The media industry is changing rapidly—and staying relevant requires strong leadership, confident sellers, and forward-thinking strategy. That’s exactly why Rising Above was created.
Rising Above is a two-day virtual summit designed for broadcasters, media sellers, managers, and emerging leaders who want to strengthen their skills, sharpen their thinking, and prepare for what’s next. Whether you attend live or watch on demand, this experience is built to deliver practical takeaways you can use immediately.
👉 Learn more and register at www.risingabovesummit.com
Day One: Leadership Day
For current leaders and those preparing to step into leadership roles. Day One is dedicated entirely to leadership—because organizations grow only as strong as the people guiding them.
Opening Inspiration
The day begins with opening remarks from Speed Marriott and Derron Steenbergen, setting the stage for a powerful conversation around growth, responsibility, and influence.
Leaders GROW First
Stephanie Theisen follows with her session, Leaders GROW First, where she challenges leaders to look inward before expecting more from their teams. Her message is clear: when leaders are not trained, supported, and prepared, the entire staff feels the impact. This session highlights how intentional leadership development directly affects culture, performance, and long-term success.
The Essence of Leadership & The Leadership Transformation
Next, Erik Therwanger delivers a powerful two-part training experience:
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The Essence of Leadership
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The Leadership Transformation
These sessions explore what leadership truly means, how influence is built, and what it takes to move from intention to transformation—both personally and professionally.
Industry Legends Roundtable: What’s Next in Media
Day One concludes with a must-watch roundtable discussion featuring some of the most respected voices in the media industry:
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Fred & Paul Jacobs of Jacobs Media
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Jim Brown of Borrell Associates
Moderated by Speed and Derron, this conversation focuses on what’s next for media, emerging trends leaders need to be aware of, and how organizations can prepare for the future. For anyone leading people, revenue, or strategy this session alone makes Rising Above worth attending.
Day Two: Sales, Strategy & What’s Ahead
Designed to help sellers and managers win in today’s economy. Day Two shifts focus to sales performance, digital strategy, and preparing teams for continued change.
Opening Motivation
Speed and Derron return to open the day with an energizing message centered on resilience, momentum, and execution.
Selling in a Tight Economy
Brandeis Hall tackles today’s challenges head-on with Selling in a Tight Economy, offering practical strategies sellers can use to protect revenue, add value, and uncover opportunity—even when budgets are tight.
Hooked on Results
Jason Younger presents Hooked on Results: The Fisherman’s Guide for Broadcast Success, sharing proven insights that help sellers focus on results rather than activity alone.
Successful Sellers Panel
A panel of top-performing sellers will share the best practices, habits, and approaches that have helped them consistently succeed. This session delivers real-world insights your team can immediately put into action.
Building Trust Through Social Media
Savannah Gillispie leads Beyond the Post: How to Build a Brand on Social Media That People Trust, showing how sellers and stations can build authentic, trustworthy brands that resonate with today’s audiences.
What’s Coming in Digital for 2026
The event wraps with Chris Brunt, who looks ahead to what’s coming in digital for 2026 and what media organizations should be preparing for now to stay competitive.
Built for Teams—Flexible for Individuals
Rising Above is designed to be used as a team training tool. Managers are encouraged to register their entire staff, watch sessions together, and use the content to spark meaningful discussion and development. If attending live as a group isn’t possible, all sessions will also be available on the Ten-Minute Trainer Network Mobile App, making it easy for sellers and managers to:
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Watch on their own schedule
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Revisit key sessions anytime
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Learn on the go
Registration & Access Information
Rising Above is currently available to select state associations. If your state is not listed on the registration form, we still want to help. Please contact support@risingabovesummit.com, and our team will explore options to bring this game-changing event to your organization.
Ready to Rise Above?
This isn’t just another conference, it’s a reset for leadership, sales, and the future of media. Visit www.risingabovesummit.com to learn more and register today.