2023 Key Conference

Registration for this year's conference theme is The Future of Leadership: Leading through Chaos. Check back for updates on speakers, an updated schedule and registration information!
Visit the Registration Page

Selected
2023 Details
About the Conference

Date & Location: December 7, 2023
Location: The Ritz-Carlton
1150 22nd Street Northwest Washington, DC 20037
Time: 8:30 AM- 8:00PM ET (subject to change)

This year's conference will also host the Annual Roger W. Jones Award for Executive Leadership to honor four senior executives. The award ceremony will now take place after the final concurrent session.

The Roger W. Jones Award annually recognizes federal career executives of the Senior Executive Service committed not only to mission success, but also to developing and inspiring those whom they lead, consistent with the career of the extraordinary public servant for whom the Award is named. 

The Annual Key Executive Leadership Conference brings together public servants from across the country for a day of immersive learning, professional development, reflection and exploration.  This event provides participants with the opportunity to delve into industry trends, leadership practices, new and emerging perspectives on leadership and enhance professional skills. Featuring concurrent sessions, plenary speakers, workshops and networking, the Key Conference has spurred nearly 2,000 public servants to become exemplars of excellence in leadership and service since it began in 2010.

There are 2,000+ Key Executive Leadership Conference Alumni

The Key Conference has a 91% overall approval rating from attendees surveyed

Key Conference Ambassadors

Take the opportunity to network with senior leaders in the federal government and public sector, gain insights into trends for the future of the field, and serve an integral role in the premier conference on executive leadership.

Ambassadors will support Key staff with logistical tasks to ensure attendees and speakers' experience is productive and memorable.
Application View Requirements

Why you should apply:

  • Ambassadors receive complimentary registration for the conference, including breakfast, lunch, reception, conference swag and giveaways
  • opportunity to network with senior leaders in federal government, non-profit and private sectors
  • featured highlight on Key's website, social media and email marketing in our network of over 14,000 connections
  • letter of reference for future endeavors 

Conference Sessions & Schedule

8:30 - 9:30 AM ET Registration & Check In
9:30 - 10:00 AM ET Opening Remarks
10:00 - 10:15 AM ET Break (Location Change)
10:15 - 11:45 AM ET

Session I
Resilient Leadership: Strategies for Thriving in Complexity and Chaos w/ Ruth Zaplin & Marcia Ruben

Finding My Purpose Panel ft. Denise Sojour, Capt. William Demps Dr. Theresa Horne Moderated by Russell Robinson

The End of Dumbing it Down: How We Can Smarten Up Our Strategic Communications w/ Scott Ward

11:45 AM - Noon ET Break (Location Change)
Noon - 1:30 PM ET Plenary Luncheon
1:30 - 1:45 PM ET Break (Location Change)
1:45 - 3:15 PM ET

Session II
Nurturing Potential: Cultivating a Positive Psychosocial Culture w/ Andrew Bennett

Maximizing Management Momentum: Developing Managers for Optimal Business & Talent Outcomes
w/ Sally Lee

Inspire: DC Stories of Success Panel ft. Elida Sarmiento, Ed.D Herbert Rouson, Jr. Love Rutledge Shayna Daniel-Holley Moderated by Russell Robinson

Leading with Clarity: Mastering Communication for Leadership Success w/ Derrick Love

3:15 - 3:30 PM ET Break (Location Change)
3:30 - 5:00 PM ET

Session III
G.A.M.E.P.L.A.N. For Life – Life Management Essentials for Leaders w/ Bruce Thomas 

P.R.I.S.M. Reform: Turning Your Vantage Point into a Strategic Advantage w/ Olu Burrell

The Stories We Tell

5:00 - 6:00 PM ET Networking Cocktail Hour
6:00 - 8:00 PM ET Roger W. Jones Award Ceremony
& Reception