Be sure to check here for our Wednesday Webinars!

 

2026 EXECUTIVE INVITATIONAL SERIES

2026 EXECUTIVE INVITATIONAL SERIES

2026 EXECUTIVE INVITATIONAL SERIES

Registration opens June 1st!

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 26-30, 2026  (Extended days available)

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun Resort  | Cancun, Mexico

EXECUTIVE INVITATIONAL SERIES APPLICATION
2026 EIS EVENT PROGRAM

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

About The Event

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.

EIS APPLICATION

2025 Event Sponsor

 

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 VP’s 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. 

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, 2025, are refundable minus a $125 processing fee.
  • No-shows and cancellations received after November 1, 2025, will not be eligible for a refund or transfer.

 

DOWNLOAD PROFESSIONAL CODE OF CONDUCT

 

Please note that the schedule is subject to change and stay tuned for session details!

TimeAgenda
MONDAY - JANUARY 26#colspan#
5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.- Main Arrival Day
- Welcome Cocktails in Lobby Bar
TUESDAY - JANUARY 27#colspan#
8:30 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. Connect Over Coffee
9:00 A.M. - 10:30 A.M.General Session
10:45 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Breakout Sessions
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 28#colspan#
8:30 A.M. - 9:00 A.M.

Connect Over Coffee
9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.Breakout Sessions
2:30 P.M. Networking at the Pool/Beach*
7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.Dine Arounds*
THURSDAY - JANUARY 29#colspan#

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

Connect Over Coffee

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

General Session
2:30 P.M. Networking at the Pool/Beach*
7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.Dine Arounds*
FRIDAY - JANUARY 30#colspan#
8:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.General Sessions
EVENING NETWORKING EVENTS#colspan#
Monday, January 26

Welcome Cocktails in Lobby Bar
Tuesday, January 27

Group Dinner
Wednesday, January 28

Dine Arounds
Thursday, January 29

Dine Arounds

Please note that all suite types are subject to availability in our room block at the time of registration.

 

Room OptionCurrent Pricing (June 1 - July 15)Extended Nights
Junior Ocean View
Single Occupancy  |  Includes Training		$4,653 per person$604 per night per person
Junior Ocean View
Double Occupancy | Includes Training		$3,777 per person$385 per night per person
Junior Ocean View Companion
Double Occupancy | Does Not Include Training		$2,727 per person$385 per night per person
Junior Ocean View Preferred Club
Double Occupancy | Includes Training		$4,129 per person$473 per person per night
Junior Ocean View Preferred Club
Single Occupancy | Includes Training		$5,937 per person$925 per person per night
Junior Ocean View Preferred Club Companion
Double Occupancy | Does Not Include Training		$3,079 per person$473 per night per person
Junior Ocean Front Preferred Club
Double Occupancy | Includes Training		$4,999 per person$691 per night per person
Junior Ocean Front Preferred Club
Single Occupancy | Includes Training		$7,681 per person$1,361 per night per person
Junior Ocean Front Preferred Club Companion
Double Occupancy | Does Not Include Training		$3,951 per person$691 per night per person

Designated Broker. Co-Founder. Investor. Author. Husband. Father.

Grafton Milne, SIOR, CCIM, is Co-Founder and Designated Broker of Menlo Group Commercial Real Estate. He helps oversee the company’s sales, recruiting, training and expansion efforts.

Grafton is among the Valley’s top advisors for child care properties, including charter schools, private schools and preschools. To further help child care owners, Grafton compiled knowledge gained throughout his career as a child care real estate advisor into his book, “Childcare Center Success: How to Maximize Profits and Minimize Mistakes.” The book outlines tips for starting and running a successful child care center and is available on Amazon.

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 Airport and the Secrets Maroma 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.

SEARCH ACCREDITED PROGRAMS
SEARCH VENDOR MEMBERS

Looking for a Vendor?

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.

© 2020 Association for Early Learning Leaders All Right Reserved
Privacy Policy

ADDRESS

1250 S. Capital of Texas Hwy
Building 3, Suite #400
Austin, TX 78746

Follow Us

Association for Early Learning Leaders