2026 CEO Forum & Reps Meeting

A new kind of organization is reshaping the future — the Exponential Organization (ExO) — harnessing emerging technologies, data, and community to drive impact at a pace and scale that leaves traditional models behind. 

In 2026, AFIT invites you to explore how these next-gen organizations achieve outsized results — not by doing more with more, but by doing more with less. Through our Exponential Resilience learning theme, you and your team will discover the ExO Formula — the shared DNA behind the world’s most agile, adaptive, and forward-thinking organizations. 

This year’s design also brings you to the frontier of one of the most transformative exponential technologies of our time: quantum computing. Through immersive experiences with Central New Mexico Community College’s Quantum Learning Lab and a behind-the-scenes visit to Quantinuum’s photonics lab, you’ll see firsthand how quantum breakthroughs — once theoretical — are now reshaping fields from materials science to cybersecurity to next-gen AI. More importantly, you'll explore what these shifts mean for talent development, regional economic growth, and the future of higher education. 

Our 2026 learning design will equip you with: 

• A comprehensive framework for transforming your institution using the ExO Formula. 

• Tools, case studies, and real-world applications that demystify how to leverage data, emerging technologies (including quantum), and decentralized leadership to expand impact. 

• Strategies for building adaptive, resilient, future-ready cultures rooted in experimentation, agility, and continuous learning. 

• A firsthand understanding of the quantum landscape — and how institutions can prepare their communities for the workforce and innovation opportunities it unlocks 

• Explore the Exponential Era: Examine the rapidly converging technological, societal, and geopolitical forces reshaping our world — and what they mean for the future of higher education. 

• Discover the ExO Formula: Gain early exposure to the principles behind Exponential Organizations — agile, tech-powered institutions that outperform peers by design. 

• Shape the 2026 Summer Institute: Meet our learning partners, preview the Summer Institute experience, and help co-design the journey by providing feedback and beginning to build your team. 

• See the Exponential Future of Quantum Computing: Experience the future up close through a two-part Innovation Field Trip. We’ll begin at Central New Mexico Community College’s Quantum Learning Lab, home of the pioneering 10-week Quantum Technician Bootcamp that’s cultivating the next generation of quantum technicians. Then, we’ll go behind the scenes at Quantinuum’s new photonics lab — the world’s largest integrated quantum computing company — to explore how their breakthroughs are reshaping materials discovery, cybersecurity, and next-generation quantum AI. 

Cancellation Policy: If you cancel on or before January 15, 2026 you will be charged a $50/person cancellation fee. If you cancel between January 16-February 12, 2026, you will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be awarded after February 12, 2026. 

Substitutions are not subject to a cancellation fee. If you need to cancel or substitute a team member, please contact Paul Klute at paul.klute@afithighered.com or 785-691-9965.