City of Hope Orange County is the presenting sponsor for the 2025 Greater Irvine Chamber ASPIRE half-day power conference on Thursday, Nov. 20, 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., at The Westin South Coast Plaza, 686 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa.
“City of Hope Orange County is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the ASPIRE conference hosted by the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce,” said Annette M. Walker, president, City of Hope Orange County. “Recognized as a 2025 Best Places to Work by the Orange County Business Journal, City of Hope values creating a culture where employees can truly fulfill their purpose and make a difference. The ASPIRE event brings together professionals who want to build leadership cultures that make our community better.”
City of Hope is delivering on its promise to the people of Orange County and changing cancer care for families, friends, and neighbors. Patients can now access a network of advanced care at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center in Irvine and OC regional clinics. The cancer center, regional clinics, and the planned hospital will create OC’s largest network exclusively dedicated to cancer treatment, research, and cures.
City of Hope Orange County is a diamond-level Leaders Circle partner of the Greater Irvine Chamber.
ASPIRE is for ambitious professionals ready to elevate their leadership, sharpen their skills, and expand their circle of influence—whether early- or mid-career professionals striving to rise, or seasoned leaders seeking fresh strategies to inspire and connect with today’s multigenerational workforce. Participants will leave with clear takeaways, actionable plans, and accountability partners to fuel growth beyond the conference.
ASPIRE will include breakout sessions, CONNECT, DEVELOP, and ADVANCE, in three tracks tailored for:
- Early-career aspiring managers
- Mid-career managers
- Senior-level leaders
During the CONNECT session, Greg LeFever, Professor, MBA Program, Concordia University Irvine, will lead participants through exercises on building professional relationships—at first, second, and third-level connections—and crafting a “power statement” that communicates their personal leadership brand. The DEVELOP session will be focused on exploring how leaders can take a systems approach to creating alignment—bridging differences, integrating perspectives, and fostering shared priorities across teams. Stay tuned for the announcement of the facilitator for this session! During ADVANCE, Chris Rosenberg, founder of The Meridian Advisory Group, will guide attendees in reflecting on their learning, identifying goals, and developing accountability partnerships to carry momentum as they launch into 2026.
Rosenberg will also open the 2025 ASPIRE program with the keynote address, The Leadership Growth Ladder. Known for her dynamic speaking style and results-driven takeaways, Rosenberg inspires professionals at every stage to rethink how they lead, collaborate, and unlock their full potential in today’s evolving workplace.
Colin Diaz, founder of Focus on Win 360, will close the conference with a summation, Build & Maintain Momentum for Operational Excellence, by helping participants transform inspiration into execution, building 30-60-90-day action plans, and reinforcing peer accountability for sustained growth.
A dynamic stage presence and respected business leader, Rebecca Hall, founder, president, and CEO of Idea Hall, will serve as master of ceremonies for the 2025 ASPIRE conference.
Attendees who complete the full conference will receive from the Greater Irvine Chamber:
- Accountability Partner(s)
- Action Plan Workbook
- Certificate of Completion
- Digital Badge to showcase on LinkedIn or professional profiles
- Professional Development Letter outlining the skills and learning outcomes gained
Check-in and registration are 8:00 - 8:30 a.m. The ASPIRE conference will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 12:30 p.m. The admission price includes buffet breakfast and lunch, complimentary parking at The Westin South Coast Plaza, and access to Orange County business professionals and career and peer mentors.
Join us at ASPIRE as we recognize some of Orange County’s top Aspiring Leaders!
Early Bird Registration (through Friday, Oct. 31):
- Greater Irvine Chamber Members - $155
- Non-Members - *$195
Regular Admission Registration (beginning Saturday, Nov. 1):
- Greater Irvine Chamber Members - $200
- Non-Members - *$250
At-the-Door Registration (pending available space):
- Greater Irvine Chamber Members - $210
- Non-Members - *$265
*Apply $55 of your registration fee toward a new Chamber membership within 30 days of the event.
Seats are limited. Register early!
For information on becoming a sponsor for ASPIRE, contact events@irvinechamber.com.
