2026 CEC Leadership Institute
Alexandria, Virginia
July 22, 2026 - July 24, 2026

Schedule at a Glance

*Schedule subject to change

Wednesday, July 22
11:00 am - 5:30 pmRegistration & Check-In Open
1:00 pm - 1:15 pmWelcome Remarks
1:15 pm - 2:05 pmCEC's State of the Council, Strategic Vision, and Where Components Fit In
2:05 pm - 3:05 pmFiduciary Responsibilities & Legal Pitfalls
3:05 pm – 3:10 pmRemarks from Sensory Room Solutions
3:20 pm - 4:00 pmMeeting the Moment: Build & Deliver Member Expectations
4:00 pm - 4:30 pmProgram Showcase
4:30 pm – 5:00 pmAction Planning
6:00 pm - 8:00 pmGroup Dinners
Thursday, July 23
8:00 am – 9:00 amBreakfast
9:05 am - 9:10 amRemarks from Let’s Go Learn
9:10 am - 10:10 amKeynote: Nicole R. Smith, CVA – Strategic Volunteer Engagement & Management
10:15 am - 10:50 amBreakout Sessions Block 1 (Professional Development, Communications, Membership)
11:00 am - 11:35 amBreakout Sessions Block 2 (Professional Development, Communications, Membership)
11:45 am - 12:20 pmBreakout Sessions Block 3 (Professional Development, Communications, Membership)
12:30 pm - 1:30 pmLunch
1:30 pm - 2:00 pmRunning a CEC-Standard Component: Systems, Reporting, Tools
2:00 pm - 2:30 pmPolicy at the Local Level
2:30 pm - 3:20 pmKeynote: Nicole R. Smith, CVA – The Art of Delegation
3:30 pm - 4:30 pmLeader Collaboration: “Worst Idea” Reverse Brainstorm
4:40 pm - 4:45 pmWrap-Up & Reflections
4:45 pm - 5:45 pmReception
Friday, July 24
9:00 am - 10:00 amVolunteer Leader Appreciation Breakfast
10:00 am - 11:00 amLeadership Keynote: Nicole R. Smith, CVA – Corrective Vision Goal Setting
11:00 am - 11:30 amLeader Collaboration: Round Robin Action Planning
11:30 am - 12:00 pmClosing Reflections, Evaluations & Charge Forward

Beyond the Agenda

Make the most of your time in the region — browse excursions, dining, and local attractions through Visit Alexandria and Visit DC.

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Last Updated:  21 July, 2026

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