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Explore Our Leadership Conference’s 2026 Agenda!

Theme: The Future Belongs To The Bold: The Next-Gen Leadership Playbook

Prepare to explore the edge of transformative leadership at our 2026 business development conference! Over three exhilarating days, the CXO 2.0 Conference will unpack the dynamic theme, "The Future Belongs To The Bold: The Next-Gen Leadership Playbook." This compelling theme challenges you to lead with innovation and boldness while equipping you with strategies to navigate tomorrow’s complexities. Connect with top executives and industry leaders in an environment rich with opportunities for growth and insight.

Elevate your leadership capacity and prepare to drive impactful change at our USA 2026 edition!

  • Registration, Morning Coffee, And Refreshments

    Begin your day by checking in, savoring fresh coffee and light refreshments, and mingling with fellow attendees in a relaxed environment. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with speakers, industry leaders, and peers before the day officially begins.

  • Opening Note: CXO 2.0 Conference USA, 2026

    Welcome to the CXO 2.0 Conference USA, 2026—a three-day leadership summit dedicated to innovation, executive growth, and exchanging transformative industry insights. The event sets the stage for exploring emerging trends, strategic leadership approaches, and new opportunities shaping the future of business.

  • Panel Discussion: Built To Lead: The 2026 CEO Playbook For Relentless Growth

    By 2026, constant change, higher stakeholder expectations, and the need for responsible growth will be key forces reshaping leadership. Traditional playbooks are being redefined as companies face new challenges in scaling and decision-making. This session will bring together industry voices to discuss current approaches, share observations, and consider how today’s CEOs are adapting to lead in an increasingly complex business landscape.

    Speakers:

    Richard Curran

    David Adams

  • Keynote: TBD

    Speakers:

    Guilio Veglio

  • Panel Discussion: 404 Old-School Leadership Not Found – Meet The New Tech-Driven Execs

    The rules of leadership are being rewritten by data, disruption, and digital-first thinking. Empowered by a recent shift, they now exhibit greater flexibility, readily adopt new technologies and actively drive innovation. This panel will feature forward-thinking leaders who are reshaping decision-making, reimagining workplace culture, and navigating change with confidence.

    Speakers:

    Dionne Mejer

  • Recognition Session

    Acknowledging leadership excellence sets the foundation for continued innovation and progress. With this in mind, we are here with this session to honor outstanding changemakers across industries who have driven meaningful change.

  • Lunch & Networking

    Take time to recharge and enjoy a relaxing lunch with peers and industry experts. Use this opportunity to deepen conversations sparked during the sessions and explore fresh perspectives in a more informal setting.

  • Business Card Exchange Session

    This session provides a structured space for high-value introductions and quick conversations. Exchange business cards with peers, identify potential collaborators, and lay the groundwork for future opportunities in a relaxed setting.

  • Keynote: TBD

    Speakers:

    Trung Q. Pham

  • Panel Discussion: The Future Of Leadership Is Inclusive: Are You Keeping Up?

    Inclusive leadership is becoming a defining trait of high-performing organizations. According to a study, a greater sense of inclusion boosts team performance by 17% and collaboration by 29%. This panel outlines how modern leaders are embracing inclusive practices to drive innovation and resilience. Attendees will get a chance to learn strategies to build diverse teams, address unconscious bias, and create cultures where everyone can thrive.

    Speakers:

    Amy Edgar

    Chris Lewis

    Lauren Bell

    Louise Debreczeny

    Jose Pereira

    David A. Ward

  • Panel Discussion: How Women Executives Are Driving Innovation And Culture Shifts

    What's the ROI of diverse leadership? Women executives aren't just breaking barriers—they're redefining organizational value through innovative collaboration and purpose-driven strategies. This panel spotlights impactful leaders recalibrating culture, championing inclusive talent, and driving disruptive innovation. Learn frameworks and inspiration for developing and elevating women leaders within organizations.

    Speakers:

    Cynthia Petersen

    Shruti Jobanputra

    Amelia Zephyr

    Anita Davidson

    Lisa Canning

  • Panel Discussion: The New Era Of Hiring And What It Takes To Find The Right Talent

    A business study suggests that only 30% of companies fill roles in under 30 days; the majority take 1–4 months. As the hiring landscape evolves, traditional playbooks are being replaced by agility, purpose, and personalization strategies. This panel uncovers how forward-thinking companies are reimagining recruitment, from redefining job roles to building cultures that attract top performers.

  • Panel Discussion: The Next Billion-Dollar Business Models—And How To Spot Them First

    Some of the most successful business models begin quietly, shaped by subtle shifts in markets and consumer behavior. Spotting these signals early can be a major advantage for those ready to act. In this session, speakers will share how they assess emerging ideas and identify patterns that point to scalable growth. Expect to learn the trends influencing tomorrow’s high-potential ventures and how leaders can evaluate their staying power.

    Speakers:

    Hany Demian, MD

    Dip Patel

  • Recognition Session

    Time to honor the trailblazers whose achievements exemplify bold leadership, resilience, and innovation. This session offers a reflection on the individuals and organizations driving meaningful impact, inspire future leadership, and set new standards of excellence.

  • Networking Hour

    The networking hour offers a relaxed environment to continue the conversations sparked throughout the day. Attendees will have the chance to deepen connections, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations. This session focuses on turning early introductions into lasting, valuable partnerships.

Note: The timing and topics of sessions are subject to changes depending on speakers’ availability or other unforeseen circumstances.

  • Registration, Morning Coffee, And Refreshments

    Start day 2 of our leadership conference by checking in, enjoying fresh coffee, and reconnecting with fellow attendees. This relaxed start offers the perfect opportunity to refresh, network, and gear up for sessions focused on innovation, strategy, and emerging opportunities.

  • Panel Discussion: Boardroom Chess: How To Influence, Align & Stay In Control

    In the boardroom, every decision is a strategic move that can shift dynamics and determine outcomes. But how do executives ensure they stay in control while navigating competing interests? At our leadership summit, industry experts will share insights into building influence, aligning stakeholders, steering discussions toward impactful outcomes, and maintaining authority in high-stakes environments.

    Speakers:

    Nicole Banks

  • Keynote: TBD

    Speakers:

    MK Palmore

  • Panel Discussion: The Trailblazer Starter Pack: Purpose, Grit, And Big Ideas

    Beyond funding and tools, the traction of promising ventures hinges on the founder's intrinsic qualities. This session explores how articulated purpose, cognitive flexibility, and persistence drive success where purely rational strategies fall short. We'll examine grit, long-term thinking, and value-driven leadership as crucial behavioral factors empowering entrepreneurs to navigate uncertainty and achieve intentional growth.

    Speakers:

    Nicola Middleton

    Theresa Garcia

    Maggie Buchanan

    Jarvis Eugene Saunders

  • Panel Discussion: From Founder-Led To Enterprise-Ready: Scaling Leadership Without Losing Your Soul

    According to the Harvard Business Review, more than two-thirds of startups never deliver a positive return to investors, often due to leadership challenges during the scaling process. As organizations grow, founders must evolve from hands-on operators to strategic leaders capable of empowering others. The focus of this discussion will be on the mindset shifts, structural changes, and leadership transitions that support enterprise-level growth.

    Speakers:

    James Orsulak

    Poiab Vue

    Jacob Fenuccio

    Caleb Cowden

  • Recognition Session

    This session acknowledges visionary leaders whose achievements have shaped industries, built strong teams, and set new standards of excellence, reminding us that true leadership leaves a lasting impact.

  • Lunch & Networking

    A networking opportunity designed for meaningful conversations. Enjoy lunch while exchanging insights with fellow founders and business professionals. Make the most of this time to build connections that could shape your entrepreneurial journey.

  • Business Card Exchange Session

    The business card exchange session offers a brief yet valuable opportunity to connect with fellow attendees in a focused setting. It’s a chance to make introductions, share contact information, and lay the groundwork for potential collaborations.

  • Keynote: TBD

  • Panel Discussion: Sustainability In Action — How Leading Companies Make ESG Work

    With the ESG finance market projected to grow from $7.72 trillion in 2025 to $12.46 trillion by 2030 (10.04% CAGR), the focus is shifting from promises to progress. This session will highlight how leading organizations are embedding ESG into operations and aligning sustainability with business outcomes. Speakers will also cover how they’re adapting to evolving expectations across regulation, reporting, and stakeholder value.

    Speakers:

    Kevin Bolland

  • Panel Discussion: The Next 50 Years Of Global Power: Who Will Lead, Who Will Follow, And Who Will Be Left Behind?

    Which nations, industries, and leaders will shape the global order over the next five decades? As global changes happen quickly, new powers will arise, and traditional ones may need to adjust their strategies to stay relevant. In this panel, expert speakers will analyze the shifting dynamics of global dominance, spotlight the rising players poised to lead and unpack the factors that will decide who commands the future—and who risks falling behind.

    Speakers:

    Dr. John Warner

  • Panel Discussion: From Surviving To Thriving: The 2026 Recession-Proofing Blueprint

    Will your business survive the next recession—or thrive because of it? In this session, top executives will share how they plan to recession-proof their businesses by strengthening financial resilience, adapting to market shifts, and executing bold yet strategic moves. Gain forward-looking insights into what it will take to stay profitable, agile, and ahead of the curve, regardless of the economic climate.

    Speakers:

    David Adams

    Fredah Mainah

  • Panel Discussion: AI & Automation: What Every CXO Needs To Know To Stay Ahead

    Technology is rapidly rewriting the rules of leadership and strategy. In this session, panelists explore how senior executives can adapt to a world driven by intelligent systems and predictive processes. Learn what it takes to navigate complexity, make faster decisions, and position your organization for long-term success in a tech-driven economy.

  • Recognition Session

    This recognition slot celebrates leaders who have redefined industries through resilience, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. Through their vision and actions, new standards of success are being set across sectors.

  • Networking Hour

    Engage, connect, and discover potential partnerships in this dedicated networking hour designed to bring professionals together. Leave with not just conversations, but with real relationships that can drive future success.

Note: The timing and topics of sessions are subject to changes depending on speakers’ availability or other unforeseen circumstances.

  • Registration, Morning Coffee, And Refreshments

    Ease into the morning with coffee, conversations, and new connections. As we kick off day 3 of our leadership summit, take this opportunity to network with fellow entrepreneurs, exchange ideas, and prepare for strategic discussions and key leadership takeaways ahead.

  • Panel Discussion: Well-Being As A Business Strategy: The C-Suite’s Role In Mental Health

    Integrating mental well-being into corporate strategy demonstrably yields tangible benefits, with organizations reporting a significant 20% increase in employee satisfaction and a 12% drop in absenteeism. Recognizing this clear link between mental health and enhanced business performance, this session will examine how forward-thinking leaders adopt a more proactive and engaged role in cultivating supportive, resilient workplaces.

    Speakers:

    Shruti Jobanputra

    Joann Schaefer

    Nikki Cruise

  • Keynote: TBD

    Speakers:

    James Orsulak

  • Panel Discussion: Empathy in Action — The Leadership Skill That Builds Stronger Teams

    Empathy isn’t just a soft skill—it’s becoming a CEO-level superpower in today’s workplace. As teams navigate change, leaders who lead with empathy are seeing stronger collaboration, better retention, and real performance gains. This session will highlight how empathetic leadership is reshaping team dynamics and strengthening trust. Expect to gain insights on building cultures where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to perform at their best.

  • Panel Discussion: CEO 3.0: How The Role Of Leadership Is Being Hacked & Reinvented

    What will it take for CEOs to lead in a world shaped by AI, remote teams, and constant disruption? Leadership models will continue to evolve as executives embrace new approaches to decision-making, agility, emotional intelligence, and technology integration. This session will explore how the CEO role must be redefined to address emerging demands and how this shift will influence the future of executive leadership.

    Speakers:

    Shaden Atallah

    Ira Roach III

    Robert Hedequist

  • Recognition Session

    Outstanding leaders who have set new standards in innovation, resilience, and impact will be recognized in this session. These individuals exemplify the vision, strength, and adaptability required to lead in today’s dynamic business environment.

  • Lunch & Networking

    Lunch will bring together business leaders to exchange ideas, strengthen networks, and spark conversations that lead to new opportunities. This informal setting will encourage meaningful connections that extend beyond our leadership summit.

  • Business Card Exchange Session

    In-person connections still matter—and this session is built to make them count. Industry leaders will come together to exchange cards, share ideas, and build networks that can spark future opportunities.

  • Panel Discussion: Strengthening Employee Resilience: A Key To Personal And Workplace Success

    What happens when employees are equipped to bounce back instead of burn out? In today’s fast-paced work environment, resilience is more than just a personal trait. It is a strategic asset. This session explores how organizations can encourage emotional strength, adaptability, and well-being to build healthier teams and stronger workplace cultures.

    Speakers:

    Cynthia Petersen

    Heather Walker, PhD

  • Panel Discussion: Decisive Leadership: The Risks, The Rewards, And The Lessons Learned

    How do leaders who cultivate progress and inspire their teams differ from those who primarily focus on managing outputs? Research shows that leaders who consistently make timely, effective decisions are more likely to build trust, boost performance, and drive team alignment. This panel will shed light on the realities of decisive leadership—when it works, when it backfires, and what lessons emerge along the way.

    Speakers:

    Erica Hansen

  • Panel Discussion: I Almost Crashed My Business... Then I Got Smarter

    Every thriving entrepreneur has a near-failure story that changed everything. The tough moments filled with risk, doubt, and difficult decisions often become the turning points that define long-term success. This discussion features raw, honest insights from business leaders who came close to losing everything and found a way to turn things around. Explore their mindset shifts, strategic moves, and lessons that helped them rebuild and grow stronger.

    Speakers:

    Pankaj Kumar

  • Panel Discussion: How Can Small Businesses Thrive In A Market Dominated By Giants?

    A study suggests that about 20% of today's $10+ billion companies in the US and similar economies began as MSMEs after 2000. This highlights the inherent agility, authenticity, and community connection of smaller ventures, crucial for early survival. This session explores how small businesses can leverage these strengths to carve space, compete strategically, and scale sustainably without losing their core identity.

    Speakers:

    Dr. John Warner

    Sam Shah

  • Vote Of Thanks

    We extend our sincere gratitude to all the leaders, speakers, and participants who contributed to the success of our leadership conference. The thought-provoking discussions, valuable insights, and meaningful connections formed during this event will drive future collaboration and innovation. As we conclude this summit, we look forward to continuing this journey of leadership, growth, and impact.

Note: The timing and topics of sessions are subject to changes depending on speakers’ availability or other unforeseen circumstances.

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