Missouri‑Arkansas District Governor Dakota Menning reflects on the Governors and Administrators Training Conference.

At the 2026-27 Governors and Administrators Training Conference (GATC) in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S., Dakota Menning arrived focused on gathering resources. But he left with advantages that were just as valuable: meaningful connections and fresh perspectives.  

Now serving his second term as the governor of the Missouri‑Arkansas District, Menning shares how networking with fellow governors and district administrators shaped his leadership approach and reinforced the importance of staying open, collaborative and intentional while preparing to serve. 

Menning’s insights 

“I went into the conference hoping to expand on the knowledge I gained last year,” Menning says. “One of my main goals was to focus on networking and building connections with other governors and district administrators.  

“I especially was interested in learning about resources and ideas from other districts that I could bring back and implement in my own. For example, the Rocky Mountain District administrator shared a fun icebreaker with me, which I plan to incorporate at our district convention. 

“As the conference progressed, I found that my expectations shifted in a positive way. While I initially went in focused on resources, I began to appreciate the conversations and connections I was building just as much. Being able to talk through ideas, hear different perspectives and learn how others approach similar challenges made the experience feel much more meaningful. Working with a new group of governors brought a lot of fresh energy, and it pushed me to think more intentionally about my own leadership and what I want to bring back to my district. 

“Overall, this experience reminded me how valuable it is to stay open to new ideas and to take full advantage of the people around you. I left the conference not only with resources I can use, but also with a better sense of how I want to lead moving forward.” 

What other governors say 

Feedback from other district governors who attended GATC echoed the same themes: the importance of connection, collaboration and practical preparation. Here’s what some of them say: 

  • “The connections that can be made in Key Club International and the support network that is a result of those connections — and the diversity in perspectives we all bring while working toward the same goals.” 
  • “The resources I obtained from other districts by asking district administrators what they’ve done for specific challenges were incredibly valuable.” 
  • “Strategic planning was a really big piece for me. I learned what I want for my district and what’s expected from me throughout the year.” 

Overall, attendees reported feeling grateful for the opportunities GATC provided. As Menning summed it up: “More than anything, I’m grateful for the connections I was able to build and the perspectives I gained — and I’m excited to carry those with me into the rest of my term.”