Complete Story
08/27/2026
ENCORE 2026: The Leaders Are Taking the Stage
Leadership today requires more than managing what’s in front of you. It means developing people, adapting to change, finding new opportunities for growth, understanding the numbers and technology behind your business, and preparing your organization for what comes next.
That’s the idea behind the 2026 ENCORE Leadership Conference: Lead Beyond Today, taking place Monday, October 5, 2026, at the Quest Conference Center in Westerville, Ohio.
This year’s conference brings together an outstanding group of confirmed speakers with expertise spanning leadership development, business strategy, sales and growth, technology, and the graphic communications industry:
- Mike Philie — The Philie Group
- Kurt Wells — Center for Great Work Performance
- Kasandra Murray — Unlucky Unbrella Studio
- Jim Russell — New Direction Partners
- David Mauro — NetGain IT
Together, they represent the kind of diverse thinking today’s leaders need. ENCORE is designed to move beyond theory and create conversations around the real challenges businesses are facing—from developing the next generation of leaders and strengthening company culture to finding growth opportunities, navigating change and understanding the increasingly important role technology plays throughout an organization.
The conference runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., followed by a reception from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. It’s an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day demands of the business, hear new perspectives, connect with other leaders and return to your organization with ideas you can put to work.
Whether you are leading a company today, developing the leaders who will guide it tomorrow, or preparing yourself for the next stage of your career, ENCORE is built to help you Lead Beyond Today.
Monday, October 5, 2026
Quest Conference Center
9200 Worthington Road, Suite 400
Westerville, Ohio
Register by August 31 to save 20%.
ENCORE 2026: The Leaders Are Taking the Stage
The speaker lineup for the 2026 ENCORE Leadership Conference is coming together—and it’s a powerful one. Join industry experts and business leaders Mike Philie, Kurt Wells, Kasandra Murray, Jim Russell, and David Mauro for a full day focused on the people, strategies, and ideas shaping what comes next.
Read MoreLast Call for the Early Birdie!
The Early Birdie is about to fly! Register for the 2026 GMA Golf Tournament by August 31 and save 20% before regular pricing takes effect September 1. Get your foursome together and join us on October 6 for one of GMA’s favorite networking traditions.
Read MoreA Hidden Question in Family Business Succession: What Motivates Your Successor?
Choosing the next generation of leadership involves questions about experience, ability, and readiness—but there may be another question that matters just as much. Dr. Ralph Williams explores what motivates a potential successor to lead the family business and why understanding that motivation can make a significant difference in a successful transition.
Read MoreHit the Links with the West Michigan PCC
At GMA, we believe supporting our industry also means supporting the organizations working alongside us—and connecting our members with unique opportunities beyond our own events. Our friends at the West Michigan Postal Customer Council are hosting their annual golf outing on September 15, and GMA members are invited to join the fun.
Read MoreWhen Digital Fades, Paper Endures
We often think of digital information as permanent, but technology changes, file formats become obsolete, and storage devices eventually fail. Our partners at Two Sides North America take a closer look at an often overlooked advantage of paper: its ability to preserve important information, knowledge, and memories for generations.
Read MoreThe Lonely Sales Rep
Are there magic words that can help you connect with a prospect? Yes! Bill Farquharson shares them in this week's Short Attention Span Sales Tip. Bill continues to be a great resource for GMA members, offering practical sales strategies, fresh ideas, and real-world advice to help keep your prospecting efforts moving forward.
Read More