menu
menu
We're excited to announce an impressive lineup of speakers for Elevate 2026, taking place April 22–24, 2026 in Atlanta, GA. This year’s event will bring together inspiring speakers, industry leaders and experts to share their insights on governance, risk and compliance (GRC), AI, and the trends reshaping boards and leadership today.Here’s a sneak peek at just some of the influential voices you can expect to hear from.
Noelle Russell is one of the most recognized voices on the future of artificial intelligence and responsible innovation. A multi‑award‑winning TEDx speaker, best‑selling author and Founder & Chief AI Officer of the AI Leadership Institute, she helps executives and boards move from AI experimentation to scalable, responsible outcomes. Named the #1 Agentic AI Leader in 2025, Noelle has taught millions of learners through LinkedIn Learning, equipping leaders and teams with practical tools to thrive in an AI‑powered economy. At Elevate, she’ll unpack what “responsible AI” looks like in practice — where value is real (vs. hype), where risk hides, and which questions directors and executives should be asking in the boardroom.
Brian brings a front‑row view of modern governance and how agentic AI is reshaping board oversight. He’ll share how organizations are using connected GRC and AI to stay ahead of risk, regulation and disruption while building more resilient enterprises.
Lavonne will headline “AI 101,” offering legal and governance leaders a clear foundation in AI literacy. She’ll break down what today’s AI really is, how it differs from automation, and how to evaluate AI risks and governance frameworks with confidence.
Savannah manages a global portfolio of 1,400+ entities at Barings and helps drive technology‑enabled governance. Savannah will share how Barings uses embedded AI to streamline director and officer changes, reduce manual follow‑up and keep complex structures accurate and transaction‑ready.
Patrick will share practical lessons on building resilient, transaction‑ready compliance programs. Drawing on global experience, he’ll show how organizations can move beyond check‑the‑box compliance to stand up to IPO, M&A and regulator scrutiny.
Corey brings more than 20 years of experience in IT audit, analytics, automation and SOX. In a high‑impact audit panel, he’ll discuss how analytics and AI are accelerating cycles and delivering sharper, board‑ready insights.
A nonprofit strategist and social impact leader helping mission-driven boards turn big ideas into results, Darian brings real-world perspective on strengthening governance, resilience and stakeholder engagement. He will also share how nonprofits and boards can better understand and apply AI in practical ways, helping leaders use emerging technology to support smarter decision-making and more effective governance.
Sarah is a nationally recognized expert on parliamentary procedure and open meeting law. She’ll demystify Robert’s Rules and offer practical tools to run compliant, productive meetings and manage complex discussions with confidence.And that’s just the beginning. Across three days, you’ll hear from Diligent executives, customers, partners and industry experts spanning boards and governance, enterprise and cyber risk, audit, compliance, nonprofit and public sector governance — all focused on helping you prepare for pivotal moments and thrive in an AI‑first world.
This year’s agenda is packed with sessions on AI, new disclosure requirements, enterprise risk management, operationalizing sustainability and practical strategies for organizations of all sizes — from nonprofits and public bodies to global enterprises.Elevate 2026 is the ultimate event for professionals looking to stay ahead in the world of governance, audit, risk, compliance, and to understand how AI is reshaping all of the above. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from these distinguished speakers, network with peers, earn continuing education credits and upskill for your role now and in the future.Register now to secure your place at Elevate 2026 and be part of the conversation shaping the future of GRC and AI‑powered governance.
