Conference Location

Younes Conference Center North

 707 Talmadge Street
 Kearney, NE 68845

The 2026 Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference will be held at Younes Conference Center North in Kearney, Nebraska. The conference center offers convenient access to lodging, dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

Conference Hotel

Crowne Plaza Kearney Waterpark & Conference Center

The Crowne Plaza is connected directly to the conference center, providing convenient access to conference sessions and events.

A special conference room block is available for attendees.

Reserve your room here:
Crowne Plaza Kearney Reservation Link - Thriving CFC 2026 

The conference room block cutoff date is August 21, 2026. After this date, the online booking link will no longer be available.

Attendees needing accommodations after August 21 should contact the Crowne Plaza directly at 308-238-7000. The conference group rate will continue to be honored after the cutoff date, subject to room availability.

Additional Lodging Options

Several hotels are located within walking distance or a short drive of the conference venue. Additional lodging options can be found throughout Kearney.

Parking

Complimentary parking is available at Younes Conference Center North. 

Flying In?

If you are traveling to the conference by air, the following airports are convenient options:

Kearney Regional Airport (EAR)
https://flykearney.com/

Located approximately 10 minutes from the conference venue.

The Crowne Plaza offers airport shuttle service. Attendees should contact the hotel directly to confirm shuttle availability and scheduling prior to travel at 308-238-700.

Lincoln Airport (LNK)
https://lincolnairport.com/

Located approximately 2.5 hours from Kearney.

Eppley Airfield (OMA) – Omaha
https://www.flyoma.com/

Located approximately 3 hours from Kearney.

*Rental cars services are readily available at both Lincoln and Omaha airports. While Kearney Regional Airport offers the closest access to the conference, Lincoln and Omaha may provide additional flight options and transportation flexibility depending on your travel needs.
 
Questions?

For questions regarding conference location, lodging, or travel accommodations, please reach out to Catie Ganzel at: cganzel@earlyfutures.org