Reston, VA – Registration is now open for two Academy leadership programs. The James Jerger Future Leaders of Audiology Conference (JFLAC), sponsored by the William Demant Foundation, and the Leadership Excellence in Audiology Professionals (LEAP) Series are both designed to help audiologist amplify their value with critical leadership development.
JFLAC is for audiologists aiming to elevate their careers and step into leadership roles and includes immersive learning and practical leadership training. JFLAC takes place September 17-19, 2026, at the Academy headquarters in Reston, Virginia. Applicants must be current Academy members, possess at least four years of professional experience (not including externship year), and be eager to be a part of a diverse and dynamic cohort.
New this year, JFLAC applicants can choose either a no-cost option that includes the full 2.5-day in-person program and most meals, lodging, and travel, or select the JFLAC + Leadership Advancement Package for a $950 fee. This option includes everything in the no-cost option plus:
- Enrollment in the new online Academy Leadership Training Program (LEAP), which includes 9 CEUs and an American Board of Audiology microcredential
- Registration for AAA2027
- Attendance at a dedicated JFLAC mentoring session at AAA2027, where participants will meet with experienced mentors and begin developing a personalized leadership plan
- The option to present their personalized plans either virtually or in-person at AAA 2028
More information: www.audiology.org/careers/jerger-future-leaders-of-audiology-conference-jflac/
LEAP is a new six-month online program co-developed with the Tulane University Leadership Institute to address real-world leadership challenges. The program features 90-minute interactive sessions that include small group exercises, CEUs, supplemental resources, and panel discussions with audiologists from diverse backgrounds. Participants will earn an ABA digital badge and CEUs. The LEAP series begins in September and is appropriate for audiologists at any career stage, those stepping into leadership roles, and professionals seeking stronger communication, decision-making, and team leadership skills. Registration fees for LEAP are $375 for Academy members and $525 for nonmembers.
Each month focuses on a core leadership competency:
- Foundations of Leadership: Build your leadership identity and core framework
- Emotional Intelligence: Strengthen self-awareness, resilience, and interpersonal skills
- Effective Communication: Navigate difficult conversations with clarity and confidence
- Strategic Decision Making: Make sound decisions in complex, high-pressure environments
- Team Development & Leadership: Build engaged, accountable, high-performing teams
- Organizational Change: Lead change with clarity, trust, and measurable impact
More information www.audiology.org/leadership-excellence-in-audiology-professionals-series/
Contact: Laura Odato, Senior Director of Communications, [email protected]
The American Academy of Audiology is world's largest professional organization of, by, and for audiologists. The Academy is dedicated to achieving recognition of audiologists as the experts in hearing and balance care and the field of audiology as an independent clinical specialty that is integral to the health care team.
