2027 Theme: Built for More
Columbia Church, Falls Church VA
Registration Opening Soon
2027 Theme
Your current role is not the limit of your potential. Whether you’re just beginning to lead or have spent years developing others, there is more to learn, more to contribute, and more room to grow.
Leader Connect brings Chick-fil-A Operators and leaders together for a day of inspiring speakers, practical learning, and meaningful connection. This year’s theme, Built for More, challenges us to see what’s possible for ourselves and the people we lead, and to take responsibility for that growth.
You’ll leave with fresh perspective, ideas you can put to work, and encouragement to take your next step. Not just toward what you want to accomplish, but toward the leader you want to become.
Leader Connect 2027 will feature the following keynote speakers in person, with more to be announced.
Mark is the Lead Visionary of National Community Church in Washington, D.C., a church that also runs community spaces like Ebenezers Coffeehouse and the DC Dream Center. A New York Times bestselling author of more than two dozen books, including The Circle Maker and Win the Day, he is known for challenging people to dream bigger and take practical steps toward the life God designed them for.
The daughter of Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy, Trudy grew up alongside the family business and has spent her life passing on the values that shaped it. She is an author of four books, including A Legacy That Lasts, the host of the Along the Way podcast, and a speaker whose warmth and humor invite audiences to think about the legacy they are building today.
Angela is a leader at Chick-fil-A, Inc., and a keynote speaker, writer, and business owner who calls herself a “Chief Connectioneer.” Over more than 30 years in public relations, marketing, broadcast media, education, and corporate training, she has partnered with organizations including Sony Pictures and Porsche. Her message is personal and practical: you are your greatest leadership asset. Through storytelling, she helps leaders own what makes them original and build cultures centered on real growth and human connection.
Additional speakers will be announced in the weeks ahead.
Virtual Speakers
Leader Connect 2027 also brings you world-class leadership voices through Live2Lead. Their sessions are part of every registration, with replays available on demand after the event.
Founder, Maxwell Leadership
A #1 New York Times bestselling author, coach, and speaker, John has sold more than 34 million books, including The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Maxwell Leadership, the organization he founded, has trained leaders in every nation.
Virtual via Live2Lead
Co-Founder, Brand Builders Group
Rory is a two-time New York Times bestselling author of Take the Stairs and Procrastinate on Purpose and a Hall of Fame speaker. His teaching on self-discipline and influence has reached millions, including a TEDx talk viewed more than 5 million times.
Virtual via Live2Lead
Author, Ally Leadership
A business growth strategist with more than 30 years of experience, Stephanie served as Chief Growth Officer of Wheels Up and was the first African American to lead sales for a private jet company. Her book shows leaders how to lead people who are not like them.
Virtual via Live2Lead
Former President and CEO, Walmart International and Sam’s Club
Kathryn led 500,000 associates serving 80 million customers a week across 18 countries. Under her leadership, Sam’s Club revenue grew to $84 billion, and she has also led finance, strategy, and supply chain teams at Walmart.
Virtual via Live2Lead
Bestselling Author
Dan is the co-author of Made to Stick, Switch, and The Power of Moments and the author of Upstream and Reset, books that have sold more than 4 million copies. He hosts the podcast What It’s Like to Be…
Virtual via Live2Lead
Leader Connect 2027 is a full day that goes beyond the keynotes with practical learning and personal connection. Here is what is planned so far, with more sessions to be announced.
On Demand
Every registration includes on-demand access to Live2Lead video replays featuring world-class leadership voices, plus bonus content. Sign in at watch.cfafoodforthought.com with the email you registered with. Bonus content is available right away, and replays after the event.
Limited Seating
A hands-on workshop to help you understand your DISC style, how it shapes the way you communicate and lead, and how to work well with people whose styles differ from yours. A $25 add-on covers your assessment, which is emailed to you ahead of time so your results are ready on event day.
Limited Seating
A hands-on workshop to help you discover your Working Genius, the kinds of work that give you energy and the kinds that drain it, and how to build a team that plays to each person’s strengths. A $25 add-on covers your assessment, which is emailed to you ahead of time so your results are ready on event day.
Registration Required
For leaders considering Chick-fil-A as a long-term career. This year includes scheduled 1:1 meet and greets with the Selection team, giving you dedicated time to ask questions and learn about the journey. Sign-ups for 1:1 times will open closer to the event.
Coming Soon
Additional sessions and experiences will be announced as the event gets closer.
See what Leader Connect has looked like the last three years.
2026 Highlights
2025 Highlights
2024 Highlights
Leader Connect 2027 is a shared leadership experience for Operators and leaders at every stage, built to help each person see their potential, grow into it, and help the people around them do the same.
Leader Connect 2027 is designed for Chick-fil-A Operators, directors and senior leaders, coaches and trainers, and emerging leaders with strong growth potential. It is also well suited for team members who are interested in long-term leadership development and expanding their influence within their organization.
Whether you currently lead a restaurant, oversee a department, or are preparing for your next level of leadership, this experience is designed to equip, encourage, and support you as you continue to grow.
Leaders will leave with fresh perspective, practical ideas they can put to work right away, and a clearer picture of their next step. The day also creates shared language and alignment across teams and markets, strengthening how leaders communicate and grow together.
Leader Connect 2027 is more than a conference. It is a day designed to help you invest in the leader you are becoming, and in the people you lead.
Registration Opening Soon