What to Expect
Executive Edge is Transformative, Innovative and Collaborative
Executive Edge is built to feel different. It’s a smaller, retreat-style experience designed for association leaders to step away from the day-to-day, think strategically, and connect with others who understand the work. Throughout the experience, you’ll engage in sessions and conversations focused on real challenges facing associations today, with space to reflect, ask questions, and explore new ideas alongside your peers.
The Edge: Pre-Conference Workshops
Kick things off with optional pre-conference workshops designed to go deeper. These sessions are hands-on and practical, giving you time to work through ideas, challenges, and opportunities specific to your organization. You’ll walk away with tools and insights you can actually use—not just ideas to think about later.
Active Participation
This is not a sit-back-and-listen event. Executive Edge works best when you engage in the room. Ask questions, share perspective, and take part in the conversations happening throughout the experience. You’ll get more out of it—and so will everyone else.
Trusted Enviornment
Executive Edge is built on trust. You’ll be surrounded by leaders who understand the complexity of association work and are open to sharing what’s working, what’s not, and what they’re figuring out. It’s a space for honest conversation, shared challenges, and real insight—not surface-level networking.
Vision + Community Catalyst
Each year, Executive Edge is guided by a Vision + Community Catalyst who helps shape the experience in real time. For 2026, Lowell Aplebaum will partner with Associations North to guide conversations, draw out insights, and help connect ideas across the room. His role is to ensure the experience moves beyond information and into meaningful discussion, reflection, and action.
Who is Executive Edge Designed for?
Executive Edge is designed for association leaders who are responsible for strategy, direction, and growth. This includes:
- CEOs and Presidents leading their organizations forward and making high-level strategic decisions
- C-Suite executives responsible for operations, finance, marketing, and organizational performance
- Senior leaders who influence direction, lead teams, and play a key role in shaping what’s next
Ready to register? Click here.
First time at Executive Edge?
You’re not expected to know everyone or do everything. This experience is designed to be easy to step into. Conversations happen naturally, and the format gives you space to engage in a way that feels comfortable.
Start with a few conversations. Stay present in the room. Take what’s most relevant to you.
That’s where Executive Edge works best.
Questions?