Complete Story
05/12/2026
More Than Training. A Leadership Playbook for the Future
Introducing the Emerging Leaders Academy
The Emerging Leaders Academy is designed to help organizations intentionally develop the next generation of leaders while strengthening communication, accountability, and performance across their teams. Developed in collaboration with the Center for Great Work Performance, this program focuses on practical leadership development that can be applied immediately within your operation.
Across our industry, many individuals are stepping into leadership roles because they excel in their craft—not because they’ve been formally prepared to lead others. At the same time, organizations are navigating increasing complexity, from workforce expectations to operational performance. The Emerging Leaders Academy provides a structured approach to bridge that gap and build leadership confidence at every level.
This program is designed for
- Senior leaders and executives
- Department managers and supervisors
- Emerging leaders identified for future leadership roles
For each registered participant, a senior leader is invited to attend at no additional cost in a supporting role. This creates a shared learning experience that helps align expectations, strengthen communication, and support long-term leadership development within your organization.
Session Schedule & Key Topics
The Emerging Leaders Academy will be delivered through five focused sessions, each designed to address a critical area of leadership development:
May 21 – Foundations of Great Leadership Performance
Leadership mindset, accountability, communication, and transitioning into leadership roles
This session is included in the lineup of the Michigan Leadership Summit being held at Pitney Bowes
June 23 – WorkforceSUCCESS® – Recruit, Retain, Reward
Workforce engagement, retention strategies, culture, and leadership impact
July 21 – Developing Leaders at Every Level
Succession planning, coaching, delegation, and building leadership capacity
October 5 – Performance Analytics for Leaders
Measuring performance, using data to drive decisions, and improving accountability
November 10 – Navigating Change & Future Leadership Models
Leading through change, adapting to workforce expectations, and preparing for the future
A full-day recap session will also be offered on December 15 for participants who want to reinforce key concepts or catch up on sessions they may have missed.
Pricing & Participation
All pricing listed is per participant. Each registered participant may include one senior leader at no additional cost. Program benefits, including consultations and certificate of completion, apply to the registered participant.
Group participation requires a minimum of five (5) participants from the same organization, participating together in a shared setting.
Full program package
Includes:
- All five leadership sessions
- Access to the Michigan Leadership Summit and ENCORE Leadership Conference
- Five (5) virtual 30-minute follow-up consultations with the Center for Great Work Performance
- Certificate of Completion
GMA/APAN Member: $995
Non-Member - $1,495
A La Carte Sessions
Member: $225 per session
Non-Member: $325 per session
Group Remote Participation
Member: $175 per participant (per session)
Non-Member: $250 per participant (per session)
The Future of Leadership Starts May 21
The challenges facing our industry are growing more complex by the day, but so are the opportunities for leaders willing to think differently, adapt faster, and invest in their people. Join Graphic Media Alliance on May 21 in Romulus, Michigan, for an energizing day of leadership, strategy, workforce development, sustainability, and operational insight designed specifically for printing and graphic communications professionals. This new promotional video offers a preview of the powerful conversations, expert speakers, and real-world takeaways attendees will experience at the Michigan Leadership Summit. If you are serious about strengthening your organization, developing future leaders, and staying ahead of industry change, this is a program you do not want to miss. Registration is now open and attendance is limited.
Read MoreMore Than Training. A Leadership Playbook for the Future
The Emerging Leaders Academy was designed to be more than another leadership seminar. This year-long experience is focused on developing practical, confident leaders equipped to navigate the real-world challenges facing today’s printing and graphic communications industry. As part of the program, participants will receive the new Executive Field Guide, a structured leadership resource built to support learning long after each session concludes. Developed specifically around the Academy curriculum, the guide combines leadership frameworks, reflection exercises, actionable tools, and practical operational insight into a hands-on resource leaders can return to throughout their careers. From communication and accountability to workforce development and strategic leadership, the Emerging Leaders Academy is helping build the next generation of industry leaders with tools they can actually use. Enrollment is now open, and the first session begins May 21.
Read MoreWhy Consumers Continue to Choose Paper and Cardboard
Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious about sustainability, recyclability, and environmental impact — and paper-based packaging continues to stand out as a preferred choice. According to the latest findings from Two Sides North America’s Trend Tracker Survey, paper and cardboard consistently check the boxes consumers care about most, including recyclability, biodegradability, and environmental responsibility. Attendees of the Michigan Leadership Summit on May 21 will also have the opportunity to hear directly from Jules Van Sant of Two Sides North America as a featured speaker during this year’s event.
Read MoreWhat If “It Won’t Happen to Us” Is the Biggest Risk of All?
Cybercrime is no longer a distant problem reserved for giant corporations or IT departments. It is targeting everyday businesses, trusted employees, and confident leaders who never believed they would become victims. At the upcoming Michigan Leadership Summit on May 21, keynote speaker David Mauro will introduce his powerful new Moving Target trilogy, a true-crime inspired series designed to help business leaders better understand the rapidly evolving world of ransomware, AI-driven fraud, social engineering, and cybercrime. Attendees will also have the opportunity to win signed copies during a special on-site raffle.
Read MoreLadder Safety at Work: Small Steps That Prevent Serious Injuries
Ladders are one of the most commonly used tools in the workplace, but they are also involved in thousands of preventable injuries every year. From improper setup to overreaching and unstable surfaces, small mistakes can quickly lead to serious accidents. This month’s safety spotlight from Sedgwick highlights practical ladder safety tips every workplace should reinforce to help reduce falls, injuries, and unnecessary risk.
Read MoreSales is NOT a Numbers Game
There is little that drives Bill Farquharson to biblical-level teeth gnashing more than the oft-quoted statement, “Sales is a numbers game.” So, before he lets the locusts loose, tune in to his Short Attention Span Sales Tip and hear his take on why successful selling is about far more than just the numbers.
Read More