Emerging Leaders Program

The American Composites Manufacturers Association recognizes and cultivates emerging leaders in the composites industry. Through our inaugural Emerging Leaders Program, an exclusive group of individuals are provided with year-long programming to enhance their leadership skills, build their network, and learn how to effectively advocate for the composites industry. This program will continue annually, fostering the next generation of leaders every year.

PROGRAM GOALS

ACMA’s Emerging Leaders Program prepares participants to be leaders of their company and the composites industry.

Individuals will participate in experiences focusing on three main goals:

Develop and Enhance Leadership Skills

Develop and enhance your leadership skills to achieve greater success in your professional and personal life.

Network and Build Industry Relationships

Network and build industry relationships to expand your professional connections and open new opportunities.

Advocate for the Composites Industry

Advocate for the composites industry to support its growth and innovation.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

Advocacy Trip to Washington, D.C.

Participants will come to Capitol Hill to meet with Members of Congress and agency leadership to educate them on the valuable capabilities of composites and further open markets.

Trainings and Workshops

Virtual and in-person trainings and workshops are hosted throughout the year to facilitate career advancement, individual brand recognition, and more. These also include webinars on industry statistics and hot topics.

Events and Industry Education

Participants will receive complimentary registration to CAMX – the Composites and Advanced Materials Expo. CAMX marks the end of the program and individuals will host an information session at CAMX about the Emerging Leaders Program for interested applicants.

Applications for the Emerging Leaders Program are now closed.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be an employee of an ACMA member company in good standing.
  • Have a minimum of 5 years of experience in the composites industry.
  • Provide 1 letter of recommendation

Participation Requirements

Members of the ACMA’s Emerging Leaders Program should plan to attend the following. Dates will be finalized in January.

  • 5 virtual, 60–90-minute sessions
  • 1.5 days at exclusive Leadership Development Workshop (June 9-10, 2025 | Washington, DC)
  • 2 full days at ACMA’s Composite Fly-In (June 10-12, 2025 | Washington, DC)
  • Outgoing celebration and info session at CAMX 2025 (September 8-11, 2025 | Orlando, FL)

How to Apply

Applications for the Class of 2025 closed on November 1, 2024.

  • The selected individuals will be announced by late December 2024.
  • Depending on applications, only the top individual from a company will be selected.
  • To determine the winners, answers will be scored on the following factors:
    • Commitment to advancing the composites industry
    • Leadership potential
    • Pursuit of professional development
    • Overall application (grammar, professionalism, communication, clarity of information, etc.)

Sponsors

Applications for the Emerging Leaders Program are now closed.

  • The selected individuals will be announced by late December 2024.
  • Depending on applications, only the top individual from a company will be selected.
  • To determine the winners, answers will be scored on the following factors:
    • Commitment to advancing the composites industry
    • Leadership potential
    • Pursuit of professional development
    • Overall application (grammar, professionalism, communication, clarity of information, etc.)

Fees
There is no application fee for this program; however, applicants who are selected for the program are expected to pay an enrollment fee of $2,500. The enrollment fee covers attendance at the Leadership Development Workshop, Fly-In, and CAMX; plus access to the leadership coach and other speakers during virtual events. Participants must cover their travel and hotel expenses.

Contact
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Casey Kinler, ACMA Director, Membership Experience, at ckinler@acmanet.org.

SPONSOR

Establish your company as a dedicated leader in the composite industry’s future by investing in the next generation. As a sponsor, you are elevating your brand recognition and showing your commitment to the future of our industry.

Sponsorship opportunities include: Founding or overall event sponsor, fly-in activities, CAMX breakfast and information session, leadership development workshop, and participant travel.

For more information, contact John Catapano, Director, Business Development by email at jcatapano@acmanet.org or by phone 703.795.7271.

CONTACT US

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