Man In: The Men's Leadership Experience

Man In: The Men's Leadership Experience. Connections that stay with you. September 17, 2026 at Chicago Botanic Garden.

Registration is now open

Be in the room for Man In™.

A one-day leadership experience focused on connection, wellness, reflection, and growth for men and allies across the association and nonprofit community.

Why Man In™

Some connections shape our careers. Others shape who we become.

We spend a lot of time talking about strategy, performance, and results. Yet there are other conversations that matter just as much, about how we lead, how we support others, and how we show up every day.

Man In™ was created to open that space. This one-day experience brings professionals across the association community together for candid dialogue, different perspectives, and genuine connections.

“This isn’t about giving men more power. It’s about giving men permission to lead with authenticity, vulnerability, and a renewed sense of belonging. This is what it means to live our Welcoming Environment® values.”

Artesha Moore, FASAE, CAE
President & CEO, Association Forum

This is not a traditional leadership conference. It is a space to check in, connect, and engage in conversations that matter.

Explore the Man In™ Story

Follow the conversation.

Since announcing Man In™, Association Forum has invited the community into the conversation through news, dialogue, advisor perspectives, and member feedback.

Press Release

Introducing Man In™

Read the official announcement introducing Man In™: The Men’s Leadership Experience and the vision behind this new leadership offering.

Read the Press Release

Community Web Panel

Hear the Early Conversation

Watch the community conversation with men and allies about why Man In™ is being developed, why it matters now, and where advisors hope it will go.

Watch the Recording

Magazine Article

Read the Feature Story

Explore the FORUM Magazine feature on the leadership, connection, and wellness themes shaping Man In™ and the experience being created.

Read the Article

Go Deeper

Learn more. Ask questions. Register when ready.

“Creating a space where men can be real, be supported, and build authentic relationships is a powerful step forward to improving mental wellness. This leads to stronger leadership because in the current sociopolitical environment, we need less exhaustion and more nourishment.”

Shawn Boynes, FASAE, CAE

Advisory Group

Meet the Leaders Shaping Man In™

Learn more about the advisors helping shape the tone, guardrails, and experience design for Man In™.

Meet the Advisory Group

FAQs

Have Questions?

Find answers about the purpose, audience, format, inclusion approach, and experience design for Man In™.

View FAQs

Grounded in Association Forum’s Mission

Leadership development for real human needs.

Man In™ is part of Association Forum’s broader commitment to leadership development, inclusive workplaces, and stronger professional communities. It complements our ongoing investment in the Women’s Executive Forum™, Welcoming Environment®, and other leadership programs across the association community.

Equity is not zero-sum. When leaders strengthen connection, self-awareness, empathy, and accountability, workplaces become healthier for everyone.

“Man In aligns with Association Forum’s commitment to leadership development that is relevant, courageous, and grounded in real human needs.”

Michelle Mills Clement, FASAE, CAE, RCE
Association Forum Board Chair