2026 AALA Ascension Leadership Summit

2026 AALA Ascension Leadership Summit

Same leadership development opportunities, same vibes!

Join your AALA Alumni and Family as we continue to sharpen our skills in leadership, career mobility, and strategic intent. The 2026 AALA Ascension Summit will have something for everyone including informative & thought provoking panels/workshops, leadership lessons, and great opportunities for value added connections. Call your classmates and meet us at this exclusive professional development opportunity where "YOU" are still the project. Register today!

Dates: Friday, January 2nd - Sunday, January 4th

Location: Cherry Valley Hotel (2299 Cherry Valley Rd SE, Newark, OH 43055)

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Full agenda coming soon but here's a sneak peek of our retreat weekend agenda:

Friday (1/2/26)

• Early Arrivals Registration
• Pre-Conference Workshops
• Opening Session
  
• AALA Alumni Roundup 

Saturday (1/3/26)

• Morning Plenary
• The Life by Design Luncheon
• Concurrent Workshops
• Vendor Fair
• 2026 Ascension Gala

Sunday (1/4/26)

• Morning Brunch Plenary
• Concurrent Workshops
• Retreat Wrap Up

Registration 

• Early Bird Registration - $165 (closes 10/31)
• Standard Registration - $195 (closes 12/15)

Your registration fee covers the Fellows Mixer (Alumni Roundup Reception & Kickback), Life By Design Luncheon, Sunday Breakfast Plenary, conference swag, and access to workshops and sessions with some of Columbus’s leading Black professionals in personal and leadership development.

Cherry Valley Hotel 

Beginning September 30th: Book your stay at the Cherry Valley Hotel at a special rate of $129 per night (King/Doubles). Reserve your room by calling (740) 788-1200 or visiting the link here: https://tinyurl.com/ASCENSIONROOM . Room block cut is 12/13/25. 

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2026 Ascension Gala - "Celebrating 20 Years AALA"

Join us as we celebrate 20 years of leadership, excellence, and impact during the Inaugural Ascension Gala - Celebrating 20 Years of AALA!

This milestone evening will take place during the AALA Ascension Summit Weekend and serves as a capstone celebration honoring the legacy and continued growth of the African American Leadership Academy. While the Summit is a gathering for AALA fellows, alumni, and partners, the 2026 Ascension Gala is open to the broader community, and we invite you to be part of this momentous occasion.

Please note: Tickets for the 2026 Ascension Gala are separate from AALA Ascension Summit registration. Attendance at the Summit does not include entry to the Gala. You will need to purchase a separate ticket to join us for this special celebration, or purchase both tickets together.

Enjoy an inspiring evening of connection, recognition, and celebration as we reflect on two decades of cultivating transformative Black leadership across Central Ohio and beyond.

Early Bird Tickets: $100 (available through November 30, 2025)
️Regular Tickets: $140 (beginning December 1, 2025)
Dress Code: Elevated business attire is encouraged. Formal or black-tie attire is welcome but not required.

Secure your ticket today and be part of AALA’s 20-year legacy celebration!