National Summit: Business Leaders in Action for Childcare

November 9–10, 2026Denver, Colorado


Hosted by Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) and Moms First's National Business Coalition for Childcare

Presented by the David and Laura Merage Foundation



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Where Business Leadership Meets Workforce Solutions

The Business Leaders in Action for Childcare National Summit is an invitation-only gathering of approximately 150 business executives, Chamber leaders, economic development professionals and national partners committed to strengthening America’s workforce through childcare solutions.

Together, participants will explore innovative employer practices, bipartisan policy solutions, and research-driven strategies that improve workforce participation, talent retention and long-term economic growth.

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The Summit Begins In

November 9, 2026 | Denver, Colorado

Who Should Attend?

Business Leadership

CEOs, CHROs and other c-suite business leaders will exchange their experiences in childcare as a workforce issue. The Summit provides critical insights for talent, benefits, operations and policy leads.

Business Associations and Industry Organizations

Business leadership organizations and Chambers will gain valuable tools and insights to share with members.

Childcare Policymakers and Advocates

Change happens at the intersection of public-private partnership. Policymakers and advocates add a crucial dimension to the conversation.

Why Attend?

National Thought Leadership

Hear from leading voices in business, policy, and workforce innovation.

Peer Learning

Learn from employers already implementing childcare solutions.

Policy Engagement

Understand emerging state and federal childcare strategies.

Meaningful Connections

Build relationships with leaders committed to strengthening America’s workforce.

One and a half days of keynotes, intentional networking and breakout workshops for childcare leaders and newcomers

Meet the Speakers

Stay tuned for more speakers to be added. Past speakers from EPIC and Moms First include Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, US Chamber of Commerce Foundation President Michael Carney, UPS Global Head of Talent, Culture, and Learning Danelle McCusker-Rees, Synchrony EVP and Chief Audit Executive Dana Randell, Deloitte Chief Talent Officer David Rizzo, Simple Modern Chief Marketing Officer Chris Hoyle and more!

Aaron Merchen

Executive Director, ECE Policy & Programs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Anna Crollman

Director of Brand Marketing , CAKES Body

Anna Steffeney

Executive Director, FamTech

Benjamin Anderson

President and CEO, Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System

Bonnie Dowling

Partner, McKinsey & Company

Erica Palmer Smith

Executive Director, NC Child

Gabrielle Pepin

Senior Economist, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research

Jake Arluck

Founder, Care Assembly

Jeffrey Zubricki

Head of Advocacy and Public Policy, Etsy
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Jon Simon

VP of Sales, Care.com

Kristin Bernhard

CEO, Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS)

Lauren Bealore

National Director of Policy & Programs, Main Street Alliance

Loryn Duke

Director, Steamboat For All

Matthew Nestler

Senior Economist, KPMG

Mayor Mike Johnston

Mayor, City of Denver

Megan Schulte

Vice President Human Resources, Frontier Co-op

Molly Day

COO, Moms First

Myriah Sweeney

General Manager, People and Property Services, Toyota North America

Nicole Riehl

President and CEO, EPIC

Nikki Richardson

Head of Corporate Communications, JBS Foods USA

Olivia Rosenthal

Chief Growth Officer for Backup Care, Wellthy

Reshma Saujani

CEO and Founder, Moms First

Sara Mauskopf

CEO, Winnie

Sarah Rubinfield

Managing Director, Government Affairs, First Five Years Fund

Shanon Eckhardt

Vice President of Corporate Projects, VGM Group

Sheri Penney

Fellow, Bipartisan Policy Center

Tolu Lawrence

Co-Founder and CEO, Corporate Impact Lab

Wendi Safstrom

President, SHRM Foundation

Zachary French

Market Vice President of Finance, UnityPoint Health

Sponsorship

Sponsorship Opportunities

Position your organization alongside national leaders committed to strengthening the workforce and supporting working families.

Sponsorship opportunities include:
• Presenting Sponsor - SOLD
• Leadership Sponsor
• Trailblazer Sponsor
• Supporting Sponsor
• Ally Partner


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Learn, Engage and Stay

Our Summit will be held at the Limelight Hotel in downtown Denver. Located near Denver's iconic Union Station and many influential businesses, it is the perfect environment to experience the city.

We have secured a special rate of $269/night for all Business Leaders in Action for Childcare Summit participants. A booking link will be included in your event registration email.

Reservation cutoff: October 19, 2026
Booking link: Event Booking Link | Limelight Denver

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Ready to Join Us?

Connect with business leaders working to strengthen America’s workforce through childcare solutions.

Reserve your seat

This is an exclusive invite-only event. Please use the access code you received in your invitation email to purchase a ticket.

Past Summits

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