The Next Generation Leadership Program is designed to cultivate and empower the next generation of chamber of commerce professionals through targeted professional development and robust networking opportunities. This unique program brings together aspiring leaders from across the chamber industry, providing them with the tools, connections and insights necessary to elevate their careers. Whether you're aiming for a CEO or VP role, this program will give you direct access to industry mentors and leadership training to help you make a lasting impact. 

To deliver an exceptional leadership training experience, ACCE has partnered with BetterCulture, a nationally recognized expert in leadership and workplace culture development. This collaboration ensures that participants receive cutting-edge training tailored specifically for chamber professionals.

Attend the NextGen Leadership Program Interest Webinar on March 25, 12pm ET to learn about the program, hear from current cohort members and ask your questions live.

Who is BetterCulture?

BetterCulture is a leading provider of leadership training and workplace culture development programs. Their mission is to help organizations build world-class workplace cultures that foster exceptional leadership, high employee engagement and sustained success. With a track record of transforming organizations across dozens of industries – and currently serving as a strategic partner to over 50 Chambers of Commerce nationally – BetterCulture brings proven expertise and practical strategies that align perfectly with the unique needs of chamber professionals.

Applications

Applications are now open for the 2026–27 cohort, with a submission deadline of April 24, 2026.

NextGen Application

Program Overview

Participants will engage in comprehensive learning and networking throughout the year, both virtually and in-person. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Virtual Full-Cohort Professional Development Sessions: Attend six virtual professional development sessions with your peers on topics critical to chamber leadership. See dates below.
  • Virtual Connection Sessions: Attend six virtual connection sessions between the professional development sessions to discuss leadership content with your cohort and our online facilitator from BetterCulture. See dates below.
  • Mentorship: Connect with experienced mentors outside of group sessions for guidance and career advice.
  • In-person programming/activities at #ACCE26
    • Participate in an exclusive in-person leadership lunch designed specifically for the cohort.
    • Network with chamber leaders and peers at the leadership lunch and other networking events.
    • Explore opportunities for further leadership development through an optional Certified Chamber Executive information session.
  • In-person programming/activities at #ACCE27
    • Network with chamber leaders and peers at the leadership lunch and other networking events.
    • Connect with new NextGen cohort and lead small group activities.
    • Receive recognition for completing the program.

Program Cost

  • Registration Fee: $2,999
    • This fee includes the full program cost and a discounted registration to the #ACCE26 Convention in New Orleans and the #ACCE27 Convention (location TBD).
  • Refund: $500 will be refunded to participants who successfully meet all program expectations.
  • Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships for the program are available.* Apply for a scholarship via the program application. For more information, contact Ashley Purdy at [email protected]. 
    • *Scholarships do not include the $500 refund. 

Participant Expectations

  • Full-Cohort Professional Development Sessions: Six virtual sessions (June 2026 – May 2027), lasting 90-120 minutes each.
    • June 3, 2026, 2-4pm ET
    • September 2, 2026, 2-4pm ET
    • November 4, 2026, 2-4pm ET
    • January 13, 2027, 2-4pm ET
    • March 3, 2027, 2-4pm ET
    • May 5, 2027, 2-4pm ET
  • Virtual Connection Sessions: Five virtual sessions (July 2026 – April 2027), lasting 60 minutes each. Virtual Connection sessions will be facilitated by leadership training experts at BetterCulture. 
    • July 8, 2026, 2-4pm ET (BetterCulture Training Kick-Off)
    • August 5, 2026, 2-3pm ET
    • October 7, 2026, 2-3pm ET
    • December 2, 2027, 2-3pm ET
    • February 3, 2027, 2-3pm ET
    • April 7, 2027, 2-3pm ET
  • Mentorship: Engage in 60-minute bi-monthly meetings with your mentor to guide your development throughout the program. Mentorship sessions will dive deeper into the topics from each session, enabling you to apply learned concepts, address challenges and grow as a leader in a supportive environment.
  • Outside Assignments/Reading: Expect to spend approximately 2.5 hours per month completing assignments and reading.
  • #ACCE26 Convention: Participate in exclusive sessions and workshops at the convention in New Orleans from July 20-22, 2026.
  • #ACCE27 Convention: Participate in various sessions and workshops at the 2027 convention. Date and location TBD.
  • Total Time Commitment: Approximately 50 hours over the course of the program.