2026 Osher Institutes National Conference

Celebrating the 2026 Osher Institutes National Conference

The 2026 Osher Institutes National Conference, held October 5–7 in Eagan, Minnesota, brought the Osher Network together for three energizing days of learning, connection, celebration, and plenty of idea sharing.

More than 260 attendees, including staff and volunteer leaders representing all 123 Osher Institutes, gathered alongside guests, speakers, and representatives from The Bernard Osher Foundation. The mix of staff and volunteers reflected the strength of the Osher Network.

The conference kicked off with a road trip-themed welcome, inviting attendees to consider both how far the Network has traveled and where it is headed next. The Osher NRC shared its new strategic direction and priorities for supporting a strong, sustainable Network in the years ahead.

Featured plenary speaker Christopher Farrell, senior economics contributor for Marketplace and Minnesota Public Radio, explored “unretirement” and the search for purpose in life’s next chapter. The conference concluded with award-winning storyteller and coach Scott Whitehair, who demonstrated how OLLIs can turn powerful stories into tools for strengthening their programs and communities. Breakout sessions tackled topics ranging from strategic planning, volunteerism, and university partnerships to fundraising, programming, marketing, AI, and digital tools. Peer learning extended well beyond the formal sessions through membership roundtables, regional gatherings, facilitated table topics, and Idea Jams designed to surface and share the Network’s best ideas.

Celebration was also on the agenda. The ever-popular “Woo-Hoos” showcased standout accomplishments from 91 Institutes, while the inaugural Newt Minow Peer-Led Learning Award recognized excellence in member-driven learning. OLLI at the University of Dayton was named the award’s first recipient.

Throughout the conference, attendees exchanged ideas, renewed friendships, made new connections, and discovered approaches they could take home to their own OLLIs. That spirit of collaboration remains one of the Network’s greatest strengths.

Deep appreciation goes to The Bernard Osher Foundation, whose continued generosity made this fully funded gathering possible.

Held every 18 months, the National Conference remains a cornerstone of the Osher Network. The Osher NRC is grateful to everyone who made the journey to Minnesota and looks forward to seeing where the ideas, connections, and momentum from 2026 take the Network next.