Leadership Education

Registration will open in Spring 2027 for the next Future Leaders Event!

Purpose: The "Future Leaders" training is a one-day foundational program designed for emerging professionals with less than 10 years of experience in the engineering and consulting industry. 

Offered by ACEC Illinois, this course serves as a preparatory experience for future participants of the ACEC Illinois Leadership Institute. "Future Leaders" provides early-to mid-career professionals with practical insights into leadership fundamentals, industry dynamics, and professional growth pathways. 

Through interactive sessions and peer engagement, participants will gain clarity on their leadership 
potential and take meaningful first steps toward long-term success and influence within their firms and the broader engineering community.

Registration will open in Fall 2026 for the Spring 2027 Institute!

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE: The ACEC Illinois Executive Leadership Institute was created to strengthen and elevate senior-level leadership within Illinois consulting engineering firms. Designed specifically for seasoned professionals with 15+ years of industry experience, this advanced program focuses on executive-level business management, strategic leadership, and long-term firm success. Built for experienced leaders, principals, and rising executives, the Executive Leadership Institute provides the insight, perspective, and high-level leadership development needed to successfully navigate today’s evolving engineering and business landscape. Participants will deepen their understanding of firm operations, financial leadership, organizational culture, talent development, and strategic decision-making — while connecting with peers facing similar leadership challenges across the industry.

EXECUTIVE-LEVEL EDUCATION: The Executive Leadership Institute includes four in-person Illinois sessions held over four months, creating a collaborative environment where participants can engage in meaningful conversations, exchange ideas, and build lasting industry relationships with fellow senior leaders. Each session is designed to provide advanced leadership education focused on the realities of executive management and firm leadership. Previous session topics have included:

  • Principal & Executive Leadership
  • Empowerment Leadership & Team Development
  • Employee Recruitment & Retention Strategies
  • Conflict Resolution & Difficult Conversations
  • Top-Level Financial Management
  • Strategic Planning & Organizational Growth
  • Legislative Advocacy & Industry Influence
  • And more

Optional Washington, DC Executive Experience: Participants also have the opportunity to expand their leadership experience through an optional session in Washington, DC at the ACEC Annual Convention & Legislative Summit.

This experience includes:

  • National-level educational sessions
  • Executive roundtable discussions
  • Networking with engineering leaders from across the country
  • Capitol Hill visits alongside ACEC Illinois members and industry advocates

This unique opportunity provides direct exposure to the legislative and policy issues shaping the future of the engineering industry while strengthening participants’ understanding of leadership beyond their firms.

BE CHALLENGED. LEAD STRATEGICALLY: The Executive Leadership Institute is designed to challenge experienced professionals to think critically, lead strategically, and confidently address complex business and management challenges. Through peer collaboration, executive discussions, case studies, self-assessments, and practical leadership exercises, participants gain actionable strategies and advanced leadership tools they can immediately apply within their organizations. This program is designed not only to strengthen individual leadership skills, but also to help participants create resilient teams, healthy business cultures, and sustainable long-term firm success.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RECOGNITION: Participants will earn PDHs for each session attended while further developing the executive leadership and business management skills necessary to lead successful organizations. Graduates of the program (those who don't miss more than one IL session), will also receive an official Executive Leadership Institute Completion Certificate recognizing their achievement, presented during the ACEC Illinois Spring Board Meeting & Awards Luncheon.

BE PREPARED: ACEC Illinois provides all necessary program materials, including printed resources and binders. Registration also includes meals, beverages, and snacks during each session to ensure participants can focus on learning, collaboration, and professional growth in a welcoming and engaging environment.

Here are quotes from graduates of our 2025 Leadership Institute Class:

  • “Attending ACEC national convention and visiting Capitol Hill was remarkable experience!”
  • “I now have a group of peers in the industry who are on similar trajectories and can bounce ideas off of.”
  • “ELI gave great insight to many things that affect the engineering consulting world. Loved it!”
Registration will open in Fall 2027 for the Spring 2028 Institute!

LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE: The ACEC Illinois Leadership Series was created to accelerate the growth of future leaders in Illinois consulting engineering firms by providing a clear path for career development. Designed for high-potential professionals, this premier leadership series provides a direct pathway for career growth by equipping participants with the leadership, communication, business, and strategic management skills needed to thrive in today’s evolving industry. Participants gain the tools and confidence to step into greater responsibility — from managing projects and teams to shaping firm strategy and future growth. Whether preparing for leadership roles, business development responsibilities, or eventual principal-level positions, this program is designed to help professionals lead with purpose and impact.

EDUCATION THAT MATTERS: The Leadership Institute consists of four in-person Illinois sessions held over several months, allowing participants to build meaningful relationships and expand their professional network alongside peers from across the engineering industry. Each session combines practical leadership training with real-world business insight, featuring engaging speakers, interactive discussions, and hands-on learning experiences. Previous session topics have included:

  • People Skills & Professional Etiquette
  • Your Leadership Blueprint: From Self-Awareness to Strategic Impact
  • Business Economics & Financial Management
  • Building a Firm-Wide Business Development Culture
  • Recruiting & Retaining Talent in a Competitive Market
  • Communication, Team Building, and Executive Presence
  • And more

Participants now have the opportunity to expand their experience even further through an optional leadership and advocacy session in Washington, DC.

Attendees may continue their professional development by participating in the ACEC Annual Convention & Legislative Summit, where they will engage in:

  • National educational sessions
  • Industry roundtables
  • High-level networking opportunities
  • Capitol Hill visits alongside ACEC Illinois members and industry leaders

This unique experience offers valuable insight into the future of the engineering industry and the role leadership and advocacy play at the national level.

BE CHALLENGED. BUILD CONFIDENCE:  The Leadership Institute is designed to challenge participants to think strategically, collaborate effectively, and tackle real-world management and leadership challenges. Through interactive exercises, case studies, group discussions, self-assessments, and peer collaboration, participants develop practical skills they can immediately apply within their firms and professional careers. This is more than a seminar series — it is an investment in future leadership.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RECOGNITION: Participants will earn PDHs for each educational session attended, supporting continued professional growth while developing the leadership mindset necessary to foster a strong and sustainable business culture. Graduates of the program (those who don't miss more than one IL session), will also receive an official Leadership Institute Completion Certificate recognizing their accomplishment, presented during the ACEC Illinois Spring Board Meeting & Awards Luncheon.

BE PREPARED: ACEC Illinois will equip you with all needed materials. Printed material and binders, registration includes meals, beverages, and snacks to be equipped for learning!

Here are quotes from graduates of our 2024 Leadership Institute Class:

  • “The Leadership Institute is a tremendous training and networking opportunity for emerging leaders in our field!”
  • “Want to learn to create more opportunities & understanding with your firm? Take this workshop series!”
  • “A well-rounded series that incorporated different areas of business to continue to grow and develop.”

Quotes coming soon from our current 2026 Leadership Institute Class!

Questions? Please reach out to: Sarah Dean, Director of Education & Membership.