Man In: The Men's Leadership Experience

Disability Inclusion Program

Association Forum—the organization behind the Women’s Executive Forum™ and Welcoming Environment®—announces Man In™: The Men’s Leadership Experience, a new day-long immersive leadership lab focused on connection, wellness, and growth.

This experience is designed to foster connection, strengthen wellbeing, and support the evolving leadership needs of men with an intentional space for community, reflection, and practical leadership development.

Why the name: Man In™

The name Man In reflects a deliberate choice. Rather than prescribing what leadership “should” look like, Man In signals commitment and presence—the decision to step in, show up, and engage fully in one’s growth as a leader and as a human being.

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“This isn’t about giving men more power,” said Artesha Moore, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO of Association Forum. “It’s about giving men permission to lead with authenticity, vulnerability, and a renewed sense of belonging. This is what it means to live our Welcoming Environment® values.”

What is it?

Man In™ is not your typical leadership conference. It’s an immersive, highly interactive leadership lab—built for leaders who want more than content. It’s designed for real conversation, real connection, and real growth.

You can expect an experience that makes room to step away from daily pressures, engage in meaningful dialogue, and build authentic relationships with peers.

What you’ll experience

  • Facilitated dialogue and guided reflection
  • Peer connection and community-building
  • Practical leadership development grounded in real human needs

"One of the reasons I said yes to this is that we have an opportunity to create a space where men can have real and honest conversations earlier, before stress, isolation, or unhealthy habits calcify into leadership problems." Jonathan Adams, CAE

Why Now?

In a time when many men report increased isolation, pressure, and uncertainty, Man In™ is an invitation to connect, listen, and build the personal and relational foundations that support effective, healthy leadership.

The need for this kind of experience has never been more urgent.

Recent research paints a clear picture:

  • 25% of U.S. men aged 15–35 report feeling lonely for much of the previous day

  • 15% of men say they have no close friends — a fivefold increase since 1990

  • $406 billion — the annual cost of workplace loneliness to U.S. businesses

The data tells a powerful story: men are missing connection. This initiative offers a direct response — a bold and thoughtful space to recharge, reflect, and grow in community.

“Creating a space where men can be real, be supported, and build authentic relationships is a powerful step forward to improving mental wellness,” said Shawn Boynes, FASAE, CAE. “This leads to stronger leadership because in the current sociopolitical environment, we need less exhaustion and more nourishment.”

📆Save the Date: September 17, 2026

Additional details about Man In™—including location, faculty, and registration information—will be announced in the coming months.

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Guided by a powerhouse advisory group

Man In™ is being shaped by a high-powered advisory group of diverse leaders—setting the tone, guardrails, and experience design to ensure it’s courageous, relevant, and inclusive.

“Man In creates space for men to talk honestly about hard things—where strength does not require flawlessness and confidence comes from integrity rather than perfection,” said Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF.

Meet the Advisory Group

Addressing Equity and Inclusion

We understand that a men’s leadership experience can raise fair questions. Here’s what’s true:

  • Man In™ complements—and does not replace—our ongoing investment in the Women’s Executive Forum™ and Welcoming Environment® work.
  • This experience supports healthier leadership, not hierarchy—helping men strengthen connection, self-awareness, empathy, and accountability.
  • Equity isn’t zero-sum. When leaders grow, workplaces become more inclusive for everyone.
  • ManIn™ is inclusive and welcoming. While the focus is men’s leadership development, all are welcome to engage with the work.

“Man In aligns with Association Forum’s commitment to leadership development that is relevant, courageous, and grounded in real human needs,” said Michelle Mills Clement, FASAE, CAE, RCE, Association Forum Board Chair.