Aspire: Next Level – A Leadership Development Conference for Administrative Professionals

Join us virtually or in Marriott Marquis Chicago on September 20-23, 2026 to learn to lead at your greatest capacity!

Every professional journey begins with possibility

The spark that says what if? Aspire: Next Level is where executive assistants, administrative professionals, and business support leaders transform that spark into momentum.
This premier conference isn’t about climbing titles or chasing buzzwords. It’s about rediscovering what’s possible for you: your strategic thinking, your executive presence, your leadership influence, your next chapter as a strategic partner.

Administrative Professional Academy
Aspire Leadership works toward that vision by equipping you to lead at a higher level.

Aspire Leadership works toward that vision by equipping you to lead at a higher level.

At Aspire: Next Level, you’ll connect with administrative professionals who share your drive to grow, reflect, and redefine success. Together, we’ll explore the leadership competencies, business acumen, and professional development tools that expand your potential—from mastering conflict resolution and change management to building true strategic partnerships. Not by changing who you are, but by uncovering the strategic partner and leader waiting inside.
Ready to elevate your communication skills, project management expertise, organizational leadership, and strategic partnership capabilities? Aspire: Next Level transforms possibility into action.

Aspire Leadership

Aspire (v.) [əˈspī(ə)r]: to direct one’s hopes or ambitions toward achieving something.

Join us in the way that best fits your learning style and lifestyle needs.

CAP Certified? Aspire Leadership: Next Level is worth 25 CAP recertification points, which includes pre-work and attendance at the post-conference sessions.

In-PERSON

$1,899

What’s included?

All materials and training sessions
Price includes Breakfast and Lunch Monday and Tuesday, and Breakfast on Wednesday.
25 CAP Recertification Points

* Price reflects Early Bird rate for IAAP members. The Early Bird rate for non-members is $2,199.

virtual

$1,599

What’s included?

All materials and training sessions
Price includes food delivery gift card for lunch Monday and Tuesday
25 CAP Recertification Points

* Price reflects Early Bird rate for IAAP members. The Early Bird rate for non-members is $1,899.

dates and schedule

September 20-23, 2026

September 20, 2026

3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Registration

5:15 – 6:15 p.m. Aspire Networking and Connection Reception

September 21 – 22, 2026

8:15 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. In Session

September 23, 2026

8:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. In Session

1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Coaching Opportunities/TBD

Register 5 or more attendees and receive a 10% discount. To access this discount, please email us for more information.

ASPIRE LEADERSHIP ORGANIZATIONAL DISCOUNTS

Want to send a group of powerhouse administrative professionals from the same organization? Visit the link below to register your organization.

GAME-CHANGING EXPERIENCES DESIGNED FOR

Executive Assistants | Administrative Assistants | Executive Administrative Assistants | Senior Administrative Professionals | Office Managers | Administrative Business Partners | Chiefs of Staff | Executive Business Partners | Administrative Coordinators | Virtual Assistants | Administrative Leaders

Transformative sessions

with an executive coach designed to expand your thinking and energize your growth.

Facilitated discussions

led by trained administrative professionals who translate insights through an “administrative lens” for real-world application.

Immersive learning experiences

that help you immediately integrate new approaches and sustain them long after you return to work.

Pre-work and post-connection opportunities

that extend learning and community beyond the event.

Possibility Circles

space to connect with others who share your ambitions, swap insights, and spark new solutions.

Intentional networking

that focuses on shared growth, mentorship, and collective discovery.

Optional small-group coaching

focused on expanding your influence, confidence, and creativity.

AI Content Swap

Practical Prompts & Real-World Time Savers: Share your go-to AI “recipes,” pick up practical prompts from peers, and discover quick, real-world ways to save time and spark new ideas in your daily work.

CONFERENCE TRAINER AND FACILITATORS

Danielle Adams

Danielle Adams-Wiltshire

PCC / trainer

Danielle N. Adams-Wiltshire, PCC, is a certified professional ICF-accredited coach, TED fellows coach, facilitator, trainer, restorative practice trainer, and public speaker.  Her areas of concentration in her coaching practice are business, career and professional development, personal improvement, relationship management, and leadership. Her most notable clients are members of the financial services, entertainment, nonprofit, higher education, hospitality, government, and management industries.

Administrative Professional Facilitator

TBD

Our facilitators, both in-person and virtual, are actively employed administrative professionals who have served in various roles throughout their career and are trained to not only facilitate discussion among attendees but also connect the learning and content provided by the trainer to your administrative role through real world examples and experience.

Amal Candido

Life, Leadership & Mindfulness Coach

Amal is a seasoned professional with a diverse background that spans finance, tech, legal, and non-profit industries. Known for her deep expertise in life, leadership, and mindfulness coaching and her significant contributions to executive administration, Amal has become an indispensable resource for C-suite executives and a beacon for those seeking guidance in personal and professional development. Her journey in the finance sector further amplifies her already extensive skill set, showcasing her commitment to continuous learning and excellence.

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Barrett Shaw

Principal Administrative Specialist at Mission Support and Test Services

Barrett Shaw works as a Principal Administrative Specialist at Mission Support and Test Services (MSTS),
a government contractor in Las Vegas, Nevada. He has over 20 years of experience as an administrative
professional in a government setting. He currently supports the Director for mission programs. He also
works as an expert trainer for Leoron Professional Development Institute, based in Dubai; teaching
Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) prep courses, along with other courses designed to teach
administrative professionals essential skills to help them excel in their career.

Jennifer Sanders

West Region Business Support Team Supervisor

Jennifer joined WTW in 2013 as a Business Support Specialist in the Retirement business of the Dallas office. In 2015 and 2020 she advanced to roles with the Client Management Group, supporting the Dallas Market Leader. She was promoted in 2023 to the role of Business Support Team Supervisor. She currently supports the NA Health, Wealth and Career Leader and offers insight and assistance to multiple cross-functional and inclusion and diversity teams.

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TRAVEL AND LOCATION

Aspire 2026 welcomes you to Chicago—the vibrant heart of the Midwest.

There’s no better place to step into your next level than this stunning city, known for its iconic skyline, world-class amenities, and rich architectural beauty that tells a story at every turn. Come savor the flavors of Chicago’s diverse dining scene, explore its bustling neighborhoods, and soak in an arts and culture landscape that’s second to none.
This fall, let Chicago inspire you, energize you, and remind you why pursuing what’s possible is always worth the trip.

Marriott Marquis Chicago
2121 S Prairie Ave.
Chicago, Ill, 60616
312.824.0500
Conference Room Block Rate: $312/night

Hotel PassKey – Coming Soon!

* Reserve your room by August 5, 2026, to receive the conference room block rate

Danielle Adams
Danielle N. Adams-Wiltshire, PCC, is a certified professional ICF-accredited coach, TED fellows coach, facilitator, trainer, restorative practice trainer, and public speaker. 

Her areas of concentration in her coaching practice are business, career and professional development, personal improvement, relationship management, and leadership. Her most notable clients are members of the financial services, entertainment, nonprofit, higher education, hospitality, government, and management industries.

With more than 15 years’ experience in retail banking, serving in multiple service, sales, business development, and leadership roles, Danielle has had uniquely valuable experiences across numerous areas of corporate influence.  A passionate advocate and a supporter of organizations that promote the economic independence and empowerment of women, youth and underrepresented members of her community, Danielle helps govern several nonprofit organizations.

Amal Candido
Life, Leadership & Mindfulness Coach

Amal is a seasoned professional with a diverse background that spans finance, tech, legal, and non-profit industries. Known for her deep expertise in life, leadership, and mindfulness coaching and her significant contributions to executive administration, Amal has become an indispensable resource for C-suite executives and a beacon for those seeking guidance in personal and professional development. Her journey in the finance sector further amplifies her already extensive skill set, showcasing her commitment to continuous learning and excellence.

Amal is a certified administrative professional, CAPstone certified in Organizational Management, Meeting and event planning,  Records Management,  Human Resource Management, and an accredited coach practitioner.

Beyond her professional accolades, Amal’s passion shines brightest in her dedication to coaching and mentoring. Through her engaging blog and the insightful podcast “Distracted by Life,” she offers a treasure trove of wisdom on living authentically, embracing resilience, and turning setbacks into steppingstones for success. Her literary contributions, including “Authentic Leader” and “The Executive Assistant Guide to Survival,” highlight her desire to empower individuals at all levels of their careers. Amal’s work inspires leadership and growth and equips her audience with the tools to navigate the complexities of life and work with confidence and poise.

Contact information

Preferred Contact Email: [email protected]
Tel: 1+416-567-0474
Blogging Website:  www.myeablog.com
Podcast: Distracted by Life: Spotify, Amazon, Apple

Barrett Shaw
Principal Administrative Specialist at Mission Support and Test Services

Barrett Shaw works as a Principal Administrative Specialist at Mission Support and Test Services (MSTS), a government contractor in Las Vegas, Nevada. He has over 20 years of experience as an administrative professional in a government setting. He currently supports the Director for mission programs. He also works as an expert trainer for Leoron Professional Development Institute, based in Dubai; teaching Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) prep courses, along with other courses designed to teach administrative professionals essential skills to help them excel in their career. He has taught courses throughout the Middle East, including Dubai and several locations within Saudi Arabia.

Barrett earned his doctorate in organizational leadership in 2014. His dissertation explored the relationship between the perceived emotional intelligence of a leader and employee engagement among administrative professionals. Barrett also holds a master of science in Psychology and a bachelor of art in Theater Arts.

Barrett has been an active member of IAAP since 2008 and has held a number of leadership positions within the association, including serving as Chair of the Board of Directors from 2021-2023. He currently serves as a strategic advisor to the IAAP Governance and Leadership Committee (GLC). In his spare time, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his family.

Jennifer Sanders
Senior Associate
Jennifer is a seasoned administrative professional with over 30 years of experience across the professional services and manufacturing industries. Since joining WTW in 2013, she has held progressively responsible roles, contributing to business support, client management, and project coordination across multiple segments and leadership teams. She excels in complex project management, strategic partnership, and assignments requiring exceptional organization and attention to detail.
Jennifer holds an Associate of Applied Science in Office Management and Supervision from Harrison College (formerly Indiana Business College). She is a Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) through the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), with specialties in Business Writing, Human Resources, Meeting and Event Planning, and Organizational Management. She also holds the Member of Excellence distinction and is a graduate of IAAP’s Aspire Leadership Academy for Executive Level Support.
Jennifer has served in numerous volunteer leadership roles within IAAP and has authored articles in OfficePro Magazine on certification and allyship. Her accolades include IAAP’s 2022 Strategic Partnership Award and nominations in Leadership, Loyalty, and Kaizen categories with The Admin Awards, where she also served on the DFW Advisory Board. Additionally, she is a member of the World Administrators Alliance (WAA) and the American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP).