Designed exclusively for CEOs and senior association leaders, ELF offers a rare opportunity to step away from day-to-day demands and engage in candid, forward-looking conversations with peers who understand the complexity of leading in today’s environment. The forum combines high-level strategy, practical insight, and meaningful connection in a focused setting built for executive learning.

This year’s theme, Leading with Audacity, challenges leaders to move beyond cautious decision-making and embrace purposeful, values-driven leadership. Through facilitated discussions and immersive sessions, participants will explore how to lead with intention, make sound decisions amid uncertainty, and demonstrate courage grounded in empathy and clarity of purpose.

“Association leaders are navigating a period that demands both conviction and adaptability,” said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE. “Leading with audacity isn’t about taking unnecessary risks – it’s about acting with clarity, purpose, and courage in service of your mission. ELF is designed to give leaders the space, perspective, and peer insight they need to make those bold decisions with confidence.”

Guiding the conversation as ELF 2026 provocateur is Lori Anderson, FASAE, CAE, president and CEO of the International Sign Association, who will help shape dynamic exchanges and ensure the program delivers both inspiration and actionable insight.

ELF 2026 will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers bringing diverse perspectives on leadership, resilience, and transformation, including:

• Muriel M. Wilkins, CEO and Founder of Paravis Partners and trusted advisor to senior executives navigating high-stakes leadership decisions.
• Cindy Solomon, founder and CEO of the Courageous Leadership Institute®, who has helped hundreds of thousands of leaders strengthen their impact and effectiveness.
• Juan Alvarado, Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths Coach and leadership strategist focused on intentional, strengths-based leadership.
• Chika Stacy Oriuwa, Canadian physician, speaker, and nationally recognized thought leader on authentic leadership and belonging.
• Bruce Lourie, president of the Ivey Foundation and one of Canada’s most respected voices on climate solutions and sustainable leadership.
• Britt Andreatta, CEO of Brain Aware Training and internationally recognized expert applying neuroscience to leadership and workplace performance.

 “We are honoured to welcome ASAE’s Executive Leadership Forum to Ottawa, in the heart of Canada’s capital, where bold ideas and collaborative leadership have long shaped our country’s future,” said Virginie De Visscher, Executive Director, Business Events, Destination Canada. “The theme of ‘Leading with Audacity’ resonates with Canada’s business events community, who are embracing change, challenging convention, and designing solutions with courage and intention in every region of our country.”

 

For program details and registration information, visit ASAE’s Executive Leadership Forum website.

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Vest, CAE, 202-626-2798, cvest@asaecenter.org

 

About ASAE

ASAE is a membership organization of more than 50,000 association executives and industry partners. Since it was established 100 years ago, its members have and continue to lead, manage, and work in or partner with organizations in more than a dozen association management disciplines, from executive management to finance to technology. With the support of the ASAE Research Foundation, a separate nonprofit entity, ASAE is the premier source of learning, knowledge, and future-oriented research for the association and nonprofit profession and provides resources, education, ideas, and advocacy to enhance the power and performance of the association and nonprofit community. Visit ASAE at Welcome to ASAE — American Society of Association Executives (asaecenter.org)