Emerging Leaders Program— now in its twelfth year!
The Emerging Leaders cohort consists of highly motivated professionals who are ready to step into advanced leadership roles within their organizations. This program is ideal for employees who currently lead or influence others, manage teams, or have been identified for advancement by senior leadership. Those with existing managerial or leadership responsibilities will particularly benefit from the Emerging Leaders program.
New for 2026: Emerging Leaders in their second program year will showcase their leadership advancement in a capstone project. Participants will become certified in the Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative (ELI) curriculum, explore areas of the industry that are ripe for innovation, and assemble into small groups to research and present their idea(s). Innovations could fall within, but are not limited to:
Standards and processes
Regulation
Responsibility
Recruitment and retention
Technology/tech adoption
Cross-functional or inter-organizational collaboration
Qualifications/attributes of an ideal candidate include, but are not limited to:
5-7 years of leadership experience or demonstrated leadership potential, initiative, and commitment to the chemical distribution industry
High performers with a track record of success
Individuals who are prepared to engage in self-reflection and introspective work, as well as contribute to the experience of the cohort
A commitment to staying involved for the full two-year program (2026 and 2027)
Demonstrated commitment to the principles of Responsible Distribution, environmental stewardship, and ethical leadership
Please complete your application online via the links below. The first link is for the applicant. The second link is for the applicant’s supervisor or person recommending them.
Program fee: $3795 per year; includes ChemEdge registration
2026 Emerging Leaders Tentative Curriculum
Please note that this schedule is tentative and subject to change. This schedule is for first-year Emerging Leaders; the second-year cohort has a slightly different schedule.
2026 Meeting Dates (Tentative)
February 17-19 | In-Person, Houston, TX
February 17: Welcome to the Program
Meet your Cohort
Getting the most out of the program
Planning Your Leadership Growth Strategy
Leading in the industry
February 18-19: ACD Regional Meeting (optional)
Please note that the Regional Meeting incurs an additional discounted fee.
March 18 | 1:00-2:00 pm EST| Virtual
Values Discovery & Alignment
April 15 | 1:00-2:30 pm EST | Virtual
Preparing for the Fly-in
Developing an elevator pitch
May 13-14 | In-Person (Washington, DC)
May 13: Washington Fly-in (optional)
Dinner with Aspiring & Executive Leaders
Please note that the Fly-in incurs an additional discounted fee.
May 14: Leadership sessions with Emerging & Executive Leaders (required)
Empowering Growth Through Coaching
The Power of Curiosity in Unlocking Your Network
June 24 | 1:00-3:00 pm EST | Virtual
Follow-up session on Unlocking Your Network
Building a Sales Culture
July 23 | 1:00-1:30 pm EST | Virtual
Getting the most out of ChemEdge
August 11-14 | In-person (Atlanta, GA)
August 11: Pre-Event Workshops (optional)
August 12-14: ChemEdge and leadership sessions
Rapid Teamwork
The Language of Leadership
ACD committees, ACD U, and Responsible Distribution
ChemEdge registration is included with the program fee; pre-event workshops incur an additional discounted fee.
September 17 | 1:00-3:00 pm EST | Virtual
How to Be Human with Technology
Getting Buy-in for Tech Adoption
October 7 | 1:00-2:30 pm EST | Virtual
Self-care for Leaders
Preparing for the Annual Meeting
November 10-12 | In-Person, Phoenix, AZ
Leadership sessions in concert with the Annual Meeting
Courageous leadership
Thinking strategically
Panel discussion with Industry Icons
Class of 2026 graduation
Please note that the Annual Meeting incurs an additional discounted fee.
