2025 CEO Leadership Retreat

Join the Arizona Technology Council and Arizona Commerce Authority for the 18th annual CEO Leadership Retreat on
August 4-5 in historic Prescott, AZ.

This event offers a unique opportunity to step away from the daily grind, assess your achievements over the past year, and set new goals for the remainder of 2025 and beyond. Whether you hold the title of CEO, C-suite executive, president, business leader, or entrepreneur, this two-day retreat promises to connect you with fellow Arizona tech leaders, provide valuable insights from their journeys, and ignite the spark needed to position your organization for continued growth and prosperity.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Please note that accommodations are not included in the registration fee. The conference has a room block for the Monday, August 4.

Conference Rates
Standard Rooms – $139
Suites – $189

To secure your accommodations, please call the Hassayampa Inn at (800)322-1927 and ask to make a reservation for Arizona Technology Council or group# 333029. The deadline for booking at the AZTC rate is Monday, July 14.

PLEASE NOTE: Any retreat registration cancellation must be made by Friday, July 18 at 12 noon. Attendees are responsible for hotel bookings which are subject the hotel’s cancellation policy.

About the historic Hassayampa Inn
Among Prescott hotels, the story of the historic Hassayampa Inn is truly unique. Even before it was constructed, the Inn helped to bring the people of Prescott together. During the “roaring twenties,” El Paso architect Henry Trost was challenged by a group of residents to design a grand hotel – a place where people could relax, chat and escape the grind of their hectic lives. Read more…

EVENT AGENDA (subject to change)

SUNDAY, August 3

3:00 PM | Check-in at the Hassayampa Inn in downtown Prescott.

MONDAY, August 4 – CEO Leadership Retreat

8:00 AM | Breakfast/Networking/Registration (Registered attendees only, no spouses or guests)

8:40 AM | Opening Remarks + Sponsor Remarks

• Steve Zylstra, President + CEO, Arizona Technology Council
• Alex Iuorio, Senior Vice President, Supplier Development, Avnet and Board Chair, Arizona Technology Council
• The Honorable Phil Goode, Mayor of Prescott

9:00 AM | Opening Keynote Presentation | Leading for Value: How Great Leaders Create What Matters Most

In this keynote, Lee Benson shares the core leadership principles that helped him build, grow, and exit multiple businesses with 7-, 8-, and 9-figure exits, starting from a place most CEOs know well: an idea, determination and in debt.

From his entrepreneurial journey, including building Able Aerospace into an international leader in the industry, Lee introduces the concept of Leading for Value, a simple but powerful mindset that prioritizes what truly drives results; aligning teams on what matters most, creating material, emotional, and spiritual (connectedness) value at every level of the business.

• Lee Benson, CEO, Execute to Win

9:30 AM | Update from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott Campus

• Dr. Kenneth Witcher, Chancellor, Prescott Campus at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

9:40 AM | Keynote Presentation | Two Hours Until Dawn – What Entrepreneurs Can learn From Auto Racing

• Jim Cantrell, CEO & President, Phantom Space Corporation 

10:55 AM | Session | Arizona State of Tech

• Katie Sieker, Senior Vice President, Venture Development, Arizona Commerce Authority

11:40 AM | Welcome | City of Prescott

11:45 AM | Luncheon (Registered Attendees Only) – Sponsored by Principal and MicroAge, Alerion, and CStor

12:40 PM | Afternoon Keynote Presentation | Leading through Turbulence

In this insightful session, delve into the defining features of high turbulence environments and learn how to effectively lead change amidst uncertainty. Discover the leadership styles essential for thriving in challenging times and gain practical strategies to steer your organization towards success. Join us to explore the dynamic landscape of leadership in turbulent times and equip yourself with the tools needed to navigate and excel.

• Dr. Paul Melendez, University Distinguished Outreach Professor, Founder, Center for Leadership Ethics, Eller College of Management, The University of Arizona

1:40 PM | Session | The Business Case for Mental Health: Practical Solutions for Leaders to Support Employee Wellness

• Sentari Minor, Vice President of Strategy and Chief of Staff, evolvedMD

2:30 PM | Afternoon Break/Refreshments

2:45 PM | Session | The 21st Century CEO’s Dilemma… The Human UX

This presentation is a bold, fast-moving keynote built for tech CEOs navigating the seismic shift AI brings to leadership. In less than an hour, it delivers sharp insights, real-world examples, and controversial truths about how AI is transforming decision-making, culture, and the very role of the leader. Far from fear mongering, this keynote equips executives to harness AI as a strategic ally – while doubling down on the one thing AI can’t replicate: “Emotional Intelligence”.

• Harry Lakin, Founder/CEO, Hire Capacity

3:25 PM | Session | Panel Presentation | Leading for Impact: Personal Purpose, Collective Progress, and Arizona’s Future

• Kasey Hill, M.S., NCC, Partner, Executive Coach, Consultant, 3-Pillars Performance Group
• Rima Brusi, Ph.D., Professor, Honors College/Catedrática, Facultad de Honores
  Director, Educational Research and Attainment (ERA) Lab, University Associate, Office of the President, Northern Arizona University
• Dr. Sybil Francis, Chair, President & CEO, Center for the Future of Arizona
  
• Moderator: Karla Morales, Vice President, Southern Arizona Regional Office, Arizona Technology Council

4:05 PM | Closing Remarks

5:00 PM -7:00 PM | Dinner on own

7:00 PM | Dessert Reception at the Hassayampa Inn – Sponsored by City of Prescott

TUESDAY, August 5 – Golf tournament

7:30 AM | Registration

8:00 AM |  Shotgun start

12:00 PM | Golf Luncheon – Sponsored by Gibson

StoneRidge Golf Course
1601 N. Bluff Top Dr.
Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

Interested in sponsoring the 2025 CEO Leadership & Golf Retreat?
Contact [email protected] for information on the various sponsorship opportunities.