2026 Annual Conference: Keynotes

The keynote speakers for the 2026 UWEBC Annual Conference will be announced in the coming months. Each year, we carefully select keynote presenters who bring a powerful blend of real-world experience, forward-looking insight, and engaging storytelling to the stage.

UWEBC keynotes are known for delivering more than inspiration. They provide practical perspectives on the trends shaping business and technology today. Our speakers include accomplished executives, industry innovators, and thought leaders who challenge conventional thinking and equip attendees with ideas they can apply immediately within their organizations.

To get a sense of the caliber and energy of our keynote presentations, we invite you to explore highlights from last year’s morning keynote session and luncheon address below. These clips capture the thought-provoking conversations and big-picture insights that make the UWEBC Annual Conference such a memorable and impactful experience.

Stay tuned as we begin announcing our 2026 keynote lineup in the months ahead.

John Stofflet, a seasoned journalist and storyteller, has an illustrious career highlighted by 25 Regional Emmy Awards and prestigious accolades from the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, showcasing his unwavering commitment to broadcasting excellence. John’s relentless pursuit of stories has taken him across 40 countries and all seven continents, fueled by his genuine passion for adventure and profound curiosity. Along his journey, he had the privilege of interviewing renowned figures such as President Barack Obama, Julia Roberts, Robin Williams, Brad Pitt, and many others. After 16 years at KING-TV (NBC) in Seattle, he returned to Wisconsin to anchor for NBC 15 News, bringing his expertise home. Additionally, as a proud alum of UW-Madison’s School of Journalism and Mass Communications, he contributes to his community by serving on the boards of the Badger Childhood Cancer Network and the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin. He inspires and enlightens audiences globally with an unwavering commitment to storytelling and advocacy.

One of the signature elements of the UWEBC Annual Conference is live graphic recording. Throughout the day, Sherrill Knezel captures key ideas, insights, and memorable moments from the stage in real time, transforming the conversations into a vibrant visual record of the event.

Sherrill Knezel

Sherrill is a graphic recorder, illustrator, art educator, and founder of Meaningful Marks LLC, based in the Milwaukee, WI metro area where she uses visuals and graphic recording to uplift, and amplify the work of nonprofits, educators, and corporate sector clients having conversations and creating generative and transformative change in their communities. She leads visual literacy workshops to empower people to use visuals to increase connection, clarity, and collaboration. Sherrill is the author of Heart Speak: A Visual Interpretation of Let Your Life Speak written in collaboration with Parker J. Palmer, and contributing author to Social Action Stories: Impact Tales for The School & Community.

Sherrill’s drawings capture the memorable and takeaway points of conference speakers. They are a mix of words and pictures that are great artifacts to refer to some of the insights and concepts heard during the event. Attendees will have the opportunity to take pictures of and with her art throughout the day and during Happy Hour at the conclusion of the conference.