Executive Leadership 2026 Conference

The Executive Forum holds an annual Leadership Conference to bring together executive directors, key organizational personnel, and other thought leaders to facilitate discussions related to contemporary issues faced by the IDD service sector. The Arc of Illinois Executive Forum Leadership Conference will be an in-person two-day event with speakers and networking opportunities.

This year’s conference features keynote speakers, Alonzo Kelly and Colin Seale

Thursday, June 11, 9:30 – 11:00 am

Lessons From The Pando Forest; Why Connectedness Is The Root Of Our Strength

Alonzo Kelly, Kelly Leadership Group

The second largest organism on the planet is the Pando Forest. This breath taking forest holds a secret that few are aware of and often taken for granted by others. The strength of the forest can be found not on what is visible, but what is happening underground. This forest teaches us the power of connectedness, ecosystems, and collaboration. So goes one tree, so goes the forest. This full participatory discussion will challenge our thinking, invite our engagement, and create a call to action.

Friday, June 12, 9:15 – 10:45 am

Colin Seale, thinkLaw

In times of rapid change and uncertainty, leadership requires more than technical expertise—it demands the critical thinking needed to navigate complex, high-stakes decisions with clarity, empathy, and vision. Critical thinking is not a “nice-to-have” skill for a select few; it’s the foundation for building policies, strategies, and cultures that honor dignity, promote equity, and drive lasting impact.

In today’s landscape—where artificial intelligence is reshaping industries and amplifying uncertainty—it’s time to prioritize a different kind of AI: Actual Intellect. In this engaging and highly practical session, Colin Seale—educator, attorney, and author of Thinking Like a Lawyer and Tangible Equity—will make the equity and leadership case for centering critical thinking as a non-negotiable skill for courageous leaders and provide personalized, practical, and powerful strategies to seamlessly integrate this into your work.