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2026 ACCE NextGen Leadership Program Application
The NextGen Leadership Program is designed to cultivate and empower the next generation of chamber of commerce professionals through targeted professional development and robust networking opportunities. This unique program brings together aspiring leaders from across the chamber industry, providing them with the tools, connections and insights necessary to elevate their careers. Whether you're aiming for a CEO or VP role, this program will give you direct access to industry mentors and leadership training to help you make a lasting impact.
Mission Our mission is to empower and cultivate chamber professionals by fostering meaningful connections, providing dynamic learning experiences and guiding participants on their leadership journey.
Program Expectations Participants will engage in comprehensive learning and networking throughout the year, both virtually and in-person. Here’s what you can expect:
Virtual Full-Cohort PD Sessions: Attend six virtual professional development sessions with your peers on topics critical to chamber leadership. See dates below. Virtual Connection Sessions: Attend five virtual connection sessions between the PD sessions to discuss leadership content with your cohort and our online facilitator. See dates below.
Mentorship: Connect with experienced mentors outside of group sessions for guidance and career advice.
#ACCE26 in New Orleans: Participants will play an active role at the #ACCE26 Convention (July 20-22, 2026). You will:
Participate in an exclusive in-person leadership lunch designed specifically for the cohort.
Network with chamber leaders and peers at the leadership lunch and other networking events.
Explore opportunities for further leadership development through an optional Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) information session.
Program Cost
Registration Fee: $2,999
This fee includes the full program cost and a discounted registration to the #ACCE26 Convention in New Orleans and the #ACCE27 Convention (location TBD).
Refund: $500 will be refunded to participants who successfully meet all program expectations.
Time Commitment
Full-Cohort PD Sessions: Six virtual sessions (June 2026 – May 2027), lasting 90-120 minutes each.
June 3, 2026, 2-4pm ET
September 2, 2026, 2-4pm ET
November 4, 2026, 2-4pm ET
January 13, 2027, 2-4pm ET
March 3, 2027, 2-4pm ET
May 5, 2027, 2-4pm ET
Virtual Connection Sessions: Five virtual sessions (July 2026 – April 2027), lasting 60 minutes each. Virtual Connection sessions will be facilitated by leadership training experts at BetterCulture. July 8, 2026, 2-4pm ET (BetterCulture Training Kick-Off)
August 5, 2026, 2-3pm ET
October 7, 2026, 2-3pm ET
December 2, 2027, 2-3pm ET
February 3, 2027, 2-3pm ET
April 7, 2027, 2-3pm ET
Mentorship: Six one-hour meetings with your mentor.
Outside Assignments/Reading: Expect to spend approximately 2.5 hours per month completing assignments and reading.
#ACCE26 Convention: Participate in various sessions and workshops at the convention in New Orleans from July 20-22, 2026.
#ACCE27 Convention: Participate in various sessions and workshops at the 2027 convention. Date and location TBD.
Total Time Commitment: Approximately 50 hours over the course of the program.
Questions? Contact JoAnna Dehler (jdehler@acce.org) or Ashley Purdy (apurdy@acce.org)
