IAAP Summit 2026

Keynote: Our Power is in Our Hands
2026-07-27 08:30 - 09:45 (America/Vancouver)
Join kindness champion Shola Richards for an electrifying keynote that reveals how your authentic connections and collective compassion become the unstoppable force transforming our entire profession, one heart, one moment, one choice at a time.

What if the greatest power you possess isn’t found in your credentials or expertise, but in your capacity for genuine human connection? In this transformative keynote, renowned kindness champion Shola Richards will show you how administrative professionals serve as the vital connectors, culture carriers, and leaders in motion who shape the very soul of every organization. You’ll discover how kindness, not mere niceness, becomes a driving force for creating workplaces where people truly thrive, and why understanding this crucial distinction positions you as a powerful change agent within your organization. This isn’t just about being pleasant, it’s about recognizing that your collective power to foster authentic relationships and build inclusive cultures is exactly what the world needs right now.

Learning Outcomes:

Harness the transformative power of kindness as a professional leadership tool that drives measurable organizational change
Identify your unique role as a connector and culture carrier who influences workplace dynamics and team cohesion
Implement practical strategies for creating ripple effects of positive change that extend beyond your immediate sphere
Embrace your identity as a leader in motion who actively shapes the future of the administrative profession through intentional relationship-building

Community Conversation: Shaping Our Profession's Future Together
2026-07-28 11:00 - 11:45
Join leaders from IAAP and IAAP Foundation for an energizing conversation about our shared vision for the administrative profession—where your voice matters, your questions drive the dialogue, and your involvement shapes the future we’re building together.

This is your opportunity to be part of the conversation that’s redefining what it means to be an administrative professional today. Leaders from IAAP and IAAP Foundation will share how our organizations are leading the narrative around the value and essential nature of administrative work, including advocacy efforts that are changing perceptions and innovative programs designed to elevate every admin professional. Most importantly, this is your chance to ask questions, share perspectives, and discover meaningful ways to get involved in this movement. Your voice and passion are exactly what will fuel the next chapter of our profession’s evolution—and this conversation is where it all comes together.
