Impact Leadership Conference - Highlands College

About

Speakers

Pricing

FAQs

Partners

We have reached capacity for the 2026 Impact Leadership Conference and closed registration.

For more than a decade, leaders have come to Impact Leadership Conference to learn from trusted voices, gain practical insight, and grow alongside others who understand the responsibility and opportunity that come with leadership.

On December 2, Dr. John C. Maxwell, Chris Hodges, and Jesse Cole will bring distinct perspectives from decades of leading people, building organizations, developing teams, and creating cultures that last. You'll gain ideas and principles you can take back to the people and organizations you lead.

Proceeds from Impact Leadership Conference directly support the mission, vision, and goals of Highlands College, America's Ministry Leadership University, and its work to train and send the next generation of ministry leaders.

2026 Speakers

Dr. John C.

Maxwell

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Chris

Hodges

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Jesse

Cole

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John C. Maxwell

John C. Maxwell, the #1 New York Times bestselling author, coach, and speaker who has sold more than 30 million books, has been identified as the #1 leader in business by the American Management Association® and the world’s most influential leadership expert by Business Insider and Inc. magazine. Dr. Maxwell has also received the Horatio Alger Award, as well as the Mother Teresa Prize for Global Peace and Leadership from the Luminary Leadership Network. His organizations—The John Maxwell Company, The John Maxwell Team, EQUIP, and the John Maxwell Leadership Foundation—have trained millions of leaders from every nation in the world. For more information, visit JohnMaxwell.com. Because of his passion for leadership training, John has requested all event proceeds from Leadership Conference benefit Highlands College, a higher education institution where learning, mentoring, relationships, and spiritual growth are top priorities.

Jesse Cole

Jesse Cole is the founder of Fans First Entertainment and Owner of Savannah Bananas.

He has welcomed millions of fans to his own Grayson Stadium and ballparks across the country and the Bananas have grown to more than 25 million social media followers. He is passionate about making baseball fun, standing out and creating fans.

Now, everyone get on your feet, turn to the back of the room, and go bananas for Jesse Cole!

Chris Hodges

Chris Hodges is the founding and senior pastor of Church of the Highlands. Since it began in 2001, Highlands has grown to have campuses across the state of Alabama, and we’re known for our life-giving culture and focus on leading people to an intimate relationship with God.

Pastor Chris has a deep passion for developing leaders and planting life-giving churches. He co-founded ARC (Association of Related Churches) in 2001, which has launched hundreds of churches across the United States. He also founded GrowLeader, specializing in training and resourcing pastors and churches to help them break barriers and reach their growth potential. Chris is also the founder and Chancellor of Highlands College, a ministry training school that trains and launches students into full-time ministry careers.

Chris and his wife Tammy have five children and live in Birmingham, Alabama, where Church of the Highlands began. He speaks at conferences worldwide and is the author of Fresh Air, Four Cups, The Daniel Dilemma, What’s Next?, Out of The Cave, Pray First, and co-authored Jesus, the High Road Leader with John C. Maxwell.

What Others
Are Saying

“”

The speakers and connection time before and between events. Truly the best leadership conference I have attended. Everything done with excellence. Well done!!

Participant, post-conference survey

This has been SENSATIONAL! THANK YOU!

Rob G.

Learning so much. I am so thankful for this Conference. Life-changing. So much to unpack from today. Thank you to all three of you. [Ed's] message was about all relationships in life not just in the workplace. So life-changing.

Kristina K. (Helena, AL)

Excited to continue to grow personally. One leadership trait I have learned (sometimes the hard way) is to OWN your mistakes and use them to make better decisions.

Bryan B. (Spotsylvania, VA)

I'm not my problems, fears, or worries!! Thank you, Jesus. I'm the most qualified to help the person I used to be!! What a word.

Jacenta T.

Thanks to everyone who put this on! Wonderfully inspiring.

Philip J. (Montgomery, AL)

Took 3 pages of notes and want my staff to be a part of this with me next year!

Participant, post-conference survey

Pricing

Individual

$99.00

Group

Save $10

Available for groups of 10 or more attendees.

$89.00

Thank you to our title sponsor:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the name of the event?

The event is Impact Leadership Conference. You may have recently seen it promoted as the Highlands College Leadership Conference. We are returning to the name our community knows and remembers. The event and all existing registrations for December 2 remain the same

Is there a cost to attend the Conference?

Yes. Individual registration is $99 per person, and group registration for 10 or more attendees is $89 per person.

Proceeds from Impact Leadership Conference support the mission, vision, and goals of Highlands College, America's Ministry Leadership University.

What is included in the registration cost?

Registration includes all Conference sessions, event materials, and a boxed lunch.

Can I get a refund if I am unable to attend?

Registration for Impact Leadership Conference is non-refundable. By registering, you acknowledge and agree that refunds will not be issued for cancellations or no-shows.

How do I register for the Conference?

You can register for Impact Leadership Conference through this website. Select Register Now and follow the prompts to complete your registration.

Will hotel accommodations be provided?

Impact Leadership Conference is a half-day event from 9:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. CT, so hotel accommodations are not provided.

For guests who would like to extend their stay in Birmingham, Highlands College is conveniently located near hotels, dining, shopping, outdoor activities, and more.

Can I still attend if I don't register early?

We encourage early registration, as space is limited.

Is the Conference in person or virtual?

Impact Leadership Conference is an in-person event only at Church of the Highlands Grants Mill Campus in Birmingham, Alabama.

Where will the Conference be held?

Impact Leadership Conference will be held at:

Church of the Highlands Grants Mill Campus
4700 Highlands Way
Birmingham, AL 35210

What topics will be covered at the Conference?

Impact Leadership Conference will focus on practical leadership development, including perspectives on leadership, influence, culture, building teams, and creating lasting impact.

Will the Conference be streamed?

Impact Leadership Conference will not be streamed. We believe the in-person experience creates valuable opportunities to learn from the speakers, connect with other attendees, and fully engage with the Conference.

Will a recording of the Conference be available?

At this time, a recording will not be available. We encourage you to join us in person on December 2 to experience the sessions and connections throughout the morning.

leadership conference attendees walking up stairs

Highlands College

America's Ministry Leadership University develops the next generation of ministry leaders through an academy model built on four pillars: Academic Instruction, Ministry Training, Character Formation, and Spiritual Development. Here, students Choose Lives of Eternal Impact as they are Called, Transformed, and Sent to Lead in local churches and ministries around the world.

Learn More

Community Partners

Extend Your Impact Beyond the Conference.

The Highlands College Community Partner program connects businesses and individuals with the mission of Highlands College through an annual investment in the next generation of ministry leaders.

Community Partners receive opportunities to engage with the College and other leaders through signature events, exclusive experiences, partner recognition, and reserved seats at the Impact Leadership Conference.

Explore Partnership Opportunities

THANK YOU TO OUR

December 2, 2026 — sold out

We have reached capacity for the 2026 Impact Leadership Conference and closed registration.