Directors Forum 2026 

A working session for directors to stress-test decisions before regulators, investors, or headlines do it for you.

Scenario-based sessions 

Step into real-world situations where the answers aren’t obvious and test your thinking alongside experienced peers.  

Role-specific peer exchanges 

Join small-group, off-the-record sessions with directors in similar roles to compare oversight strategies and trade lessons.  

Limited attendance for deeper dialogue 

This is a working session, not a keynote marathon. The format is built for dialogue not monologues.  

Timed for maximum relevance 

The event is being held just ahead of a high-stakes season for many boards, so you can prepare while there’s still time to act.

Three people in frame. Two men in the middle and left side, both wearing suits. Woman on the right wearing a tweed blazer.

Oversight with purpose. This is where directors get ready. 

Directors are under unprecedented scrutiny right now – from shareholders, activists, proxy advisors, politicians and the media. The Directors Forum is about equipping directors to not only see around corners, but to lead with clarity and courage through what’s next.  

Through peer-to-peer exchanges, scenario-based exercises and off-the-record discussions, you’ll gain practical tools to tackle the toughest issues on your agenda and leave with a tested plan before your stakeholders put it under the microscope.  

The Directors Forum isn’t just another generic conference —it’s a working session for directors determined to stay ahead. If you know that relevance in the boardroom comes from thinking differently, asking sharper questions and leading with intention, there’s a seat at the table waiting for you. Will you join us? 

Don’t just listen—debate, problem-solve and collaborate with fellow directors facing the same challenges.

At the Directors Forum, every session is designed for active participation. You’ll step into real scenarios, compare judgment calls with peers, and walk through high-pressure situations that don’t have easy answers. You’ll leave with clearer thinking and practical ways to: 

These are the conversations you want to have before they play out in real time, under real pressure. 

HarryPhoto_Day2_0040

Keynote Sessions

Herman Bulls
Courage, Character & Foresight: Lessons from the Military to the Boardroom

Herman Bulls, Vice Chairman, Americas, JLL; Board Member, Fluence Energy, Host Hotels, Comfort Systems USA

Raj Gupta
The Ripple Effect—Why Great Boards Matter More Than Ever

Raj Gupta, Retired CEO, Rohm and Haas Company; Seasoned director of 15 public company boards including Hewlett Packard, DuPont, Delphi/Aptiv, Tyco and Avantor

HarryPhoto_Day2_0044

Agenda Highlights

Here are just a few of the interactive sessions and conversations designed to sharpen your oversight: 

Why Directors Come Back

Timely

“The topics were timely. The discussion was phenomenal. But the most important thing is that the connections are invaluable.”

John Rhea

Ameren

Networking

“On point topics and great agenda that drove networking and sharing.”

William McClellan

Revival Healthcare Capital

Knowledge Sharing

“Great content, knowledge sharing and networking opportunities.”

Michael Goodwin

Burlington Stores and Cracker Barrel

Size

“The quality of the peer exchange, size of the event and topic relevance were all great.”

Suzanne Vautrinot

CSX

Join Us in Scottsdale

Registration is now open. Don’t wait—seats are limited to keep the experience intimate and director-driven.  

Individual + Annual Membership

Attend the Forum & Join CBM Network
$1295
$ 1,195 Only open to sitting board directors
  • All Forum Registration Benefits
  • Complimentary attendance at most CBM Events
  • 50% off the Boardroom Summit
  • Access to Members-Only Virtual Events

Individual

Registration
$1295
$ 1,095 Use code DF2026
  • Access to General Sessions & Case Studies
  • Peer Exchange
  • Reception & Meals

Group Discount Available:
Save more when you register as a group of 3 or more. Use the code ‘df2026group‘ at checkout.

Early Bird Pricing (Ends Oct 10)

$1,595

Discount Period 2 (Oct 11 to Nov 28)

$1,795

Discount Period 3 (Nov 28 to Feb 6)

$1,995

Final Price (Feb 6 to March 3)

$2,195

The Setting: Scottsdale, AZ 

The Directors Forum will be held at The Scottsdale Resort & Spa, a recently renovated property located in the heart of McCormick Ranch. The venue offers a quiet, focused environment for working sessions—alongside spaces to connect with peers over coffee, a meal or a moment outside between sessions.  

For directors balancing heavy responsibilities and nonstop decision-making, the setting is intentionally low stress. The resort includes:  

  • Updated guest rooms and meeting spaces following a $40M renovation  
  • Onsite dining options and casual lounge areas for informal networking 
  • Outdoor patios, walking paths, and quiet spaces to recharge between sessions  
  • Convenient access to downtown Scottsdale and a short drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport  

 

The venue is designed to support the kind of peer exchange and focused discussion the Forum is known for—without distraction, without noise, and without needing to leave the property.  

Sponsors

Logo of Pearl Meyer

Supporting Sponsors