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legacy meets momentum: Building power that lasts

In 2025, we come together in Tulsa, a city with a history marked by resilience, hope, and the ongoing fight for justice. This gathering isn’t just an event; it’s a continuation of a movement deeply rooted in the values that have long guided New Leaders Council. These values form the foundation of everything we do and remind us that true leadership is about service and creating spaces where all voices, especially those historically marginalized, can thrive.

As changemakers committed to building a more just and equitable democracy, we recognize the importance of honoring the past while forging a path forward. Tulsa’s Greenwood District stands as a powerful symbol of community-led movement leadership and resilience in the face of devastating adversity. It is here where we will gather to reflect on that legacy and to fuel the momentum that drives us today.

This NLC Summit is a space to deepen our relationships across sectors, share strategies that center equity and inclusion, and recommit to the collective power we hold when we show up fully for one another.

We know you’ve been asking for a space to come together, to learn and reconnect with others who share a commitment to an unapologetic democracy that dares to do more.

Join us in Tulsa for this NLC Summit in October, where legacy meets momentum, and together, we build power that lasts beyond individual wins.


What is nlc summit?

An NLC Summit is a gathering designed to reflect the spirit and purpose of the community, distinct from a convention. While NLC conventions are often packed with panels, presentations, and tight scheduling, the NLC Summit focuses on re-centering, taking time to reconnect, reflect, and move forward with greater clarity and intention. It is designed with requests from alumni in mind for a space to engage more deeply, not just sit and listen. The NLC Summit emphasizes connecting, sharing updates, strengthening relationships across chapters and cohorts, and building leadership that sustains long-term impact. Through workshops, conversations, and intentional community-building, it creates space for transformative growth aligned with NLC’s values. Ultimately, the NLC Summit embodies legacy, momentum, and the collective power that emerges when gathering with purpose.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers regarding 2025 NLC Summit

General

What is NLC Summit?

An NLC Summit is a gathering of around 150 attendees, designed to foster reconnection, reflection, and growth across the network. Unlike a convention, which features large-scale programming and tight scheduling, the NLC Summit creates space for deeper engagement through workshops, conversations, and relationship-building, centering on the leadership and values that drive long-term impact. It is a space grounded in legacy and momentum, where the collective power of the NLC community moves forward with purpose.

When is the event?

Thursday, October 2, 3:00PM CT – Sunday, October 5, 12:00PM CT

What is the exact location?

Tulsa, Oklahoma

When can I register?

Registration is open now and tickets can be purchased up to 48 hours prior to the event start date on October 2, 2025. Please visit this link.

What is the host hotel?

Hyatt Regency Downtown Tulsa. The NLC room block and special rate can be booked here.

What is the dress code?

You can expect a variety of experiences at NLC Summit. Be prepared to bring business-casual attire and cocktail attire for receptions.

This year’s Summit will also feature a legacy tour that will include museums and parks.

Participants are encouraged to bring a variety of layers in case the hotel or bus are cold, or the fall weather in Tulsa is hot, per their preference.

Can my partner and children attend too?

Yes, guests of NLC alumni are welcome to attend NLC Summit, provided they also purchase a ticket if they are over 18 years old.

Topics discussed may feature adult content including sex, drugs, and alcohol. Speakers and Spark!Talk presenters may use expletive language in their presentations.

That being said, NLC Summit is most appropriate for 18 – 99 year olds. All children under 18 must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Can non-NLC alumni attend?

As long as a ticket is purchased, NLC Summit is open to all NLC alumni, Fellows, applicants, partners, sponsors, and supporters.

Can I register at the venue?

Unfortunately, registration closes 48 hours prior to the event start date. You will not be able to register at NLC Summit.

If I have questions, who can I contact?

For any additional questions, please contact NLC HQ at [email protected]. Please give at least 48 hours hours for a response.

How can I sponsor NLC Summit?

To inquire about sponsoring NLC Summit, please contact NLC HQ at [email protected]. Please give at least 48 hours hours for a response.

Will there be alcohol at NLC Summit?

Yes, alcohol will be available at the NLC Awards Dinner on Saturday evening, and may also be available during other NLC Summit-related receptions and off-site venues. Attendees will be able to leave the event space for dinner and may purchase and consume alcohol. We ask that if guests choose to drink alcohol, they do so responsibly. All volunteers are expected to exercise good judgment and moderation and all volunteers are expected to comply fully with all laws (including laws prohibiting the operation of motor vehicles while under the influence of alcohol), and to take safety precautions including arranging for a designated sober driver.


For other substances, we ask that attendees refrain from using, distributing, or otherwise possessing controlled substances. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Tickets

How much are NLC Summit tickets?

General admission – Early bird ticket prices are $250 through August 8, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET


General admission – Regular ticket prices are $300 August 9th to September 19, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET


General admission – Regular ticket prices are $400 September 20, 2025 to October 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET

How do I pay for the registration?

Use this link to register for NLC Summit.

What food is covered by my paid ticket?

Your ticket will cover breakfast, lunch, and snacks, and a Celebration Dinner on Saturday evening.

Payment plan option

Is there a payment plan option?

This year you will be able to select Klarna to pay for your NLC Summit ticket upon checkout.

Are there any restrictions for registration?

NLC is inclusive of all ages. Topics discussed may feature adult content including sex, drugs, and alcohol. Speakers and Spark!Talk presenters may use expletive language in their presentations.

That being said, NLC Summit and Convention are most appropriate for an 18+ audience.

We also expect all attendees to uphold NLC’s values, especially our values of equity, community, and progress. Review more here: httsp://www.newleaderscouncil.org/about/.

If something comes up and I can no longer attend, can I get a refund?

If you are no longer able to attend NLC Summit you may request a refund by September 15 or, if you are willing and able you may donate your purchased ticket to a Fellow or NLC volunteer by notifying us by September 15 at [email protected].

Are there opportunities to secure financial support to attend?

NLC partners with venues and sponsors to ensure the price of NLC Summit activities are minimized and kept to an accessible rate. Financial support may be available for participants in need. Please email [email protected] if you would like to be considered to receive financial assistance.

All submissions remain confidential.

Logistics

Details coming soon.

Inclusivity and accessibility

I am a person with disabilities, will I be able to get accommodations?

NLC is happy to work to provide accommodations, please indicate on the registration form and reach out to us at [email protected].

Will guests be required to wear masks?

NLC will follow all applicable state and county health orders, including indoor mask mandates if put in place. If cases continue to rise and a mask mandate is needed, NLC will let all registered guests know as early as possible. Guests may choose to wear a mask at their discretion while enjoying indoor activities. Meals will be shared in both indoor and outdoor spaces and we ask that all guests take precautions to social distance during times when masks cannot be worn.

Where can I offer a suggestion on how to make NLC Summit inclusive and accessible?

Please email [email protected] if you have any suggestions, questions, or additional requests.

Program and schedule

WHERE CAN I OFFER SUGGESTIONS FOR THE PROGRAM?

Please email [email protected] if you have any suggestions, questions, or additional requests.

Awards

What awards will be given out at the Awards Dinner?

Awards list and nominations will open August 1, 2025.

How to nominate or apply

Nominations/applications will open August 1 – August 30, 2025. All nominees/applicants will be reviewed and selected by a Committee of NLC volunteers and staff by September 15, 2025.

NLC alumni can nominate a fellow alum, a chapter, or apply directly for an award using this link.

I’m an alum who won an award! What do I win?

Congratulations! Awardees in the individual alumni categories will receive a free ticket to the 2025 NLC Summit in Tulsa. Awardees are responsible for their hotel stay in Tulsa.

My chapter won an award! What do I win?

Congratulations! Chapter awardees will receive one award per chapter. Nominations for Alumni and Chapter awards are open from August 1 – August 30, 2025. The NLC Summit Awards Committee (made up of NLC volunteers and staff) will review submissions and complete deliberations by September 15, 2025. All chapters will be notified of the top three chapters in each category by September 15, 2025.