Event Leaders Exchange (ELX) Brings The World’s Most Influential Event Leaders Together for their Inaugural North American Summit Focused on Future-Ready Leadership
Held in Orlando, the inaugural ELX North America Summit brought together event leaders from across North America to address key challenges within the events industry, such as: The increasing complexity of event leadership, the pressure to prove value, the adoption of AI, and how to deliver top-class brand experience. Senior event leaders navigating these changes used this as an opportunity to address their challenges at this purpose-built event.
Held under the Chatham House Rule, the gathering sparked insightful discussion on how leaders can drive impact through cross-functional alignment, adaptability, and strategic direction. As the event industry becomes increasingly unpredictable, leaders who foster collaboration and connection will shape the future of our industry.
“This is the only place senior event leaders can have truly candid conversations around real challenges in detail. Protected under Chatham house rules, this is invaluable to senior leaders.”
Caroline Decamp, Senior Director of Experiential Marketing at Morningstar
The ELX North American Summit opened with ELX’s CEO Nicola Kastner, and their Senior Manager of Partnerships, Marketing & Communications, Hannah Elston. With the Hyatt Regency Orlando as ELX’s chosen host, the venue offered an unforgettable experience.
The agenda curated by ELX’s Head of Content Chloe Richardson, alongside ELX content chair Shawn Wagner – Vice President, Global Events for HPE, focused on Building adaptive cultures for continuous change, the development of AI prompts that deliver value, and how to create unique brand experiences in 2026.
The agenda’s curated and peer-driven experiences formed trusted environments where senior event leaders could openly share challenges, reflect on lessons learned, and explore forward-thinking strategies together. The result was a cohesive and highly participatory event that placed members and their insights at the center of the conversation.
A hallmark of all ELX gatherings is the intentional design of moments that move beyond formal content to foster genuine connection among members. In Orlando, that experience came to life through an unforgettable evening at Universal Studios Orlando, courtesy of Visit Orlando.
The night began with a private dinner at The Atlantic, where members and partners gathered in an immersive ocean-themed setting that provided the perfect backdrop for relaxed conversation and relationship building over an exceptional meal. Removed from the structure of the day’s sessions, this setting allowed conversations to flow more naturally, strengthening the peer connections that define the ELX community.
Following dinner, attendees were treated to VIP access to Universal Studios, exploring the park together in small groups. Along the way, themed desserts and drinks created natural pauses for conversation, laughter, and shared discovery, extending the collaborative spirit cultivated throughout the Summit.
The evening concluded in the Fantastic Beasts area of the park, where butterbeer, interactive wands, and the magic of the Parisian streets provided a memorable and distinctly Orlando finale. More than an entertainment experience, the off-site illustrated ELX’s belief that meaningful professional relationships are often built in shared moments of curiosity, enjoyment, and informal exchange.
This evening would not have been possible without the hard-work and hospitality of Visit Orlando, an ELX events partner.
These events created by ELX stand apart as the only events that bring together senior event leaders from the world’s most influential organizations in a member-led setting. With many attendees being corporate leaders, ELX events create a space where experienced individuals can learn from one another, exchange actionable insights, and bring fresh strategies back to their own work. This year’s gathering revealed that the future of the event industry will be defined by leaders who are willing to learn together, adapt with purpose, and invest in the power of community.
“I’m so grateful to have been part of this event. The content was genuinely useful and relevant, the people were inspiring and like-minded, and I built connections in just a few days that I’ll carry forward into my career. Such an amazing experience.”
Georgia Belden - Director, North America Events at TCS
What’s Next for ELX
Next on the extensive calendar for ELX is the exclusive 2026 ELX Annual Congress, running from July 27 to 30 at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas. Pre-registration is now available to ELX members, and early enrolment is advised following 2025’s rapid demand.
Not yet an ELX member? More information on membership criteria and how to apply can be found at the ELX website.