Complete Story
09/02/2026
Meet the Leaders Behind ENCORE 2026
ENCORE 2026: Lead Beyond Today is built around a simple idea: leadership is not just about solving today's challenges. It is about preparing your people, your organization, and yourself for what comes next.
On Monday, October 5, Graphic Media Alliance will bring together Kasandra Murray, Kurt Wells, Mike Philie, David Mauro, and Jim Russell at the Quest Conference Center in Westerville for a full day of practical leadership education.
Rather than treating leadership as a single topic, ENCORE explores it from six different perspectives:
Building a Culture People Don't Want to Leave
Kasandra Murray will kick off the day with practical strategies for strengthening culture, improving engagement and accountability, retaining great employees, and developing the next generation of leaders.
Performance Analytics for Leaders
Kurt Wells and Mike Philie will explore how leaders can identify the performance measures that matter, translate data into action, coach employees more effectively, and improve organizational results.
AI, Automation & Smarter Decision Making
David Mauro will take ENCORE into the rapidly changing world of technology, exploring practical ways AI, automation, stronger processes, and better data can reduce repetitive work, improve efficiency, and support better decisions.
Winning More Business in a Changing Marketplace
Kasandra Murray returns to focus on growth, including strategies for strengthening customer relationships, improving the customer experience, creating greater value, and identifying new opportunities.
From Data to Decisions: A Leadership Roundtable
Jim Russell will lead an interactive conversation examining how performance analytics and leadership principles translate into real-world business decisions, with insights from industry leaders and participation from the audience.
The Leader Everyone Depends On
Mike Philie will close the educational program by turning the focus inward, exploring the mindset, habits, energy, and personal discipline required to grow into the leader others depend on.
The day also includes breakfast, lunch, and an evening cocktail reception, creating plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow leaders and continue the conversations outside the sessions.
ENCORE 2026 takes place Monday, October 5 at the Quest Conference Center in Westerville, Ohio. And for those looking to extend the experience, the 21st Annual Graphic Media Alliance & Sterling Distribution Golf Tournament follows on Tuesday, October 6 at Royal American Links.
Six sessions. Five experienced presenters. One day designed to help you Lead Beyond Today.
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