JUNE 17-18, 2026 | INDIANAPOLIS, IN
REGISTRATION CLOSES MAY 22!
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The Accelerator Summit is designed for senior-level leaders. The program will support you during a pivotal phase of your career when elevated strategic thinking becomes critical to success.
You will explore the importance of contributing beyond a job description, delivering distinct value through your personal brand and balancing multi-directional management - essential skills for advancement.
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Eligibility Requirements:
Must be committed to attending the entire in-person summit
Must be aspiring to advance to an executive level position
Must currently manage executive projects that support organizational priorities
Must be (or have been) in a leadership role with managerial responsibilities
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Elevated Strategic Thinking: The program supports participants in developing critical strategic thinking skills essential for success at a higher career level.
Personal Branding and Distinct Value: It emphasizes the importance of contributing beyond your job description and creating a unique personal brand that delivers distinct value.
Multi-Directional Management: Participants will learn how to balance managing various directions, a vital skill for career growth and leadership advancement.
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Member-Only Rate: $750
Non-Member Rate: $1000 (Inclusive of a 1-year Women Leaders Membership)Hotel Cost: The hotel is an additional cost of $249/nt. Book host hotel: Marriott Downtown Indianapolis
Please note: no refunds will be offered!
Cost includes: registration, 1.5 days of in-person programming, career advancement resources and all program materials. You will be added to a community on our ENGAGE virtual platform, where you can connect with other members and get resources before, during, and after the program. There will be continued education, along with follow-up calls. If you are not a member, learn about our benefits here.
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SCHOLARSHIPS ARE CLOSED
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Accelerator Summit attendees can receive a discount booking flights on Southwest Airlines.
Key Details –
Booking Link – Discount only valid for flights 6/15 – 6/19
Incentives include:
25% bonus Rapid Rewards
4% off Choice
10% off Choice Preferred
10% off Choice Extra
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
PRESENTING
SUPPORTING
2026 Speakers
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Shash Goyal
COO of Data Cloud, Salesforce
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Meghan Heinchon
Executive Vice President, Learfield
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DeeDee Merritt
Managing Director, NCAA
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Michelle Morgan
Commissioner, Atlantic Hockey America
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Sarah Myer
Chief of Staff & Strategy, Indiana Sports Corp
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Patti Phillips
CEO, Women Leaders in Sports
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Mel Raines
CEO, Pacers Sports & Entertainment
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Julie Lach
Executive VP, External Relations & Community Engagement, Pacers Sports & Entertainment
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Stephan Solon
Managing Consultant - Sports, Entertainment & Media, Korn Ferry
2026 Program Agenda
Wednesday
4:00 - 4:30 PM - Welcome & Leadership Framing: The Next Level of Leadership - Kara Hess (Women Leaders in Sports0
4:30 - 5:30 PM - Leadership Unfiltered: What No One Tells You about Leading in Sports - Mel Raines (Pacers Sports & Entertainment), Patti Phillips (Women Leaders in Sports)
5:30 - 7 PM - Cocktails and Connections presented by Indiana Sports Corp
7:00 - 9:00 PM - Group Dinners: The Leadership Exchange
Thursday
7:30 - 8:15 AM Morning Mindset: Leadership Reset
8:15 - 9 AM Breakfast, Headshots, Executive Networking
9:00 - 10:00 AM - Path to Impact- Patti Phillips, Women Leaders in Sports
10:00 - 10:30 AM - Networking Break
10:30 - 12:00 PM - Communicating with Confidence
12:00 - 1:00 PM - Group Lunch: The Leadership Exchange
1:00 - 2:00 PM - Executive Presence in the Room Where it Happens - Stephan Solon, Korn Ferry
2:00 - 3:00 PM - Multidirectional Management
3:00 - 3:30 PM Networking Break
3:30 - 4:30 PM - Fireside Leadership Chats
Owning your Next Career Move - Julie Roe Lach, Pacers Sports & Entertainment
AI & the Future of Sports Leadership – Shash Goyal, Sales Force
Leading Through Ambiguity - Meghan Heinchon, Learfield
4:30 - 5:30 PM - Ask the Experts Roundtables
5:30 - 5:45 PM - Leadership Commitments & Closing
5:45 - 6:45 PM - Indiana Fever Game: Cocktails and Connections
6:00 - 9:00 PM - Indiana Fever Game: Cocktails and Connections Located in Terrace 1, All you can eat and drink
Post-Event Access
Preferred Access to Korn Ferry Cohort
Executive Level Circle Access on ENGAGE
Access to an exclusive virtual Financial Fitness session delivered by Morgan Stanley Global Sports and Entertainment (date/time to be confirmed)
FAQs
What is the start time for Accelerator Summit? Should I plan to spend the night? Is a hotel stay required?
The Accelerator Summit begins at 4 p.m. on the 17th. We recommend that attendees spend the night to maximize networking opportunities. A hotel stay is NOT required.
Does IA or LEI still exist?
No, we’ve reimagined our leadership experiences based on feedback from members and the evolving leadership landscape.
Can I attend the summit if I’ve gone to IA and LEI? Does it replace LEI?
If you are a senior-level leader who meets the requirements, you can attend. The Accelerator Summit is a new offering and does not replace LEI. We’ve developed it based on member feedback and current leadership needs.
My boss said I should attend IA first. When will applications open for that?
IA no longer exists. We’ve reimagined our leadership experiences based on feedback from members and the evolving leadership landscape. The Accelerator Summit is open to all eligible senior-level leaders, even if you haven’t attended IA or other programs.
I’ve never attended IA or other programs. Can I still attend the Summit?
Yes! The Accelerator Summit is open to all eligible senior-level leaders, even if you haven’t attended IA or other programs.
Will this be offered yearly in Dallas?
Our leadership experiences—On the Rise Summit, Emerging Women in Leadership Summit, and Accelerator Summit—will be offered annually. The Accelerator Summit will rotate cities annually to ensure we reach different markets and communities.