"How to Summit" Guide

Everything you need to make the most of your time at the Summit — credentials, best practices, suggested activities, and programming themes.

September 20–23, 2026  |  Sheraton New York Times Square

 

 

Thank you for joining the 2026 Concordia Annual Summit. Below, you'll find information about how to maximize your time at the Summit, including key details about obtaining your Summit credentials, best practices, suggested activities, programming themes, and more. We look forward to seeing you.

01  Quick References

 

WIFI

Network: Concordia   ·   Password: Concordia26

This information is also listed on the back of your Summit pass.

 

PROGRAMMING

View our programming agenda

View our speakers

REGISTRATION

Please register to attend the Summit if you have not yet done so.

DRESS CODE

The dress code for daytime programming and activities is business professional. For receptions, the dress code is business cocktail attire.

CHECK-IN

Make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID with you for registration check-in. Your Summit Pass must be visible at all times.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

rsvp@concordia.net

CONCORDIA CONNECT

connect@concordia.net

ROUNDTABLES

jmilbank@concordia.net

PRESS & MEDIA

media@concordia.net

02  Venue & Registration

The 2026 Concordia Annual Summit will take place at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, located at 811 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10019.

The Registration Desk will be located in the Main Lobby.

Badge pickup for Speakers, Stakeholders, Press, and pre-arranged bulk pickup will take place in Studio B, located in the Main Lobby.

Government-issued photo ID is required for badge pickup.

To access the event space, proceed to the back of the lobby then turn right, using the elevator banks or the escalator to ascend to Level Two.

03  Hours & Onsite Services

SUMMIT PROGRAMMING HOURS

Monday, September 21
8:55 am – 5:30 pm

Tuesday, September 22
9:00 am – 5:30 pm

Wednesday, September 23
Sessions throughout the day at various locations — check the Agenda

Please note, Executive Briefing Sessions are by invitation only, however we will accommodate requests to attend to the best of our ability.

REGISTRATION DESK HOURS

Sunday, September 20
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Monday, September 21
8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Tuesday, September 22
8:00 am – 5:00 pm

The Registration Desk is in the Main Lobby.

BAG & COAT CHECK

The Bag & Coat Check will be located by the Registration Desk and will be open during Summit hours. The fee per item is $7, payable by cash or credit card.

COFFEE & NETWORKING

Both the Members' Lounge, open only to All-Access Pass holders, and the General Lounge will open at 8:00 am for coffee & networking on Monday and Tuesday of the Summit.

04  Security, Credentials & Programming Access

  • Your Summit Pass must be visible at all times; entry will not be granted without it.
  • Lost passes can be replaced for $150 (the old credential will be deactivated).
  • Bags such as luggage, backpacks, or oversize bags of any kind will not be permitted into the event space and must be checked at the Bag & Coat check (find hours & location under Hours & Onsite Services).
  • Permitted bags such as small purses, laptop bags, and messenger bags will be subject to security search upon entry.
  • Heightened security may be in effect on certain days when heads of state are attending. You will receive an email about what to expect so that you can plan accordingly.
  • Public sessions will be held on the East Stage and West Stage.
  • All Access Pass holders can also attend Studio Stage conversations and live tapings of The Swift Hour in the Members' Lounge. Please note, the Studio Stage will be closed to press and General Access Pass holders.
  • Seating at all stages is first-come, first-served, so please plan accordingly for popular sessions.

05  The Annual Summit at a Glance

Mainstage programming

Our stage welcomes CEOs, innovators, experts, heads of state, and many more from across the globe. Our East and West Stages will run concurrently through Monday and Tuesday of the Summit. Make sure to plan ahead so that you have a seat. The East and West Stages are located on Level Two.

Members' Lounge & General Lounge

The Members' Lounge will be located Level Two, offering All-Access Pass holders the opportunity to enjoy light refreshments, network with one another and observe The Studio Stage & The Swift Hour (more on that below).

The General Lounge will be located on Level Two as well. Make sure to take advantage of this lounge to grab some light refreshments, meet with others, and recharge between sessions.

The Studio Stage & The Swift Hour

Located inside the Members' Lounge, The Studio hosts high-level, off-the-record discussions curated for the Concordia member community. An All-Access Pass is required to view this programming. Audience members will be able to engage with executive-level speakers in a more intimate stage setting. The Studio will also feature live tapings of The Swift Hour, an interview series hosted by Concordia Co-Founder Matthew Swift. Don't miss an opportunity to see global leaders, innovators, and experts discussing their work.

06  Concordia Connect

Concordia Connect is your tool during the Summit to schedule bilateral meetings with other attendees. If you're a Partner, Sponsor, or Member, make sure to register for the Summit so you can take advantage of this networking platform during the event.

The Concordia Connect networking space will be located inside the Lenox Ballroom on Level Two of the Sheraton.

Concordia Connect, step by step

  1. Register for the Summit.
  2. Using the same credentials you used to register, log into the Concordia Connect platform and request meetings.
  3. Work directly to set up a time that works across all parties.
  4. Concordia will designate a space for you at the Concordia Connect tables in the Lenox Ballroom on Level Two of the Sheraton Times Square and send a calendar hold.
  5. Enjoy your conversation.

FOR MEMBERS

Concordia Members can work closely with the team to curate their time at the Summit. Whether you're there for 3 hours or 3 days, we can advise on public or member-only programming, bilateral meetings, and roundtables. Visit Concordia Connect in the Lenox Ballroom on Level Two during the Summit or reach out to us by email in advance.

07  Roundtables

For those interested in roundtable discussions, make sure to check your inbox for invitations and register for the Summit to ensure hosts know you're attending. Roundtables are primarily located on Level Five with a select few taking place around the venue. Please see your briefing materials for the final location and directions on how to access the space. For questions about roundtables that you are participating in, please contact jmilbank@concordia.net. Please note that guests must be invited and registered to participate in roundtables, and Members are encouraged to reach out to membership@concordia.net to explore a customized roundtable strategy.

08  More than the Mainstage

Starting September 20, Concordia will host a series of networking events highlighting Summit themes and laying the foundation for its upcoming programming calendar. These events are by invitation only and reserved exclusively for Concordia Members and All Access pass holders.

The Summit will also offer a variety of onsite elements that dive deeper into the programmatic themes. Make sure you check out the following.

Library & Book Signings

Take advantage of free time between sessions to peruse complimentary books from the Concordia Community. Make sure to join us for the following book signing in the Members' Lounge.

WHEN

Monday, September 21 at 12:45pm

BOOK

The Brain Capitalist: The Greatest Global Impact Opportunity of Our Lifetime by Michael Southworth

WHEN

Tuesday, September 22
Time TBC

BOOK

Courage Can Save US: Ten Extraordinary Americans and the Fight for Our Future by Rye Barcott

The Women's Table: Networking Breakfast

The Women's Table: Networking Breakfast at the 2026 Concordia Annual Summit will offer a dedicated space for women to gather ahead of a full day of convening during UNGA week. Designed to cultivate connection, spark allyship among women driving impact across sectors, and build momentum around gender equity in policy and business leadership, this "leave-your-credentials-at-the-door" event will feature strategic networking and insights from prominent voices.

WHEN

Tuesday, September 22
8:00 – 9:00 am

WHERE

Members Lounge

WHO

Open to all Annual Summit pass holders

Step into the BrainHealth Lab: A User's Guide

You measure almost everything that drives performance — why not your brain?

Step into the BrainHealth Lab in the Members Lounge and get curious about the most powerful system you use every day. Spot the everyday habits that may be working against you. See how you compare to others in the room. Learn about a new enterprise solution to measure brain performance in the workplace. Then choose an action to help your brain work better. Built on 25+ years of research, this is brain science made personal, measurable and actionable from Center for BrainHealth.

Global Impact Working Session

This invitation-only gathering brings together 30 senior leaders on Monday afternoon for a focused, action-oriented session on global impact. It's a less panel, more workshop space.

09  Best Practices from the Concordia Community

  1. If traveling around Manhattan, allow ample time and prepare to walk or to use public transportation. Comfortable shoes are great to have.
  2. Bring a device charger or battery pack.
  3. Don't forget business cards (printed or digital).
  4. Concierge desks are located throughout the venue. Make sure to keep an eye out for these should you need assistance onsite.
  5. Book meetings in advance but leave space in your agenda for unexpected reconnections or opportunities. The magic of the Members' Lounge.
  6. Want to connect with a speaker? Kindly respect that the green rooms are closed-door only, and congregating outside presents logistical challenges for others attending the Summit. It is best to use the Concordia Connect portal to pre-arrange a 'hello' or bilateral meeting.
  7. Missed a session? Content will be available within 24 hours on Concordia's YouTube channel. We'll also release our post-Summit Report, with key takeaways and highlighted quotes, in November.
  8. Excited for the Summit? We are, too. Share your enthusiasm on social media and tag us so that we can repost and amplify. Find links to our official social media accounts in the Social Media section below.

10  Agenda & Programming Themes

Concordia's programming agenda is constantly being updated. For the latest updates, check out our digital agenda online. Make sure to plan to attend the sessions you're most interested in. Please note, Executive Briefing Sessions are by invitation only, however we will accommodate requests to attend to the best of our ability.

Programming has been organized into six themes this year:

Global Economy & Trade

As economic paradigms shift, this track focuses on resilient supply chains, inclusive growth, and the evolving rules of global commerce in a volatile trade environment.

Democracy, Security & Geopolitical Risk

Amid rising global instability, this theme explores the future of democracy, national security, and diplomacy in a world shaped by conflict, misinformation, and rapid political change.

Innovative Technology

From AI to digital equity, this theme examines how technological breakthroughs are transforming societies—and what it takes to innovate responsibly in the face of disruption.

Advancing Human Rights & Social Progress

This track centers on the fight for equity, freedom, and inclusion—empowering voices across generations, borders, and movements to shape a just global society.

Health Opportunities & Challenges

Tackling disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, this theme emphasizes innovation, prevention, and partnerships to strengthen global health systems.

Energy, Environment & Transition

Explore solutions for a low-emissions future, where economic development aligns with climate resilience, natural resource management, and environmental justice.

11  Press & Media

Concordia offers our Programming Sponsors, Programming Partners, and Members numerous opportunities to engage with the press, including credentialed journalists and our valued Media Partners. For questions about press & media, please reach out to media@concordia.net. Know of a media organization who would benefit from becoming part of the Concordia community? We'd love to hear from you.

12  Social Media

Follow along and join the conversation. Tag us @ConcordiaSummit in your posts and use hashtag #Concordia26 so that we can amplify your content.

13  Our Community

With thanks to
our Programming Sponsors, Programming Partners, Media Partners, and Production Partner

With thanks to our Membership community

With thanks to our Founding Sponsor