Northeast Louisiana Young Professionals Announces First Annual NELA NEXT Conference
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Northeast Louisiana Young Professionals Announces First Annual NELA NEXT Conference
MONROE, La. — Northeast Louisiana Young Professionals will host the first annual NELA NEXT Young Professionals Conference on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Louisiana Delta Community College ATC Building, located at 7500 Millhaven Road in Monroe.
Northeast Louisiana Young Professionals is a program of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce focused on connecting, developing, and supporting emerging leaders throughout the region. Organized in partnership with chambers and community organizations across Northeast Louisiana, NELA NEXT will bring together young professionals, students, business leaders, and community partners for a day centered on professional development, leadership, and meaningful connections.
The inaugural conference is made possible through the support of Title Sponsor Century Next Bank, along with additional sponsors and community partners committed to investing in the region’s emerging workforce.
“NELA NEXT represents an investment in the people who will help shape the future of Northeast Louisiana,” said Ashley Dowling, Director of Membership for the Monroe Chamber of Commerce. “We are creating an opportunity for young professionals from across the region to strengthen their skills, expand their networks and become better prepared for the next steps in their careers.”
The conference will include engaging speakers, short breakout sessions, professional networking, lunch, professional headshots, and resume and LinkedIn reviews. Sessions will focus on career growth, leadership, financial decision-making, professional confidence and other practical topics affecting young professionals.
General admission tickets are $50 per person and include the full conference experience. Student tickets are available for $35 with promotional codes for participating colleges. Registration is limited and will close October 5, 2026, or earlier if the conference reaches capacity.
Businesses are encouraged to register members of their teams who are developing into future leaders or seeking opportunities to grow professionally and become more connected throughout the region.
Only three sponsorship opportunities remain. Sponsorship provides organizations with the opportunity to support regional workforce and leadership development while placing their names in front of young professionals, students, business leaders and community partners throughout Northeast Louisiana.
“This is the first year of what we believe can become a signature regional event,” Dowling said. “There will only be one first NELA NEXT Conference, and we want businesses, organizations and attendees to be part of it from the beginning.”
In addition to Century Next Bank, the conference is supported by Louisiana Delta Community College, MidSouth Extrusion, Brown’s Roofing, Key Marketing Solutions, WillSource Staffing and Recruiting, Peggy Sullivan State Farm, Pelican Credit Union, and MJE Balloon Joy Experience, as well as chamber and community partners from across the region.
Registration and sponsorship information are available at:
https://members.monroe.org/events/details/nela-next-young-professionals-conference-204
Event Details
Event: NELA NEXT Young Professionals Conference
Hosted by: Northeast Louisiana Young Professionals
Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Location: Louisiana Delta Community College ATC Building
Address: 7500 Millhaven Road, Monroe, LA 71203
General Admission: $50 per person
Registration Deadline: October 5, 2026
About Northeast Louisiana Young Professionals
Northeast Louisiana Young Professionals is a program of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce created to connect, develop and support emerging leaders throughout Northeast Louisiana. Through professional development, networking, leadership opportunities, community engagement and regional partnerships, the program works to strengthen the area’s workforce and build connections among the next generation of business and community leaders.
Media Contact:
Ashley Dowling
Director of Membership
Monroe Chamber of Commerce
adowling@monroe.org
