The American Academy of Audiology has opened registration for two fall leadership development programs — the James Jerger Future Leaders of Audiology Conference and the new LEAP Series — aimed at helping audiologists build leadership skills at any career stage.

Registration is now open for two American Academy of Audiology fall leadership programs designed to equip audiologists with practical leadership competencies: the James Jerger Future Leaders of Audiology Conference (JFLAC) and the Leadership Excellence in Audiology Professionals (LEAP) Series.

James Jerger Future Leaders of Audiology Conference

JFLAC, sponsored by the William Demant Foundation, is a 2.5-day in-person program targeting audiologists who are looking to step into leadership roles. The conference takes place Sept 17–19, 2026, at Academy headquarters in Reston, Va. Applicants must be current Academy members with at least four years of professional experience (excluding externship year) and a desire to participate in a diverse cohort.

New this year, JFLAC applicants can choose between two participation tracks. A no-cost option covers the full in-person program along with most meals, lodging, and travel. A second option — the JFLAC + Leadership Advancement Package — is available for $950 and includes everything in the no-cost tier plus enrollment in the new online Academy Leadership Training Program (which carries 9 CEUs and an American Board of Audiology microcredential), registration for AAA 2027, attendance at a dedicated JFLAC mentoring session at AAA 2027, and the option to present a personalized leadership plan virtually or in person at AAA 2028.

More information is available at audiology.org.

LEAP Series

The LEAP Series is a new six-month online program co-developed with the Tulane University Leadership Institute to address real-world leadership challenges facing audiologists. The program runs monthly 90-minute interactive sessions featuring small group exercises, panel discussions with audiologists from diverse backgrounds, supplemental resources, and CEUs. Participants also earn an ABA digital badge upon completion.

Beginning in September, LEAP is open to audiologists at any career stage — including those moving into leadership roles and professionals seeking to sharpen communication, decision-making, and team management skills. Registration is $375 for Academy members and $525 for nonmembers.

Each of the six monthly sessions focuses on a distinct 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 is available at audiology.org.