Ascend OC’s Inspiring Across Generations (IAG) Conference 2026
Leading with Innovation

Event Details
Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM PT
Venue: The Westin South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, 686 Anton Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626
Admission:
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Members: $165 I Members + Guest: $315
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Non-Members: $215 I Non-Members + Professional Membership (1-Year): $389
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Student Members: $60 I Student Members + Guest: $120
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Non-Member Ascend Student Members: $75
Attire: Business Casual
Description
Join the Ascend Orange County Chapter for the Inspiring Across Generations (IAG) 2026 Conference—where we embrace the power of innovation to elevate leadership across every generation.
Guided by this year’s theme, “Leading with Innovation,” the conference empowers students, professionals, and executives to explore how creativity, technology, and allyship are redefining what it means to lead in a rapidly evolving world.
Through engaging keynotes, hands-on workshops, and cross-generational panel discussions, we will dive into three powerful focus areas:
AI: Turning Innovation into Everyday Impact
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Be part of an inspiring session on “AI – Turning Innovation into Everyday Impact.” We’ll dive into how emerging AI technologies are moving from concept to practical application, creating meaningful value across industries.
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We will learn how organizations are harnessing AI to solve real problems, boost productivity, and unlock new opportunities. Perfect for leaders looking to stay ahead of the curve.
The Power of Happiness: Explore how joy, purpose, and emotional wellbeing shape truly impactful leaders
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Be part of a thought-provoking session on “The Power of Happiness: Explore how joy, purpose, and emotional wellbeing shape truly impactful leaders.” Learn how happiness fuels clarity, resilience, and stronger connections—core qualities of modern, effective leadership.
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We will explore how joy, purpose, and emotional wellbeing shape truly impactful leaders. Discover practical ways to cultivate happiness-driven leadership in your teams.
Mental Health: The Foundation of Resiliency
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Join us for an engaging segment on “Mental Health: The Foundation of Resiliency,” where we’ll explore how mental wellbeing strengthens adaptability, clarity, and long-term success. Discover practical tools to build resilience in both personal and professional settings.
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Learn how prioritizing mental health empowers individuals and teams to navigate challenges with strength and confidence. Gain actionable insights to support a healthier, more balanced future.
Whether you’re launching your career, advancing to the next level, or leading organizations and communities, IAG 2026 will inspire you to lead boldly—with curiosity, innovation, and impact.
Together, we are not just preparing for the future—we are building it.
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​Note: Breakfast and Lunch will be provided in addition to discounted self-parking for all attendees.
Speakers
AI-Turning Innovation into Everyday Impact
Speakers

Yen Anderson
Motivational Speaker, Coach, AI Consultant, Gen AI Trainer
Vortexa AI


Mahmoud Hajo
Executive Vice President
PIMCO

Kyle Greeley
Technical Specialist
IBM

Will Li
Senior Technical Architect
Microsoft
Moderators

Ted Chang
Program and Supply Chain leader
IBM

Lillian Lin
Portfolio Manager
Wellington
Mental Health: The Foundation of Resiliency
Speakers

Gary Lu
Chief Financial Officer
Biomerica
Chief Financial Officer
Biomerica

Dr. Kiran Bath
Partner at Neurology Center of N. Orange County and Director at St. Jude Comprehensive Stroke Program

Michael Imerman
Assistant Professor of Teaching
University of California, Irvine – The Paul Merage School of Business
Moderators

Jas Kaur
​PIMCO

Anita Tse
Strategy Manager
Experian
The Power of Happiness: Explore how joy, purpose, and emotional wellbeing shape truly impactful leaders
Speakers

Angela Chee
Keynote Speaker
Angela Chee

Phillip Lau
Founder
SoCal Boba Run Club

Moderator

Steve Horio
​PIMCO
Program Partners
Platinum




Gold

Jade




Bronze



Donation Partner
Safety of our guests is paramount to Ascend. Attendees are responsible for monitoring their own condition and agree to comply with the safety, hygiene and CDC identified pandemic level communicable illnesses (including COVID-19) guidelines established by relevant health authorities. We request that attendees not attend an event should they test positive or if they experience COVID symptoms prior to the event.