Liberty University held the 2026 CEO Summit in the newly-constructed Champion Center Oct. 7 to 9.
The conference brought together CEOs, business owners and influential leaders who shared valuable insights with students and faculty.
The CEO Summit provided an opportunity for students to network and learn from those in business.
Freshman Alexis Rapp attended the event and shared how attendance could lead to internships and job opportunities.
“I think this gives you real-life experience and internships and job opportunities that can benefit you in the future,” Rapp said. “Making all these connections and networking will give you all those connections you need for the future in the business realm.”
In honor of America’s 250th birthday, keynote speakers Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and best-selling author Eric Metaxas shared their unique perspectives on leadership and the future of America.
Metaxas spoke about his latest book, “Revolution: The Birth of the Greatest Nation in the History of the World.” His book explains the birth of America and the significance of remembering how America became a nation.
“And if Christian Americans don’t get this, which to some large extent we have not, how can we expect the world to understand it?” Metaxas said. “How can we expect the world to celebrate who we are if we ourselves don’t understand our story?”
DeSantis said God has ultimate authority over everything.
“Governments don’t give us our rights. God gives us our rights,” DeSantis said. “The purpose of government is to protect what we already possess as virtue of being children of God.”
Other speakers included President and CEO of BWXT Rex Geveden, CEO of Publicis Sports Suzy Deering, former mayor of Arlington, Texas, and current Chief Strategy Officer of Parkhill W. Jeff Williams, ChairmanGary Rabine of Rabine LLC and Co-founder of The School of Hard Knocks James Dumoulin.
Attendees heard from speakers with different perspectives and backgrounds about how they each became successful.
Business leaders and CEOs who work in government, technology and other industries spoke about their experiences in their fields. In addition to individual speakers, several panel discussions took place in the Champion Center’s Flames Theater.
Senior Katie Bott said that attending the CEO Summit gave students the chance to build connections and professional relationships.
“It gives you the confidence to go out and actually do it with another CEO,” Bott said. “You just have the confidence and the ability to talk to these people now. It builds those habits and relationships that then go forward into your career.”
The CEO Summit also provided several opportunities for attendees to network with each other, including The Future CEO Luncheon, a special keynote dinner and a sponsored meal.
Gonatice is a news reporter for The Liberty Champion.