Event: Locumsmart Education Conference (LEC26)
Date: November 8–11, 2026
Location: Renaissance Nashville Hotel | Nashville, TN
Overview:
The Locumsmart Education Conference is the flagship annual gathering for leaders across the locum tenens and healthcare staffing ecosystem. The event brings together healthcare organizations, staffing agencies, and workforce leaders to explore solutions to critical staffing challenges and improve how temporary physician coverage is managed across systems.
Audience:
Attendees are deeply focused on operational efficiency, workforce strategy, and improving patient access through smarter staffing models.
Event Focus & Themes:
The conference emphasizes practical, real-world insights, but also values moments of inspiration that connect to the realities of high-performance environments.
Speaker Opportunity:
Objective: To bring in an athlete speaker who can deliver a compelling, high-energy keynote that draws parallels between elite performance in sports and the realities of healthcare staffing—resilience, teamwork, adaptability, and performing under pressure. The goal is to inspire while still feeling relevant to an audience managing complex, high-stakes workforce challenges.
Angela Gargano is a 6x American Ninja Warrior competitor, Miss Fitness America, and high-performance keynote speaker who helps individuals and teams build resilience, adaptability, and confidence under pressure. A former biochemist turned elite athlete, Angela brings a unique blend of science-backed strategy and real-world experience navigating high-stakes environments.
Her journey is defined by overcoming adversity—most notably tearing her ACL on national television and rebuilding both physically and mentally to return stronger. Today, she translates those experiences into actionable frameworks that help professionals push past burnout, navigate uncertainty, and perform at a higher level in demanding environments.
Angela’s keynote style is high-energy, interactive, and practical, equipping audiences with tangible tools they can immediately apply—not just inspiration. Her work focuses on shifting mindset, building momentum through small, consistent actions, and helping teams move from hesitation to execution.
Gravity Profile: https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/angela-gargano
Website: https://www.angela-gargano.com/
“Angela is an innovative content creator who knows her audience inside and out. Her passionate dedication shines through in everything she does, and it’s always a rewarding experience to collaborate with her as we create fun and informative content for our Women’s Health platforms. I would thoroughly recommend working with Angela in any capacity.” - Amanda Lucci, Audience Engagement Manager, Women's Health Magazine
"Angela sure knows how to engage, entertain and inspire an audience! We invited her to come speak at our 2022 Women in Leadership Conference by EmpowHer and she brought the HEAT! Over 150 women were amazed by her story and ability to provide actionable steps that related to their lives. Since the event we have gotten countless positive feedback asking for her to come back. I would recommend Angela 1000x over to be a speaker. She not only provided valuable content but also helped us grow as a company." - Sam Conway, Founders, Konnecther Community for Female Entrepreneurs
"Angela's work ethic, story telling ability and natural on stage presence made her one of the all-around best presenters we've ever had at our event." - Jon Cooper, Creator of Tiny Talks
What if, instead of focusing on what could go wrong, you started asking: What if it all goes right?
Angela Gargano teaches individuals and teams how to shift from hesitation to high performance using her RIGHT Framework:
This proven system empowers people to navigate uncertainty, embrace change/failures, build resilience, and take bold action—even before they feel ready.
Instead of being paralyzed by worst-case scenario thinking, they gain the tools to adapt, innovate, and turn challenges into opportunities. By focusing on what’s possible, rather than what’s preventable, they unlock a mindset that fuels growth, confidence, and long-term success.
The result? Stronger leadership, greater adaptability, and the ability to take decisive action—again and again.
This keynote is more than just motivation—it’s a battle-tested strategy for resilience, leadership, and achieving impossible goals.
When most people stop, you will keep going, growing, and leading.
Why bold, scary firsts build the strongest version of you.
Be the First is a high-energy keynote where Angela Gargano empowers audiences to step beyond fear and uncertainty and do something they’ve never done before. Because “being the first” isn’t about being the strongest, smartest, or most experienced—it’s about having the courage, discipline, and mindset to take that very first step into the unknown.
Drawing from her journey as a 6-time American Ninja Warrior, former biochemist, and coach to thousands of women achieving their first pull-up, Angela blends science-backed performance strategies with unforgettable storytelling. She shows leaders and high performers how to embrace change, reframe failure, and create unstoppable momentum—whether that’s sending a daring email, launching a bold project, or making an epic comeback after a setback.\
Audiences learn that courage gets you started, but discipline and mindset are what keep you moving—long enough to turn the “impossible” into reality.
Key Takeaways:
Siri Lindley is a world champion triathlete, two-time ITU World Champion coach, and one of the most successful coaches in the history of the sport. A Hall of Fame athlete and internationally recognized performance expert, Siri is known for helping individuals and teams unlock peak performance through mindset, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership.
Her journey is deeply personal—overcoming self-doubt, fear, and adversity to become one of the best in the world, and later navigating a life-threatening cancer diagnosis with the same mindset she teaches on stage. Siri brings a powerful combination of elite athletic achievement and deeply human storytelling, creating an experience that is both inspiring and transformative.
On stage, Siri is known for her authenticity, emotional connection, and high-impact storytelling, leaving audiences not only energized but equipped with a renewed sense of purpose and belief in what’s possible.
Gravity Profile: https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/siri-lindley
Website: https://sirilindley.com/
Siri is based in California.


“Siri’s keynote was more than inspiring—it was soul-shifting. Our team is still buzzing!” -J. Martinez, VP of People, Adobe
“I’ve seen many speakers, but Siri’s vulnerability, humor, and power are in a league of their own.” -M. Keller, Event Director, LinkedIn Women in Tech Summit
“Her story is extraordinary. But her message is universal: You can overcome anything. You just need belief.” -R. Collins, Executive Coach, Procter & Gamble
This powerful keynote shares the transformational story of how Siri went from a self-doubting outsider to a two-time world champion. Packed with practical tools and heartfelt stories, Siri teaches audiences how to tap into their courage, face fear with intention, and lead with authenticity. Whether navigating personal challenges or leading change, participants leave with a newfound fire to step into their greatness.
Key Takeaways:
Matt Mayberry is a former NFL linebacker for the Chicago Bears turned globally acclaimed keynote speaker, 2x Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author, and leading expert on leadership, culture, and organizational performance.
Drawing from his journey from professional athlete to trusted advisor to Fortune 500 organizations, Matt helps leaders and teams unlock peak performance, strengthen culture, and navigate change with clarity and confidence. His work blends high-performance principles from elite sports with practical, business-focused strategies that drive measurable results.
Matt’s keynote style is both inspiring and highly actionable, equipping audiences with tools to elevate accountability, improve team alignment, and build resilient, high-performing cultures in fast-changing environments.
Gravity Profile: https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/matt-mayberry
Website: https://www.mattmayberryonline.com/
Matt is based in Chicago.


“Right away, Matt connected with our group with his passion and sincerity. His personal story is gripping, powerful and inspirational in its own right. Looking for a great keynote speaker can be a daunting task, but Matt was an absolute home run in this regard! Our group left Matt’s presentation inspired, energized and armed with practical strategies that we could apply to our own lives immediately. Thank you Matt!” — ACME World Sports
“Matt was a great asset as the Keynote speaker during our “Customer Appreciation Event.” His presentation was beyond motivational and incredibly inspiring to our management and customers. He is by far one of the most inspiring speakers that we’ve had.” — Lowe’s
“Matt Mayberry delivered such an energizing and inspiring presentation to our team! Our MDs are not easily impressed, but he undoubtedly made a big impact on our group. He shared a highly compelling story, and I really appreciate the extra due diligence that he did in advance to understand our team, what we are all about, and where we are trying to go—Matt made a difference for us!” - Rabobank
Based on Matt’s first book, Winning Plays, this passionate and incredibly inspiring keynote captivates audiences with a high-energy presentation that impacts long after he exits the stage.
In this riveting presentation, Matt shares his personal story of being on a downward path to destruction, struggling through drug addiction and a career-ending injury in which he eventually transformed into meaningful and lasting success.
Matt introduces key insights and techniques on personal motivation, overcoming adversity, achieving audacious goals, and turning circumstantial hardships into opportunities for growth.
This keynote, both entertaining and engaging, serves as a massive call to action for those looking for a surefire way to thrive in adversity and create a bigger future for themselves and their teams.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Leadership stands at a defining crossroads. The way we work, lead, and connect has been permanently transformed. In this era of constant disruption, the leadership playbook that brought us here won’t take us forward.
True leadership isn’t about titles or accolades—it’s about service, impact, and influence. Yet, many leaders feel unprepared to meet the demands of this new reality.
Drawing from his USA Today and National bestselling book The Transformational Leader, Matt Mayberry delivers a compelling call to action for leaders to break free from outdated models and embrace bold, courageous leadership—becoming the transformational leader their organization needs.
Combining real-world strategies with inspiring stories, Matt equips leaders to ignite change, galvanize teams, and achieve extraordinary results. This dynamic keynote dives deep into the DNA of transformational leadership, providing actionable insights to create alignment, build inclusive teams, and inspire meaningful action.
This inspiring keynote serves as a roadmap for leaders to confidently lead their organization into the future while creating lasting impact for all stakeholders. Step into the future with boldness and purpose.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Johnny Quinn is a U.S. Olympian (bobsled), former NFL and CFL professional football player, and high-impact keynote speaker who helps organizations build resilience, adaptability, and high-performance team cultures. As one of only a few athletes to compete in both professional football and the Winter Olympics, Johnny brings a rare perspective on what it takes to perform under pressure and succeed through constant change.
After being cut multiple times in the NFL and facing career setbacks, Johnny reinvented himself to become an Olympian—turning adversity into opportunity. Today, he translates those experiences into his widely recognized P.U.S.H. framework, equipping teams with practical strategies to collaborate effectively, stay ready for change, and perform at a high level regardless of circumstances.
Johnny’s keynote style is dynamic, engaging, and highly actionable, delivering clear takeaways that audiences can immediately apply to improve performance, teamwork, and execution.
Fee: $20,000 + $1,500 flat travel fee to cover Flights, Transportation and Meals. Organizer to provide Hotel Accommodations
Gravity Profile: https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/johnny-quinn
Website: https://www.johnnyquinnusa.com/
Johnny is based in Texas.

"Johnny delivered an amazing presentation at our hybrid Annual Awards Gala which completely captivated both in-person and virtual audiences! We had rave reviews from attendees and a constant stream of positive comments in the virtual platform chat during Johnny’s presentation. Johnny not only has a unique story to tell, but he delivers it in a way to keep you completely engaged–hanging onto each word as his story and message unfolds. Johnny is a wonderful professional to work with and will deliver 100% on your expectations!" -Juli Richards, Executive Director, Murphy Chamber of Commerce
"Each year our 500+ membership gears up for the year with a banquet including dinner, business awards, entertainment, scholarship recognitions and a motivational keynote speech for the event finale. Johnny was absolutely fabulous and exceeded our expectations! The crowd was engaged during the entire message as Johnny genuinely delivered with passion and high energy! The JQ team was personable and easy to collaborate with during the planning of our event's logistics. The event audience included industries from staffing levels of 1 to 1,500 employees, and all guests were beyond impressed as Johnny was able to relate to everyone in the room. He was intentional with his time spent kindly autographing his book for attendees at the conclusion of our program. We highly recommend Johnny Quinn as a keynote speaker for any size or type of organization!" - Alissa Cady, Executive Director - Greater Hewitt COC
"Johnny spoke at our annual leadership meeting and was the perfect speaker to motivate and inspire our leaders. I highly recommend Johnny to anyone looking for a speaker and have no doubt he would customize his message to your audience just like he did for us." - Martha Schram, President, Aegis Therapies
Every high-achieving team faces unexpected moments that test everything they’ve got—their discipline, their focus, and their self-belief. When the stakes are high and the outcome uncertain, how do you not just survive the season, but stay ready for what’s next?
From NFL locker rooms to the Olympic starting line, Johnny Quinn learned that readiness isn’t luck. It’s built through the right mindset and daily disciplines that prepare you for opportunity before it even arrives at your door.
In this relatable and instantly applicable talk, he reveals the P.U.S.H. framework that turns great teams into unstoppable ultra performers.
AUDIENCES LEARN HOW TO:
Getting cut three times from the NFL should have ended Johnny Quinn’s athletic dreams. Instead, it led him to the Olympics.
In this inspiring and practical keynote, Johnny reveals the mental framework that separates those who let rejection define them from those who use it as rocket fuel for what’s next.
Through his journey from NFL rejection to Olympic competition, Johnny shows how to develop the mindset that doesn’t just bounce back from setbacks—it uses them as stepping stones to breakthrough performance.
AUDIENCES LEARN HOW TO:
Leslie Maxie is an Olympian, former elite track and field athlete, and seasoned broadcast journalist with decades of experience covering some of the world’s biggest sporting events. A San Francisco native, Leslie competed in the 1988 Olympic Games in the 400-meter hurdles and was ranked among the top athletes in the U.S. during her competitive career.
Following her athletic career, Leslie transitioned into broadcasting, working with major networks including ESPN, NBC, ABC, and Fox, where she covered events such as the Super Bowl, World Series, and Tour de France . This unique combination of elite athletic performance and media expertise allows her to bring a compelling perspective on communication, mindset, and performing under pressure.
On stage, Leslie delivers a dynamic and engaging keynote experience, blending storytelling, real-world insights, and practical strategies that help individuals and teams elevate performance, communicate effectively, and thrive in high-stakes environments.
Fee: $20,000 + RT Business Class Travel and Expenses [including RT Flights and Ground Transfers], Meals and Incidentals, plus Hotel Accommodations.
Gravity Profile: https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/leslie-maxie
Website: https://maxiemediagroup.com/
Leslie is based in New Jersey.
"I always knew you were the perfect person to host this series, but last night it became crystal clear why that is so. Thank you for the professionalism, intelligence, compassion and grace you brought to the conversation. We were blessed to have you on our stage. I look forward to many more special evenings." - David DiCerto, Director of Programming, Sheen Center
As an international keynote speaker, Leslie discusses how to achieve excellence in any field. A record-holding track & field Olympian, Maxie shows how that mindset propelled her through the rest of her career! Leslie uses this “Olympic Mindset” framework to train audiences around the globe, helping them to achieve their full potential.
Neil Sahota is a globally recognized AI strategist, United Nations AI Advisor, IBM Master Inventor, professor, and bestselling author of AI Activation Code and Own the AI Revolution. He helps organizations turn AI, data, and emerging technology into measurable business value by improving decision-making, operating models, workforce strategy, and growth.
With extensive work across healthcare, HR, workforce, and complex enterprise environments, Neil brings a rare ability to translate AI from a “technology conversation” into a practical business transformation strategy. His experience includes sessions for PIHRA, a keynote at WorkHuman Live, and advising organizations on how to use AI and data to solve high-stakes operational problems while building trust, governance, and adoption. For LEC26, Neil would bring a highly tailored lens to locums healthcare staffing—helping leaders understand how workforce signals can drive faster action, stronger margins, better provider coverage, and smarter long-range planning.
There is some additional flexibility in the speaker fee, and we’re happy to continue the conversation to ensure alignment with your budget and program goals.
Gravity Profile: https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/neil-sahota
Website: https://www.neilsahota.com/
Neil is based in California.


"Your deep understanding of AI and its potential applications within our work provided us with a comprehensive perspective on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The clarity with which you articulated complex concepts and your ability to connect them to real-world scenarios was particularly impressive and greatly appreciated by all in attendance." - Darrell Johnson, CEO, Orange County Transportation Authority
"The presentation was great. Neil was able to take examples of what is happening in other industries and bring it back to what we should be looking at in our industry." - Kristin Keller, SVP Real Estate Lending, Amplify Credit Union
“Neil clearly knows his stuff - the content was great. Neil shared information I'd never heard before. He went deeper than most on the topic and I really appreciated that.” - Sarah Hogan, Senior Director, Learning Products, CalCPA
Overview:
Most healthcare organizations believe they have a staffing problem. In reality, they don’t. Truthfully, they have a decision-speed problem, and it is quietly costing them millions in lost revenue, delayed care, clinician burnout, and avoidable labor spend.
In this keynote, Neil Sahota shares the transformation from a reactive staffing solution to a strategic intelligence system. The earliest signals of workforce disruption (specialty demand shifts, fill friction, rate movement, and site-level volatility) appear weeks or months before they impact operations, revenue, and patient access. Yet, most organizations fail to act on these signals in time.
Sahota shows how leading organizations detect these patterns earlier, reduce avoidable spend by 15–25%, improve fill rates, and align operations, finance, and recruiting around shared workforce intelligence. More importantly, he provides a practical framework attendees can implement immediately, starting with how to identify the five signals that matter most, how to interpret them, and how to trigger faster, coordinated action across teams.
This session delivers both strategic insight and tactical next steps. Attendees will leave with a clear playbook they can apply within 30–90 days to move from reactive staffing to predictive workforce strategy without requiring new systems or large-scale transformation.
Key Takeaways
Attendees will walk away with:
How This Session Addresses Industry Challenges or opportunities in locums healthcare staffing?
Healthcare organizations are operating in a reactive loop: Demand spikes → scramble to fill → costs rise → burnout increases → repeat
This cycle is unsustainable.
Meanwhile, market signals already show:
The problem is not lack of data. The problem is failure to act on early signals.
This session addresses that gap directly by:
Audience Engagement
This session is designed to be highly engaging and memorable:
Attendees will rethink how they operate in real time