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2025 EXECUTIVE INVITATIONAL SERIES

2025 EXECUTIVE INVITATIONAL SERIES

2025 EXECUTIVE INVITATIONAL SERIES

Join us for this Exclusive Event!

The Association for Early Learning Leaders (AELL) believes program excellence begins with strong leadership. Owners and Executive Leaders play a key role in shaping early care and education. The Executive Invitational Series is an annual event featuring collaborative training and networking with Owners and Executive Leaders from around the country and beyond. Space is limited and participants must meet certain criteria in order to be eligible to attend.

National child care legal expert Ron McGuckin and successful multi-site owners Mary Hornbeck and Alix Hall, along with invited industry and business leaders, lead in-depth sessions and discussions. Key topics guide the sessions, but the group and its current needs and challenges formulate the true content. Participants share their challenges and successes while brainstorming new ideas and action steps that can be implemented when they return to their programs. This event provides networking opportunities uniquely designed to promote professional connections, resources, and relationships that support your executive leadership role for years to come. First time participants are required to attend a set of standard training sessions that will lay the foundation for ongoing training and engagement. Revitalization plays a key factor in leadership success and ample time is built into the schedule for relaxation, relationship building and recreation.

Dates and Location

January 27-31, 2025  (Extended days available)

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun Resort  | Cancun, Mexico

Please do not register for this event until you have received notification that your application has been approved.

About The Conference

The Executive Invitation Series is a collaborative institute with a small group of Owners and Executive Leaders of early learning programs from around the country.

Registration

Please do not register for this event until you have received notification that your application has been approved.

Conference Sponsors

 

EVENT DETAILS

Who Should Attend?

Owners include listed proprietor(s) as well as next-generation succession if currently serving in leadership role of a program(s) that provide direct early care and education for young children.

Senior Executive Leaders include organization Senior VPs and Senior Regional/National Executives of programs that provide direct early care and education for young children.

NOTE: The Executive Invitational Series is solely focused on direct care providers and is not an appropriate training event for agencies without direct care services. Other child care and early education industry partners, resource and referral, or vendors interested in advertising or sponsorship opportunities should contact Lori Buxton, [email protected] for more information.

Criteria for Participation

  • Participants must be an AELL member in good standing.
  • Participants must be an Owner or Senior Executive with a program that provides direct early care and education services for young children.
  • Participants must submit a completed event application to be reviewed by the event committee to ensure all criteria has been met.
  • If accepted, participants must meet all payment due dates or invitation may be rescinded.

Application Process

Executive Leaders who have not previously attended this event are required to complete the Executive Series Invitational Application.  The application will be reviewed by the event committee to ensure participation criteria is met.  Applicants will be notified of application decision within seven (7) business days of submission. Applications can be accessed in the following ways:

  • By invitation from an event alumnus who will request an application on your behalf
  • Downloading an application from the Association website

It is generally accepted that Owners may have key employees that are integral to the successful operation of their programs. The following parameters are in place for owners to invite these employees:

  • Owner must have participated in at least one (1) Executive Invitational Series Even (formerly known as Owners Only).
  • Owner must submit a written request for an Executive Invitation Series Application for another participant who is NOT an Owner of the agency
  • Participants agree to adhere to the Code of Conduct related to this event 

CANCELLATION POLICY

All cancellations must be made in writing or sent to [email protected]

  • Registration cancellations received by October 31, 2024, are refundable minus a $125 processing fee.
  • No-shows and cancellations received after November 1, 2024, will not be eligible for a refund.

DOWNLOAD PROFESSIONAL CODE OF CONDUCT

Accommodations

The Executive Invitational Series will take place at the Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun Resort.

Important Note:

Participation in this event requires booking of the training nights through AELL. No exceptions will be made. Extended nights can be booked through membership programs.

 

TimeAgenda
MONDAY - JANUARY 27
5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.- Main Arrival Day
- Welcome Cocktails in Lobby Bar
TUESDAY - JANUARY 28
8:30 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. Connect Over Coffee
9:00 A.M. - 9:45 A.M.Opening General Session | The Current State of ECE | Panel Discussion
9:45 A.M. - 10:30 A.M.

General Session | The Current State of Insurance | Blake Sanders, Aleaf Insurance-Child Care Division

10:45 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS 

- Breakout Session A | Cost of Care  *Required for all first time attendees
- Breakout Session B | Company Structure Review for Best Tax Advantages | John Hilcher, CPA
- Breakout Session C | Retirement & Estate Planning | Erica Sylvia
12:30 P.M. - 2:00 P.M.Welcome Lunch with First-Time Attendees
2:30 P.M. Networking at the Pool/Beach*
7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.Poolside Dinner*
WEDNESDAY - JANUARY 29
8:30 A.M. - 9:00 A.M.

Connect Over Coffee

9:00 A.M. - 10:30 A.M.BREAKOUT SESSIONS 

- Breakout Session A
| Financial Documents 411 | John Hilcher, CPA  *Required for all first time attendees
- Breakout Session B | Life Insurance - As an Asset Class & Business Owner’s Tool | Erica Sylvia 
- Breakout Session C | Wages & Compensation Round Table Discussion | Lynette Galante & Mary Hornbeck
11:00 A.M. - 12:00 A.M.THINK TANKS

- Think Tank A
| Exploring Funding Opportunities - Money Is Out There | Erica Sylvia
- Think Tank B | HR Consistency - Hiring, Discipline, Incentives | Lynette Galante & Mary Hornbeck
2:30 P.M. Networking at the Pool/Beach*
7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.Dine Arounds*
THURSDAY - JANUARY 30

9:30 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.

Connect Over Coffee

10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.

General Session | Paid Media - A Deeper Dive | Ben Smithee, The Smithee Group

2:30 P.M. Networking at the Pool/Beach*
7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.Dine Arounds*
FRIDAY - JANUARY 31
8:30 A.M. - 10:30 A.M.General Session | How Gen Z Has Changed the Marketing & Advertising Game | Ben Smithee, The Smithee Group
10:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.General Session | Legal/HR Trends | Ron McGuckin
EVENING NETWORKING EVENTS
Monday, January 27

Welcome Cocktails in Lobby Bar

Tuesday, January 28

Group Dinner

Wednesday, January 29

Dine Arounds

Thursday, January 30

Cocktails in Lobby Bar | Dine Arounds

Please note that our dedicated room block is now closed and all room choices are subject to availbility at the resort.

Room OptionRegular Pricing (Sept 1 - Oct 15)Extended Nights
Junior Ocean View
Single Occupancy  |  Includes Training
$4,453 per person$604 per night per person
Junior Ocean View
Double Occupancy | Includes Training
$3,577 per person$385 per night per person
Junior Ocean View Companion
Double Occupancy | Does Not Include Training
$2,527 per person$385 per night per person
Junior Ocean View Preferred Club
Double Occupancy | Includes Training
$3,929 per person$473 per person per night
Junior Ocean View Preferred Club
Single Occupancy | Includes Training
$5,737 per person$925 per person per night
Junior Ocean View Preferred Club Companion
Double Occupancy | Does Not Include Training
$2,879 per person$473 per night per person
Junior Ocean Front Preferred Club
Double Occupancy | Includes Training
$4,801 per person$691 per night per person
Junior Ocean Front Preferred Club
Single Occupancy | Includes Training
$7,481 per person$1,361 per night per person
Junior Ocean Front Preferred Club Companion
Double Occupancy | Does Not Include Training
$3,751 per person$691 per night per person

Benjamin Smithee  |  CEO  |  The Smithee Group  |  www.TheSmitheeGroup.com 

Ben Smithee helps business leaders translate the future into a strategic roadmap they can start implementing today. He has been a featured speaker around the world across 6 continents and almost 30 countries. Ben has been a sought-after consultant for leading brands, including McDonald’s, EA Games, Cox Automotive, Serena Williams, General Mills, ebay, Chase, Popeyes, Disney, Salesforce, and 100’s of startups and retailers.

Ben is the CEO of The Smithee Group (TSG), a Digital Growth Agency that offers a full suite of digital marketing and media solutions that leverages their extensive expertise in research, consumer insights, and data analytics. He has founded 3 successful startups, and in addition to TSG, he helps lead marketing for AltFund, an innovative Fund of Funds in the Crypto space.

Ben lives in Dallas, TX, with his wife and daughter, and when he is not in the business and non-profit worlds, you can find Ben on the track racing cars, on the mountain snowboarding, or on the links playing golf. His family attends Shoreline City church.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Hidden away on one of the most pristine and famous beaches in all of Mexico, this AAA Five Diamond Resort, Secrets Maroma Beach, is the quintessential setting for relaxation and romance. Unwind in one of the many private, secluded nooks throughout the sprawling, manicured grounds or refresh at the stunning 13,000 square foot Secrets Spa by Pevonia® through a combination of hydrotherapy and indigenous treatments. Experience the ultimate in pampering at this Unlimited-Luxury®, adults-only paradise offering countless indulgences, delicious gourmet fare, breathtaking views and outstanding entertainment.

FLIGHTS

Cancun International Airport (CUN) is just 35 minutes away from the Secrets Maroma resort.

 TRANSPORTATION

Shuttle transportation is provided for all attendees to and from the Cancun International Aiport and the Secrets Maroma resort.

The Association for Early Learning Leaders is committed to excellence in the field of early childhood care and education by promoting leadership development and enhancing program quality.

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Building 3, Suite #400
Austin, TX 78746

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