Overview

What is ELC?

The Executive Leadership Conference (ELC) is a 2.5-day event that will redefine how you approach leadership at your organization. Our unique blend of sessions will discuss the future of PA and NP practice, leading in the moment, preparing for change, and successfully navigating what’s next.

Meet face-to-face with fellow PA and NP leaders for interactive learning led by dynamic speakers and facilitators. You’ll return to your daily role with a renewed sense of purpose and brand-new ideas that just might transform healthcare.

Your conference experience features:

• A 2.5-day conference filled with lectures and interactive sessions
• 2 days of exhibits
• Optional Golf Scramble, Midcentury Modern Architecture Tour, and/or the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Experience
• Access to session recordings for six months
• Built-in networking throughout the conference, with plenty of opportunities to connect over meals, breaks, and a welcome reception

Course Directors

Rhonda Hoyer, MS, RN, APNP, ANP-C
VP, Chief Advanced Practice Officer, Medical Group
Advocate Health – Wisconsin and Illinois Divisions
Milwaukee, Wisc.

Monica Ward, PA-C, AT, MPAS, DFAAPA
Director, Clinical Operations
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinics
Adjunct Faculty, PA Program
West Coast PA Program
Dallas, Texas

Registration

Registration Rates

Please note that the Executive Leadership Conference is not included in AAPA Fellow Plus or Premium Membership.
 

What’s Included

Conference
Monday, March 1 – Wednesday, March 3, 2027

Registration includes three breakfasts, two lunches, networking events, exhibits, and access to session recordings for 6 months after the conference concludes.

Golf Scramble (Additional cost)
Sunday, February 28, 2027
1-5:00 p.m.
$99 per person

Enjoy some friendly competition and quality networking on the course at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas. This casual golf scramble is designed for all skill levels, giving you the chance to enjoy the Palm Springs sunshine, connect with fellow PAs and NPs, and build relationships beyond the conference room. Teams will be foursomes. Price includes greens fees, cart fees and access to the practice facility prior to golf. Snacks and drinks on the course will be on own. To request specific teammates or for club rental information, please contact [email protected].

Mid-Century Modern Architecture Tour (Additional cost)
Sunday, February 28, 2027
3-5:30 p.m.
$60 per person

Discover Palm Springs’ iconic midcentury modern style on a guided architecture tour showcasing the city’s distinctive homes, celebrated architects, and timeless desert design. Tour will take place aboard a shuttle bus.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Experience (Additional cost)
Sunday, February 28, 2027
3-6:15 p.m.
$75 per person

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes visitors on a 10-minute tram ride from the Valley Station, located at 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, to the Mountain Station, elevation 8,516 feet. Experience sweeping views of the Coachella Valley and rugged Chino Canyon during the ascent to Mount San Jacinto. Once at the top, enjoy light snacks and cocktails before heading back down. Price includes transportation to and from the Omni Rancho Las Palmas. Times listed above include transportation time (37 minutes each way).

Registration Cancellation Policy

• Please submit your cancellation request in writing to [email protected].
• We offer a full refund for cancellations prior to Jan. 15, 2027.
• Between Jan. 16 – Feb. 28 we can offer a 50% refund for cancellations.
• No refunds or credits will be granted after the conference begins on March 1.
• If AAPA has to cancel the in-person 2027 Executive Leadership Conference in Palm Springs, CA, all registrants’ registration fees will be transferred to a fully virtual conference experience and participants will be refunded the difference in price, if applicable.
• All hotel cancellations must be made directly with the hotel.

Registration Discounts

Bring a Colleague

You know how great AAPA’s Executive Leadership Conference is — and we want you to be rewarded for sharing that knowledge! When you bring a PA colleague to ELC 2027 who has never attended the conference before, we’ll give you both a discount of $100 off your registrations.

Request Your Discount Now

See below for discount details and read the full terms and conditions. Contact [email protected] with questions.

Terms and Conditions

• Application must be submitted prior to registering. No refunds will be given.
• Valid only for a returning ELC attendee bringing a first-time ELC attendee.
• $100 registration discount per registrant.
• Both applicants must also book a hotel room within the hotel block.
• Registration rate for both applicants will be based on current registration rate on date of application submission.
• Not valid in combination with any other discounts.
• Only one application may be submitted per applicant.

Group Registration

AAPA offers a $100 discount, per registrant, on group registrations of 10+ PAs or NPs.

Restrictions apply:

• All registrants must also book a hotel room at the time of registration.
• No registrant on the list may be already registered. No refunds will be given.
• This promotion and discount may not be used in combination with any other promotion or discount.
• Group registration list must be submitted to [email protected]

Should I Attend?

Both PAs and NPs are invited to attend the Executive Leadership Conference (ELC). We’ve specifically designed ELC for PAs and NPs who are clinical or administrative leaders, or those who are considering transitioning into healthcare leadership. There’s a new curriculum each year for you. Take a look at our attendee data from 2026.

2026 Attendees by Profession

2026 Attendees by Leadership Experience

The Executive Leadership Conference is for leaders of all experience levels, as well as for PAs and NPs who are planning to become leaders.

2026 Attendees by Primary Role

This agenda may be updated or modified without notification.

CME Accreditation

The 2027 Executive Leadership Conference has been approved by the AAPA Review Panel for up to 19.25 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Participants should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

Are You an NP?

NPs can often claim AAPA Category 1 CME credit as continuing education with AANPCB and ANCC. Check with your certification/licensing authority to confirm that AAPA credit is acceptable – and then register for this great conference!

Venue and Travel

Conference Venue

Omni Rancho Las Palmas
31000 Bob Hope Dr.
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
 

 

Hotel Accommodations

A discounted room rate of $289 plus applicable taxes, has been secured for attendees and will be available until 11:59 p.m. PT on Monday, Feb. 1, 2027, or until the room block is full. After that time, a room cannot be guaranteed. Room rate includes hotel resort fee.

Book Your Room

Reservations can also be made over the phone by calling 1-800-THE-OMNI (1-800-843-6664) using the code 020627AAPAEXECU.

Should you have any issues booking a hotel room, please contact Mairi Gardner.

Why Stay at the Conference Hotel?

Many reasons, and all of them benefit you! Zero commute to the event means you’ll save time and money. Be on-site (and on time) for all the sessions —  with your room close by in case you forget anything. Spend your extra time networking or relaxing with colleagues (no FOMO for you!); and immerse yourself in the resort experience at the hotel’s beach, pools, and restaurant.

Plus, by staying within the block you help us negotiate the best hotel rates for our attendees.

Hotel Perks

• Complimentary wireless internet in guest rooms
• Complimentary parking for all attendees
• Complimentary use of fitness center
• 3 different kinds of pools (including adults-only) and a waterpark
• A full-service spa
• 27 holes of golf (three nine-hole courses)
• Tennis and pickleball courts
• 6 dining outlets: 3 full-service restaurants, 2 pool bars, and a café

Hotel Policies

Check-in time is 4 p.m. and check-out time is 11 a.m. Reservations must be cancelled 72 hours prior to arrival to avoid a no-show fee equal to one night’s room and tax. All reservations and cancellations must be made directly with the hotel.
 

Travel

Flying? Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa is near the following airports:
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is approximately 10 miles (23 minutes) away.
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is about 75 miles (1 hour and 20 minutes) away.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about 130 miles (2 hours and 30 minutes) away.

Driving? Complimentary parking for all attendees.

Things to Do in Palm Springs

Attractions

Make the most of your time in the desert with unforgettable cultural stops just minutes from the conference. Explore bold contemporary art at the Palm Springs Art Museum, step inside aviation history at the Palm Springs Air Museum or wander through the desert landscapes and wildlife at the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens. However you spend your free time, Palm Springs offers inspiring attractions that make extending your trip well worth it.

Outdoor Adventures

With sunshine, mountain views, and wide-open desert scenery, Greater Palm Springs is an ideal place to recharge before or after conference sessions. Take a scenic jeep tour, hike the iconic trails of Joshua Tree National Park, unwind in natural hot springs, or fit in a round of golf surrounded by spectacular views. Whether you want adventure or pure relaxation, you’ll find outdoor experiences that turn ELC into more than a conference—it becomes a getaway.

Shopping

From stylish boutiques and vintage finds to outlet shopping, farmers markets, and locally made treasures, Palm Springs makes it easy to find something memorable to bring home. Leave a little extra room in your suitcase and explore the area’s vibrant shopping scene between sessions or before you head home.

Restaurants and Nightlife

After a day of leadership learning and networking, treat yourself to the flavors and energy of Palm Springs. The region’s restaurant scene is known for creative cuisine, chic patios, lively bars, and old Hollywood charm—giving you plenty of ways to keep the conversation going long after sessions end.

Attendee Information

On-Site Conference Registration and Tips

• Registration will be open from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 28 and reopen at 7 a.m. on Monday, March 1. Please be sure to stop by and pick up your registration materials before heading into the sessions. You only need to check in once at the onsite registration desk.
• ELC is BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). Use your smartphone, computer, or tablet to answer questions in CME sessions that use audience response system technology.
• Meeting rooms might get cold. Don’t forget your sweater or light jacket!
• Bring along your business cards and get ready to network!

Electronic Handouts

There is no paper syllabus for this course.  Lecture materials will be available in AAPA’s Learning Central before the conference start date.

Course Evaluations and CME Certificate

Your feedback helps us plan future conferences; therefore, your completion of course evaluations is a prerequisite for a CME certificate. The course evaluations/CME certificate will be available in AAPA’s Learning Central beginning Monday, March 1, 2027. You will have until Friday, April 30, 2027, to complete the evaluations.

Exhibit and Sponsorship Opportunities

Put the prestige and connections of AAPA to work for you! Reach PA and NP administrators and emerging leaders who are attending the conference for leadership training and to refine their management and healthcare administration skills.

Executive Leadership Conference is expected to draw more than 250 PAs. We offer a range of cost-effective networking and sponsorship opportunities designed to suit any budget.

Attendees by Profession

Primary Employer Type

Years of Leadership Experience

Primary Role

Exhibit & Sponsorship Opportunities

Secure your company’s tabletop display available in the conference area during the event that includes:

• One (1) 6’ skirted table and two (2) side chairs
• Onsite Signage
• Wi-Fi
• Electric (available upon request)
• Two (2) complimentary registration badges (not eligible to claim CME)
• Medical Pursuit Spot – Attendees will participate in the trivia game by stopping by all tabletop displays and answer trivia questions (provided by companies). Once attendees have visited all the tabletop displays, they will drop off their game card at the registration desk and are entered to win a prize.
• Company information posted on the conference website

Learn More & Reserve

AAPA provides diverse sponsorship opportunities across three key categories to meet your needs and budget:

Each participating company will also receive the following in addition to the benefits outlined per opportunity:

• General Event Partner and Exhibit Recognition – Conference Website, Pre-Promotional Materials, and Onsite Signage
• Access to the Pre and Post Conference Attendee Registration List (available four weeks before the conference)

For questions or to start partnering with AAPA, please contact Heather.