2026 Executive Leadership Retreat
Name:
2026 Executive Leadership Retreat
Date:
August 10, 2026 - August 11, 2026
Registration:
Register Now
Event Description:
Thank you for registering for the 2026 Executive Leadership Retreat on August 10 - 11. The event will take place at the historic Hassayampa Inn located in Prescott. Please note that accommodations are not included in your conference registration rate.
2026 Executive Leadership Retreat - August 10 - 11
Sunday, August 9 – Hassayampa Inn, 122 E. Gurley St., Prescott, AZ 86301
There are no activities planned; however, we encourage you to network with other attendees at the hotel. Many enjoy the happy hour at the lobby courtyard which features live music and light bites.
Monday, August 10 – Marina Room next to Hassayampa Inn
We request that only those registered for the conference attend the sessions (including breakfast and lunch). Please wear your name badge provided at check-in throughout conference.
8:00 AM | Breakfast/Networking/Registration at the Marina Ballroom, next to the hotel. (Registered Attendees Only)
9:00 AM | Opening Remarks + Sponsor Remarks
Steven Zylstra, President + CEO, Arizona Technology Council
Christine Boles, Founder, MC Consulting Services LLC, Board Chair, Arizona Technology Council
The Honorable Lois Fruhwirth, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Prescott
9:20 AM | Spotlight Presentation | Startup & Investor Ecosystem Resources & Events Update
Melissa Lamson, Executive Vice President of Venture Development and Innovation Strategy, Arizona Commerce Authority
9:30 AM | Morning Keynote Presentation | Building the Human Era: Why Trust, Not Features, Will Decide Who Wins with AI
Eric J Rodriguez, Human-Centered Futurist | Innovation Strategist
10:15 AM | Session | Today’s Workforce: Boomers to Zoomers and everyone in between
Harry Lakin, Founder and CEO, Hire Capacity
11:00 AM | Session | From Expertise to Influence: Communicating Effectively with AI
Molly Castelazo, CEO & Content Strategist, Castelazo Content
11:45 AM | Luncheon (Registered Attendees Only) – Sponsored by MC Consulting Services LLC
12:30 PM | Afternoon Keynote Presentation | Arizona’s Competitive Future: What Arizonans Want and Why Business Leaders Should Care,
Sybil Francis, Ph.D., Chair, President & CEO, Center for the Future of Arizona
1:15 PM | Session | How Leaders Can Drive Impact in a Today’s World
Catherine Alonzo, CEO, Javelina
2:00 PM | Afternoon Break/Refreshments
2:15 PM | Spotlight Presentation | Steve Sanghi College of Engineering, Northern Arizona University
Dean Charles B. Chadwell, Steve Sanghi College of Engineering, Northern Arizona University
2:25 PM | Spotlight Presentation | Update from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Dr. Kenneth Witcher, Chancellor, Prescott Campus at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
2:35 PM | Session | Leading in Uncertain Times: How to Inspire Action, Build Resilience, and Drive Impact in 2026
Julie Lancaster, President, Leadership Effectiveness Strategist, Coach & Trainer, Lancaster Leadership
3:20 PM | Closing Remarks
5:00 PM -7:00 PM | Dinner on own
Meet in Hassayampa Inn lobby to break out into groups for a self-organized dinner.
7:00 PM | Dessert Reception at the Hassayampa Inn – Sponsored by City of Prescott and JP Morgan Chase
A dessert reception will take place at the Hassayampa Inn on the Marina Terrace. The reception is for all attendees of the CEO Retreat. You are welcome to bring spouses to the reception.
TUESDAY, August 11 – Leisure Day Activities
Golf Outing at StoneBridge StoneRidge Golf Course
8:00 AM | Check-in 1601 N. Bluff Top Dr.
8:30 AM | Tee-off Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
Note: Golfers, the Coffee Shop in lobby will open at 6am. You'll also pass a Starbucks on way to the golf course and a Dutch Bros at the StoneRidge Dr. turn towards the golf course.
Networking Brunch + Writing Workshop
9:00 AM | Networking Brunch on Marina Patio, next to the hotel. (Brunch on own with service from the hotel)
10:00 AM to 12 noon | Find Your Voice: Writing with Clarity, Confidence, and Impact
Molly Castelazo, CEO & Content Strategist, Castelazo Content
Eric Miller, Co-Owner, PADT, Inc.
To attend this workshop, RSVP to demerson@aztechcouncil.org.
PLEASE NOTE: Any retreat registration cancellation must be made by Friday, July 17 at 12 noon. Attendees are responsible for hotel bookings which are subject the hotel’s cancellation policy.
