Q: What is the Distinguished Events Summit?
A: A national, bi-annual gathering of Event Managers of our leading, high-impact Distinguished Events.
Q: When and where is the 2026 Summit?
A: The 2026 Distinguished Events Summit will take place in San Antonio, Texas, beginning Tuesday, March 10, and concluding Thursday, March 12.
Optional early-bird sessions, hosted by our Million Dollar Events, will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10 for those whose travel allows. For everyone else, Tuesday will serve as a travel and arrival day, with a welcome networking happy hour at 5:00 p.m. followed by off-site dinners.
The official Summit kickoff sessions begin Wednesday morning, March 11, and continue through the afternoon of Thursday, March 12.
Q: Who attends?
A: Individuals listed as Event Managers in Salesforce for qualifying events.
Q: Which Distinguished Events qualify to attend?
A: Summit has a limited capacity, and attendance is determined by year-end fiscal results. As they are finalized, invitations will be confirmed in mid-January. This ensures we are bringing together those events that are driving the greatest revenue impact across the enterprise.
If your event does not qualify for in-person attendance, you will not miss out on content or resources. You can expect that your region will integrate key strategies and tactics in regional DE calls. Your people leaders will be equipped to help you apply key actions and takeaways within your event.
Q: What is the purpose of the Summit?
A: Where excellence rises and our mission reaches new heights, we foster collaboration and equip our teams with the tools to drive revenue growth and advance the future of Distinguished Events.
Q: How do I register?
A: Registration opens January 2026. Eligible participants will receive an email invitation with a registration link.
Q: Is there a cost to attend?
A: No. Registration is complimentary. Travel and lodging will be secured through our online booking system opening in January 2026. Details, including the Society Key to code travel to, will be sent to event invitees by email.
Q: Can I bring a guest or colleague?
A: Attendance is limited to invited participants. Please contact [email protected] with any questions.
Q: What if I can’t attend once I’ve registered?
A: Please notify the Distinguished Events team at [email protected], copying your Region DE Strategic Director, as soon as possible so your spot can be reallocated.
Q: Will there be a virtual option if I can’t attend in person?
A: Summit content will not be livestreamed, but certain resources will be shared post-event by the Enterprise DE team and on ACS Connects.
Q: What if my event qualifies, but I am unavailable to travel? Can another staff member attend in my place?
A: Please connect with your People Leader and Regional Strategic Director. Attendance is limited and substitutions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Which airport should I use?
A: San Antonio International Airport (SAT), about 15 minutes from downtown. Travel reservations should be made via our travel reservation site, available in January 2026. A Lyft code will be sent to attendees prior to the Summit.
Q: Are hotel accommodations provided?
A: Yes, invitees will be able to book through our exclusive travel reservation site available in January 2026.
Q: Is airport transportation provided?
A: Yes, Lyft passes will be issued for ground transportation.
Q: What if I need to arrive late or leave early?
A: Please communicate with your People Leader and Regional Strategic Director as soon as possible if you anticipate any scheduling conflicts. Full participation is strongly encouraged, as each session is designed to build upon the next. Missing portions of the Summit may limit your ability to fully engage with the content, collaborate with peers, and apply key learnings. In some cases, partial attendance may require your eligibility for in-person participation to be reevaluated.
Q: What topics will be covered?
A: The Summit will feature 301-level sessions and workshops focused on our three revenue pillars: Executive Leadership, Sponsorship, and Mission Fundraising. Participants will explore advanced strategies in fundraising innovation, volunteer leadership, sponsorship development, mission integration, survivor engagement, and overall event growth. A full agenda will be shared closer to the Summit.
Q: Will there be networking?
A: Yes. Receptions, breakouts, and peer roundtables are built into the agenda.
Q: Are meals included?
A: Breakfast, lunch, and evening receptions are provided. Dietary needs can be noted at registration.
Q: What is the dress code?
A: Business casual (jeans permitted). Evening events may call for different attire. Details will be shared closer to the event.
Q: How does the Summit support ACS’s mission?
A: By equipping leaders to grow distinguished events, increasing funds for research, patient support, and advocacy.
Q: Will survivors or patients be part of the Summit?
A: Yes. Survivor stories and mission moments will be featured throughout the program.
Q: Will presentation materials be available afterward?
A: Yes, some resources will be shared post-Summit by the Enterprise Distinguished Events team and on ACS Connects. People Leaders and Area Leads will also be equipped with guides to assist with the facilitation of information shared at Summit.
Q: Who do I contact with additional questions?
A: Please email [email protected]
