Gov. Pillen Invites Nebraskans to Register for the 2025 Governor’s Summit, Announces First-Ever Youth Summit

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) encourage Nebraskans to register for the 2025 Governor’s Summit: Growing Nebraska. This year’s event will take place Aug. 13-14, 2025, at the Younes Conference Center North in Kearney.
 
“Our state’s incredible economy is driven by two main engines—agriculture and manufacturing,” said Gov. Pillen. “In Nebraska, we grow things and make things that are in demand worldwide, and we do it better than any place else in the world. At this summer’s Summit, we’ll explore how to generate even more value by uniting our strengths in ag and manufacturing to lead the nation’s new bioeconomy.”
 
The annual Governor’s Summit convenes economic developers and industry leaders in agriculture and business to discuss how to best grow Nebraska. The 2025 Governor’s Summit will focus on three pillars: manufacturing, the emerging bioeconomy, and workforce development.  
 
This year’s conference will also feature the first-ever Governor’s Youth Summit, which will be integrated into the main event on Thursday, Aug. 14. High school and college students are invited to attend free of charge. Attendees of the Youth Summit will participate in career clusters to explore post-high school pathways. They will connect one-on-one with business and college leaders, gaining privileged access to internship, apprenticeship, and career opportunities
 
“We’re inviting Nebraska’s youth to join us for the Governor’s Summit in 2025,” said Gov. Pillen. “We want Nebraska stakeholders to come meet our kids, develop a relationship with them and create opportunities for them and for your farms and businesses. Our kids are our future, and they’re ready to embark on the great careers we’re creating. All they need to succeed is opportunity—and someone to show them the way.”
 
To sign up for the Youth Summit, go to https://govsummit.nebraska.gov/youth/.

The 2025 Governor’s Summit officially kicks off on Wednesday night, Aug. 13, with a reception and banquet hosted by the Nebraska Diplomats. The evening event includes an awards ceremony to honor leaders, businesses, and communities who have made key contributions to the state’s economic success over the previous year.
 
Thursday, Aug. 14, is the primary day of the Governor’s Summit. It features remarks from Gov. Pillen, a keynote address, a full slate of breakout sessions, and the inaugural Youth Summit.
 
To register for the Diplomats Banquet and Governor’s Summit, visit govsummit.nebraska.gov. Students may sign up for the Youth Summit at https://govsummit.nebraska.gov/youth/. Full agendas are also available through the respective websites.
 
For questions, please contact Roberta Pinkerton at [email protected] or 402-658-5077.