WHY ATTEND
I am Attending To Learn From The Best To Level Up My Career To Build Connections To Invest In My Future To Expand My Impact To Build The Skills That Matter To Become More Confident
I am Attending To Learn From The Best To Level Up My Career To Build Connections To Invest In My Future To Expand My Impact To Build The Skills That Matter To Become More Confident
Highlights
Elite Speakers
Hear from dynamic speakers who are shaping the future of the industry with their leadership practices. Gain valuable insights, learn from their experiences, and take away practical knowledge to advance your career.
Become a Sponsor
Showcase your brand to the next generation of industry leaders. Browse our sponsorship packages and how you can get involved.
The Leadership Lab
Dine-Around Event
Savor a night of connection and conversation as you explore the local dining scene with fellow attendees. The Dine-Around offers an intimate setting to engage with peers and industry leaders while enjoying a memorable culinary experience.
Elite Speakers
Hear from dynamic speakers who are shaping the future of the industry with their leadership practices. Gain valuable insights, learn from their experiences, and take away practical knowledge to advance your career.
Become a Sponsor
Showcase your brand to the next generation of industry leaders. Browse our sponsorship packages and how you can get involved.
The Leadership Lab
Dine-Around Event
Savor a night of connection and conversation as you explore the local dining scene with fellow attendees. The Dine-Around offers an intimate setting to engage with peers and industry leaders while enjoying a memorable culinary experience.
Curious What to Expect? Hear From Your Peers!
GOAL FOCUSED
FAVORITE PART?
TEAMBUILDING
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.
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.
I attended the inaugural ESCA Rising Leaders Summit as a member of the committee with expectations that I would hear some great information from subject matter experts in the industry and would have an opportunity to network. However, after listening to Jeff Quade and Chris Schimek’s session on the importance of advocacy in the industry, I was inspired to attend ECA’s Legislative Action Day. Seeing the impact firsthand of that day, I plan to continue to attend Legislative Action Day in the future.
The first-ever Rising Leaders Summit in Dallas was incredibly well-structured and truly tailored for young professionals in our industry. I left with practical leadership tools, fresh perspectives on career growth, and a stronger network of peers who share the same drive and ambition. One of my biggest takeaways was the value of cross-industry collaboration—hearing diverse experiences and challenges sparked ideas I’ve been able to apply immediately in my role. It was an energizing and inspiring experience from start to finish.
CEM Preferred Provider
As a result, the 2026 Rising Leaders Summit is now eligible for 9 clock hours toward CEM recertification.
The CEM program is a globally respected certification designed to raise professional standards and enhance individual performance across the exhibitions and events industry. ESCA’s new status as a Preferred Provider places it among a select group of organizations offering high-value educational content aligned with the goals of CEM certification.
