ASSOCIATION FORUM ANNOUNCES MAN IN™: THE MEN’S LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE 

A New Immersive Leadership Lab Focused on Connection, Wellness, and Growth

CHICAGO — January 28, 2026 — Association Forum announces the name of its new signature event supporting men. Man In: The Men’s Leadership Experience will be a new day-long immersive leadership lab designed to foster connection, strengthen wellbeing, and support the evolving leadership needs of men and male-identifying leaders.

Man In will take place on September 17, 2026, bringing together leaders from across industries for a highly interactive experience focused on community, reflection, and practical leadership growth. Registration will open in April 2026. Unlike traditional conferences or panel-driven events, Man In is intentionally designed as an experiential leadership lab—creating space for men to step away from daily pressures, engage in meaningful dialogue, and build authentic relationships with peers.

Why the Name: Man In
The name Man In reflects a deliberate choice. Rather than labeling or prescribing what leadership should look like, Man In signals commitment and presence—the decision to step in, show up, and engage fully in one’s growth as a leader and as a human being. In a time when many men report increased isolation, pressure, and uncertainty, Man In is an invitation to connect, listen, and build the personal and relational foundations that support effective, healthy leadership.

“Man In creates space for men to talk honestly about hard things—where strength does not require flawlessness and confidence comes from integrity rather than perfection,” said Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF, CEO of Vista Cova and a member of the Man In Advisory Group. “Leadership grows when we allow room for reflection, learning from setbacks, and taking responsibility for helping make things right. This initiative invites men to listen more deeply, show up with humility, and lead in ways that strengthen people and communities.”

Association Forum President & CEO Artesha Moore, FASAE, CAE, emphasized that Man In reflects the organization’s broader commitment to inclusive, whole-person leadership development. “Leadership today is complex, human, and deeply relational,” said Moore. “Man In brings leaders together to build trusted community and honest conversation around leadership, mental health, family, and physical well-being—supporting men and the allies who work alongside them. By strengthening connection and self-awareness, we strengthen leaders, teams, and the communities they serve.”

Association Forum Board Chair Michelle Mills Clement, FASAE, CAE, RCE, noted that the launch of Man In represents an important evolution in the organization’s leadership portfolio. “Man In aligns with Association Forum’s commitment to leadership development that is relevant, courageous, and grounded in real human needs,” said Mills Clement. “By intentionally creating space for connection, reflection, and wellbeing, we are investing in leaders who are better prepared to lead with authenticity, resilience, and purpose, strengthening their organizations and the communities they serve.”

Additional details about Man In: The Men’s Leadership Experience, including location, faculty, and registration information, will be announced in the
coming months.

About Association Forum

Founded in 1916, Association Forum serves nearly 3,000 professionals dedicated to advancing association management. Association Forum empowers individuals whose work serves over 37 million members and generates $22 billion in global annual expenditures. For more information, visit www.associationforum.org.