Question 1

7:30 AM – 4:00 PM: Registration Desk Open

Accepted Answer

Location: Breakwater Hallway

Question 2

6:15 AM – 7:00 AM: Rise & Shine Walk with the C.A.R. Officers (optional)

Accepted Answer

Meet at Surf Hero Marketplace (inside the Waterfront Beach Resort)

Get your steps in and start the day on the right foot – literally! Enjoy a casual beachside walk with C.A.R.'s leadership team before breakfast.

Question 3

7:30 AM – 8:15 AM: BREAKFAST BUFFET

Accepted Answer

Vista Lawn

Fuel up for the day with a full breakfast buffet and time to connect with fellow attendees before sessions begin.

Question 4

8:30 AM – 8:50 AM: In Tune with Your 2026 C.A.R. Officers

Accepted Answer

Eric Schwartz, Master of Ceremonies; Tamara Suminski, 2026 President; Mark Peterson, 2026 President-Elect; Nikki Coppa, 2026-2027 Treasurer, C.A.R.; Phil Hawkins, CEO, C.A.R. 
 
Kick off Day 2 on a high note with host Eric Schwartz and the 2026 C.A.R. Officers. This music-inspired session will blend stories, rhythm, and audience interaction to strike the right chord for the day ahead. Get to know the leaders behind the titles while setting the tempo for curiosity, collaboration, and leadership growth.

Question 5

8:50 AM – 9:50 AM: Opening Keynote: Unleash Your Curiosity

Accepted Answer

Location: Breakwater Ballroom
Speaker: Diana Kander, NYT Bestselling Author & Innovation Expert 
 
Curiosity is one of the most powerful tools association leaders can bring to their work. In this energizing keynote, Diana Kander explores how asking better questions leads to better decisions, stronger resource management, and lasting value for organizations and the members they serve. Through engaging stories and practical strategies, she will highlight how to raise the bar on decision-making, eliminate outdated initiatives, embrace bold innovation over incremental change, and build the right support system for success. Leaders will leave inspired to rethink assumptions and equipped with strategies to guide their associations in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Question 6

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Building Stronger Teams

Accepted Answer

Juan Bendaña, Leadership Expert & Bestselling Author 
 
Strong leadership teams are the foundation of a thriving association. In this interactive workshop, AEs and Association Presidents gain practical tools to foster trust, connection, and collaboration across their Boards of Directors, committees, and volunteer leaders. Through engaging activities and real-world scenarios, participants explore strategies to navigate conflict, instill confidence in others, and build alignment around a shared vision. Walk away with tangible techniques to strengthen your leadership culture and position your association for greater impact and long-term success.

Question 7

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Measuring What Matters: Strengthening the AE–Board Partnership Through Performance Reviews

Accepted Answer

Kim Gusman, President & CEO, California Employers Association 
 
Effective performance reviews are about more than evaluation – they’re about building a stronger partnership between association executives and boards. In this collaborative session, we’ll explore why performance reviews matter, what a thoughtful process can look like, and how to structure them – clarifying who should be involved and how the evaluation can best support both the AE and the board. We’ll also discuss how boards can set clear expectations and assess their own effectiveness, creating a shared framework for accountability, growth, and long-term success.

Question 8

12:00 AM – 1:00 PM: LUNCH

Accepted Answer

Location: Vista Lawn

Question 9

1:00 PM – 1:50 PM: The Future of Member Value

Accepted Answer

Moderator: Tamara Suminski, 2026 President, C.A.R.
Panelists: Scott Brady, CEO of Progressive Property Management, Inc.; Jennifer Branchini, VP of Association Affairs, NAR; Jessica Coates, CEO, Sacramento AOR; Jordan Levine, SVP & Chief Economist, C.A.R.
 
Disruption is reshaping real estate – from consolidation and technology to changing consumer expectations and policy pressures. For REALTORS®, these forces are redefining what support and resources they truly need from their associations. This session invites leaders to look ahead and think differently about how organized real estate can stay relevant. Panelists will explore emerging industry shifts, spotlight where member needs are evolving most, and challenge associations to adapt, innovate, and deliver value in new ways.

Question 10

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Parliamentary Basics: Running Effective Board Meetings

Accepted Answer

Bruce Bishop, PhD, C.A.R. Parliamentarian 
 
Running effective meetings is one of the most important responsibilities of association leaders. In this introductory session, C.A.R. Parliamentarian Bruce Bishop will walk through the fundamentals of parliamentary procedure and meeting management, with a special focus on local board meetings. Participants will learn how to prepare effective agendas, handle motions and amendments, and keep discussions both focused and inclusive. This session will provide a solid foundation for presidents and AEs to lead meetings with confidence, ensuring they are fair, efficient, and mission-driven.

Question 11

2:30 PM – 3:45 PM: The Power Between Us: Leading Aligned Associations

Accepted Answer

Colleen Hauk, CEO, The Corporate Refinery 
 
Every successful association is built on a strong partnership between its CEO and President. This interactive session guides pairs through a communication experience designed to deepen trust, strengthen alignment, and enhance collaboration. Through live coaching and practical tools, participants will learn how to communicate with greater clarity, empathy, and presence — leaving with a stronger foundation to lead their association together with confidence and impact.

Question 12

3:45 PM – 4:30 PM: Contracts vs. At Will: Finding the Right Fit for Your Association

Accepted Answer

Kim Gusman, President & CEO, California Employers Association   
 
A collaborative conversation about the pros and cons of contracts and at-will employment relationships for Association Executives. Together we’ll explore how different approaches work in practice and how open dialogue between an AE and their board can help establish the right balance of flexibility, stability, and risk for the association.

Question 13

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: WINE-DOWN RECEPTION (Dinner on Your Own)

Accepted Answer

Breakwater Terrace 
 
Relax and connect at our Wine-Down Reception! Enjoy complimentary wine, beer, and light bites on the Breakwater Terrace. After the reception, the evening is yours to enjoy – make dinner plans with colleagues, explore Huntington Beach, or take some time to recharge.

LOCAL LEADERSHIP TRACK

October 28 - 30, 2025

2026 Local AOR Presidents, Association Executives

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28

WHERE GREAT MINDS REUNITE

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30

QUESTIONS? CONTACT US