Leadership Edge for Directors & Sr. Directors – 2026

About the event

General Attendee and Observer Registration – OPENS ON JANUARY 22nd!

This immersive and *award-winning, three-month leadership experience is designed for Directors and Senior Directors who are ready to expand their impact beyond functional leadership and operate at the enterprise level—whether they are aspiring to Vice President roles or seeking to elevate their executive effectiveness in their current position. 

Today’s leaders are navigating unprecedented complexity—rapid change, cross-functional demands, and the accelerating influence of AI. Clear, strategic, and inclusive leadership has never been more critical. Join NextUp for a transformative journey that equips you to think like an enterprise leader, lead change at scale, and influence with confidence and executive presence. 

Over three months, participants will engage in interactive sessions, leadership simulations, executive coaching, and peer learning led by seasoned executives, industry experts, and thought leaders at the forefront of organizational transformation. You’ll move beyond theory into practice—applying enterprise decision-making frameworks, strengthening financial and strategic acumen, and developing the mindset required to lead across boundaries and through uncertainty. 

By the end of the experience, you’ll be prepared to play a bigger leadership game—driving impact beyond your function, influencing at senior levels, and leading people and strategy in ways that matter most to the organization’s future. 

Program Objectives 

Participants will: 

• Craft a personalized leadership roadmap that aligns enterprise aspirations with professional goals and next-level readiness. 
• Shift from functional expert to enterprise leader, expanding perspective and strengthening strategic, organization-wide thinking. 
• Strengthen decision-making, financial acumen, and change leadership skills through real-world simulations and applied learning. 
• Lead diverse, high-performing teams at scale, leveraging emotional intelligence and inclusive leadership practices. 
• Build executive presence, influence, and visibility, strategically positioning themselves for impact with senior stakeholders. 
• Learn from and alongside executives and industry experts, gaining insight into how leaders navigate uncertainty, transformation, and growth—while contributing their own experiences and peer wisdom. 

*Winner of the 2023 ‘Novie’ award for ‘Best Reflection Activities’ 

 For more information about NextUp Leadership Edge for Directors and Sr Directors program, check out our Fact Sheet.  

Program dates 

Virtual: May 5 – July 17, 2026

In-person 3-Day Intensive (attendance required): June 16 – 18, 2026 

Registration Fee 

Regular Rate: $3,995 per participant Registration Close 4/15/26 

Late Rate: $4,395 per participant Registration Closes 4/22/26 

*Observer Rate: $1,595 Registration Closes 4/22/26 

Program Format 

Hybrid (Virtual + In-Person) 

Virtual Meeting URL 

An email with instructions on how to access the learning platform will be sent to all registrants at the end of the Program Kickoff meeting. 

Who Should Attend?

General Attendees:

Participants typically meet most (not necessarily all) of the following criteria. This profile is intended to help identify leaders who will gain the greatest value from the experience. 

• Hold a Director or Sr. Director role, or possess equivalent leadership scope and experience 
• Lead teams, departments, or functional areas, with responsibility for people and/or business outcomes 
• Develop and execute strategic plans, set objectives, and drive measurable results 
• Lead or contribute to significant organizational change initiatives, such as restructuring, mergers, system implementations, or new product launches 
• Demonstrate decision-making autonomy, with accountability for outcomes 
• Collaborate effectively across functions, influencing stakeholders beyond direct reporting lines 
• Analyze data and solve complex problems, using insight to inform decisions 
• Possess a foundational understanding of financial concepts, including P&L, balance sheets, and key financial metrics (preferred, not required) 

Observers:

Observers should be L&D or HR leaders looking to explore NextUp’s approach to leadership development and partnership opportunities. This observer experience is designed for informational purposes only and does not include full program participation

Why Attend as an Observer? 

• Witness the NextUp Methodology: Experience immersive, high-impact leadership sessions, hands-on exercises, and interactive simulations firsthand. 
• Learn from Experts: Gain insights from executive leaders and industry experts, including Lisa Baird, President & CEO at NextUp, on strategies that develop enterprise-ready leaders and drive real organizational results. 
• Network with Peers: Connect with professionals across industries and functions to share ideas and perspectives. 
• Cross-Industry Perspective: See how diverse, mixed-company cohorts spark rich discussions, innovative thinking, and meaningful peer-to-peer learning. 

Observer Access Includes: 

• Pre-Program Virtual Session: Attend a virtual session with the NextUp learning and development team to gain a deeper understanding of the program's design, methodology, and learning objectives. 
• In-Person Observation: Attend select sessions of the in-person program, which include general development sessions, leadership simulations, and networking opportunities. 

Register Now! Use passcode: 26Observer 

Spaces are limited – register early to secure your spot! 

 Hotel Location and Room Block  

Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center 

1501 Gaylord Trail Grapevine, TX 76051, US 

https://book.passkey.com/go/NextUp2026 

In-Person 3-Day Intensive: June 16, 2026 – June 18, 2026 

Program Start: 2:00 PM on June 16 (registration opens June 16 at 12:00 PM) 

Program Concludes: 12:00 PM on June 18 

Hotel rooms and block rates are available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning when registration opens and will be available until May 25, 2026.  

We strongly recommend booking your hotel as soon as you register to avoid issues securing accommodations, as availability is limited.  

If you are attending in person but do not require a sleeping room, please contact us learning@nextupisnow.org. 

Purchase, Refund, and Transfer Policies*  

Individual purchase Refund and Cancelation:

Refunds are determined by how far in advance you cancel your registration. To cancel, log in to your NextUp Online account, go to My Event Registrations, select your event, and click Cancel.

• 60+ Days Before Event: 100% refund, less a $250 administrative fee
• 30–59 Days Before Event: 50% refund, less a $250 administrative fee*
• Fewer Than 29 Days: No refunds

*In lieu of a refund and/or administrative fee, a transfer is available for a $50 fee. If the program cost is less than the administrative fee, no refund will be given. 

Leadership Edge Purchase, Refund, and Transfer Policies* 

Partner Purchase Codes: Your organization will receive an invoice for the codes based on when the request for the code was made. 

Ex. You requested 50 codes on 1/6/26. You will get an invoice for 25 codes at the Regular Rate. You request 10 codes on 4/16/26. You will be billed for 10 codes at the Last Chance Rate. Billing rates and dates are listed below.  

Billing rates and dates are as follows:  

1/22/26 – 4/15/26 Regular Rate $3,995 

4/16/26 – 4/22/26 Last Chance Rate $4,395 

Transfers

You may transfer your registration to another member of your organization up to three days before the event, provided your learning platform account has not been activated. Transfers require NextUp approval.Request a transferhere.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advisory 

NextUp takes the safety of our community very seriously. This is especially the case during the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Learn more about the adjustments we have made or considerations around our planned in-person events.