What are the dates and location for the 2026 Global Ascension Leadership Experience?  

The HBA’s 2026 Global Ascension Leadership Experience will be held 23 - 24 April at the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in San Diego, CA. 

What is the dress code?  

Attire for all Global Ascension Leadership Experience events is business professional.  

Who can I contact with my dietary restrictions or ADA needs?  

Individual Seats: Dietary restrictions/preferences will be collected during the registration process. 
Table Guests: Please provide your table manager with your dietary restrictions or email HBA@HBAnet.org.
Table Managers: When entering the names of your table (10 seats) in the Table Portal, there are fields to enter dietary restrictions for that specific guest. 

Email HBA@HBAnet.org to communicate any ADA needs. Dietary restrictions and ADA needs that are not communicated cannot be guaranteed accommodation.   

What are the health and safety protocols?  

The health and safety of event attendees and a COVID-safe environment is our priority. The HBA will monitor CDC and WHO guidelines, as well as state, city, and hotel policies, at regular intervals, and implement health and safety protocols as needed. 

How can I join the online conversation about HBA conferences and events?  

Join us online at our LinkedIn, Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram platforms. Use hashtags #HBAGALE26 and #HBAImpact when posting about the Global Ascension Leadership Experience to connect with us and your peers! 

When will registration open?  

Registration opens on 12 January and will remain open until the event hits capacity. On-site registration begins at 9:00 AM PT on 24 April 2026, with the first event (Coffee & Connections) starting at 9:30 AM PT. 

May I pick up all the badges for my tables/company?  

No, group check-in is not permitted. Each individual must go through the check-in line to print their badge. 

How much does it cost to register?  

Click here to view registration rates.  

What are the registration cancellation and substitution policies?  

Cancellation Policy:  

Confirmed registrants may cancel and receive a full refund (minus a $200/€180 administrative fee for individual seats and a $500/€450 administrative fee for tables) until 3 April 2026. A completed cancellation form must be received no later than 3 April 2026. Registrants who do not cancel by 3 April 2026 and do not attend will be responsible for the full registration fee.

* Note: If a portion of your registration fee is covering HBA membership dues ($249/€230), this is nonrefundable and nontransferable per the HBA policy.  

Substitution Policy:  

In-person seats may be transferred to another individual through Friday, 10 April 2026, via the table management portal for tables or the substitution form for individual tickets. No substitutions for in person tickets will be given after this date. Substitution for a non-member will require paid membership to the HBA.  

* Note: If a portion of your registration fee is covering HBA membership dues ($249/€230), this is nonrefundable and nontransferable per the HBA policy. 

How many seats are at each table?  

The maximum number of seats allowed per table is 10. Additional seats cannot be added to any table due to hotel fire code. 

May I choose a specific table?  

Table managers are able to select their exact table(s) within the table type(s) purchased from remaining inventory. To do so, the payment for your table(s) must be received in full. Access to the portal for selection and management of tables opens in early 2026. If your company has multiple tables and would like to have multiple table managers, please email HBA@HBAnet.org.  

Individuals will be assigned seats within the individual seating section. 

Will our Rising Star and/or Luminary sit at our table? 

New this year! Rising Stars and Luminaries may be seated at your company table(s), or we can seat them in the designated Rising Star & Luminary section. 

I am a “party of one” and would like to sit with other colleagues. How can I make those arrangements?  

We will accommodate requests to the best of our ability, but cannot guarantee. Please ensure your request is submitted with your individual seat registration by following these instructions:  

In the “review my badge” section on the registration form, please indicate a seating preference in one of the following specialized areas: advertising/marketing, clinical development, consulting, entrepreneurs, finance, IT, sales, or sciences. If you would like to sit with a specific person, please enter their name. If you have already registered, you can email your preference to HBA@HBAnet.org. 

How do I make hotel arrangements?  

Book your lodging in the HBA’s discounted hotel block for the guaranteed best rate at $349/night, plus taxes and fees. The deadline to make hotel reservations in the block is 30 March 2026.  

Do you offer any travel discounts?  

We have negotiated several discounts with major airlines servicing San Diego airports. Click here for more information and redemption instructions.  

I am attending the 2026 HBA Global Ascension Leadership Awards from outside of the United States. How do I request a visa letter?  

International attendees of the Global Ascension Leadership Experience may need a letter of invitation from the HBA to obtain a visa to visit the United States. After you have registered, please follow the visa letter hyperlink in your confirmation email to obtain this documentation.   

My company is interested in sponsoring the 2026 HBA Global Ascension Leadership Experience. What are the next steps?  

Click here for more information on HBA Global Ascension Leadership Experience sponsorship opportunities.  

Additional Questions

Who do I contact if I have additional questions?  

If you have a question about HBA membership, please email membership@HBAnet.org.

If your organization already works with the HBA, and you have questions about sponsorship options for the 2026 HBA Global Ascension Leadership Experience, please contact your HBA Account Manager.
If you are new to the HBA or do not have an assigned contact, our team is available to assist. 

If you have a housing inquiry, please call the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center at (619) 310-9800 and mention the HBA Global Ascension Leadership Experience hotel block.  

For all other HBA Global Ascension Leadership Experience inquiries, email HBA@HBAnet.org.