LEVEL UP YOUR LEADERSHIP AT
THE INSTITUTE
A Personalized, Transformative Experience
SHRM Linkage Institute (The Institute) is a three-day immersive learning experience that empowers leaders from across all stages of their careers with the skills, strategies, and insights to accelerate their growth and impact. More than just a conference, The Institute is a transformational leadership development experience designed to unlock potential, drive results, and propel professionals forward in their careers.
A Space to Grow, Together
The Institute offers the best of both worlds: inspiring, world-class speakers and an experience tailored to your personal development journey.
- Personalized Self-Assessment & Deep Dive – Gain valuable insights into your strengths and growth opportunities through a guided self-assessment experience.
- Pre-Event Webinars – Prepare for The Institute with expert-led sessions designed to help you maximize your experience.
- Inspiring Keynotes with Learning Guides – Engage with world-class speakers and apply their insights with structured learning guides.
- Small-Group Learning Teams – Connect with peers in intimate learning groups for meaningful discussions and real-world application.
- Interactive Breakout Sessions – Choose from two dynamic breakout sessions tailored to your leadership journey.
- High-Impact Networking – Build lasting connections with like-minded leaders and industry experts.
- Post-Event Growth Tools – Extend your learning with 90-day content access and the Extended Learning Leader for Life Guide to keep the momentum going.
THOSE WHO ATTEND THE INSTITUTE EXPERIENCE INCREDIBLE RESULTS
Learning Journeys for Everyone
New in 2025, The Institute offers five learning journeys, tailored to build on your unique experiences and maximize your full potential.
ADVANCE: Step Up in the Workplace
The Institute’s legacy experience. High-potential leaders at the manager, director, or early executive level benefit from enhancing their leadership skills through coach-guided learning, team building, and networking. Designed to speak to the experiences of women in the workplace — but building leadership competencies that are beneficial for all.
OPTIMIZE: Cultivating Thriving Relationships
Approaching leadership with curiosity, interest, accountability, and action creates an environment where everyone thrives. Designed with male leaders in mind, this journey focuses on strengthening leadership skills to drive organizational success.
ASCEND: Continue the Journey
Attended The Institute and ready to move to the next level? We created a unique capstone experience — with advanced content, immersive sessions, and peer networking — to help you build momentum and continue the leadership journey.
EXCEL: Mission-Focused Leadership
We are proud to support military service members who have transitioned into the corporate workforce. These specialized sessions focus on leveraging your unique military strengths as key workplace assets and provide tools and strategies to navigate leadership across environments.
IGNITE: The Next Generation of Leaders
This fully virtual program gives students the insights needed to grow and succeed in today’s competitive workplace. Gain practical tips from keynote speakers to support your campus-to-corporate transition.
FAQs
Yes, WIL is now the SHRM Linkage Institute.
The Institute offers two flexible formats: in-person in San Diego, CA, or 100% virtual. Wherever you are, transform your leadership potential with an experience tailored to your growth.
No matter how you attend, you’ll gain actionable strategies to advance in the workplace through engaging keynotes, data-driven development, networking opportunities, and more. Customize your experience with options designed to fit your needs and goals:
- All-Access (In-Person): A four-day immersive experience featuring keynotes, breakout sessions, and small-group learning teams led by expert executive coaches. This is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive and high-impact leadership development journey, individually and in teams.
- Virtual Keynotes: Perfect for busy professionals or those unable to travel, these options provide access to keynotes and a condensed conference schedule.
- Coaching Packages: Enhance your experience with year-round learning and optional one-on-one coaching. This package is designed for those who want extended development and continuous support.
If you have questions or need help deciding which experience is best for you and your team, please contact us at linkage-customerservice@shrm.org.
Yes. Our proprietary assessments ensure leadership development is targeted and impactful. You will be measured on your proficiency in key competencies designed for your specific learning journey. By translating assessment data into customized development solutions, we provide valuable insights into your strengths and growth opportunities—guiding a personalized and effective learning experience.
Yes. We’ll match you with other individuals based on your assessment results and other factors to form a learning team. Together you will have small-group learning experiences with a coach as well as experiencing the keynotes, breakouts, and networking opportunities. By the time you leave, you’ll have built strong relationships and have professional contacts that you’ll stay in touch with long after The Institute ends.
Unlike a conference, the content of The Institute is designed to build throughout the experience. To get the most out of the all-access pass and cover the entire curriculum, it is on a set schedule during the week of the live event. Your participation in small-group learning and in-the-moment sessions is critically important.
To make the most of your experience, we highly recommend participating live either in-person or virtually. However, every participant will be given extended access to the recorded content, which includes Keynotes, some Breakout Sessions, and other special sessions, for 90 days after the start of the event allowing you to refresh yourself on the content.
The Institute is hosted and broadcast live in Pacific Standard Time from the San Diego metro area. Please see the full agenda for timing.
Yes. Both in-person and virtual attendees will have access to recorded Institute Keynotes for 90 days from the start of The Institute.
For accessibility and accommodation requests, complete this form. Please be as specific as possible. To fulfill your requests, please submit by September 14, 2025.
Contact your hotel directly if you need additional accessibility and accommodations for housing.
Please contact SHRM Customer Experience at support.shrm.org or shrm@shrm.org if you have additional questions about accessibility and accommodations.
Please see our Enrollment Policy here.
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