See you in Prague!
Welcome to ILA 2025: Leading Together
It is with great joy and anticipation that we welcome you to the 27th International Leadership Association Global Conference in the historic and vibrant city of Prague. This year’s theme, “Leading Together,” invites us to explore leadership not as the domain of isolated individuals, but as a deeply collaborative endeavor that thrives through connection, diversity, and shared purpose. Thank you for being part of this global community. Let us make these days in Prague not only memorable, but truly transformative.
Welcome to ILA 2025: Leading Together
15–18 October | Prague, Czechia
It is with great joy and anticipation that we welcome you to the 27th International Leadership Association Global Conference in the historic and vibrant city of Prague. This year’s theme, “Leading Together,” invites us to explore leadership not as the domain of isolated individuals, but as a deeply collaborative endeavour that thrives through connection, diversity, and shared purpose.
In the face of persistent economic, technological, environmental, and socio-political turbulence the need for inclusive, collective leadership has never been more urgent. Traditional models that emphasize individual charisma or authority are proving insufficient in the face of global challenges that demand cooperation across boundaries, disciplines, and cultures. This conference is a call to reimagine leadership as a practice of co-creation, where communities, organizations, and systems come together to shape more equitable and sustainable futures.
Prague, our host city, offers a fitting backdrop for this journey. With its rich tapestry of history, resilience, and cultural convergence, Prague reminds us of the power of unity in the face of adversity. From its medieval bridges to its modern innovations, the city embodies the spirit of transformation and dialogue – qualities we hope to cultivate throughout our time together.
Over the coming days, you’ll engage with thought leaders, scholars, practitioners, and change agents from around the world. Through keynotes, panels, workshops, and informal conversations, we’ll explore new possibilities for leadership theory, practice, education, and development. We invite you to bring your whole self – your insights, your questions, your hopes – and to embrace the opportunity to learn, connect, and lead together.
Thank you for being part of this global community. Let us make these days in Prague not only memorable, but truly transformative.
Professor Danica Purg
Conference Chair
Founder and Dean of IEDC- Bled school of Management and President of CEEMAN
Dr Joshua Hayden
Program Co-Chair
Department Chair of Social Sciences and Lecturer in Leadership Studies, Anglo American University, Prague, Czech Republic
Professor Richard Bolden
Program Co-Chair
Director of Bristol Leadership and Change Centre, Bristol Business School, University of the West of England
CONFERENCE DATES & LOCATION
- Dates: 15-18 October 2025
- Location: Hilton Prague – Pobřežní 311/1, Prague 186 00, Czechia
TRANSPORTATION & GETTING AROUND PRAGUE
Note: Many airports have recently started using biometric scanning. Please plan extra time to get through security.
- Easiest way to use Public Transportation in Prague? Download the PID Lítačka app on your phone. (download pdf guide)
- Bolt – Ride-Hailing App
- Transportation to/from Vaclav Havel Airport Prague
ILA REGISTRATION, BADGE PICK-UP, & INFORMATION COUNTER
Pick up your badge and conference materials in Congress Hall Foyer on the Lower Lobby Level
- Tuesday, 14 October, 3:00-5:00pm
- Wednesday, 15 October, 7:30am-12:00pm & 1:30-7:30pm
- Thursday, 16 October, 7:30am-12:00pm & 1:15pm-5:00pm
- Friday, 17 October, 7:30am-12:00pm & 1:15-6:15pm
- Saturday, 18 October, 8:00am-12pm
CONFERENCE HUB
Congress Hall Foyer serves as the central hub of the Global Conference! There you’ll find the ILA Registration, Badge Pick-Up, & Information Counter, along with coffee and tea during the refreshment breaks, sponsor exhibits, and poster presentations!
AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS, PROGRAM, & APP
This year’s featured sessions feature past and present ILA Lifetime Achievement Award winners, sessions on the History & Culture of Prague, and important projects advancing the field of leadership.
Access the Full Program:
- Mobile App (most up-to-date): Login with your registered email. If you have trouble, use invite code: myxvzrgc3a
- Searchable Online Agenda: Browse by stream, keyword, and view full descriptions. This is synched with the App and will be up-to-date if you refresh/reload your browser.
- PDF Agenda Overview: Download a static snapshot (note: no descriptions, tags, or last-minute updates).
AV & SESSION TYPES
If you are presenting in Prague, please be sure you have downloaded and read the presenter session guides that were previously sent out. They contain important information, particularly about the AV in your room.
Please note:
- Posters and Cafecitos have NO AV.
- Presentations and Pecha Kuchas are in rooms with AV (projector, screen, laptop, and mic).
- Most Panels and Workshops are in rooms with mics ONLY.
Knowing the format of a session you’re interested in is key to understanding what to expect from the session. The stream can also provide helpful information in determining the session’s focus and target audience.
Presentation Formats
The ILA uses the following definitions to create shared expectations between presenters and attendees.
CAFECITO ROUNDTABLE
Cafecito is a Spanish word meaning “little coffees,” and is often used as an invitation to a chat over coffee. Each Cafecito host will facilitate a conversation around their listed question. This is a time to connect and converse with curiosity over questions of leadership. Halfway through the session, participants will have the opportunity to move to another Cafecito or remain where they are to continue the conversation.
PANEL
An informed discussion on a topic by panelists moderated by a chairperson, with time reserved for audience participation, questions, and comments.
PECHA KUCHA
Chit-chat in Japanese, Pecha Kucha is a unique “lightning” presentation style consisting of 20 slides that are each displayed for 20 seconds, automatically progressing to the next one. This results in a total presentation time of 6 minutes and 40 seconds. Each session room will have a host to introduce the speakers and moderate the Q&A after all speakers have presented.
POSTER
A visual display of research, projects, papers, or programs. During a Hosted Poster Session, posters will be staffed by the presenter(s).
PRESENTATION(S)
A stand-alone presentation or multiple presentations that were individually accepted and grouped together by the program team into a session focused broadly on a keyword, theme, or approach. The session chair introduces each presentation, keeps time, and facilitates audience questions.
WORKSHOP
Rooted in audience participation and active learning, half or more of the time is spent on experiential learning and innovative, interactive participation focused on learning a new skill, methodology, or technique.
Streams
All sessions have a stream corresponding to an ILA member community or a topic of interest to the conference. Explore the streams here.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
- Complimentary breakfast will be available to all attendees who are staying at the conference hotel.
- Thank you to program co-chair Joshua Hayden for a fabulous list of recommended restaurants.
- In addition to the opening reception on Wed. evening, there are 2 scheduled coffee breaks on Th and on Fr and 1 on Sat.
- The ILA Membership Committee invites First Time Attendees and New Members to join them for self-paid lunches on Thursday and Friday! Meet at 11:45 am in the hotel lobby and then walk as a group to the restaurant. Each day they will be going to La Republica for traditional Czech cuisine. Check out the menu and sign up here. Space is limited to allow for meaningful conversations and connections.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A POWERFUL PRAGUE EXPERIENCE
Thank you to program co-chair Joshua Hayden for putting together an amazing list of resources to help you get the full Prague experience! Visit our Discover Prague page for a ideas on
WIFI INFORMATION
Stay connected with complimentary WiFi throughout the event:
- Network: ILA2025
- Password: ILAPrague
COVID-19, FLU, ETC. REMINDER
Masks are optional at the event. We encourage attendees to do what makes them comfortable and respect others’ choices.
ILA’s STATEMENT ON BEING IN COMMUNITY TOGETHER
We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment. Please review our Statement on Being in Community Together to ensure a respectful experience for all attendees.
Being in Community With One Another
When we enter into the trusted space of the ILA, we are making a commitment to be in community with a diverse group of learners from around the world.
The most powerful lever for change is in how we relate to, and connect with, one another, especially across differences.
Connections are created and nurtured as we share our experiences and learn from the experiences and perspectives of others. This engenders a feeling of belonging that nourishes our creativity and advances our collective purpose of advancing the practice and study of leadership for a just and thriving future.
Being in community with one another at ILA’s Global Conference is not just a vision, it is a leadership practice. Each person who enters this trusted space shares the responsibility to create an environment where everyone is respected and valued.
Packing Tips!
Don’t forget the chargers / converters for your electronics, comfortable shoes, and layers as meeting room temperatures may vary. There is no dress code, however typically people are in business casual clothing. If you’re attending your first ILA Global conference, check out our Flickr Stream of past conferences to get a taste of the atmosphere!
We can’t wait to see you at the Hilton Prague! Safe travels, and feel free to reach out with any questions.
Contact: conferences@ilaglobalnetwork.org or +1.202.470.4818 x108.