September 13-16, 2026 | Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center | Nashville, TN

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ASAP
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Leading Stage   •   Sample schedule

At the top of the
profession — and climbing.

You own large-scale initiatives, advise senior executives, and drive innovation. APC gives you the peer community, strategic content, and certification pathways built for this level.

What the Leading stage means for your week

You’re a trusted strategic partner operating at the highest levels of your organization. Sessions here sharpen your executive influence, leadership presence, and organizational impact — and connect you with the certification pathways that validate and advance your expertise.

Please note, the schedule below includes all sessions you could benefit from and gives many options for you to choose from at this stage in your career.

Registration Required

Premium Membership

Certification Sessions

All Pass Types Welcome

General Session

Open Sessions

Print Current View
Sat Sep 12
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Attendee Services & Badge Pick-Up

Attendee Services
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Sun Sep 13
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Attendee Services & Badge Pick-Up

Attendee Services
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sun Sep 13
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Breakfast (For Certification and Premium Pass Holders Only)

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Sun Sep 13
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Nova Chief of Staff Certification

CertificationPre-registration is required.
LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
Nova
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Maggie Olson
Sun Sep 13
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Braindates

Braindates
Networking
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

APC Welcome

Networking
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Sun Sep 13
5:00 PM - 5:20 PM

How to Make the Most of APC

Networking
5:00 PM - 5:20 PM
Leah Warwick
Reji Johnson
Mon Sep 14
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Breakfast

7:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Attendee Services

Attendee Services
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Mon Sep 14
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Braindate Lounge

Braindates
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Mon Sep 14
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Nova Chief of Staff Certification

CertificationPre-registration is required.
LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
Nova
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Maggie Olson
Mon Sep 14
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM

Welcome Remarks

All Career Stages
General Session
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Peggy Vasquez
Mon Sep 14
9:45 AM - 10:30 AM

HEADLINER - Momentum in the Mess: What Disruption Teaches Us

All Career Stages
General Session
9:45 AM - 10:30 AM
Rashida Jones
Mon Sep 14
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Coffee Break

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Mon Sep 14
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

🔁 How to Use AI and Agents Across the Scheduling and Meetings Workflow

LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
Masterclass
PartneringFor those in the 'Partnering' stage and going into the 'Leading' stage of their career, with more intermediate knowledge in this skill area
Technology & Innovation
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Fiona Young
Mon Sep 14
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Lunch

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Mon Sep 14
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

How to Use AI and Agents Across the Scheduling and Meetings Workflow

LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
Masterclass
PartneringFor those in the 'Partnering' stage and going into the 'Leading' stage of their career, with more intermediate knowledge in this skill area
Technology & Innovation
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Fiona Young
Mon Sep 14
3:15 PM - 4:45 PM

🔁 How to Get C-Suite Mentorships

Career Growth & Personal Branding
LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
Masterclass
PartneringFor those in the 'Partnering' stage and going into the 'Leading' stage of their career, with more intermediate knowledge in this skill area
Strategic Partnership & Leadership
3:15 PM - 4:45 PM
Layna Castle
Tue Sep 15
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Breakfast

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Attendee Services

Attendee Services
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tue Sep 15
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Braindate Lounge

Braindates
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Tue Sep 15
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Nova Chief of Staff Certification

CertificationPre-registration is required.
LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
Nova
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Maggie Olson
Tue Sep 15
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

🔁 Administrative Team Building: Building a Culture of Collaboration

LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
Masterclass
Strategic Partnership & Leadership
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Ayanna Castro
Tue Sep 15
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM

From Logistics to Liability: Advanced Contract & Financial Risk Management

Communication & Operations
Lab
LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
PartneringFor those in the 'Partnering' stage and going into the 'Leading' stage of their career, with more intermediate knowledge in this skill area
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Darcy Bennet

Administrative Team Building: Building a Culture of Collaboration

LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
Masterclass
Strategic Partnership & Leadership
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Ayanna Castro

Beyond the Launchpad: Advanced Gemini Strategies inside Google Workspace

Masterclass
Technology & Innovation
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Debra Coleman
Tue Sep 15
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Lunch

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Tue Sep 15
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

How to Get C-Suite Mentorships

LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
Masterclass
PartneringFor those in the 'Partnering' stage and going into the 'Leading' stage of their career, with more intermediate knowledge in this skill area
Strategic Partnership & Leadership
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Layna Castle
Tue Sep 15
2:45 PM - 3:30 PM

Coffee Break

2:45 PM - 3:30 PM
Tue Sep 15
3:30 PM - 3:55 PM

ASAP Awards

All Career Stages
General Session
3:30 PM - 3:55 PM
Leah Warwick
Tue Sep 15
3:55 PM - 4:00 PM

Remarks by Title Sponsor - Edible

All Career Stages
General Session
3:55 PM - 4:00 PM
Matthew Walls
Tue Sep 15
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Hot Takes: State of the Profession

All Career Stages
General Session
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Leah Warwick
Lindsay Robinson
Angie Dodge
Tue Sep 15
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Grand Ole APC Social

Networking
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wed Sep 16
7:30 AM - 9:15 AM

Breakfast

7:30 AM - 9:15 AM
Wed Sep 16
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Attendee Services

Attendee Services
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Wed Sep 16
8:30 AM - 9:45 AM

🔁 The Strategic 1:1

LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
Masterclass
8:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Melissa Peoples

🔁 Turning Information into Insight: Data Visualization for Executive Decision-Making

LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
Masterclass
Technology & Innovation
8:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Meg Steinschauer

🔁 Setting Boundaries Without Losing Your Edge: Sustainable Success in High-Demand Roles

Career Growth & Personal Branding
LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
PartneringFor those in the 'Partnering' stage and going into the 'Leading' stage of their career, with more intermediate knowledge in this skill area
Roundtable
8:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Lindsay Robinson
Wed Sep 16
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM

Coffee Break

9:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Wed Sep 16
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

The Strategic 1:1

LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
Masterclass
Strategic Partnership & Leadership
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Melissa Peoples

Turning Information into Insight: Data Visualization for Executive Decision-Making

LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
Masterclass
Technology & Innovation
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Meg Steinschauer

Setting Boundaries Without Losing Your Edge: Sustainable Success in High-Demand Roles

LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
PartneringFor those in the 'Partnering' stage and going into the 'Leading' stage of their career, with more intermediate knowledge in this skill area
Roundtable
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Lindsay Robinson
Sun Sep 13
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Attendee Services & Badge Pick-Up

Attendee Services
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sun Sep 13
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Breakfast (For Certification and Premium Pass Holders Only)

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Sun Sep 13
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Nova Chief of Staff Certification

CertificationPre-registration is required.
LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
Nova
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Maggie Olson
Sun Sep 13
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Braindates

Braindates
Networking
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

APC Welcome

Networking
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Sun Sep 13
5:00 PM - 5:20 PM

How to Make the Most of APC

Networking
5:00 PM - 5:20 PM
Leah Warwick
Reji Johnson
Mon Sep 14
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Breakfast

7:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Attendee Services

Attendee Services
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Mon Sep 14
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Braindate Lounge

Braindates
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Mon Sep 14
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Nova Chief of Staff Certification

CertificationPre-registration is required.
LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
Nova
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Maggie Olson
Mon Sep 14
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM

Welcome Remarks

All Career Stages
General Session
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Peggy Vasquez
Mon Sep 14
9:45 AM - 10:30 AM

HEADLINER - Momentum in the Mess: What Disruption Teaches Us

All Career Stages
General Session
9:45 AM - 10:30 AM
Rashida Jones
Mon Sep 14
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Coffee Break

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Mon Sep 14
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

🔁 How to Use AI and Agents Across the Scheduling and Meetings Workflow

LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
Masterclass
PartneringFor those in the 'Partnering' stage and going into the 'Leading' stage of their career, with more intermediate knowledge in this skill area
Technology & Innovation
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Fiona Young
Mon Sep 14
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Lunch

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Mon Sep 14
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

How to Use AI and Agents Across the Scheduling and Meetings Workflow

LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
Masterclass
PartneringFor those in the 'Partnering' stage and going into the 'Leading' stage of their career, with more intermediate knowledge in this skill area
Technology & Innovation
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Fiona Young
Mon Sep 14
3:15 PM - 4:45 PM

🔁 How to Get C-Suite Mentorships

Career Growth & Personal Branding
LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
Masterclass
PartneringFor those in the 'Partnering' stage and going into the 'Leading' stage of their career, with more intermediate knowledge in this skill area
Strategic Partnership & Leadership
3:15 PM - 4:45 PM
Layna Castle
Tue Sep 15
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Breakfast

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Attendee Services

Attendee Services
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tue Sep 15
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Braindate Lounge

Braindates
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Tue Sep 15
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Nova Chief of Staff Certification

CertificationPre-registration is required.
LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
Nova
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Maggie Olson
Tue Sep 15
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

🔁 Administrative Team Building: Building a Culture of Collaboration

LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
Masterclass
Strategic Partnership & Leadership
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Ayanna Castro
Tue Sep 15
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM

From Logistics to Liability: Advanced Contract & Financial Risk Management

Communication & Operations
Lab
LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
PartneringFor those in the 'Partnering' stage and going into the 'Leading' stage of their career, with more intermediate knowledge in this skill area
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Darcy Bennet

Administrative Team Building: Building a Culture of Collaboration

LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
Masterclass
Strategic Partnership & Leadership
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Ayanna Castro

Beyond the Launchpad: Advanced Gemini Strategies inside Google Workspace

Masterclass
Technology & Innovation
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Debra Coleman
Tue Sep 15
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Lunch

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Tue Sep 15
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

How to Get C-Suite Mentorships

LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
Masterclass
PartneringFor those in the 'Partnering' stage and going into the 'Leading' stage of their career, with more intermediate knowledge in this skill area
Strategic Partnership & Leadership
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Layna Castle
Tue Sep 15
2:45 PM - 3:30 PM

Coffee Break

2:45 PM - 3:30 PM
Tue Sep 15
3:30 PM - 3:55 PM

ASAP Awards

All Career Stages
General Session
3:30 PM - 3:55 PM
Leah Warwick
Tue Sep 15
3:55 PM - 4:00 PM

Remarks by Title Sponsor - Edible

All Career Stages
General Session
3:55 PM - 4:00 PM
Matthew Walls
Tue Sep 15
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Hot Takes: State of the Profession

All Career Stages
General Session
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Leah Warwick
Lindsay Robinson
Angie Dodge
Tue Sep 15
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Grand Ole APC Social

Networking
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wed Sep 16
7:30 AM - 9:15 AM

Breakfast

7:30 AM - 9:15 AM
Wed Sep 16
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Attendee Services

Attendee Services
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Wed Sep 16
8:30 AM - 9:45 AM

🔁 The Strategic 1:1

LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
Masterclass
8:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Melissa Peoples

🔁 Turning Information into Insight: Data Visualization for Executive Decision-Making

LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
Masterclass
Technology & Innovation
8:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Meg Steinschauer

🔁 Setting Boundaries Without Losing Your Edge: Sustainable Success in High-Demand Roles

Career Growth & Personal Branding
LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
PartneringFor those in the 'Partnering' stage and going into the 'Leading' stage of their career, with more intermediate knowledge in this skill area
Roundtable
8:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Lindsay Robinson
Wed Sep 16
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM

Coffee Break

9:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Wed Sep 16
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

The Strategic 1:1

LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
Masterclass
Strategic Partnership & Leadership
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Melissa Peoples

Turning Information into Insight: Data Visualization for Executive Decision-Making

LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
Masterclass
Technology & Innovation
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Meg Steinschauer

Setting Boundaries Without Losing Your Edge: Sustainable Success in High-Demand Roles

LeadingFor those already in the 'Leading' stage of their career and with more advanced knowledge in this skill area
PartneringFor those in the 'Partnering' stage and going into the 'Leading' stage of their career, with more intermediate knowledge in this skill area
Roundtable
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Lindsay Robinson

Your Career Stage

The ASAP Career Stages Framework maps your path from Assisting to Leading.

  • Leading ← You are here
Explore the Career Stages Framework

ASAP Premium Membership

Unlock more before, during & after

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What’s Included:
  • Access to In-Person Premium Workshops
  • Access to Virtual, Post-Event Premium Workshops
  • VIP Event Experiences
  • All ASAP Courses, Templates, & Guides
  • State of the Profession Report
  • And More!
Explore Premium Membership
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The Next Level for you

1

Upgrade to ASAP Premium

Not yet Premium? Unlock pre-conference workshops, year-round training, and community access.

Learn More

2

Earn Your Nova Chief of Staff Certification

The premier credential for EAs pursuing CoS and senior strategic partner roles. Offered as a 3-day pass at APC.

About Nova CoS

3

Attend EA Ignite

EA Ignite Spring and Fall are purpose-built for Partnering and Leading stages — your peer community at the top of the profession.

About EA Ignite

4

Explore ASAP Online Courses

Build on your APC sessions with on-demand learning year-round.

Browse Courses

Certifications at This Stage

Nova Chief of Staff Certification

3-day intensive covering all dimensions of the CoS role — business planning, executive engagement, and more.

Leading Stage

ALSO from ASAP

EA Ignite | Empowered by ASAP

EA Ignite - Spring & Fall

Ready to move toward Partnering? EA Ignite Spring and Fall are focused events for upper Supporting through Leading-stage professionals.

Learn about EA Ignite

Helpful Links

Certification Passes

PACE, MOS & Nova – details & pricing

Passes & Pricing

Compare all pass types.

Meet the Speakers

Full speaker bios & session details.

Hotel & Travel

Book your stay at Gaylord Opryland

Justification Tools

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