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NACD Directors SummitTM 2026

2026 Themes and Agenda

Explore our growing lineup of breakout sessions, workshops, networking events, and more.

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NACD Directors Summit 2026 / 2026 NACD Directors Summit Agenda

NACD Summit 2025 Recap

Four Days Focused on What Boards Are Facing Now

Boardroom expectations are shifting. To help you stay aligned and make informed decisions, Summit brings together directors and governance leaders to share how they’re approaching today’s challenges. You’ll leave with ideas and perspectives you can bring back to your board right away.

Full agenda coming soon!

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2026 Conference Topics

Effective board leadership demands fluency across an expanding range of disciplines. NACD Directors Summit's 11 future-focused learning topics are designed to meet directors where they are and challenge them to go further. Explore the topics below as you plan your Summit experience.

 

Governance Essentials

Designed for directors of all tenures, these sessions cover the core responsibilities of board service. Topics include fiduciary duties, committee structure, board dynamics, and more. 

Private Company Governance

Focused on the unique realities of private company boards, sessions explore ownership dynamics, growth strategy, capital planning, and governance practices that support long-term value creation.

Industry Insights for Directors

These conversations explore the realities facing key sectors — hear how boards are responding to competitive pressure, disruption, and regulatory change. 

Risk at the Top

A focused look at the most pressing risks facing companies today, including geopolitical uncertainty, regulatory shifts, cybersecurity threats, and reputational exposure. 

The Innovation Imperative

These sessions explore how directors can champion transformation, evaluate emerging opportunities, and support bold strategic moves while maintaining the discipline that protects long-term value.

Human Capital & Compensation

A focused look at executive compensation design, CEO succession planning, and workforce strategy — and how boards can effectively oversee the human capital decisions that drive long-term value.

Board Oversight of Strategy

A look at how boards shape corporate strategy, challenge assumptions, and monitor execution against stated goals. 

Managing Activist Risk

Sessions examine how boards anticipate activist campaigns, strengthen investor engagement, and protect long-term value. 

Lead Director Education

These sessions offer a practical look at how lead directors shape boardroom dialogue, strengthen the chair relationship, and set the tone for governance that holds. 

Audit Committee Oversight

Explore emerging audit risks, regulatory updates, cybersecurity oversight, and maintaining rigor in financial governance. 

Technology and Digital Governance

Sessions focus on AI, cybersecurity, data governance, and digital transformation through a board lens.

Schedule at a Glance

The NACD Directors Summit brings together the nation's top board directors, executives, and governance leaders for an unmatched program of thought-provoking sessions, expert speakers, and powerful networking opportunities. Browse the schedule below to start planning your Summit experience.

We’re actively refining the program and adding new sessions, speakers, and networking experiences. More announcements are on the way, so check back regularly for updates. Timing and details may change.

 

Final Days to Save $1,500
on NACD Directors Summit™
 
2026 Registration

Register by Thursday, April 30 to take advantage of this exclusive discounted pricing.

October 11-14, 2026
The Gaylord National Harbor | Washington, DC Area

 

Register Now