbotham%20Headshot%20(2).png?width=1800&height=1200&name=Melissa%20Higginbotham%20Headshot%20(2).png) ## Melissa Higginbotham ### SENIOR Recruiter, SPHR Bell Construction ![quote-img](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/quote-img.png?width=43&height=35&name=quote-img.png) ## Lucas Cunha is a co-founder of Embarcadero Labs. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies on global AI implementations that strengthen compliance processes. His work has been recognized through partnerships with technology leaders and investors. Lucas brings deep expertise in frontline enablement, product creation, and commercialization. At the Be Pro Be Proud National Conference, he will share how AI glasses and practical field workflows can strengthen training, safety, and performance across the skilled trades. ![Lucas Cunha](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/exec-9ef5af0c-ff88-4518-8ae7-b0a992ef263f.png?width=1254&height=1254&name=exec-9ef5af0c-ff88-4518-8ae7-b0a992ef263f.png) ## Lucas Cunha ### Co-Founder, Embarcadero Labs ![quote-img](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/quote-img.png?width=43&height=35&name=quote-img.png) ## Kevin Harrison serves as Vice President of Academics & Enrollment Services at TCAT Nashville. With 17 years in the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology system, he has progressed from instructor to student services leader and now executive leadership. Kevin is committed to expanding access to workforce education, supporting student success, and strengthening partnerships with business, industry, and K-12 education. ![Kevin Harrison headshot](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Kevin%20Harrison%20headshot.jpg?height=2000&name=Kevin%20Harrison%20headshot.jpg) ## Kevin Harrison ### Vice President of Academics & Enrollment Services at TCAT Nashville ## Why Attend the National Conference? Whether you’re part of an established Be Pro Be Proud state team, exploring how to launch the model in your state or looking to build stronger workforce partnerships, this year’s National Conference offers valuable insights, meaningful connections and scalable solutions designed to help your state grow and thrive. ![workforce](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/workforce.png?width=128&height=128&name=workforce.png) ### Learn Proven Workforce Strategies Hear directly from national workforce leaders, policymakers, educators and industry experts about innovative approaches to workforce development, student engagement and talent pipeline solutions. ![partnership-2](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/partnership-2.png?width=128&height=128&name=partnership-2.png) ### Build Partnerships that Drive Impact Connect with state leaders, industry associations, employers, educators and policymakers who are actively building scalable workforce solutions in their communities. ![global](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/global.png?width=128&height=128&name=global.png) ### Bring the Model to Your State Explore how Be Pro Be Proud’s nationally recognized model can support workforce development, economic growth and career awareness efforts in your region. [ Register for the Conference ](https://sb94a.share.hsforms.com/2Iv8cZcbSSdW0LRdD4BxAbg) ![Students using interactive simulations in the learning truck](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/image.jpg?width=2000&name=image.jpg) ## Be Part of What’s Next The workforce challenges facing our country require bold collaboration, innovative thinking and scalable solutions. Join national leaders, industry partners, educators and policymakers as we work together to elevate technical professions, strengthen workforce pipelines and inspire the next generation to build America through Be Pro Be Proud. Be Proud of the future workforce we are building together. [ Request Sponsorship Information ](https://beprobeproud.org/national-conference-2026#.) [![be-pro-logo](https://beprobeproud.org/hs-fs/hubfs/be-pro-logo.png?width=442&height=135&name=be-pro-logo.png) ](https://beprobeproud.org/national-conference-2026) 10th Anniversary 2026 National Conference Nashville, Tennessee July 20–22, 2026 ### Quick Links - [ Event Itinerary ](https://beprobeproud.org/national-conference-2026-event?hsLang=en) - [ Sponsorship Opportunities ](https://beprobeproud.org/national-conference-2026/sponsorship?hsLang=en) - [ Travel & Accommodation ](https://beprobeproud.org/national-conference-2026-travel-accommodations?hsLang=en) ### Contact info - [ info@beprobeproud.org ](mailto:info@beprobeproud.org) ### Follow us - - -