Ascend Engage

Ascend Engage, our premier annual leadership development and networking conference, connected talented business professionals across the career lifecycle for high-impact learning and mentorship.

Jam-Packed Days & Nights: 4+; Jam-Packed Days & Nights
Companies Represented: 250+; Companies Represented
Professional & Executive Attendees: 2.5k+; Professional & Executive Attendees
Hours of Curated Programming: 100+; Hours of Curated Programming

Conference Details

2026

Las Vegas, Nevada

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.

In a time of rapid transformation, purpose is what fuels progress. Ascend Engage convened 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, attendees gained the clarity, connections, and strategies to help shape the future of business and our communities.

Our breadth of programming combines opportunities for focused peer-to-peer interaction and broader cross-generational networking, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

Premier Keynote Talks
Attendees heard from industry leaders on relevant topics covering workplace issues, such as Mental Health, Allyship, Women’s Leadership, and Intersectionality.
Functional Learning Tracks
Attendees connected with others at their career level in breakout sessions covering topics from leadership advancement to well-being and breaking barriers at work.
Interactive Mentoring Sessions
Early- to mid-career professionals had the opportunity to engage directly with senior leaders in roundtable discussions.
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 for 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

Activations

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