Tuesday, May 5, 2026

12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

SIM Rising Leaders Forum Mini-Session: Transforming Today's Talent into Tomorrow's Strongest Leaders

Renaissance Chicago O'Hare Suites Hotel - Salon AB

Lunch will be served followed by the RLF Mini-Session Presented by the SIM Leadership Institute Team

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

SIM Chapter Leaders Welcome Reception hosted with the SIM Chicago Chapter
Renaissance Chicago O'Hare Suites Hotel - Mezzanine

Meet & Greet Cocktail - Grab a drink and mingle with other Chapter Leaders who will be learning alongside you for the annual summit.

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Chapter Leader Summit

Renaissance Chicago O'Hare Suites Hotel

Salon A-C

Arrival and Breakfast

Salon C

Opening and Intent 

Salon AB

Presented by Mark Taylor, SIM CEO

Kick off the day with a clear purpose and shared direction. Mark will frame why we’re here, what success looks like for volunteer leaders, and how the day is designed to be practical, interactive, and immediately useful. We’ll also introduce the core themes—TIME, MONEY, BRAND—and preview the flow so everyone knows what to expect.

TIME presented by SIM Portland Chapter

This session tackles the #1 volunteer reality: limited bandwidth. Through small-group breakouts (“If you had the time…”), you’ll surface what’s getting in the way, share what’s working, and learn strategies to simplify and scale what your chapter does. You’ll also hear a Chapter Leader example done well, then shift into a guided “how-to” discussion to translate ideas into repeatable practices.

Sponsor Highlight: AI, Skills and Talent: How Your Chapter Can Help Members Through Today’s Toughest Tech Challenges

Presented by Vanessa Sullivan of Robert Half

Tech leaders are facing real challenges, from leading AI initiatives and closing skills gaps to navigating hybrid work and competitive talent markets. In this session, we’ll explore how your chapter can address these struggles and walk away ready with ideas and programming strategies to attract, retain and engage your members while helping them lead through change.

MONEY presented by SIM Chicago Chapter

A hands-on segment focused on funding and sustainability. In small-group breakouts (“If you had the money…”), you’ll discuss what you’d build, what’s currently limiting growth, and how other chapters are unlocking resources. A Chapter Leader will share an example done well, followed by a guided “how-to” discussion on practical steps for sponsorship, budgeting, and revenue-friendly programming.

Lunch

Take a break, share what you've learned so far and enjoy the company of your peers.

BRAND presented by SIM Dallas Chapter

Your chapter brand is how people decide whether to show up, sponsor, and stay involved. In this session, small groups will explore (“If your brand was strong…”) what would change and what signals matter most—clarity, consistency, value, and identity. You’ll hear a chapter leader example done well, then join a guided “how-to” discussion to strengthen messaging, visibility, and perceived value in ways that are realistic for volunteer teams.

Tools & Support

A practical walkthrough of the resources that make volunteer leadership easier. We’ll highlight the top volunteer tools, where to go when you need help, and what’s included in the Volunteer Success Kit—templates, workflows, and supports you can take back to your chapter immediately.

Peer Councils: Solve a Challenge

This is the working lab of the day. Small groups will tackle a real volunteer leadership scenario, co-create solutions, and share takeaways with the room. You’ll leave with concrete ideas you can use right away—plus the confidence that you’re not solving these challenges alone.

Chapter Recognition and Closing Reflections

Close the day by celebrating the SIM impact. We’ll recognize Chapter achievements through awards, reflect on shared themes, and capture collective commitments for what we’ll carry forward. Expect gratitude, connection, and clear next steps—so the energy from the summit turns into momentum back home.