Annual Leadership Conference
2026 Annual Leadership Conference
September 27-28, 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown | Rapid City
Room rates are $149/night + tax. Room block rates cannot be guaranteed after 8/26/26.
Room reservations can be made by phone at 800-445-8667 (South Dakota Broadcasters Conference or group code 94O) or online at South Dakota Broadcasters Conference.
Tentative Agenda
Sunday, September 27thÂ
9:00 AM*Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Bus to Crazy Horse Memorial, Volksmarch (10K)
The Crazy Horse Volksmarch is the most popular organized hike in the United States (15,000 walkers in a record year). This event is sponsored by the Black Hills Chapter of the American Volkssport Association (AVA) and hosted by Crazy Horse Memorial®.
*Leave time subject to change
5:00 - 6:30 PMÂ Â Â Welcome Reception, DoubleTree Downtown Rapid City
Monday, September 28th
7:00 - 8:00 AMÂ Â Â Breakfast
8:00 - 8:30 AMÂ Â Â Membership Meeting
8:30 - 8:45 AMÂ Â Â Break
8:45 - 9:45 AMÂ Â Â Opening Keynote, Aaron Davis
9:45 - 10:00 AMÂ Â Break
10:00 AM - Noon Breakout Sessions (Leadership, Sales Training)
Noon - 1:30 PMÂ Â Lunch & South Dakota Politics, David Owen
1:45 - 3:45 PMÂ Â Â Breakout Sessions (Leadership, Sales Training)
3:45 - 4:00 PMÂ Â Â Break
4:00 - 4:45 PMÂ Â Â Closing Keynote TBD
5:00 - 6:30 PMÂ Â Â Happy Hour
6:30 - 9:30 PMÂ Â Â Awards Banquet
About Our Speakers
Aaron Davis. Aaron is known for his captivating & high-energy talks on the power of a championship attitude. Through his journey as a cancer survivor, his experience as a member of the 1994 Nebraska football national championship team, and his achievements as an author, Aaron has learned firsthand the importance of maintaining a positive outlook on life personally and professionally.
Drawing from this experience, he shares powerful insights and strategies that empower individuals to conquer their own battles and embrace life with optimism in a world of negativity.
David Oxenford. David is a broadcast and digital media law thoug
ht-leader and influencer. Representing clients in Washington, DC, for over 35 years, he understands issues crucial to organizations in today’s media landscape. With a wide-ranging practice, David represents broadcasters facing the FCC in regulatory matters and advises clients on transactions and other business matters. He also works with digital media companies navigating music licensing copyright and other content issues.
David’s interest in broadcasting began in college, where he managed The College of William and Mary’s student-run radio station and helped shepherd its application for a significant power increase through the FCC. After graduation, when many of his college friends went on to own and operate radio and TV stations, he became their lawyer.
2025 Award Winners
Tom Brokaw Award:Â Michelle Van Maanen, USD, retired
Broadcaster of the Year:Â Jay Murphy, Riverfront Broadcasting, Black Hills
Distinguished Service Award:Â Jan Robson, KXLG, retired
Sports Broadcaster of the Year:Â Jon Winkler, Riverfront Broadcasting, Pierre
Gary Owens Commercial Production Awards:
1st Place Radio:Â April Goodhart, Riverfront Broadcasting, Black Hills
2nd Place Radio: Scott Smith, Results Townsquare Media, Sioux Falls
1st Place Television:Â Grant Hultgren, KOTA-TV / KEVN-TV, Rapid City
2nd Place Television:Â Joshua Canaday, KOTA-TV / KEVN-TV, Rapid City
Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsors!
