EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT SERIES (EDS) OVERVIEW
This series is the premier professional development opportunity for mid-career professionals in the media, entertainment and technology industry. It is comprised of two distinct programs:
Designed to complement one another, the EDS programs have their own distinct curriculum but ALL provide participants with practical skills and actionable plans to ensure success at the director and VP level, all while forming a powerful peer network.
2026 Program Information
Executive Presence & Influence
May 13-14, 2026
The Adaptive & Authentic Leader
May 13-15, 2026
Registration Fee:
- $2,850 / members
- $3,180 / non-members
Each program within the Executive Development Series stands independent of the other and may be attended in any order. Seats are limited and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellations
Written cancellation notices received on or before April 1, 2026 will receive a full refund. Cancellations received after April 1, 2026 are not eligible for a refund but substitutions are permitted.
Executive Presence & Influence: May 13-14, 2026 – Washington, DC
The Adaptive & Authentic Leader: May 13-15, 2026 – Washington, DC
The Dupont Circle
1500 New Hampshire Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Click here to reserve your room.
Room rate: $299 plus taxes and fees ($346.69)
Room Block Deadline: 4/21/26
- Mid-career professional at Senior Manager, Director or VP level, or equivalency thereof.
- At least 8 years of professional experience.
- Current member of The WICT Network.
Executive Development Series participants represent diverse backgrounds and are committed to strengthening their leadership skills.
Part of the Executive Development Series
Executive presence is the ability to command attention, build trust and inspire others to follow you. In the high-visibility world of media, entertainment and technology, leaders are often judged in seconds on how they show up, what they say and how they say it. Executive Presence & Influence helps you shape those first impressions and everyday interactions so they consistently reinforce your leadership brand.
This EDS program blends practical frameworks, rehearsal and real-time feedback to develop a presence that is both authentic and impactful. Drawing on ideas such as the “7-11 rule,” which suggests that in the first seven seconds people form quick judgments about your credibility and likeability, the experience moves from inner mindset to outward expression. It culminates in the Confident Casual® target, where you project poise and authority while remaining approachable and engaging, in person and in virtual settings.
Program Purpose
The goal is to develop leaders who project clear, credible executive presence and use it to influence people and outcomes in a positive way. Participants sharpen their self-awareness, refine their communication style and gain practical tools to show up consistently in a way that inspires confidence, increases visibility and supports their career progression, including in AI-enabled workplaces.
Learn more here.
Part of the Executive Development Series
The Adaptive & Authentic Leader prepares high-performing professionals to lead with clarity, resilience and integrity in a rapidly evolving media, entertainment and technology landscape. This EDS program blends strategic leadership training with personal discovery to develop leaders who are not only effective, but also self-aware and grounded.
In an environment where stakes are high and demands are complex, technical skills and leadership frameworks matter—but they aren’t enough on their own. This experience strengthens the inner and outer capacities leaders need to stay steady amid volatility and ambiguity, and to guide individuals, teams and systems with greater agility and confidence.
Program Purpose
The goal is to develop leaders who can combine power, agility and authenticity in how they show up and make decisions. Participants deepen their self-awareness, sharpen their strategic judgment and gain practical tools to communicate clearly, mobilize stakeholders and make confident decisions in complex environments.
Learn more here.
