Temple Grandin to Headline Nebraska Counseling Association’s 2026 Spring Conference
Keynote‑only access available for non‑members and community guests
The Nebraska Counseling Association (NCA) will host its 2026 Spring Conference on Friday, April 24, at Bellevue University, welcoming professionals from across the counseling and mental health fields. In addition to full‑conference registration options, the event offers the general public an opportunity to attend a keynote address by Dr. Temple Grandin, an internationally recognized autism advocate and leader in neurodiversity.
Key Facts
- Event: Nebraska Counseling Association 2026 Spring Conference
- Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
- Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Location: Bellevue University campus, Bellevue, Nebraska
- Keynote Speaker: Dr. Temple Grandin
- Keynote Time: 9 a.m. to noon
- Meet‑and‑Greet: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Registration: Open to members, students, professionals, and the public
- Keynote‑Only Registration: $120 (nonmembers)
Hosting the 2026 NCA Spring Conference at Bellevue University
Bellevue University will serve as the host site for the Nebraska Counseling Association’s 2026 Spring Conference, an immersive professional development event focused on advancing counseling practice, ethics, and mental health assessment. The conference brings together counselors, educators, and mental health professionals for a full day of learning, collaboration, and community impact on Bellevue University’s campus.
Keynote Spotlight: Dr. Temple Grandin
The highlight of this year’s conference is a keynote presentation by Dr. Temple Grandin, whose life and work have reshaped conversations around autism, neurodiversity, and inclusive thinking. Drawing from personal experience and decades of research, Dr. Grandin’s keynote will explore how people think and learn differently, emphasizing the intersection of lived experience, science, and compassion. Following her address, attendees and members of the public will have the opportunity to meet Dr. Grandin during an afternoon meet‑and‑greet.
Afternoon Breakout Sessions and Practical Learning
In addition to the keynote, the conference will offer afternoon breakout sessions focused on major mental illness diagnosis and assessment, as well as professional ethics. These sessions are designed to provide practical, research‑informed tools that participants can immediately apply across counseling and mental health settings.
Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit university with more than 70,000 graduates worldwide. The University is a recognized national leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, while making college affordable. Routinely ranked among the nation’s top military and accessible institutions, the University serves residential students at its main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, and everywhere online with more than 85 degree programs uniquely designed for working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).