Thank you to everyone who made the 2026 NJJA Conference a great success!
323 people attended! Here's a little about what they had to say:
- The speakers were top notch, every session was excellent
- The ability to network and chat with a variety of different organizations/agencies and the work they do
- Definitely recharged when hearing a motivational speaker such as Joe Beckman, he is able to remind individuals why do I do what I do!
- Gaining insight on innovative thinking for working with youth and families involved in the juvenile justice system. It is like a think tank of opportunities to collaborate, learn, and engage.
- At the end. The youth panel and being able to see some former clients who have grown and participate in the panel.
Youth Day:
33 attended from 6 different facilities with 12 chaperones lead by 6 Youth Day leaders and 1 Senator
These Youth were a part of the NJJA conference, attending keynote and breakout sessions, interacting with speakers and stakeholders, being a part of Youth Discussion and Call to Action and attending a reception.
The NJJA conference is held every year during the first week of May in Kearney, NE. Over the last 40 years our conference has grown to more than 300 attendees.
We provide an opportunity for anyone working with youth exhibiting at-risk behaviors involved in the juvenile justice system to learn from, and network with, professionals across prevention, education, juvenile justice, and treatment systems. Our conference includes keynote speakers, breakout sessions and social events. Professional development credits for LMHPs (CEUs), Probation Administration workers (criminogenic hours), and legal professionals (CLEs) are available.
WHEN - May 6-7, 2026
WHERE - Younes Conference Center Kearney, NE
2026 Keynote Speakers
Rebecca Bender
Rebecca is a social activist, thought leader, and consultant who equips professionals and organizations to identify and fight human trafficking. A TedX Speaker and published author, Rebecca was appointed to the U.S. National Advisory Council and regularly testifies as an expert witness in court. Her specialized trainings have equipped well over 118,000 professionals including FBI, Homeland Security, regional law enforcement, community leaders, and medical personnel. A highly sought-after speaker, consultant, and nationally recognized authority, Rebecca is passionate about seeing people transform their lives so they can change the world.
After escaping her trafficker in 2007, Rebecca was determined to make a new life for herself and her young daughter. She worked hard, eventually opening her own business and earning a Master’s degree. While she was attending college online, Rebecca dreamed of launching a school for survivors of human trafficking - a place where anyone with lived experience could enroll and learn the skills and knowledge necessary to build a new life.
In 2014 Elevate Academy was born and within eight years had served nearly 1,600 students in 22 countries and over 630 U.S. cities across the nation. This innovative online school is thriving today and remains a place where survivors continue to connect, grow, and find tools to ignite their futures.
Joe Beckman
Joe Beckman is a National Speaker, Best-Selling Author, and Connection Crusader. In a world full of noise, notifications, and nonstop busy… Joe Beckman believes the most radical thing we can do is simply look up.
A nationally recognized speaker and the best-selling author of Just Look Up and Just Look Back, and co-founder of Stay Human Solutions, Joe has spent the last 20 years igniting human connection in over 2,000 schools, conferences, and communities across the globe.
Whether he's speaking to students, educators, or parents, his message is clear: connection isn’t a soft skill—it’s a survival skill. And through humor, vulnerability, music (yes, there’s a guitar involved), and powerful storytelling, Joe delivers keynotes that don’t just inspire—they stick. When he’s not on stage, he’s at home in Minnesota, negotiating screen time with his 4 children
and practicing what he preaches: meaningful connection
