YP Week 2024: A Vibrant Celebration of Connection, Growth, and Community

YP Week 2024 was more than just a week-long series of events-it was a transformative experience for Omaha's young professionals. Held from August 18-24, the week was packed with networking opportunities, professional development, and community engagement, all designed to empower attendees and showcase Omaha as a thriving hub for young talent.

A Boost for Talent Retention and Professional Development
Last year's YP Week was designed to help young professionals see their futures in Omaha-and it delivered. Charita Dailey, Director of Development at Rise, shared, "YP Week provided young professionals across all industries with intentional spaces to connect, network, and consider future collaboration, which, in turn, contributed to a collective vision for the future of Omaha. As more young professionals can visualize an exciting future in Omaha, they will be more inclined to stay."

Each event brought people closer to Omaha's vision of fostering a dynamic and supportive environment for young professionals. The energy and excitement throughout the week made it clear-our YPs are ready to shape the future!

Unforgettable Events and Moments ✨
Every event had its own vibe, but the Social Meetup at The Peregrinewas a standout for many. "This event was legitimately buzzing with energy," Dailey said. "I saw so many new faces and engaged in several conversations about the positive experiences people were having throughout YP Week. This experience felt so new to Omaha, and that's exactly what young professionals are looking for: new ways to grow and engage."

Another favorite was the Grill & Grow: Networking with Leaders, which showcased one of Omaha's unique strengths: the accessibility of its business leaders. Unlike many major metropolitan areas, Omaha offers young professionals the chance to connect directly with prominent leaders in the community. This event allowed attendees to network professionally, build authentic connections, and engage with leaders on a personal level-going beyond traditional panel discussions or keynote speeches to foster meaningful relationships.

From energizing meetups to meaningful conversations, YP Week created moments that reminded everyone why Omaha is theplace to be for young professionals.

Personal and Professional Growth
YP Week wasn't just about networking-it was about stepping outside comfort zones and finding inspiration. As Dailey shared, "During YP Week, I made new connections and even reconnected with someone I'd known during childhood! I was so proud of myself afterward." These moments highlighted how the week encouraged attendees to push past personal boundaries and embrace meaningful connections and growth opportunities.

The Volunteer Outing at Girls Inc.also left a lasting impression on attendees, highlighting the importance of community involvement. This event showcased the power of young professionals coming together to make a difference, inspiring participants to explore new ways to engage with their community. It demonstrated how collective efforts can lead to meaningful change while fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and purpose.

For Mark Wong, Marketing Lead for the Young Professionals Leadership Committee, the week was a powerful reminder of the importance of staying involved. "Seeing so many driven, like-minded people reminded me that staying involved and contributing matters, both for my career and for the community," Wong said.

Shaping Omaha as a YP Destination ️
The impact of YP Week went beyond the events-it transformed how attendees viewed Omaha. Wong also shared, "The turnout at each event was really impressive, and it showed me that there's a strong desire among young professionals to be involved and engaged in Omaha. It made me see Omaha as a place where YPs can not only build their careers but also have a meaningful impact on the community."

From access to top leaders to collaborative spaces designed to inspire, Omaha once again proved why it's the ideal city for young professionals seeking growth and opportunity.

Looking Ahead
YP Week 2024 wasn't just a celebration-it was a spark that ignited new ideas, connections, and energy across Omaha's young professional community. The success of last year's event is just the beginning. Whether you were inspired at Grill & Grow, energized at The Peregrine, or made a difference at Girls Inc., you're now part of something bigger. And if you missed it, don't worry-YP Week 2025 is already calling your name.

Here's to the connections made, the ideas sparked, and the futures shaped. Many exciting things to come this year, Omaha!