Join Your Peers at the 2026 NLAE Conference
The NLAE Annual Conference brings together green industry association leaders and professionals to connect, collaborate, learn, and exchange ideas that inspire growth.
Join us in Chicago, IL for meaningful discussions, fresh insights, and valuable connections that will help strengthen the relationships that drive our industry forward.
Conference Highlights
- Gain fresh perspectives and practical skills from industry peers
- Explore emerging trends and address the key challenges facing green industry associations today
- Exchange ideas and insights with peers and industry leaders
- Build meaningful connections and expand your professional network
Registration Fees:
Conference registration is open to all current NLAE members. To renew your membership or join NLAE, do so here.
Conference Registration:
$475 per NLAE member
Registration fee includes conference participation and all group meals (reception, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner), and conference materials.
Guest Registration:
$225 per person
The guest registration is for a spouse, friend, significant other or family member to join the group for the reception on April 27, and the group dinner event on April 28.
Each conference participant must register individually.
Registration deadline: April 17th
Conference Schedule
Day 1- Monday April 27
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM ET – Welcome Reception
Dinner out on own
Day 2- Tuesday April 28
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM – Breakfast
9:00 AM – Noon – Morning Session
Noon – Lunch
1:30 – 4:00 PM – Afternoon Session
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM – NLAE Membership Meeting
6:00 PM – Group Dinner / Event
Day 3 - Wednesday April 29
8:15 – 9:00 AM – Breakfast
9:00 AM – Noon – Morning Session
Noon – Meeting Concludes
Conference Program & Featured Guest Speakers
Dan Gingiss – NLAE Keynote speaker
Remarkable by Design: Making an Unforgettable Member Experience
For decades, association leaders have been told that growth is driven by a familiar playbook: lower your dues, add more benefits, or rely on increased promotion to attract and retain members. But that playbook no longer works.
In today’s environment, price competition leads to diminishing returns, and new programs or benefits are quickly replicated. The reality is that many associations—often without realizing it—are offering experiences that feel increasingly interchangeable.
So why do some associations continue to grow, deepen engagement, and retain loyal members while others struggle to stay relevant? Because members don’t talk about transactions. They talk about experiences.
This keynote reveals why the most powerful differentiator left for associations is the one that cannot be copied: how you make your members feel at every touchpoint. You’ll gain a fresh perspective on why member experience—not dues, programs, or technology—is the true driver of engagement and loyalty. And you will leave WISE to the power of member experience.
This session is not about spending more, adding complexity, or launching massive technology projects. It’s about intentionally designing member experiences that are meaningful, human, and remarkable – experiences worthy of talking about. The result? Your members become more engaged and turn into your most powerful marketers, inspiring conversations and loyalty that money can’t buy.
Are you ready to design experiences that truly set your association apart?
Getting WISER to the Power of Customer Experience
Want your team to stop talking about customer experience or member engagement and start creating it? In this hands-on session, participants put Dan’s WISE framework – Witty, Immersive, Sharable, and Extraordinary – into action. They are also introduced to a bonus letter – “R” for Responsive – that will make them WISER than the competition.
Built on two decades of real-world experience leading CX at brands like McDonald’s, Discover, and Humana, this workshop is an idea-generating engine where your people roll up their sleeves and brainstorm simple, practical, and inexpensive CX improvements you can implement right away.
By the end you’ll have a long list of member-focused ideas created by your own team, plus a room full of Association Experienced Makers ready to bring them to life.
About Dan Gingiss
A Panel Discussion: Learn from Association Leaders Across Industries
As one of the largest association hubs in the country, Chicago offers a unique opportunity to learn from leaders across industries. Meet the seasoned executives joining Tuesday afternoon’s panel and come ready to explore new ideas and ask bold questions.
Matt Bruno
Executive Director
National Wholesale Lumber Association (NAWLA)
Diedre Flynn
Executive Vice President
North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM)
Christopher Mundschenk
Executive Director
Business Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI) – invited
Jacqueline Price Osafo
Chief Executive Officer
Society of American Archivists
Anna Quinyanilla
Executive Director
American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASEA)
Meeting Location &
Hotel Accommodations
The 2026 NLAE conference is being held at:
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown*
71 E. Wacker Street
Chicago, IL 60601
Tel: 312-346-7100
For your convenience, we’ve reserved a block of rooms at a special rate of $219 per night, plus fees.
Make your reservations no later than Friday April 3, 2026. Reservations made after this date, or when the block has filled, will be subject to prevailing rate and availability.
Have Questions?
Contact Mary Beth Cowardin, Executive Director, NLAE via email, or phone: 614-487-1117.