2026 Memphis USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum

Forum Seminars

Explore seminar descriptions, session times, room locations, facilitators and moderators. Search, filter by day, or organize sessions chronologically, alphabetically, or with Lions University sessions first.

4imprint: Helping Lions Promote Themselves

Friday8:30–9:40 AM Room 104
Facilitator(s)Jen Klitzke
Moderator(s)Scott Harkey

As a Lions Member, you know how important it is to promote your brand and get your name seen. 4imprint offers you thousands of promotional products to get your brand in front of the right people. If it has your logo, it has to be the perfect product, perfectly printed, delivered on time. Certainty – that’s the 4imprint guarantee.

American Red Cross: Blood Donations 101

Saturday10:00–11:10 AM Room 104
Facilitator(s)Mario Brown
Moderator(s)Vickie Kennedy

A brief history of blood donations in the United States plus a discussion of the need in keep a healthy blood supply, a discussion on why a diverse donor pool creates a healthy environment for patients who need blood, and what you should expect if you wish to donate or host a drive.

Becoming an ID

Saturday3:30–4:40 PM Room 110
Facilitator(s)Mark Mansell
Moderator(s)Don Drew

What does it mean to be an International Director? Explore the realities and possibilities of stepping up your service to the International level.

CA1 & CA2 Town Hall

Saturday3:30–4:40 PM Room Ballroom CDE
Facilitator(s)Pat Vannett, Brian Sheehan
Moderator(s)Bert Nelson, John Youney, Jenny Ware

Discuss topics around growth and impact being addressed in both constitutional areas.

Cataractathon

Friday3:30–4:40 PM Room 105
Facilitator(s)Dr. Brian Fowler, Dr. Emily Graves
Moderator(s)Brad Baker

Bringing the international surgical mission outreach framework to your own local community.

Lions University

Club Presidents, LU 121

Thursday3:30–4:40 PM Room 103
Facilitator(s)Debbie Doty
Moderator(s)Rosemarie Gabriel

The objectives of this course are to know and understand the duties of Club President, how to plan for your year as Club President, the leadership expectations, where to find resources, and how to enjoy your year as Club President.

Creating a Welcoming Club Environment for New Members

Thursday3:30–4:40 PM Room 105
Facilitator(s)Ed Cerney
Moderator(s)Kayleen Rosman

Explore strategies for creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that makes new members feel at home in your club.

Creating Impactful Membership Campaigns

Saturday10:00–11:10 AM Room 203
Facilitator(s)Craig Durand
Moderator(s)Dr. Phyllis Wiggins, Hollie Larkin

Brainstorm appropriate ways to handle conflict.

Creating Impactful Videos with Free Applications

Saturday8:30–9:40 AM Room Ballroom CDE
Facilitator(s)Rich Morris
Moderator(s)Marion Dahlke, Lindell Smith, Jeff Van Calligan

Learn how to record, edit, and publish professional-looking videos using free applications.

Lions University

Creative District Meetings, LU 230

Saturday2:00–3:10 PM Room 103
Facilitator(s)Tebo Richards
Moderator(s)Patt Goerke

Explore a variety of District meetings and ways meetings can support Lions Clubs in a creative and effective manner.

DEA: How Lions Can Help Build a Fentanyl Free America

Friday2:00–3:10 PM Room 111
Facilitator(s)Kevin Collins
Moderator(s)Claudia Miller

Attendees will learn about programs from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to prevent substance use and strengthen communities. The presentation will include information about: DEA’s Fentanyl Free America initiative; a new youth peer-to-peer education program that can be used by Leos; tools to protect kids from online drug traffickers, and actions Lions can take when they return home.

Dealing with Resistance to Change

Thursday3:30–4:40 PM Room 112
Friday3:30–4:40 PM Room 112
Thursday • 3:30–4:40 PM
Facilitator(s)Vince Leone
Moderator(s)Vince Bishop
Friday • 3:30–4:40 PM
Facilitator(s)Vince Leone
Moderator(s)Vince Bishop

Explore strategies for addressing and overcoming resistance to change.

Lions University

Death by PowerPoint, LU 301

Friday10:00–11:10 AM Room 103
Facilitator(s)Mechele Mosley
Moderator(s)Kathy Dieker

Learn essential guidelines for using presentation software effectively in adult learning environments to turn presentations into conversations that keep listeners engaged.

Lions University

Develop a Meaningful Talk per the Occasion, LU 309

Saturday8:30–9:40 AM Room 103
Facilitator(s)Wendy Cain
Moderator(s)Dawn Wessel

Learn guidelines for speaking on special occasions, including introducing someone, presenting awards, inducting new members, and installing club officers.

Developing Your Multiple and District GAT Leadership TEAM

Friday3:30–4:40 PM Room 203
Facilitator(s)Deb Grassi
Moderator(s)Kathy Dorman, Randy Culbertson

Learn how to build effective GAT Teams with Lion Leaders on the Multiple and District levels.

Extension, GET Is Not a Team of One

Saturday2:00–3:10 PM Room 203
Facilitator(s)Mark Piva
Moderator(s)Garner Andrews, Sheri Greenwaldt

Discover best practices for building your Global Extension Team to create new clubs.

Finding the Rhythm of Leadership

Saturday3:30–4:40 PM Room 111
Facilitator(s)Martin Bonura
Moderator(s)Terry Harkey

Grow great District Governors with ideas presented in this seminar themed with a Memphis flair.

Forum First Timers

Thursday2:00–3:10 PM Room Ballroom CDE
Facilitator(s)Tyler Bray
Moderator(s)Bob Block Sr., Mike Molenda, Bruce Beck

First-time Lions attending the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum can learn how to navigate the forum and enjoy their learning experience.

Fundraising with a Twist

Friday10:00–11:10 AM Room 201
Facilitator(s)Darren VanDuyn
Moderator(s)Gemma Ferguson, Susie Morris

Discover fun and impactful fundraising ideas to boost your Lions service activities.

Hosting a Forum

Saturday8:30–9:40 AM Room 112
Facilitator(s)Site Selection Committee: Anne Smarsh, Jama Wahl, Steve Sherer, Randy Heitman
Moderator(s)Tammy Rockenbach

This session provides an overview of the site selection process and guidelines needed to bring the Forum to your area.

Lions Role in the Fight Against Human Trafficking

Friday2:00–3:10 PM Room 110
Facilitator(s)Stephanie Graef, Leslie King
Moderator(s)Jenny Ware

Meet and listen to a heroic sex trafficking survivor and learn the realities of what human trafficking is and how to identify and prevent it in your community. Learn more about the LIONS FOR LIBERTY project and ways your club can join the fight and roll it out in your

Huntsville, AL Forum

Friday2:00–3:10 PM Room 105
Facilitator(s)Cindy Gregg
Moderator(s)Susan Bonura

Join us in 2027 for the Forum in beautiful Huntsville, Alabama.

ID Candidate Session

Thursday3:30–4:40 PM Room Ballroom CDE
Facilitator(s)IP Mark Lyon
Moderator(s)Mark Mansell, Jeff Gans, Kelly Clark

Opportunity for all attending certified International Director candidates to showcase their presentation skills. A great time for DGEs to find potential speakers for their conventions. The presentation will not be campaign related.

Inspiring Future Leaders

Thursday3:30–4:40 PM Room 111
Facilitator(s)Lori Langley
Moderator(s)Reed Fish

Discover ways to recognize and encourage emerging leaders.

Inspiring Growth Through Meaningful Service

Friday8:30–9:40 AM Room 112
Facilitator(s)Suzanne Leshchyshyn
Moderator(s)Andy Anderson

Learn how impactful service projects can attract new members, retain current members, and strengthen your Lions Club.

International President Meets Club Presidents

Friday10:00–11:10 AM Room 112
Facilitator(s)IP Mark Lyon
Moderator(s)Phil Larabee

Club presidents meet with the International President.

International President Meets District Governors

Friday3:30–4:40 PM Room 201
Facilitator(s)IP Mark Lyon
Moderator(s)Gary Fry, Jim Klubertanz

It’s check-in time for DG Teams. International President meeting with DGs and their teams.

Keeping Core Values While Embracing Change

Thursday2:00–3:10 PM Room 201
Friday2:00–3:10 PM Room 112
Thursday • 2:00–3:10 PM
Facilitator(s)Denise Laudenbach
Moderator(s)Eddie Marshall, Brenda Block
Friday • 2:00–3:10 PM
Facilitator(s)Denise Laudenbach
Moderator(s)Eddie Marshall

Explore ways to balance tradition with innovation, keeping core values intact while embracing change.

Kili4kids Project

Friday8:30–9:40 AM Room 111
Facilitator(s)Elisabeth Haderer
Moderator(s)Lori Sheehan

Learn how the Kind International Lions Initiative project raises funds for schools in underdeveloped areas in the world.

Launching a New Club Using the GMA Process

Saturday8:30–9:40 AM Room 203
Facilitator(s)Jay Norby
Moderator(s)Elisa Coyle, Jeanna Woods

Discover the key steps to starting a new club using the Global Membership Approach: build a team, build a vision, build a plan, and build success.

LCIF Impact

Friday3:30–4:40 PM Room 111
Facilitator(s)LCIF Chairperson A.P. Singh
Moderator(s)Dannette Pryor

Learn how LCIF focus on service can impact your community and how grants help to drive service made possible through donations.

Leader Dogs for the Blind: Creating Accessible Lions Clubs and Districts

Friday3:30–4:40 PM Room 104
Facilitator(s)Kelsey Martin-Gardner
Moderator(s)Steve Middlemiss

Continue the Knights of the Blind legacy by learning practical ways to help your club and district be more welcoming and accessible, plus a live Q&A with Leader Dog clients.

Leadership Succession

Friday3:30–4:40 PM Room Ballroom CDE
Facilitator(s)Steve Langley
Moderator(s)Michael Contreras, Evett Hartvig, Michelle Noll

Discover ways to plan for future leaders and how to prepare them for success.

Leading the GAT Team Effectively

Saturday8:30–9:40 AM Room 105
Facilitator(s)Pat Vannett, Cheri Provancha, Denise Laudenbach, Dan Visone, Julia Kozicki
Moderator(s)Susan Cox

List the causes of the reactions to conflict.

Leo Advisors Panel Discussion

Saturday3:30–4:40 PM Room 105
Facilitator(s)Dr. Patti Hill, Cheryl Kerns, Diana Grise, Nadine Bushell
Moderator(s)Diane Lee

Experienced Leo Advisors share insights to help fellow advisors and Lions better support Leos, fostering stronger collaboration and impactful service projects.

Leveraging Corporate Partnerships to Amplify Club Service Impact

Friday10:00–11:10 AM Room Ballroom CDE
Facilitator(s)Brian Sheehan
Moderator(s)Joe Laudenbach, Dr Brian Scott, Kembra Smith

Learn how to leverage Corporate Social Responsibility programs to strengthen the reach and impact of your club’s service projects.

Lions University

Lions Clubs International Foundation, LU 129

Friday2:00–3:10 PM Room 103
Facilitator(s)Babette Newman
Moderator(s)Mary Vrieze

This course provides Lions with a broad understanding of LCIF—its purpose, history, accomplishments, structure, grants, programs, and giving opportunities.

Lions Portal Q & A

Thursday3:30–4:40 PM Room 203
Saturday3:30–4:40 PM Room 203
Thursday • 3:30–4:40 PM
Facilitator(s)Elizabeth Huskey
Moderator(s)Pam Bilyeu, Dr. Richard Battaglia
Saturday • 3:30–4:40 PM
Facilitator(s)Elizabeth Huskey
Moderator(s)Pam Bilyeu, Dr. Richard Battaglia

Get your questions answered about how to navigate and utilize the Lions Portal to manage your club efficiently, access key resources, and enhance your Lions Club’s impact through this powerful online tool.

"Listen Up!"™ Program

Thursday2:00–3:10 PM Room 111
Facilitator(s)Valerie James Abbott, Jean Cook
Moderator(s)Lynda Durand

Overview of new program and partnership with the School for the Deaf and the Blind, successfully utilizing OAE screening technology with children 2-5 years.

Making Leadership Enjoyable

Saturday10:00–11:10 AM Room 201
Facilitator(s)Susan Lindberg
Moderator(s)Linda Rumsey, David Stedman

Learn how incorporating fun can enhance your leadership style and energize your club.

Marketing Strategies for Service Visibility

Friday10:00–11:10 AM Room 203
Facilitator(s)Irene Haws
Moderator(s)Carol Greene, Tom Smarsh

Learn effective marketing strategies to promote your Lions Club’s service.

Marketing that Attracts Attention

Friday2:00–3:10 PM Room 203
Facilitator(s)Paul Bledsoe
Moderator(s)Ray Jones, Robin Stoeckler

Learn innovative strategies that ensure your Lions Club leaves a lasting impact in your community.

Mascot Pecan: Fundraising

Friday10:00–11:10 AM Room 110
Facilitator(s)Ashley Blizzard
Moderator(s)LeeAnn Middlemiss

Learn how fundraising with Mascot can make a difference.

Mission 1.5

Saturday2:00–3:10 PM Room 110
Facilitator(s)1st IVP Manoj Shah, Pat Vannett
Moderator(s)Robert Browning Jr

Discover how Mission 1.5 enhances service impact, inspires volunteers, and meets community needs—driving meaningful growth and lasting change.

[New] Member Orientation

Saturday10:00–11:10 AM Room 105
Facilitator(s)Stewart Sherman-Kahn
Moderator(s)Amy Fink

Innovative ways to engage new and existing members while learning our proud history, cultures, and organizational structure.

PDG Town Hall

Friday10:00–11:10 AM Room 105
Facilitator(s)Anthony Paradiso
Moderator(s)Dr. Ed Cordes

Come share ideas, tackle challenges, and explore how to lead, energize, and strengthen the role of Past District Governors in your district or multiple district.

Plusoptix: Introducing the New S20 Vision Screener

Friday10:00–11:10 AM Room 104
Facilitator(s)Tammy Johnson
Moderator(s)Kathy Littlefield

Plusoptix.

Prepare for the Lions International Convention 2027

Thursday3:30–4:40 PM Room 104
Facilitator(s)Jeremy Bair, Sonia Wiggins, Chris Wooters, Dainna Waldroup
Moderator(s)TBD

Discover ways to empower and energize Lions and Leos to participate in activities leading up to and during the International Convention in Washington D.C.

Promoting Mental Wellness Among Lions Members and their Communities

Saturday10:00–11:10 AM Room 111
Saturday3:30–4:40 PM Room 112
Saturday • 10:00–11:10 AM
Facilitator(s)Hilary Kumnick
Moderator(s)Sue Jones
Saturday • 3:30–4:40 PM
Facilitator(s)Hilary Kumnick
Moderator(s)Jim Barbare

Discover strategies to promote mental wellness within our clubs and our communities, helping everyone stay healthy and engaged in service.

Protecting Your Identity and Data Online

Saturday2:00–3:10 PM Room 105
Facilitator(s)Dimple Willabus
Moderator(s)Stephanie Gwinn

Examine core conflict management styles to determine how to reach the best result.

Recruiting the Next Generation of Volunteers

Friday8:30–9:40 AM Room 203
Saturday8:30–9:40 AM Room 104
Friday • 8:30–9:40 AM
Facilitator(s)Jerome Thompson
Moderator(s)Phyllis Carlin, Kelly Clark
Saturday • 8:30–9:40 AM
Facilitator(s)Jerome Thompson
Moderator(s)Phyllis Carlin

Discover how the next generations think, live, and communicate. Let’s meet them where they are and embrace their uniqueness.

Revitalizing Lions Clubs

Saturday8:30–9:40 AM Room 201
Saturday2:00–3:10 PM Room 112
Saturday • 8:30–9:40 AM
Facilitator(s)Howard Rixie, Ski Marcinkowski
Moderator(s)Ty'East Alleyne-Bobb, Sharon Battaglia
Saturday • 2:00–3:10 PM
Facilitator(s)Howard Rixie, Ski Marcinkowski
Moderator(s)Sharon Battaglia

Discover key insights and strategies to ensure sustainability and relevance for established clubs.

Rise and Roar

Thursday 8:30–10:30 AM Room Ballroom CDE
Facilitator(s)Gail Anton
Moderator(s)Steve Anton, Christine Hackett, Joe Hackett

A Radio Show format overview of the sponsors and seminars at this year's Forum.

School Health/Baxter: Helping Lions Protect vision in Their Communities

Friday8:30–9:40 AM Room 105
Facilitator(s)Maryellen Okeefe-Smith
Moderator(s)Chris Homer

Learn how Lions can expand access to essential vision care using the Welch Allyn RetinaVue retinal screening system to identify diabetic eye disease and the Welch Allyn Spot Vision Screener to quickly detect vision risk factors in children. Discover how these innovative tools support early detection, timely referrals, and better vision outcomes for community members of all ages.

Lions University

Servant Leadership, LU 318

Saturday3:30–4:40 PM Room 103
Facilitator(s)David Strudthoff
Moderator(s)Sandy Fraser-Thomas

Discover the principles of servant leadership and how it fosters trust, growth, and community within Lions Clubs.

Service Opportunities for Senior Members

Friday10:00–11:10 AM Room 111
Facilitator(s)Gary Brown
Moderator(s)Jane Colona

Discover ways to engage retired and senior members in meaningful service projects that leverage their skills and experience.

Serving Together - Partner-in-Service Opportunities

Thursday2:00–3:10 PM Room 105
Facilitator(s)Sangeeta Jatia, Lyn Lyon, Lori Sheehan
Moderator(s)Erin Beck

Partners-in-Service of our District Leaders are uniquely positioned to have a true impact on our Lions Association's well-being and progress. How do you support your Partner-in-Service?

Share the Story: Meet the LCIF Chairperson

Friday8:30–9:40 AM Room 110
Facilitator(s)LCIF Chairperson A.P. Singh
Moderator(s)Dannette Pryor

The session highlights LCIF Coordinator key responsibilities within LCIF and reinforces their vital role in sharing the LCIF story.

Starting a Specialty Club

Thursday2:00–3:10 PM Room 203
Facilitator(s)Ski Marcinkowski
Moderator(s)Vicki Brady, Linda Molenda

Explore how to start a specialty Lions Club that focuses on a specific cause or interest group to attract targeted members, including LGBT+ Lions Clubs.

Starting and Supporting Leo Clubs

Friday8:30–9:40 AM Room Ballroom CDE
Facilitator(s)Dr Patti Hill, Nadine Bushell
Moderator(s)Debbie Dawson, Tami Verstraete, Brenda Block

Learn how to launch and support Leo Clubs through recruiting, mentoring, and service.

Lions University

Strategic Planning: Beyond Goals and Action Plans, LU 209

Friday8:30–9:40 AM Room 103
Facilitator(s)Len Day
Moderator(s)Dave Barrett

Recognize the concept and benefits of Strategic Planning; explore the process of Strategic Planning; be able to utilize a Strategic Planning process to grow our service potential.

Strategies to Engage and Retain Members

Friday2:00–3:10 PM Room Ballroom CDE
Saturday3:30–4:40 PM Room 201
Friday • 2:00–3:10 PM
Facilitator(s)Joe Preston
Moderator(s)Gail Cordes, Marie Cunning, Ty'East Alleyne-Bobb
Saturday • 3:30–4:40 PM
Facilitator(s)Joe Preston
Moderator(s)Gail Cordes, Marie Cunning

Explore ways to strengthen your clubs by engaging and retaining your members through engagement, satisfaction, and loyalty.

The ERAS Tour – Lions Version

Saturday2:00–3:10 PM Room 111
Facilitator(s)Jessica Wentworth
Moderator(s)Cheryl Anderson

Taylor Swift embraced all of her Eras and it contributed to her record breaking tour. We're going to discuss leadership lessons from our lions Eras! What is our next Era? Join this session to find out.

Transforming Membership Growth and Marketing with AI

Friday8:30–9:40 AM Room 201
Facilitator(s)Daniel Marney Elkins
Moderator(s)Cindy Fickett, Ron Fruit

Learn how AI tools can enhance recruitment, engagement, and growth for Lions International.

Transitioning Leos to Lions

Saturday 2:00–3:10 PM Room 104
Facilitator(s)Nichele Smith
Moderator(s)Corina Villarreal, Pam Graney

Hear from Leo leaders how Leos can continue their service as Lions.

Unlock the Power of LCIF Grants

Saturday2:00–3:10 PM Room 201
Facilitator(s)Beth Smith
Moderator(s)Melanie Snider, Debbie Bialke

Learn more about LCIF grants and how easy it is to apply to turn ideas into life-changing service projects.

Lions University

What is Lions University?

Thursday2:00–3:10 PM Room 103
Facilitator(s)Deanna Shurtleff Rostock
Moderator(s)Lynnette Welsch

Come learn about the three programs in Lions University, an extension of the offerings at the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum, so that participants can continue growing in Lionism year round.

Lions University

Zone Chair Role and Responsibilities, LU 210

Friday3:30–4:40 PM Room 103
Facilitator(s)Kim Sheldrick
Moderator(s)Chris Bauer

Review the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership, explore Zone Chair roles and responsibilities, and review available resources.

iScreen Vision: A New Screening Device

Friday2:00–3:10 PM Room 104
Facilitator(s)TBD
Moderator(s)TBD

Learn about what makes iScreen different! We will demonstrate the features of our newly released G5 Vision Screener, explain the role our professional analysts play in giving you quality results, and tell you more about why we think our new device is a great fit for Lions clubs nationwide. Learn why Iowa KidSight has used iScreen Vision for its vision program for over a decade.

International First Vice-President Meets FVDGs/DGEs

Friday 2:00–3:10 PM Room 201
Facilitator(s)1st IVP Manoj Shah
Moderator(s)Sangeeta Jatia, Wayne Heiman

FVDG/DGEs will hear 1st IVP Manoj Shah's plans for the DGE seminar and the 2027 International Convention.

International President’s Town Hall on Advocacy and Service

Saturday 8:30–9:40 AM Room 111
Facilitator(s)IP Mark Lyon
Moderator(s)Doug Alexander

International President Mark Lyon will hold an open forum for all Lions. Learn more about his priorities for the year, including a deeper exploration of service and advocacy.

Session schedule information is based on the current Forum seminar schedule. Facilitator and moderator assignments are based on the current facilitator/moderator roster. Sessions or assignments that are not yet confirmed are marked “TBD” or “Information coming soon.”