Rising Leaders SUMMIT
February 23-25, 2026
George R. Brown Convention Center
Houston, TX
2026 Call for Presentations is Open!
We warmly invite you to submit a presentation proposal for consideration at the second annual Rising Leaders Summit—a program created to empower and educate emerging professionals in the exhibitions and events industry through inspiring content, career-building insights, and meaningful connections. This impactful event brings together rising professionals from across the industry who are eager to grow their careers, expand their skillsets, and understand their place in the broader exhibitions and events ecosystem.
Proposal Deadline: September 12, 2025
Where Tomorrow's Leaders Rise Today
The Rising Leaders Summit offers newcomers and seasoned professionals in the events industry a critical platform to develop essential skills for growth and success on a personal and professional level. The Summit will be held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas, offering a dynamic educational experience tailored for emerging leaders.
We developed a PDF presentation to help companies understand the origins and purpose behind the Rising Leaders Summit, highlighting why it’s essential for your employees to attend.
About the SUMMIT
Over the course of one-and-a-half days, the Summit will feature a robust agenda of leadership development sessions and industry-specific workshops led by an elite set of speakers.
Notable highlights include a LinkedIn Café, where attendees can elevate their professional presence through LinkedIn profile reviews and a headshot station.
The Summit will also offer a unique networking experience through a dine-around, providing an engaging and informal setting for attendees to connect with peers and form new professional relationships.
INFLUENCE
Influence your peers and organization by honing essential leadership skills and expanding your professional network.
INNOVATE
Innovate with fresh insights and leadership strategies designed for the evolving exhibitions and events industry.
INSPIRE
Through dynamic workshops and networking opportunities, you’ll be inspired to take the next step in your personal and professional growth.
As a co-leader of the newly formed Rising Leaders Committee, I’ve had the rewarding opportunity to help build a vibrant network of peers who are navigating similar stages in their careers within our industry.
What began as a shared interest quickly evolved into a structured community, offering meaningful connections, professional development, and a space for collaborative growth.
It’s been incredibly fulfilling to witness how quickly enthusiasm and engagement have translated into real infrastructure and impact.
The Summit was a turning point for me. It broke me out of my comfort zone and reignited my drive to learn, explore, and challenge myself in new ways.
Michelle Cederberg’s keynote inspired me to own my awesome, take small steps because the results are worth it, and dare to live and dream big. For the first time, I fully immersed myself in networking, building meaningful connections with people I’m excited to learn from and collaborate with in the future.
If you ever get the chance to attend, take it. Step into the experience, embrace the discomfort, and watch how it can change the way you lead, work, and grow.
One of the best parts of the Rising Leaders Summit for me was the networking. Having the chance to connect with peers across the industry and build lasting relationships was by far the greatest ROI. The dine-around dinners were especially valuable—they created a more intentional setting for conversations, new connections and truly getting me out of my comfort zone.
That said, the education side of the Summit deserves equal recognition. Sessions on soft skills like leadership and communication, led by Dr. Sam Potolicco and Nick Johnston, really stood out. What I appreciated most was how those skills were then tied back into industry knowledge and updates—it was the perfect balance and made the whole experience that much more impactful.
At the Rising Leaders Summit, I had the chance to meet people who were attending their very first conference. Their excitement and fresh ideas made networking even more enjoyable. It was the perfect space for these kinds of connections and a reminder that new voices and diverse experiences elevate the industry.
Why Attend
Organizational Impact
The skills and insights you gain at the Rising Leaders Summit will not only contribute to your individual success but also drive positive change within your organization. Discover how your growth as a leader and enhanced industry knowledge can directly impact your company’s performance.
Connect with Peers
Build meaningful connections with peers and thought leaders from across the industry. Engage in interactive discussions, share experiences, and establish relationships that can support your professional growth and foster collaboration.
Justification Letter
Make a compelling case to attend the Rising Leaders Summit with our customizable justification letter. Highlight the valuable learning opportunities, industry networking, and the direct impact this Summit can have on your career and your organization. Show your employer why investing in your development is a smart move for both you and your company.
The Case for Investing in Yourself
Download the PDF presentation to share with your leadership team and highlight how attending the Rising Leaders Summit will enhance your professional growth and development.
Why Send Your Team - Proven ROI
We understand the importance of justifying the investment. A detailed presentation is available to showcase the value of sending your team to this event, from fostering leadership growth to building your organization’s future leadership pipeline. By attending, your team will gain access to transformative experiences that will position them—and your organization—for long-term success.