Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2026 in Grand Junction

Wildly Effective Leadership: Leading with Purpose, Creating Value

Chambers do what few other organizations can: bring people together, see what’s ahead, carry the community’s interests, create collective action, and keep moving when the work gets hard. Using leadership lessons from the animal world, this interactive session will explore what nature’s most effective leaders can teach us about the unique role Chambers play in their communities. Through storytelling, reflection, and conversation, participants will reconnect with why their work matters and consider how their Chamber can make an even greater impact. Come ready to think differently about leadership—and leave with a renewed sense of purpose for the work ahead.

• Leadership Track | System Building for Sustainable Chambers
  • Wendy Laros, ACE, IOM Kona-Kohala HI
• Workforce Track | Your Chamber's Role in Building a Competitive Workforce 
  • Abby Ault,  Innovate Work Consulting
  • Ed Sealover, Colorado Chamber of Commerce
  • Chris Romer, ACE, IOM, Vail Valley Partnership 
  • Download breakout session one-sheeter
• Advocacy Track | Creating Policy Guidelines that Drive Impact
  • Ann Hutchinson, CAE, Fort Collins Chamber

• General Session | Colorado at a Crossroads and Chamber Foundations
  • Rachel Beck, Colorado Chamber Foundation
  • Colorado’s economic strength depends on leaders and organizations willing to invest in the long-term competitiveness of the state. This session will introduce the work and priorities of the Colorado Chamber Foundation, including how research, education, leadership development, and collaborative initiatives can support a stronger business climate. Attendees will gain insight into opportunities for local chambers to connect with statewide efforts, access resources, and bring relevant research and programming back to their own communities. 
• Lunch Keynote | Energy Demand Growth and Energy Security
  • Christopher Guith, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
  • The U.S. is experiencing unprecedented demand for energy.  While data centers are part of this growth, they are not even the primary reason.  We are blessed with tremendous energy resources, but are we ready to meet this opportunity and what policies do we need to ensure success?

• Membership Track | From Reactive to Intentional: Creating a Retention Plan
  • Josh Cross, ACE, Atascadaro Chamber, CA
• Advocacy Track | Building Relationships with Elected Officials
  • Lisa Hough, IOM, Adams County Regional Economic Partnership (AC-REP) 
  • Jeff Thormosdgaard, Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC
• Leadership Track | Convening is Your Superpower 
  • Glenn Morris, Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.)

• Membership Track | Executive Level Fundraising: How Chamber Leaders Can Better Use Their Leadership Role
  • Dave Tabor, Chamber Executive Consultant
  • Download presentation
• Community Track | Solving the Unsolvable: How Chambers Are Addressing Childcare in Colorado
  • Steffanie Clothier, Gary Community Ventures
  • Kayla Klein, Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC)
  • Download presentation
• Tech Breakout | Apps that Transform Your Capacity
  • Zeb Welborn, ACE, CCE, IOM, President & CEO, Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce, CA
  • Download presentation

Chamber Exchange: Ask Anything,  Share Everything

General Session with Rotating Table Hosts, facilitated by Candace Carnahan, ACE, Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce

• Trista Borrego, Littleton Business Chamber
• Candace Carnahan, Grand Junction Area Chamber
• Terri Hayes, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce
• Jeff Keener, South Metro Chamber of Commerce
• Kris Mattera, IOM, Basalt Chamber of Commerce
• Rich Millard, Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance
• Glenn Morris,  Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.)
• Chris Romer, ACE, IOM, Vail Valley Partnership
• Lauren Schwartz, Colorado Chamber of Commerce

Some of the most valuable conference conversations happen when chamber professionals can speak candidly with colleagues who understand the work. This highly interactive session will create space for practical questions, shared experiences, and peer-generated solutions.

Attendees will rotate among facilitated tables focused on key areas such as membership, advocacy, events, revenue, workforce, technology, leadership, board governance, and organizational operations. Table hosts will guide the conversation, but participants will shape it by bringing forward their own questions, challenges, and ideas.

The goal is not to identify one perfect answer. It is to help attendees gather tested approaches, learn from the experiences of their peers, and leave with new relationships they can continue to call upon after the conference.

Join the celebrations as we honor the top achievements in membership, communications, advocacy, and leadership. 

Chamber Performance Award Winners:

• Increase in Membership
  • First Place: Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC
  • Runner Up: Golden Chamber of Commerce 
  • Third Place: Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce 
• Increase in Membership Dues Revenue
  • First Place: Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce 
  • Runner Up: Vail Valley Partnership 
  • Third Place: Golden Chamber of Commerce 
• Highest Membership Retention
  • First Place: Vail Valley Partnership 
  • Runner Up: Steamboat Springs Chamber of Commerce 
  • Third Place: Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC 
• Best Idea of the Year
  • West Slope Works: Turning Workforce Challenges into Workforce Opportunities, Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce 
• Highest Communications Award
  • Candidate Guide, Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce 
• Highest Government Affairs Award
  • Strategic Advocacy to Secure HB25-1005, Boulder Chamber of Commerce
• Team Member of the Year
  • Shari Brokenicky, Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce 
• Chamber CEO of the Year
  • Rich Millard, Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance  
• 2026 President’s Award
  • Scott Cook, Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce