Wed, July 15th – Thu, July 16th, 2026

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Chicago, IL

2026 Emerging Leaders Conference

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Hours
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Event Overview

Why Attend

Join us for a hands‑on leadership conference built for material handling professionals ready to grow their influence.

Register

Move Ideas Forward

Learn practical strategies to lead with clarity, confidence, and fresh perspective.

Boost Productivity

Uncover simple, practical shifts you can start using immediately.

Gain AI Insights

Use AI to strengthen communication skills for teams and one‑on‑one moments.

Strengthen Connections

Connect with industry colleagues and expand your network.

Event Speakers & Facilitators

Learn From the Best

Henna Pryor

Workplace Performance Expert and Author

Dave Crenshaw

LinkedIn Learning Trainer
and Author

Jim Ripkey

President, Industrial Equipment Hy-Tek Intralogistics

Cole Daniel

Assistant Rental Manager Gregory Poole Lift Systems
THE Experience

Join Your Peers in Chicago!

In a world moving faster every day, and workplaces shaped by constant tech change, we’re rediscovering what truly moves people forward: each other. The Power of Human Connection isn’t just this year’s theme, it’s the spark behind unforgettable leadership. When leaders build trust, communicate with intention, and strengthen real relationships, teams get braver and ideas move faster. And because connection starts with attention, you’ll also dig into The Myth of Multitasking® to uncover hidden time and sharpen your focus for the moments that matter. Together we will dive into the human side of leadership, because when people feel seen and inspired, everything changes.

AGENDA

Featured Sessions

Wed, Jul 15
6:00 - 8:30 pm
Networking
Summer Social - Dinner & Game Night (Optional)
Kick off the conference with an evening that’s all about food, fun, and friendly competition. We’ll gather at Lux Bar Chicago in the chic Fireplace Room, where stunning views set the mood for great food and even better conversation. After dinner, put your pop culture prowess to the test in our Pop Culture Brain Olympics. Registration is required — $195 Per person
Thu, Jul 16
7:30 - 8:30 am
Registration
Breakfast & Registration
Stop by the registration desk for your name badge then enjoy a healthy breakfast fueling you for a day of leadership learning.
Thu, Jul 16
8:30 - 8:45 am
Welcome
Welcome & Introductions
Begin a productive day filled with conversation and connection as we come together to learn.
Thu, Jul 16
8:45 - 10:00 am
Presentation
The Changing Psychology of Influence: How to Overcome Resistance to Move Your Ideas Forward in the Modern Era
Presented by Henna Pryor, Workplace Performance Expert & Author

Workplace performance expert Henna Pryor will help you learn why even strong ideas often stall and what to do about it. You’ll identify the hidden friction points that create resistance and walk away with practical strategies to gain buy-in, move ideas forward, and turn momentum into execution.
Thu, Jul 16
10:00 - 10:15 am
Break
Morning Break
Enjoy refreshments, stretch your legs and network with fellow attendees during the break!
Thu, Jul 16
10:15 - 11:30 am
Presentation
AI + The Human Edge: Leading with Both Hands
Presented by Henna Pryor, Workplace Performance Expert & Author

AI is changing how we work, but it’s also exposing gaps in how we lead and communicate. Learn how to use AI to strengthen your leadership, prepare for tough conversations, and fuel more connected, effective teams.
Thu, Jul 16
11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Roundtable Discussions
From Ideas to Action: Roundtable Discussions
Continue the conversation in small-group roundtables designed to turn morning insights into actions you can bring back to your organization. Share perspectives, explore real-world applications, and leave with practical next steps you can put to work immediately.
Thu, Jul 16
12:00 - 1:00 pm
Lunch
Lunch
Enjoy a delicious lunch and continue the conversations with fellow attendees.
Thu, Jul 16
1:00 - 1:15 pm
Give Back
Give Back - Cake4Kids
Cake4Kids is a nonprofit organization that delivers free, personalized birthday cakes and treats to underserved children, including those in foster care, living in shelters, or facing financial hardship, so they can feel recognized and celebrated. As part of the Emerging Leaders Conference, attendees will have the chance to write heartfelt birthday cards, helping each child feel seen, valued, and special.
Thu, Jul 16
1:15 - 2:30 pm
Presentation
The Myth of Multitasking® Increase Your Value with the Power of Hidden Time
Presented by Dave Crenshaw, LinkedIn Learning Trainer & Author

What could you do with a 20% increase in productivity? Learn how to uncover hidden time, eliminate distractions, and focus on the work that drives the most value for you and your organization.

Thu, Jul 16
2:30 - 2:45 pm
Break
Afternoon Break
Enjoy refreshments, stretch your legs and network with fellow attendees during the break!
Thu, Jul 16
2:45 - 4:00 pm
Roundtable Discussions
Material Handling Business Trends: Roundtable Discussions
Participate in roundtable discussions with your industry peers. Tables will be organized by different roles and careers in the industry. Great way to connect with others like you.
Thu, Jul 16
4:00 - 4:30 pm
Presentation
Maximize Your Membership & Conference Wrap-Up
End the conference with learning more about MHEDA, MHI and WERC Member programs, resources and more!
Thu, Jul 16
4:30 - 5:30 pm
Reception
Networking Reception
Cap-off your Emerging Leaders Conference experience with a fun Happy Hour networking reception. After a busy day of learning, relax with your industry colleagues by enjoying drinks and lively conversation.
DOWNLOAD AGENDA

What People Are Saying

“This was such a positive first experience. The perspective provided from my peers was unmatched.”
“Thank you so much! I filled my whole notebook with lessons to take home and apply to my life! Will definitely be back next year.”
“Amazing conference! Will be back!”
“Thank you for the opportunity to network and grow within the industry.”
“Good information from different backgrounds”.

Conference Sponsors

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our event sponsors for their generous support. Their commitment helps make this event possible and ensures a valuable experience for all attendees. Please join us in recognizing their contributions.

Pricing

Register to Attend

Included in the registration fee is admittance to the event, handout material, welcome breakfast, lunch, refreshment breaks and happy hour reception. Does not include optional networking dinner, travel or hotel accommodations.

Early Bird

$895

Per Person Rate before
June 15, 2026

Register

Member

$1095

Per Person Rate After
June 15, 2026

Register

Non-Member

$1,650

Per Person Rate For
Non-Members

Register

Conference Location

Viceroy Chicago Hotel

In the heart of the historic Chicago Gold Coast, on the cusp of the city’s best luxury shopping and dining, Viceroy Chicago is your doorway to the best part of the city.

A special discounted group rate of $295 per night is available through June 23 or until the room block is full.

Address

1118 N State St
Chicago, IL 60610

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Not a Member?

To complete the application, you will need to first login or create a MHEDA account. Click below to get started with your account and application.
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Henna Pryor

Workplace Performance Expert & Author

Henna Pryor is a dynamic workplace performance expert specializing in mindset, communication, and interpersonal dynamics. She is an Inc. Magazine columnist, 18x award-winning author of Good Awkward, and a sought-after global keynote speaker. Blending two decades of experience with a science-based approach, Henna helps leaders take smarter risks and build the social and mental fitness needed to succeed at work.

The Changing Psychology of Influence: How to Overcome Resistance to Move Your Ideas Forward in the Modern Era
Thursday, July 16 from 8:45 am – 10:00 am

AI + The Human Edge: Leading with Both Hands
Thursday, July 16 from 10:15 am – 11:30 am

SNEAK PEEK: Hear from Henna about what to expect from these sessions.

WATCH PREVIEW

Dave Crenshaw

LinkedIn Learning Trainer and Author

Dave Crenshaw is a productivity expert who helps leaders in Fortune 500 companies, universities, and organizations of all sizes improve focus and effectiveness. A bestselling author of The Myth of Multitasking, his work has been featured in Time, USA Today, Fast Company, and BBC News. His LinkedIn Learning courses have reached millions, and through his books, speaking, and training, he has impacted more than ten million learners worldwide.

The Myth of Multitasking®: Increase Your Value with the Power of Hidden Time 
Thursday, July 16 from 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm

SNEAK PEEK: Hear from Dave about what to expect from this session.

watch preview

Jim Ripkey

President, Industrial Equipment, for Hy-Tek Intralogistics

Jim Ripkey is the Conference Facilitator and President of Industrial Equipment at Hy-Tek Intralogistics, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. He brings over 35 years of experience in the material handling industry, with leadership roles spanning sales, operations, marketing, and administration. Jim also serves on MHEDA’s Board of Directors and has served as the ELC facilitator since 2012.

Cole Daniel

Assistant Rental Manager, Gregory Poole Lift Systems

Cole Daniel is the conference co-facilitator and Assistant Rental Manager at Gregory Poole Lift Systems, the Hyster-Yale dealer serving Virginia and parts of the Carolinas. A graduate of NC State, he brings seven years of experience in the material handling industry, with a background spanning rental sales and operations, logistics, and warehouse management.

John Doe

Director of Awsome, ABC Corporation

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Gene Marks

CPA, National Business Columnist, Author & Speaker

Gene Marks is a past columnist for both The New York Times and The Washington Post. Gene now writes regularly for The Hill, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Forbes, Entrepreneur, The Washington Times, and The Guardian. Gene is a best-selling author and has written 5 books on business management. Gene appears on Fox Business, MSNBC, as well as CBS Eye on the World with John Batchelor and SiriusXM’s Wharton Business Channel where he talks about the financial, economic and technology issues that affect business leaders today. Gene helps business owners, executives and managers understand the political, economic and technological trends that will affect their companies and provides actionable insights.

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