top of page

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

Leading with Innovation
OC 2026 IAG #1.png

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: 

  • Members: $165 I  Members + Guest: $315

  • Non-Members: $215  I  Non-Members + Professional Membership (1-Year): $389

  • Student Members: $60  I  Student Members + Guest: $120

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

​

​Note: Breakfast and Lunch will be provided in addition to discounted self-parking for all attendees.

AI-Turning Innovation into Everyday Impact

Speakers

Yen.jpg
Yen Anderson

Motivational Speaker, Coach, AI Consultant, Gen AI Trainer

Vortexa AI

Vortexa AI.png
Hajo.jpg
Mahmoud Hajo

Executive Vice President

PIMCO

Picture14.png
Kyle.png
Kyle Greeley 

Technical Specialist

IBM

will.jpg
Will Li

Senior Technical Architect

Microsoft

Picture11.png

Moderators

Ted Chang.jpg
Ted Chang

Program and Supply Chain leader 

IBM

Lilian.jpg
Lillian Lin

Portfolio Manager

Wellington

Mental Health: The Foundation of Resiliency

Speakers

gary.jpg
Gary Lu

Chief Financial Officer

Biomerica

Chief Financial Officer

Biomerica

Picture12.png
Kiran.jpg
Dr. Kiran Bath

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

Michael.jpg
Michael Imerman

Assistant Professor of Teaching

University of California, Irvine – The Paul Merage School of Business

UCI.png

Moderators

Jas.jpg
Jas Kaur

​PIMCO

Anita.jpg
Anita Tse

Strategy Manager

Experian

Experian.png

The Power of Happiness: Explore how joy, purpose, and emotional wellbeing shape truly impactful leaders

Speakers 

Angelina.png
Angela Chee

Keynote Speaker

Angela Chee

Phillip.jpg
Phillip Lau

Founder

SoCal Boba Run Club

Picture13.jpg

Moderator

Program Partners

Platinum

Capital Group.png
Edwards Lifesciences.png
Experian.png
KPMG.png

Gold

PwC_Company_Logo.svg.png

Jade

bakertily.png
ernst-young-ey-logo-png-transparent.png
Pimco.png
RSM.png

Bronze

Accenture.png
Continuum Consulting Group.png
Withum.png

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.

_ --- Logo Color --- Text White_2x.png
  • Facebook - White Circle
  • LinkedIn - White Circle
  • Instagram - White Circle

Ascend National

262 West 38th Street, Suite 503

New York, NY 10018

©2025 Ascend Inc. All Rights Reserved. Ascend is a registered trademark.

bottom of page