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08/18/2026
Lead Beyond Today: ENCORE 2026 Registration Is Now Open
The challenges facing leaders aren't getting simpler.
Technology is moving faster. AI is changing how work gets done. Employees expect more from their workplaces. Customers have more choices. And leaders at every level are being asked to make better decisions, develop stronger teams and prepare their organizations for what's next.
That's the idea behind ENCORE 2026: Lead Beyond Today.
This year's ENCORE Leadership Conference is designed as a leadership journey rather than a collection of unrelated presentations. Throughout the day, we'll explore the areas that have the greatest impact on an organization's future: People, Operations, Growth, Data and, ultimately, the leaders themselves.
Whether you're an experienced executive, an emerging leader or somewhere in between, ENCORE is an opportunity to get away from the day-to-day demands of the business and spend a day thinking about where your organization — and your leadership — goes next.
The ENCORE Leadership Journey
Throughout the conference, attendees will explore six interconnected leadership topics:
- Lead People | Building a Culture People Don't Want to Leave
Explore practical strategies for improving engagement, strengthening accountability, coaching employees, developing future leaders and creating a workplace people are proud to be part of. - Lead Operations | AI, Automation & Smarter Decision Making
Move beyond the AI hype and look at practical ways technology, automation, stronger processes and better data can eliminate repetitive work, improve service, reduce costs and increase efficiency. - Lead Growth | Winning More Business in a Changing Marketplace
Examine how customer experience, strategic sales, marketing and innovation can strengthen relationships, uncover new opportunities and create sustainable, profitable growth. - Lead with Data | Performance Analytics for Leaders
This Emerging Leaders Academy session focuses on identifying the performance measures that actually matter and turning data into better decisions, stronger coaching and improved organizational results. - Learn from Leaders | From Data to Decisions: A Leadership Roundtable
Hear how leadership principles translate into real-world business decisions through a moderated conversation, audience questions and shared experiences with industry leaders. - Lead Yourself | The Leader Everyone Else Depends On
ENCORE concludes by turning the focus inward. Explore how exceptional leaders manage competing priorities, navigate change, make decisions under pressure and intentionally build habits that improve their own effectiveness.
The goal isn't simply to leave ENCORE with pages of notes. It's to leave with ideas you can use, conversations you want to continue and an action plan for becoming a stronger leader.
Save 20% with Early Enrollment
Registration is now open, and we're offering 20% savings through Monday, August 31. Prices increase Tuesday, September 1.
ENCORE Conference Only — Early Enrollment Pricing
- Association Member: $260 | Regularly $325
- Additional Registrant: $160 | Regularly $200
- Non-Member: $460 | Regularly $575
**Emerging Leaders Academy participants will be automatically registered for the ENCORE Leadership Conference at no additional cost**
Want to make the most of your trip? Combine ENCORE with the 2026 GMA Golf Tournament on Tuesday, October 6 at Royal American Links and save 20% on the complete package:
ENCORE + Golf Package
- Association Member: $360 | Regularly $450
- Additional Registrant: $240 | Regularly $300
- Non-Member: $556 | Regularly $695
Lead your people. Lead your operation. Lead growth. Lead yourself.
Most importantly, Lead Beyond Today.
Register by August 31 to save 20%.
Lead Beyond Today: ENCORE 2026 Registration Is Now Open
Registration is officially open for the 2026 ENCORE Leadership Conference, and this year we're challenging leaders to do more than react to what's happening today. Join us for a full day focused on the people, technology, growth strategies and leadership habits shaping what comes next. Register by August 31 and save 20% with Early Enrollment pricing.
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