Level Agency Executive Summit 2026
Improvising, Competing, and Winning in a Time of Accelerating Change
Because in 2026, good enough isn't.
Why This Summit
The pace of change facing growth leaders has never been higher: AI acceleration, platform shifts, evolving consumer expectations, and constant pressure to deliver results in uncertain conditions.
At Level, we believe good enough isn't. This summit brings together a curated group of senior leaders who share that mindset — leaders ready to shatter yesterday's wins and build what's next.
How do high-performing organizations outperform their last win — no matter what the market throws at them?
A Pittsburgh Welcome
If you're not already familiar with Pittsburgh Dad, allow us to introduce you. Curt Wootton created the character as a love letter to the Steel City — a blue-collar Pittsburgh dad who's equal parts lovable, stubborn, and ruthlessly authentic. The series has racked up tens of millions of views and become a genuine cultural institution. Chris Preksta, filmmaker and director, has been behind the camera since day one. They've put together a special welcome just for our group.
What to Expect
It's a working, high-trust environment for leaders who refuse to settle.
Real challenges facing growth, marketing, and performance leaders in 2026
How AI and automation help organizations respond faster and drive better outcomes
Insights from senior marketing leaders at Google, Reddit, The Trade Desk, LinkedIn and more on how platforms are evolving
A rare improv workshop reframed for executives — building adaptability through improvisation
Featured Speakers
CEO + AI Mad Scientist
Level Agency
Creator + Storyteller & Pittsburgh Dad
Professor & Assoc. Director, Strategy and Partnerships
Carnegie Mellon University
Head of Agency, Google Customer Solutions
Global Product Lead, Brand Measurement
Senior Client Partner
President & CEO
Catapult Greater Pittsburgh
General Manager - Business Development
The Trade Desk
Sr. Video Solutions Lead
Director of Public Relations
Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group
Head of Agency, Global Business Group
Meta
CRO
Pubmatic
Managing Partner
Untapped Growth
Director of Economic Development
City of Pittsburgh
President, North America
LeadSquared
The Venues
Home Base
Pittsburgh's first LEED Gold certified hotel, located in the heart of downtown with stunning views of the city skyline and PNC Park.
Thursday Reception
An elevated cocktail experience at the Fairmont with craft cocktails, light fare from award-winning Chef Fernando Canales' kitchen, and conversation before dinner.
Thursday Dinner
A Richard DeShantz concept in Pittsburgh's Cultural District — experience the city's culinary renaissance firsthand.
Evening Experience
World-famous improv meets a historic space. Laugh Harder, Not Smarter — an exclusive show and workshops.
Optional Activity
Rated one of America's best ballparks — catch the Pirates vs. Padres on arrival day.
Agenda
Join us at PNC Park for an afternoon at the ballpark
Optional RSVPIntimate dinners at curated downtown restaurants
OptionalStart your day centered at the Fairmont Spa
Optional Sponsored by
Curt Wootton, Chris Preksta & Mike Rubino
Jeff Sikaitis, Meta
Carly Steuck, Reddit
Alana Parsons & Chris Marino, Google | Bill Buchanan, Level Agency
Prithwi Dasgupta, LeadSquared
Tammi Thompson, Catapult Greater Pittsburgh
Dr. Aniket Kittur, Carnegie Mellon University
Sponsored by
Patrick Patterson, CEO + AI Mad Scientist, Level Agency
Keynote
Dr. Aniket Kittur, Patrick Patterson & Steve Wray
Panel Sponsored by
John Ferraro, Kyle Dozeman & Brendan Clifford
Panel
Pubmatic
Untapped Growth
Mike Niesz, LinkedIn
Craft cocktails and conversation at the Fairmont's elevated bar
Experience Sponsored by
An evening at a new space from Pittsburgh's premier restaurant group
ExperienceReturn buses to Fairmont at approx. 9:30 PM
World-class comedy at City Theatre
ExperienceAn executive experience: adaptability, collaboration, and decision-making through improvisation
Experience
The Setting
A city of champions. A city of constant reinvention. The perfect backdrop for a conversation about adaptive advantage.
Pittsburgh embodies resilience, reinvention, and momentum — the same qualities required of modern organizations.
Thank You
Relive the key takeaways, download session materials, and share your feedback.
View Recap