AFP 2026 Executive Institute to Focus on Human-AI Collaboration, Future-Proofing Skill Sets

Featuring keynote speakers David Blake and Dr. Bailey Parnell, the event, sponsored by PNC Bank, offers insights on building change-ready teams and leading enterprise strategy through technological advances

ROCKVILLE, Md., Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The AFP 2026 Executive Institute, sponsored by PNC Bank, will equip treasury and finance executives with support and solutions on auditing organizational skill gaps and scaling impact while preserving core human judgment.

The Executive Institute is an exclusive extension of AFP 2026, taking place Nov. 8-11, 2026, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Hosted by the Association for Financial Professionals, this curated experience offers executive-level treasury and finance leaders an exclusive setting for candid peer discussion.

AFP 2026 Executive Institute Keynotes

David Blake, co-founder and executive chairman of Degreed, founder of two new venture-backed businesses, BookClub and Learn In, and co-author of "The Expertise Economy," will deliver the Monday Executive Institute Keynote address titled "How to Compete in the Expertise Economy." Blake will share his framework for corporate leaders to audit aggregate organizational capabilities, address skill gaps and build continuous learning models within finance departments. His address equips leaders to build change-ready cultures and future-proof their workplaces.

Dr. Bailey Parnell, CEO & founder of SkillsCamp, will deliver the Tuesday Executive Institute Keynote address titled "Super Human Leadership: How the Next Great Leaders Will Use AI to Become More Human." Drawing on her doctoral research on leadership and AI, as well as over a decade of global experience in digital well-being and human-centered leadership, Dr. Parnell will explore how senior finance leaders can build a "human + AI" partnership that combines co-intelligence with human empathy, critical thinking and ethics. Her address equips C-suite executives with actionable, research-backed strategies to leverage AI for better decision-making and organizational trust without replacing the essential human element of leadership.

Core themes at the AFP 2026 Executive Institute

In addition to the keynotes, the AFP 2026 Executive Institute programming includes educational sessions and roundtable discussions covering operational and strategic imperatives:

• Pricing and quantifying AI risk: Educational sessions will enable CFOs to evaluate, price and govern financial exposure stemming from enterprise AI deployment.

• FX execution and transaction cost transparency: Treasury and finance leaders will share data-driven methodologies to uncover hidden dealer markups in foreign exchange trading and maximize hedging effectiveness.

• Driving measurable tech ROI and autonomous operations: Executive roundtables will focus on optimizing treasury management systems, eliminating operational friction and transitioning from legacy automation to autonomous finance models.

Key quotes

"Senior treasury and finance leaders are operating in an environment where the playing field is constantly shifting. The most valuable insights often come from peers who are navigating those same decisions. The AFP 2026 Executive Institute provides a space for candid, peer-to-peer dialogue with fellow executives on leading through change," said Pat Culkin, president & CEO of AFP.

"Today's treasury leaders are being asked to drive transformation while managing increasing complexity across their organizations. The AFP 2026 Executive Institute brings together senior finance professionals to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the profession, including AI adoption, operational efficiency and strategic risk management," said Emma Loftus, head of Treasury Management at PNC Bank. "PNC is honored to support a forum that fosters meaningful peer dialogue and equips leaders with practical strategies to help their businesses thrive."

Register for AFP 2026

Register by Oct. 2 to save $274 off on-site pricing for AFP 2026.

FAQs

What is the AFP 2026 Executive Institute?

The AFP 2026 Executive Institute is a program within AFP 2026 that is designed exclusively for CFOs, Treasurers, Assistant Treasurers, VPs of Finance and Controllers. It offers keynotes, executive roundtables, educational sessions and peer networking focused on strategic leadership, risk management, AI and the key decisions shaping the future of finance.

Who is eligible to attend the AFP 2026 Executive Institute?

Attendance is restricted to corporate practitioners holding the title of CFO, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Vice President of Finance or Controller.

When and where is the AFP 2026 Executive Institute hosted?

The program takes place Nov. 8-11, 2026, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

About AFP^®
The Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) is the leading professional society dedicated to helping financial professionals achieve their greatest career potential. Since 1979, AFP has been connecting financial professionals to the real-world expertise of their global peers, notably through the largest annual conference for treasury and corporate finance. As the certifying body for the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP®) and Certified Corporate FP&A Professional (FPAC®) credentials, AFP sets the standard of excellence in the profession. For more information, visit financialprofessionals.org.

Media contact
Joe Hodanich
Senior Director, Digital Strategy & Content
Association for Financial Professionals
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Association for Financial Professionals