RISE Leadership Summit
One day of practical, hands-on leadership for Interior Alaska, from students and emerging leaders to business owners and managers. Leave with tools you can use at work the next morning. Hosted by the RISE Leadership Collaborative in Fairbanks.
Four commitments behind every leader we grow.
The RISE Leadership Collaborative brings together leaders, employers, and community partners across Interior Alaska to build a stronger leadership culture year-round. The Summit is our flagship event.
How the day comes together
Everyone starts and finishes together with a keynote. In between, you choose the tracks and panels that fit the leadership challenges you face.
Practical, not just inspirational
Speakers bring tools and frameworks you can put to work right away.
Active, not passive
Team-based activities and report-backs from sessions, not hours of listening.
Panels with a purpose
Each panel tackles one specific leadership challenge, led by a skilled facilitator.
Opening keynote
All attendees together to set the tone for the day.
Morning tracks & panels
Two focused tracks plus facilitated panel discussions.
Networking lunch
A 90-minute lunch with time to visit partner booths and meet leaders across sectors.
Afternoon tracks & panels
More hands-on sessions that build on the morning.
Closing keynote
Back together to share takeaways and recognize local leaders.
Sessions run 55–60 minutes, with 30-minute breaks for networking and booth visits. The full agenda and track topics will be published as they are confirmed.
Speakers announced soon
We're recruiting keynote speakers and facilitators who bring practical, immediately usable tools. Want to present, or know a leader who should? Tell us.
Leadership doesn't stop after one day
RISE works with local partners to grow and celebrate leaders all year.
Leadership Fairbanks
RISE is partnering with Leadership Fairbanks, the community's leadership development program. The next class launches November 18, 2026, with support from Northrim and Spruce Montessori School.
Participants nearing graduation are invited to serve as team leaders and mentors for Summit cohorts and panel discussions.
Leadership Excellence Recognition
A recognition program, developed with the Fairbanks Chamber, where local businesses nominate employees who lead well. Honorees will be celebrated each year. Details and criteria are coming soon.
Put your name behind local leadership
Sponsors make the Summit possible and keep it accessible for leaders at every level. Opportunities include:
- Recognition at the Summit and on this site
- An exhibitor booth during the 90-minute networking lunch
- Seats and tables for your team
- Lunch and session sponsorships
- In-kind partnerships: catering, venue, and AV
Packages are being finalized now. Tell us you're interested and we'll reach out first.
Start a sponsorship conversationSave the date
Registration opens once the date and venue are confirmed. Plan for a weekday in late April 2027 in Fairbanks.
- Individual registration
- Team and table options for organizations
Sponsor, present, or stay in the loop
Tell us how you'd like to be part of the Summit. A member of the steering committee will follow up, usually within a few business days.
- Sponsors & exhibitors: first look at packages as they're finalized
- In-kind partners: catering, venue, and AV support
- Speakers: practical, hands-on sessions and panels
Common questions
When is the Summit?
A Wednesday or Thursday in late April 2027. We'll announce the exact date as soon as the venue is confirmed.
Where will it be held?
In Fairbanks, Alaska. The venue will be announced with the date.
Who should attend?
Anyone who leads or wants to lead: business owners, managers, nonprofit and public sector leaders, military members from Fort Wainwright and Eielson, UAF students, and emerging leaders across Interior Alaska.
What will the sessions be like?
Practical and interactive. Expect opening and closing keynotes, two focused tracks, and facilitated panels on specific leadership challenges, with team activities and report-backs throughout. Sessions run 55–60 minutes with 30-minute breaks.
How much does it cost?
Pricing is still being finalized and will be announced when registration opens.
How can my organization get involved?
Sponsor the Summit, host a booth, donate catering or AV, suggest a speaker, or send a team. Get in touch and we'll follow up.