2026 Annual Meeting

In this groundbreaking session, Stanford Adjunct Professor Jeremy Utley (a Thinkers50 Top Ten Innovation Leader for 2023) introduces audiences to AI as they have yet to know it: a relationship. Utley challenges the conventional AI-as-oracle mindset and encourages professionals to embrace AI as a collaborative thought partner. Drawing on groundbreaking research featured by Harvard Business Review, Utley demonstrates why AI-assisted teams often underperform — due to predictable and preventable human bias — and how teams can unlock AI’s full potential for innovation. Leveraging interactive exercises, participants will gain personal realizations and build confidence to spearhead meaningful organizational change. Participants will be equipped with both strategic frameworks and the practical know-how and credibility to be a convincing changemaker in their organizations. Transform your understanding of AI from a mere tool to a catalyst for behavioral and cultural transformation in this deeply insightful and empowering session.

In this session, led by Jeremy Utley, participants will learn how to move beyond using AI for simple task execution and begin partnering with it as a creative and strategic collaborator. Through practical frameworks, prompting techniques, and real-world examples, attendees will discover how to co-create ideas, challenge assumptions, accelerate problem-solving, and unlock new levels of productivity by treating AI as an active thought partner rather than just a tool.

Hosted by Grace Matthews, this executive panel will examine how M&A preparedness creates long-term value and promotes optionality. Panelists will discuss the strategic and operational decisions that strengthened their organizations ahead of management and ownership transitions while also sharing candid reflections on what they learned before, during, and after an M&A process.

Enjoy a relaxed round of golf with fellow attendees! ACD has reserved a limited number of tee times for casual foursomes—this is not a tournament. Tee times will be assigned, and participation is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Discover the remarkable beauty of the Sonoran Desert during a docent-led exploration of the Desert Botanical Garden. Learn how native plants have uniquely adapted to thrive in Arizona's arid climate while strolling through stunning desert landscapes. You'll also have time to explore the gardens on your own and enjoy one of the Southwest's most extraordinary natural attractions.

Drift through the scenic Lower Salt River on a guided rafting adventure and discover a refreshing desert oasis in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Take in breathtaking scenery while watching for the area's famous wild horses, bald eagles, and other native wildlife. Along the way, your guide will share insights into this unique ecosystem, making for a relaxing and memorable Arizona experience.

Description Coming Soon

An update on the current state of the rail industry and the competitive dynamics expected to shape the coming months.

Leadership today moves faster than ever. The margin for error is thinner. Markets shift overnight. AI is reshaping industries in real time. Teams are navigating uncertainty, burnout, and constant change.

In this session, Martha McSally introduces the WEDGE Framework, a practical system for leading yourself first:

• Who Am I: Define who you are as a leader
• Examine: Identify patterns that show up under pressure
• Drop the Drag: Let go of what’s holding you back
• Gaze: Get clear on where you’re leading
• Execute: Take focused, aligned action

Audiences will walk away with practical strategies to lead with clarity under pressure and make faster, better decisions.

Saddle up for an authentic Sonoran Desert adventure as expert wranglers lead you along scenic trails through rugged foothills and sweeping desert vistas. Along the way, discover Arizona's rich cowboy heritage, watch for native wildlife, and experience the beauty of the Old West from the saddle.

Discover the flavors and charm of Old Town Scottsdale on a guided walking tour featuring local taco favorites and handcrafted margaritas. As you stroll between stops, admire colorful murals and vibrant public art while experiencing the unique character of one of Scottsdale's most iconic neighborhoods.

Kick off the evening by reconnecting with colleagues from your region while enjoying opportunities for cross-region networking. Enjoy refreshments and conversation before gathering together for the Networking Dinner.

Join colleagues for an evening of great food, conversation, and camaraderie as we commemorate America's 250th anniversary. This relaxed dinner is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow attendees while enjoying a festive atmosphere inspired by this historic milestone. Dress Code: Resort casual. Patriotic attire—or simply a touch of red, white, and blue—is encouraged, but completely optional. Feel free to let your patriotic spirit shine!

The fun doesn't end after dinner! Join us for an evening of music, dancing, and great company as you celebrate with friends and colleagues.

Kornacki is renowned for breaking down complex data in an easily understandable way, using a data-centric approach to pinpoint key developments and trends at the micro level. In this presentation, he pulls back the curtain on how elections are really won and lost — diving into voter trends, polling data, and the county-by-county dynamics that determine outcomes on Election Day. With the 2026 midterms fresh off the press, Kornacki brings his signature analytical lens to bear on what the results reveal about the American electorate and what they signal for the road ahead.

After living, researching, and investing across three continents for more than 25 years, Rebecca Patterson brings a unique perspective to global macro forces and their impact on major regions of the world.

Some of the questions she will address include:

• Can the global economy escape a recession in the year ahead, and where will inflation settle?
• Will intensifying political polarization across countries have significant economic consequences?
• What countries are best positioned to push back against demographic trends and why? What happens if they fail?
• How will the U.S.-China conflict flow through to economies and markets from here?