Thursday, Oct. 22– Friday, Oct. 23, 2026

Mesa Convention Center
263 N Center St,
Mesa, AZ 85201

This year’s Women Leading Government conference theme, HERizon: Built for This Moment, is a call to women who are not simply navigating change, but leading it. As the world continues to evolve, women are stepping forward with the resilience, vision, intelligence, and courage necessary to shape what comes next. HERizon is centered on the belief that women are uniquely equipped to lead in this moment, bringing both humanity and strength, strategy and empathy, innovation and purpose to the future. The AZWLG 2026 conference aims to offer a dynamic agenda that offers high-level strategic insights, conversations with inspiring leaders, tactical skills, and deep dives to help attendees build their leadership toolkits.

Our program is meant to inspire and empower attendees, and our curated lineup of speakers will be focused on The Power of Women Leading Now. Concurrent and main stage sessions will cover these key themes:

Built for This Moment:

Exploring how women’s leadership styles, resilience, and perspectives are uniquely suited to address the complexities of today’s world; highlighting personal journeys of groundbreaking or inspiring women; embracing agility and remaining steady as the external environment and technology shifts; leading decisively during rapid change; staying grounded in your “why” when the future is uncertain.
Beyond the Glass Ceiling: The Architecture of Influence

Negotiating for compensation and opportunity; mastering government operations; navigating the “glass maze”; building a professional brand that commands respect in rooms not traditionally built for women.
Radical Trust & Transparent Connection:

Radical transparency in communication; shifting from “quiet leadership” to being powerful in your influence.
Ready for What’s Next: Designing Your Own Horizon:

Career pivot strategies; intentionally designing your legacy; learning to trust your voice, instincts, and leadership; rethinking limiting beliefs; stepping into future-ready roles.
Sustainable Power: Existing to Excelling:

Tools for mental resilience; setting boundaries in demanding public roles; the “Power of the Feminine Mind” (intuition/EQ); preventing burnout while embracing ambition.
Whole-Life Leadership: Practical Tools for Thriving:

Financial empowerment and planning; personal development strategies for sustained growth; prioritizing physical and mental health; leveraging tools and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence; building habits that support resilience and success; creating alignment between personal well-being and professional leadership.

REGISTRATION FEES

Member Conference Fees:

Existing Government Leader - $230.00 Those currently serving in or retired from a position in local, county, state or federal government, including interested elected officials. Also included are quasi-government representatives, such as non-profit leaders and higher education faculty.

Business Partners* - $300.00 For-profit agencies, consultants who serve and/or contract with government.

*Also includes those who do not fall under the Existing Government Leader or Emerging Leaders categories.

Emerging Leaders (Students*) - $65.00 Students, interns, or other individuals actively seeking a future career and/or advancement in government.

*For full-time students, not working full-time in the public or private sector.

Non-Member Conference Fees:

Non-Member - Existing Government Leader - $300.00
Non-Member - Business Partners - $315.00
Non-Member - Emerging Leaders (Students) - $100.00
AZ WLG Sponsor - $315.00

REGISTRATION & BREAKFAST

Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 22. Welcome Remarks begin at 8:45 a.m. We encourage attendees to arrive early to avoid check-in lines, secure your seat and enjoy a light continental breakfast and networking!

LOCATION, PARKING AND TRANSIT INFORMATION

Parking is convenient and complimentary at the Mesa Convention Center. See map below for parking instructions.

For more information, visit Mesa Convention Center parking and transit information.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Don't miss this amazing moment to suport HERizon: Built for This Moment AZWLG 2026 Conference.

The AZ WLG 2026 Conference will be on Thursday, October 22, 2026 and Friday, October 23, 2026 at the Mesa Convention Center. Sponsorship is critical to Arizona Women Leading Government (AZ WLG) and our conference. When your organization sponsors the AZ WLG conference, you support women in local government, including administrative staff, managers, and elected leaders, having an opportunity to network, learn, and grow. Our 2025 conference had approximately 400 attendees. Past sponsors have included cities, large and small private businesses such as banks, and associations like the Arizona City/County Managers Association (ACMA).

GET SOCIAL!

Don’t forget to stay up to date on all AZ WLG activities and events by following AZ WLG on LinkedIn.

LinkedIn Group

Make sure to use the hashtag #AZWLG26 when posting about the conference!