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SIMA Leadership Forum

Aug. 16-18, 2026 | Savannah, GA

Deep Roots. Lasting Impact.

Strategic insights

Unrivaled networking

Actionable takeaways

Future-forward leadership

Elevate your leadership journey

The SIMA Leadership Forum is the premier event for current and aspiring leaders in the snow and ice management industry to come together for powerful learning, strategic insights, and unparalleled networking.

This year’s event is set in historic Savannah, GA—you won’t want to miss it!

Savanah, GA
Savanah, GA
Savanah, GA
Savanah, GA
Savanah, GA
Future-Forward Leadership

Featured Presenters

Blending technical innovation and human-centric leadership, this year’s speakers will help you bridge the gap between feeling overwhelmed by daily demands and leading with a clear, strategic vision.

The Reset Mindset
Scale Your Business

Penny Zenker

Real productivity creates progress—not pressure. When teams align around what matters most, they achieve more impact with less effort. Penny helps audiences cut through the noise and unlock performance through clarity, simplicity, and adaptability. Focus isn’t just about attention and execution; true focus is alignment and that happens at the intersection of attention, intention, and context. The Result? Clarity, direction, and alignment.

 

The Persuasion Playbook
Scale Your Business

Klyn Elsbury

Stop carrying the sales quota on your back. Your goal isn’t to be the company’s best salesperson—it’s to scale a team that drives growth without you in every deal. Focus on three things that change everything: hiring the right sales talent, installing repeatable sales systems, and sharpening persuasion skills that close more business without pressure. The result? A sales engine that grows revenue—and gives you back the freedom to lead your business.

 

Design a Future That Works for You and Your Business
Scale Your Business

Byron McFarland

Freedom by design shows business owners how to turn the value they’ve built into choices—sell, step back or scale with confidence. Through real stories and practical frameworks, Byron breaks down the three paths to realizing business value and the human dynamics that make each one succeed. Owners walk away clearer, calmer, and better equipped to design a future that works for both the business and their life.

 

The Power of Borrowed Belief: How Great Leaders Grow Themselves & Others
Lead Your Team

Rachel Druckenmiller

Even the strongest leaders have moments of doubt, times when confidence wavers, clarity fades, or the weight of leadership feels heavy. In those moments, the most powerful catalyst for growth is often someone else’s belief in us. A person who sees what we can’t yet see, who challenges us to be honest with ourselves and to rise, who guides us forward, and who reminds us of our strength when we forget. This is the power of borrowed belief, the kind of belief we receive from others that lifts us up and propels us forward, and the kind we offer others that unlocks potential and inspires momentum.

 

 

Personalizing the Employee Experience in the AI Age
Lead Your Team

Penny Zenker

With disengagement at an all time high, organizations are looking for practical ways to improve connection and engagement — without weighing down leaders in the process. That’s where AI comes in. It can do the heavy lifting, helping leaders personalize at scale without adding more to their workload. Penny will share 11 touchpoints to make the employee experience more personalized in the age of AI.

 

Activating AI in Your Business
Master Technology

John Lund

AI isn’t the future — it’s your competitive advantage today. This session shows how to unlock AI in your business without complexity or tech overwhelm. We’ll identify the 5 biggest time-wasting tasks and automate them; create an AI Activation Roadmap with high-impact MVPs prioritized by ROI; and learn to lead with AI confidence.

Connect with the Best

Networking

Opening Reception | DeSoto Harborview Room

Sponsored by Caterpillar
Meet up with fellow attendees and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of our historic host city during the opening reception on Sunday, August 16.

harborview room view

Leadership Link-Up | Green-Meldrim House

Step back in time at the Green-Meldrim House, home to Gen. Sherman’s Civil War headquarters, for happy hour on Monday, August 17.

green meldrim

Registration

Registration will open in February 2026. 

Snow Contractors
$995-$1,395
Suppliers
$1,095-$1,395

Plan your trip

Where to Stay

Our host hotel is the DeSoto (15 E. Liberty St.), a landmark hotel built in 1890 in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District.

Visit SIMA Group Reservation or call 1-855-703-4655 to make a reservation by Friday, July 23, 2026.

Room Rate: $199 

Based on single/double occupancy. $10 for each additional adult over two adults per room. Credit card required for guarantee only. The card will not be charged unless there is a no show or cancellation within 72 hours of arrival.

Getting to Savannah

All major airlines offer service to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The DeSoto is approximately 30 minutes from the airport.

The-Desoto-Savannah-Georgia
Savannah-ga
Edgars Proof Provisions
Desoto pool
DeSoto room view

Why Should You Attend the Leadership Forum?

Nicholas Higgins, CSP, ASM

Higgins Snow & Ice Management, LLC

If you prefer a smaller audience with lots of industry knowledge, you need to at least attend one Leadership Forum and it won't be your last one.

Derek Dillard

Rocky Fork Company

The 2025 SIMA Leadership Forum was an excellent opportunity for me to learn, network and grow not only as someone who is new to the industry and SIMA but also having the opportunity to develop the necessary skills to effectively serve as a leader in my organization.

Jen Schrage

Signature Land Services

A well organized event in outstanding locations that gives business leaders that opportunity to listen and learn. Highly recommend!

Jay Felton

GroundMasters

Give yourself a chance to step out of your business and think about your path forward. This conference helps you slow down and realign your thinking. Well worth the time investment.

Stephanie Leveling

BOSS By Integra

Going to an event like the Leadership Forum is such a good way to meet your peers across the country and have one on one discussions sharing and learning from each other. The atmosphere is very relaxed and there is plenty of time for networking between the learning sessions. It's a win-win.

Frank Lombardo

WeatherWorks

There’s nothing more valuable than being in the same room with the decision makers and leaders of the snow and ice industry. A casual event like this brings together a diverse group—from seasoned veterans with proven strategies to the new and upcoming leaders bringing fresh, innovative ideas. That mix of experience and innovation has helped position WeatherWorks as a national leader, and it’s the same dynamic that continues to drive our industry forward.

Jack Demski

Ansay & Associates

The value for me is fostering memorable connections with industry professionals and owners, it helps establish our brand as an insurance provider and connects us as real people instead of agents.

FAQ

What is the Leadership Forum?

The SIMA Leadership Forum is the premier event for snow and ice management professionals to connect, grow, and lead. Designed for current and aspiring leaders, this dynamic forum offers powerful learning, strategic insights, and unparalleled peer networking to elevate business leadership and drive long-term success in the industry.



Who can attend the Leadership Forum?

The SIMA Leadership Forum is intended for:

  • Owners, executives, and senior leaders of snow and ice management companies.
  • Operations and business development managers looking to advance into leadership roles.
  • Anyone invested in driving innovation and excellence within their organization.

What does the registration fee include?

All registrations include two networking receptions, six speaker presentations and three meals (breakfast, 2 lunches). 

 

Why should I come to the Leadership Forum?

1. Build and Strengthen Leadership Skills

  • Learn directly from industry experts, business strategists, and leadership coaches.
  • Gain practical tools to enhance decision-making, team-building, and strategic planning.
  • Strengthen your ability to lead through change, scale operations, and manage growth.

2. Network with High-Level Industry Peers

  • Engage with forward-thinking business owners, managers, and executives.
  • Share best practices and real-world solutions with peers who understand the unique challenges of the snow and ice industry.
  • Build long-term connections that extend beyond the forum.

3. Strategic Insight for the Future of Snow & Ice Management

  • Explore trends in workforce development, technology, and business strategy.
  • Stay ahead of industry shifts and regulatory changes that impact your operation.
  • Bring back actionable ideas that position your company for long-term success.

4. Focused Environment for Deep Learning

  • Smaller, interactive sessions that promote dialogue over lectures.
  • High-value content tailored to leadership-level professionals.
  • A dedicated space to step out of the day-to-day and focus on vision, strategy, and growth.

 

Can I bring a guest?

Yes! For $200, your guest can attend the two networking receptions alongside you.

What is your cancellation policy?

All cancellation and refund requests must be made in writing to registration@sima.org. If made between now and July 29, 2026, a refund of all fees, less a $25 processing fee per registration, will be given. If made between July 30-August 7, 2026, a refund of all fees, less a $150 processing fee per registration, will be given.

No refunds will be given after ​August 7, 2026 and/or for no-shows. Substitutions are welcome, in writing, to registration@sima.org.



2026 Presenting Sponsors

Fisher_logo_emails
Western-NEW_400x200
SYMP21_SnowEx

Interested in being a Leadership Forum Sponsor? 
Let us know!

Let's Connect!