Leadership Conference

2025-26 Leadership Conference Sessions

In-Person Leadership Events | June 14, 2026 | Anaheim, CA

Leadership Conference

The annual Leadership Conference is part of ASSP's investment in the development of ASSP volunteer leaders. It is designed to build better leaders and member communities within ASSP. As part of the year-round Leadership Conference experience, this one-day in person event will focus on networking, leadership development training, team-building and problem-solving sessions to enhance your success, both as an ASSP leader and in your career. This year's conference will take place the day before the start of the Safety 2026 Conference + Expo. We encourage all attendees to stay and attend both events if possible.

Leaders and Honorees Celebration

Join us for the ASSP Leaders and Honorees Celebration to help recognize the service and achievements of leaders of ASSP, the ASSP Foundation and award recipients. This is an event with limited capacity. We will serve appetizers and drinks and ask that you wear business casual attire.

Register now

Leadership Conference registration is free for invited attendees and includes: Conference sessions and materials Light refreshments on Saturday evening Continental breakfast and lunch on Sunday.

Please note: Attendees must cover the costs for their transportation, hotel, and additional meals.

LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE KEYNOTE

Mercedes Ramirez Johnson

Mercedes Ramirez Johnson is a survivor of a 1995 commercial airplane crash that claimed 160 lives, including her parents—an experience that profoundly shaped her commitment to safety, awareness and intentional decision-making. As one of only four survivors, she brings a deeply personal perspective to the realities of risk, emphasizing that experience alone does not guarantee safety and that vigilance, mindset and accountability are essential.

Blending powerful storytelling with practical application, Mercedes equips safety leaders with actionable strategies through her “Second Chance Living” approach. Her message reinforces the importance of personal responsibility, human factors and proactive safety culture, helping organizations move beyond compliance to truly influence behavior and outcomes.

She has delivered impactful presentations to organizations such as ExxonMobil, Chevron, NASA and Verizon, and her work continues to support and strengthen safety initiatives across a wide range of industries.

View Full Bio

Leadership Conference: Leading Through Conflict | May 19, 2026 | Online

Team members confront conflicts daily, whether they are dealing with an unhappy member, a challenge with work expectations, or an interaction with another colleague. Learn how you can help team members understand how their own strengths impact their perspectives and respect the differences in others to address conflict. Practice leveraging core concepts to help you work with others to leverage conflict’s creative potential prepare yourself for a challenging dialogue.

Register now

2026-2027 Leadership Conference Sessions

2026-2027 Volunteer Kick-Off Webinar | July 9, 2026 | Online

This session will serve as a welcome to new leaders beginning their volunteer term in 2026, as well as an orientation and overview of upcoming activities for all volunteer leaders.

Registration opening soon

2026-2027 Chapter Leader Orientation | August 25, 2026 | Online

Join fellow chapter leaders and ASSP staff for a deep dive into the tools and resources available to support your community.

Registration opening soon

2026-2027 PS/CIG Leader Orientation | August 26, 2026 | Online

Join fellow practice specialty and common interest group leaders and ASSP staff for a deep dive into the tools and resources available to support your community.

Registration opening soon

2026 Leadership Conference Virtual Event | October 19-23, 2026 | Online

This weeklong series of sessions will features presentations and discussions on a variety of leadership and community operations topics.

Registration opening soon

Leadership Conference: Building Trust | December 10, 2026 | Online

Strong leaders foster trust. Gain appreciation for the needs of followers and learn how you can build, strengthen and repair trust. Practice sharing your own stories as a powerful way to build connections, influence people and inspire action.

Registration opening soon

January Jumpstart | January 28, 2027 | Online

Kick off the new year with a burst of energy and inspiration at our January webinar designed for volunteer leaders. This engaging session will feature an empowering presentation, offering insights and strategies to help you embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead. You'll also have the chance to connect with fellow leaders, fostering deeper connections within our community. Whether you're looking for new ideas, motivation to lead with confidence, or camaraderie with peers who share your commitment, this session is your perfect start to 2027. Together, we'll focus on finishing strong as your volunteer term comes to a close in June. Don’t miss this opportunity to recharge, refocus, and reignite your passion for leadership!

Registration opening soon

Leadership Conference: Developing Conversational Intelligence | March 18, 2027 | Online

Learn to use positive, proactive conversation skills to promote a growth mindset with your team by crafting questions that encourage innovating and creative thinking to motivate people to do their best. Practice the steps of active listening to keep these meaningful conversations growing.

Registration opening soon

Leadership Conference: Volunteer Week Celebration | April 22, 2027 | Online

Celebrate our community of leaders during National Volunteer Week. We will share appreciation for all our volunteers have accomplished and recognize all the contributions you make each year. Recognize the achievements of the ASSP volunteer community in the past year. Connect and learn from fellow leaders.

Registration opening soon

Leadership Conference: Leading Through Conflict | May 20, 2027 | Online

Team members confront conflicts daily, whether they are dealing with an unhappy member, a challenge with work expectations, or an interaction with another colleague. Learn how you can help team members understand how their own strengths impact their perspectives and respect the differences in others to address conflict. Practice leveraging core concepts to help you work with others to leverage conflict’s creative potential prepare yourself for a challenging dialogue.

Registration opening soon

In-Person Leadership Events | June 6, 2027 | New Orleans, LA

Leadership Conference

The annual Leadership Conference is part of ASSP's investment in the development of ASSP volunteer leaders. It is designed to build better leaders and member communities within ASSP. As part of the year-round Leadership Conference experience, this one-day in person event will focus on networking, leadership development training, team-building and problem-solving sessions to enhance your success, both as an ASSP leader and in your career. We will wrap the conference with the annual Leaders and Honorees Celebration, featuring a networking reception and awards presentations.

Leaders and Honorees Celebration

Join us for the ASSP Leaders and Honorees Celebration to help recognize the service and achievements of leaders of ASSP, the ASSP Foundation and award recipients! This is an event with limited capacity. We will serve appetizers and drinks and ask that you wear business casual attire.

ASSP Thanks Its Sponsors

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