Ascend: Shaping the Next Generation of Association Leaders
Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel
888 East Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262-6708 United States
About Ascend
Ascend isn’t just a leadership program—it’s a launchpad for the future of association leadership. Tailored for mid to senior level professionals (manager, director, or similar) ready to advance their leadership. Ascend equips emerging executives with the skills, mindset, and foresight needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. This immersive experience blends strategic learning, peer exchange, and applied leadership practice to help participants navigate today’s most pressing challenges—and tomorrow’s opportunities.
Retro Roots. Future Focus.
Informed by ASAE’s ForesightWorks and the latest research on the future of associations, Ascend explores what it means to lead in the age of artificial intelligence and shifting member expectations. You will dive into trends reshaping the association landscape—technology disruption, workforce transformation, organizational culture, ethics, and adopting an innovation mindset—while building the confidence and agility to respond with vision and creativity.
Through interactive sessions, real-world case studies, and collaborative problem-solving, Ascend cultivates leaders who:
- Understand and anticipate emerging trends that impact your organization
- Harness AI and digital tools to enhance member engagement and operational effectiveness
- Foster inclusive, adaptive, and innovative teams
- Lead with purpose
Bonus! Ascend includes a shared lunch and dialogue with CEOs from the Insights Executive Summit, which is running parallel to Ascend. Creating a rare opportunity for cross-level learning and mentorship that bridges experience with aspiration.
see tab above for detailed agenda
About Your Facilitator
Randy Fiser, AAiP, Founder & CEO, Advisor 360, LLC
With over three decades of dedicated leadership in various roles and market sectors, Randy Fiser cultivated a unique skill set that bridges strategic planning, transformative organizational growth, and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. He has consistently delivered results from driving revenue growth and organizational turnarounds to establishing industry leadership in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and corporate social responsibility (CSR). His journey has been shaped by a passion for advancing industry standards, fostering innovative collaborations, and creating environments where talent can thrive.
Agenda
| February 19 | |
| 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM |
Arrival & Coffee Connections
Ease into the day, Palm Springs–style. Grab a bite and a coffee, strike up a conversation under, and connect with peers about what brought you here. |
| 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM |
Welcome to the Modern Era: Framing the Experience
Set the tone for a retro-futuristic leadership experience. Reflect on what it means to lead from the middle in an age of transformation. |
| 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM |
The New Classic: Redefining the Association Leader
Just as Palm Springs reimagined modern living, association leaders are redefining leadership. Explore how to move from management to influence, balancing operational mastery with strategic vision. |
| 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM |
Culture by Design: Mid-Century Mindset for Modern Teams
Culture doesn’t just happen—it’s designed. This interactive session explores how mid-level leaders shape culture, drive inclusion, and translate organizational values into daily behaviors. |
| 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM |
Networking Lunch with Table Topics
Connect with your fellow Ascend attendees along with those attending Insights. |
| 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM |
Leading Associations in the Age of AI: The Jetsons Are Here
From automation to analytics, AI is redefining associations. Learn how to leverage tools that free your team to focus on strategy, creativity, and connection—and how to prepare your workforce for the next digital leap. |
| 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM |
Desert Break
Step outside for some Palm Springs sunshine or mingle in the courtyard. |
| 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM |
Future Retro: Foresight for the Next Generation
A collaborative foresight lab exploring “Associations in 2035.” Identify signals of change, test future scenarios, and design responses that stand the test of time. |
| 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
Community Reception + Dinner
Connect with your fellow Ascend attendees along with those attending Insights. |
| February 20 | |
| 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM |
Breakfast Club: Reflections
Morning conversations on leadership insights and “aha” moments from yesterday. |
| 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM |
Cross-Currents: Leading Across Functions and Generations
How to break silos, collaborate across departments, and lead multi-generational teams with confidence and empathy. |
| 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM | Refuel & Recharge Break |
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
Atomic Action: Your 90-Day Leadership Blueprint
Channel your inspiration into a concrete commitment plan. Draft your personal leadership actions to take back home—retro inspiration, modern execution. |
| 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM |
Closing Lunch + Toasts
A closing celebration—share reflections, exchange commitments |
Pricing
- Members - $419
- Non-Members - $569
Hotel Accommodations
Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel
Group rate: $239 - available three days pre and post program dates (based on availability). Includes complimentary in room Wi-Fi, no resort fee.
Parking
Complimentary self-parking
Event Sponsored
CAE Credits
As an approved provider, this program may be applied for 9 CAE credit hours toward your application or renewal professional development requirements.
Contact
Megan Denhardt, CAE, Education Consultant