Why Attend
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. Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how you can get involved.
The LinkedIn Café
Elevate your professional online presence with complimentary headshots and LinkedIn profile tips.
Dine-Around Event
Experience the local culinary scene while building connections with industry peers in a relaxed environment.
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. Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how you can get involved.
The LinkedIn Café
Elevate your professional online presence with complimentary headshots and LinkedIn profile tips.
Dine-Around Event
Experience the local culinary scene while building connections with industry peers in a relaxed environment.
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.
NETWORKING EVENT
Dine-Around
This is a great opportunity to connect with other attendees in a relaxed setting over dinner. Dine-arounds will take place on Tuesday, February 4, from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.
Attendees are responsible for their meal and transportation costs.
If you’d like to continue the networking beyond dinner, we’ll be meeting at Punch Bowl Social for more connections and fun.

NETWORKING EVENT
Dine-Around

This is a great opportunity to connect with other attendees in a relaxed setting over dinner. Dine-arounds will take place on Tuesday, February 4, from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. Attendees are responsible for their meal and transportation costs.
If you’d like to continue the networking beyond dinner, we’ll be meeting at Punch Bowl Social for more connections and fun.
Elm & Good
Cuisine: Upscale American
Quality farmhouse fare, adventurous cocktails in a charming, lively atmosphere.
Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley
Cuisine: Southern Comfort
A dynamic comfort food restaurant at its core, Kitchen + Kocktails will focus on nicely plated comfort foods.
National Anthem
Cuisine: American
Burgers, steaks, fish and chips, and other American eats in a hip restaurant and bar.
Punch Bowl Social
Cuisine: American
Trendy hangout offering comfort fare and cocktails, plus multiple entertainment options such as karaoke and bowling.
STIRR Dallas
Cuisine: American
STIRR is a high-energy, modern American restaurant, and bar. The kitchen elevates classic dishes with unexpected twists to create a varied menu that offers something for everyone.
PROFESSIONAL ELEVATION
LinkedIn Café
At the LinkedIn Café, you’ll have the chance to elevate your professional presence with a personalized 10-minute LinkedIn profile review, available on a walk-up, first-come, first-served basis. Plus, visit our dedicated headshot station to capture a professional photo that makes a lasting impression.
Sunrise Social Hours:
- Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
- Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Afternoon Session:
- Tuesday, 3:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
* DW Consulting Solutions LLC is not with, affiliated, or endorsed by LinkedIn® Corporation.


At the LinkedIn Café, you’ll have the chance to elevate your professional presence with a personalized 10-minute LinkedIn profile review, available on a walk-up, first-come, first-served basis. Plus, visit our dedicated headshot station to capture a professional photo that makes a lasting impression.
- Sunrise Social Hours: Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
- Afternoon Session: Tuesday, 3:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Morning Session: Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
* DW Consulting Solutions LLC is not with, affiliated, or endorsed by LinkedIn® Corporation.
Q&A
Questions & Answers
What is the Rising Leaders Summit?
The Rising Leaders Summit is a new event by ESCA designed to empower and educate professionals and emerging leaders in the exhibitions and events industry. It offers leadership development sessions, industry-specific workshops, networking opportunities, and more.
When and where will the Summit be held?
The summit will take place on February 4-5, 2025, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in the Ballroom D, in Dallas, Texas.
Who should attend the Rising Leaders Summit?
The summit is tailored for young professionals and newcomers in the exhibitions and events industry who are looking to develop leadership skills, gain industry insights, and expand their professional networks.
What is the Summit schedule?
View the full schedule here featuring 13 dynamic sessions led by experts across industries, this Summit is bursting with actionable insights and career-changing strategies.
How do I register?
ESCA members will receive a discounted registration fee. For more information, visit the pricing page or contact us at hello@esca.org.
Are there any discounts available for attendees?
Yes, as a valued ESCA member, enjoy a reduced registration fee for the Summit.
Special Offer: Become an ESCA member within 90 days of the Summit, and $200 from your non-member registration fee will be applied toward your membership dues!
Learn more about the ESCA Membership here.
What is the cancellation policy?
Should you need to cancel, please email events@esca.org. Refunds will be processed within 30 days of the event according to the following schedule.
- Prior to 75 days: Full refund
- 15 - 75 days: 50% refund
- 0 - 14 days: No refund
What is the LinkedIn Café?
The LinkedIn Café is a dedicated space at the Summit where attendees can enhance their professional presence through LinkedIn profile reviews and receive professional headshots.
What networking opportunities will be available?
The summit features multiple opportunities to connect, including a dine-around event, sunrise socials, lunch, and networking breaks—offering casual, engaging settings to build meaningful professional relationships.
How can I learn more about ESCA and its initiatives?
Visit www.esca.org or reach out to us at hello@esca.org for more information about ESCA, our initiatives, and other upcoming events.
Who can I contact for more information or assistance?
For any questions or additional information, please contact us at hello@esca.org.