APPA Leadership Exchange (ALE) 2026

Strengthening Alignment Across Regions and Chapters

APPA is excited to announce the first-ever APPA Leadership Exchange (ALE2026) — a strategic gathering of regional and chapter leaders designed to deepen alignment, collaboration, and shared purpose across our association.

Purpose

APPA’s Board of Directors embarked on a key strategic initiative to strengthen the partnership between APPA, its six regions, and 30+ chapters. ALE2026 represents a renewed commitment to unity — ensuring our collective efforts advance APPA’s mission to support educational facilities professionals through shared leadership, knowledge, and advocacy.

Exchange Overview

• Dates: Noon, Tuesday, July 15 – Noon, Wednesday, July 16, 2026
• Location: Gaylord National Harbor, Maryland
• Cost: No cost to attend the exchange. Travel, hotel and incidental costs will need to be covered by the region or chapter.
• Participants: Two leaders from each region and chapter. Chapters can select the current president and incoming president. Regions can choose the current president and regional director serving on APPA Board.
• Facilitator: Jeff Shannon, master facilitator, will lead participants through a highly interactive, collaborative experience.
• Conference Connection: All ALE2026 participants are strongly encouraged to stay and participate in the 2026 APPA Annual Conference immediately following the Exchange. 

Objectives

• Strengthen partnership between APPA staff, APPA board, regions and chapters.
• Create a shared roadmap for strategic communication, member engagement, and leadership development.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration that amplify the value delivered to members at all levels.
• Build lasting relationships among peer leaders across the APPA network.

Why It Matters

The APPA Leadership Exchange is not just a meeting — it’s an active engagement in shaping our collective future. Led by Jeff Shannon, ALE2026 will bring leaders together in a dynamic, solutions-focused environment that fosters connection, innovation, and strategic alignment across the APPA community.  

Registration

Please complete the registration process to let us know you are attending. Registration is free—APPA will cover the cost of Tuesday lunch, Tuesday reception, Wednesday breakfast, Wednesday lunch, and breaks.

Don't forget to book your hotel room at the APPA discounted rate.