October 19-20, 2026
If you have any questions or need assistance, please email leadershipedge@car.org
What is the AE/GAD Summit?
The AE/GAD Summit is C.A.R.'s premier professional development conference for California Association Executives (AEs), Government Affairs Directors (GADs), and association staff.
The Summit brings together industry experts, innovators, and association professionals for engaging educational sessions, interactive discussions, and valuable networking opportunities.
Whether you're looking to build new connections, exchange ideas with peers, or discover innovative solutions to today's challenges, the AE/GAD Summit provides the knowledge, resources, and inspiration to help you and your association thrive.
Event & Housing Registration
Register to attend the 2026 AE/GAD Summit! Join the movement as we advance association excellence together!
Registration is $249 per attendee; registrants will have access to the event app, all educational sessions, welcome reception, breakfast on day two, and more!
The event will take place at the beautiful Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach. C.A.R. has secured a block of rooms at a discounted rate of $344 per night, plus tax. Overnight parking is $29 per day (valet only). These negotiated rates are available on a first come basis.
How to Use ALF Funds to Cover Expenses
Since the topic of advocacy is a primary focus of the AE/GAD Summit program, associations can utilize their Advocacy Local Funds (ALF) to cover the travel costs associated with the AE/GAD Summit. To do this, attendees must complete C.A.R.'s ALF Funding Request Form within 60 days following the event.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Day One - October 19
Registration Desk Open
10:00am - 5:00pm
Welcome to AE/GAD Summit
1:00pm – 1:10pm
Opening Keynote: Seeing What's Possible
1:10pm – 2:05pm
Speaker: Jon Carmichael, Worl-Renowned Astrophotographer, Storyteller & Speaker
One Mission, Two Roles: The AE + GAD Partnership
2:05pm – 2:50pm
Afternoon Break
2:50pm – 3:00pm
Building Advocacy Capacity: Strategies for Associations of Every Size
3:05pm – 3:50pm
Politics in Motion: The Forces Shaping What's Next
4:00pm – 5:00pm
Speaker: Donna Brazile, Veteran Political Strategist & ABC New Political Analyst
Neon Nights: AE/GAD Party on the California Coast
6:30pm – 9:30pm
The Lighthouse, Pacific City
Day Two - October 20
Breakfast
7:30am – 8:15am
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: The State + Local Partnership
8:30am – 8:40am
Speaker: Tamara Suminski, President, C.A.R.
Communicating Through Complexity: Building Trust with Boards, Leaders, and Members
8:40am – 9:30am
California Politics: Trends, Strategy & Local Impact
9:30am – 10:30am
Morning Break
10:30am – 10:45am
Navigating Today's Association Landscape
10:45am – 11:40am
Speaker: Phil Hawkins, CEO, C.A.R.
Lunch
11:45am – 12:45pm
AE/GAD SUMMIT SPEAKER LINEUP
