Top Leadership Conferences for Operations Managers

Operations managers need to be attending conferences. If you haven’t already been to one, you’re behind. Leadership conferences are the best places for networking and talent scouting. They’re also the only way you can know what’s happening in your industry.

Here are some of the top leadership conferences. They should already be on your list for next year.

• Executive Leadership Development

This is one of the most flexible options. It’s conveniently located in Stanford, CA. But you can also attend online. Stanford is an easily accessible destination from just about anywhere in the world. There are direct flights from almost everywhere in North America. California is also easy to reach from Asia and Australia. Flights from Europe aren’t hard to find, either. This conference is organized by the Stanford Graduate School of Business. It doesn’t matter what industry you are in. You can learn something here. And haven’t you always wanted to say you’ve gone to Stanford?

If you attend, you wouldn’t be lying! Stanford is also a great location to do day trips or stay longer. There are many booming industries in the area. It’s also gorgeous. So why not bring the family and have some fun?

• ICON

This annual conference is hosted by the eWomen’sNetwork (eWN). Next year in 2023 it will be hosted in Dallas, Texas. Dallas is one of the country’s fastest-growing cities. There’s also some of the best hotels.

There are plenty of hotels catering to business groups. Use a booking service like Hotel Engine to find a good option for your group. There are always group rates available. Using a booking service will save you time and money.

You might not have connections in your industry, but you don’t know the hotel industry. A booking service has the connections you need. They’ve got a great line-up for 2023.

As one of the most forward-thinking conferences, they’ve always been on top of things technically. You’ll learn great money-saving hacks. You’ll also learn about the mysterious world of influencing. Search analytics and growth strategies will be front and center. The conference has a strong mentoring focus. If you’re a young operations manager, you need to be here.

• ILA Annual Global Conference

Head North this October to the ILA conference in Vancouver, Canada. ILA stands for International Leadership Association. It’s one of the premiere leadership associations in the world. It only makes sense that they’d have one of the best conferences.

There are a variety of industries represented here. Some of their focuses are education, scholarship, and indigenous and First Nations business. Healthcare and business are also important themes. It’s a great conference if you want to add a new country to your list. Or maybe you just want to see something a bit different. You should learn how conferences are held abroad.

• Business Agility Conference

No list would be complete without a NY conference. Hosted by the Business Agility Institute, this conference is a must for operations managers. There are top-notch speakers and events. You’ll have invigorating, challenging conversations. Executives come to tell their stories and teach you to succeed. The conference hosts events around the city.

You’ll doubtless see some of the major monuments. And if you don’t, you can organize a trip for yourself. CNN Traveler has a great list of things to do in the city. New York is easy to get to from just about anywhere in the world. If you can’t make it, the conference also has an online option. You won’t feel like you’re missing out even if you’re at home. The conference is well-equipped for hybridity.

• The Forbes Summit

Forbes is so well-known they don’t need an introduction. Their summit probably doesn’t either. But in case you haven’t heard, it’s an ongoing thing. The summit takes place in various locations around the country throughout the year.

There are also virtual meetings for those who can’t make it to an in-person event. So, you don’t have an excuse for not going. There are summits for pretty much every industry. No matter what you’re into, there is a summit for you.

Conclusion

Conferences are essential to career growth and development. You should schedule to visit a few per year.