Ascend Engage
Ascend Engage, our premier annual leadership development and networking conference, connects talented business professionals across the career lifecycle—offering your organization a powerful platform to elevate its brand, empower emerging leaders, and engage in high-impact learning and mentorship.
3+
Jam-Packed
Days & Nights
250+
Companies Represented
2.5k+
Professional Attendees
100+
Hours of Curated
Programming
Conference Details
July 20-22, 2026
Bellagio Hotel | Las Vegas, NV
For more than 20 years, Ascend has advanced leaders, strengthened workplaces, and built powerful communities across industries. That legacy comes to life at Ascend Engage—our premier annual leadership development conference and the largest gathering of our vibrant network.
This year, we move Forward with Purpose.
In a time of rapid transformation, purpose is what fuels progress. Ascend Engage convenes talented professionals, community partners, and allies for a dynamic, multi-day experience designed to spark bold thinking and meaningful impact. Through inspiring keynotes and breakout sessions, actionable leadership insights, curated networking and mentoring opportunities, and intentional wellness experiences, you’ll gain the clarity, connections, and strategies to help shape the future of business—and our communities. We can’t wait to see you there.
Our event is sold out but you can still join the waitlist!
Our breadth of programming combines opportunities for focused peer-to-peer interaction and broader cross-generational networking, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
Why should I attend?
Download our editable template to support your business case to attend Ascend Engage.
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Premier Keynote Talks
Hear from industry leaders on relevant topics covering workplace issues, such as Mental Health, Allyship, Women’s Leadership, and Intersectionality.
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Functional Learning Tracks
Connect with others at your career level in breakout sessions covering topics from leadership advancement to well-being and breaking barriers at work.
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Interactive Mentoring Sessions
Early- to mid-career professionals have the opportunity to engage directly with senior leaders in roundtable discussions.
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Exclusive Curated Forums
Intimate invite-only sessions designed for executives to engage with industry experts on cutting-edge topics.
Coinciding Programs
Aspiring CXO Academy
Our exclusive nomination-based program open to all senior executives to develop and strengthen the skills needed for their next CXO role.
Ascend Board Reach
Our nomination-based board readiness program targeted at senior executives looking to pursue corporate board service within the next 4 years.
Ascend President’s Award
Spotlighting Ascend members and volunteers who are paying it forward and strengthening our community through leadership, service, and impact.
Ascend’s Got Talent
Our highly anticipated annual talent showcase brings cultural performances from across our network to the Ascend Engage stage.
Highlights
New & Enhanced Activations
Exclusive Pre-Engage Orientation & Welcome for registered partners & participants
July 9, 2026 | 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM ET | Virtual
Professional Development & Mentoring Programs
Highly curated, insightful blend of leadership topics and business insights
Board Games to Boardroom
Featuring a blend of rich traditions of classic board and card games with leadership, strategy, interpersonal skill development and community building
Wellness Lounge
Curated space for intentional connections, conversations, relaxation, wellness activities, and much more
Ascend's Got Talent (AGT)
Awe-inspiring cultural talent showcase presented by Ascend members, sprinkled throughout the conference
Live broadcast of API Futures Podcast
Features in-depth conversation about the future of work with today’s global leaders
Ascend Cares spotlights
Our social good platform that activates leaders across our network and local chapters to positively impact and empower local communities
Ascend LevelUp group mentoring
Dynamic, structured networking experience where mentees are paired with senior leaders for small-group roundtable discussions centered on real-world leadership lessons
Ascend Socials
Continue the connections, conversations and networking after the sun sets at various after-dark activities
Lodging
Bellagio Hotel | Las Vegas, NV
Book your room here by June 15, 2026*.
For questions, reach out to hotel@ascendleadership.org.
*Subject to availability. Please check with employer prior to booking to avoid duplicate bookings or cancellation fees if they are managing a group sub-block.
Travel
Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for Ascend.
Please click here to book your flights.
You may also call Conferences and Events® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code: NY4J5
Eligible airports: LAS
Eligible dates: July 13 - July 28, 2026
*Please note there is no service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via the reservation 800 number.
Agenda
Full agenda and FAQs coming soon.
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Registration
Ascend Chapter Leadership Forum (By invite)
Aspiring CXO Academy (ACA) — Nomination and separate registration required
Ascend After Dark (AAD)
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Registration
Wellness Lounge
Ascend Board Reach (ABR) — Nomination and separate registration required
Aspiring CXO Academy (ACA) — Nomination and separate registration required
ACA Networking Lunch
Welcome & Opening Plenary
Ascend Thought Leadership Forum (By invite)
Career Tracks (Early | Mid | Executive)
LevelUp Mentoring
Engage Launchpad (aka First Time Attendee Event)
Welcome Reception
Ascend After Dark (AAD)
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Registration
Wellness Lounge
Networking Breakfast
Ascend Board Reach (ABR) — Nomination and separate registration required
Aspiring CXO Academy (ACA) — Nomination and separate registration required
Plenary
In-House Counsel Forum (By invite)
People & Culture Leadership Forum (By invite)
Career Tracks (Early | Mid | Executive)
Ascend Luncheon
BRG Leaders Forum (By Invite)
Capital Strategy & Risk Forum Forum (By invite)
Plenary
Ascend Game Night
Ascend Executive Network (AEN) Forum (By invite)
Ascend After Dark (AAD)
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Registration
Wellness Lounge
Networking Breakfast
Plenary
Ascend Board Reach (ABR) — Nomination and separate registration required
Aspiring CXO Academy (ACA) — Nomination and separate registration required
Career Tracks (Early | Mid | Executive)
LevelUp Mentoring
Impact & Sustainability Forum (By invite)
BRG Executive Champions Forum (By invite)
Ascend Luncheon
Plenary
Ascend Foundation Community Lighthouse Forum (By invite)
Purpose & Corporate Responsibility Officers (CIPCRO) Forum (By invite)
Chief Sustainability Officers Forum (By invite)
Women of Ascend Networking Forum (By invite)
President's Reception (By invite)
Ascend Gratitude Dinner
Ascend After Dark (AAD)
2025 Sponsors
Platinum
Host
Gold
Jade
Pearl
Silver
Bronze
For more information on sponsorship or partnership opportunities, reach out to partnerships@ascendleadership.org
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