By Lacie Blankenship
Sales is often considered the backbone of thriving businesses, and with rapid advances in technology and shifting consumer behavior, the future of sales demands innovative solutions. The Thought Leadership on the Sales Profession Conference was created to bridge the gap between scholars and practitioners by offering a unique opportunity for sales professionals and academics to come together, exchange ideas, and strategically tackle the future of sales. The 2025 Conference will continue the tradition of advancing the industry in this unparalleled format and will take place June 17-18 at the UCLA Campus.
“This event is truly one-of-a-kind. Nowhere else will you find more prominent figures from academia and practice coming together in one room with the singular goal to advance the methods and processes through which sales forces operate,” says Tom Steenburgh and Mike Ahearne, the conference co-founders.
2025 Conference at a Glance
The purpose of the Thought Leadership on the Sales Profession Conference is to bring together academic research and current practice to shape the future of sales. See below for a quick preview of the event details.
Dates
UCLA Campus, host of the 2025 Thought Leadership on the Sales Profession Conference
June 17-18, 2025
Host & Location
Morrison Center for Marketing and Data Analytics at the Anderson School of Management, UCLA
Format
- Morning sessions featuring keynote presentations and plenary panels
- Afternoon TED-style talks by researchers with practitioner panel discussions
- Networking opportunities off-campus
Audience
As an exclusive event, the audience is senior business leaders, senior executive sales professionals, and corporate and academic thought leaders. If interested in attending, request an invitation.
Bridging the Gap Between Research and Practice
The Thought Leadership on the Sales Profession Conference was founded to address a crucial gap in the industry: the need for a space where academics and practitioners could come together to tackle the evolving challenges and opportunities of the sales profession. While many conferences focus on either research or practice, this event is an innovative mix of the two groups. The intimate format and emphasis on discussion make it a one-of-a-kind experience, providing a space for impactful ideas to be shared and refined.
“The purpose is to bring in sales executives and sales academics in the world to network, share experiences, and knowledge and enable a two-way transfer; one is experiences, questions, and priorities from practice into academia, and the other is to ensure a transfer of some of our cutting edge, latest research findings about sales from academia to practice,” says Johannes Habel, one of the co-organizers of the 2025 conference.
Since its inception, the conference has welcomed diverse attendees, including senior business leaders from various industries and the world’s top sales researchers. It is held every few years and has been hosted by some of the top business schools in the world, including Harvard, Columbia, HEC Paris, Stanford, and The University of Virginia.
Meet the Leadership Behind the Conference
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Tom Steenburgh, Conference Co-Founder and 2025 Conference Co-Organizer (Vanderbilt University)
Tom Steenburgh, Ralph Owen Dean and Professor of Marketing, Vanderbilt Business (Conference Co-Founder, 2025 Conference Co-Organizer)
- Mike Ahearne, Professor of Marketing, C.T. Bauer Chair in Marketing, and Research Director of the Stagner Sales Excellence Institute, University of Houston (Conference Co-Founder, 2025 Conference Co-Organizer)
- Johannes Habel, Michael J. Cemo Associate Professorship of Marketing, University of Houston (2025 Conference Co-Organizer)
- Randolph E. Bucklin, Professor Emeritus of Marketing, University of California, Los Angeles (2025 Conference Coordinator)
- Andres Terech, Adjunct Professor of Marketing and Faculty Director of the Morrison Center for Marketing and Data Analytics, University of California, Los Angeles (2025 Conference Coordinator)
“Collaborating with other top business schools to put on The Thought Leadership on the Sales Profession Conference allows us to unite the brightest minds in academia and industry to shape the future of sales,” says Steenburgh.
Innovative Programming
Johannes Habel, 2025 Conference Co-Organizer (University of Houston)
The conference’s strategic format allows participants to share and discuss ideas. The dynamic programming ensures participants leave with actionable insights on trending topics and connections that can drive innovation within their organizations and beyond.
- Morning Sessions: Keynote presentations and plenary panels featuring distinguished academics and senior sales executives discussing critical topics for the evolving sales organization.
- Afternoon Sessions: Leading academics delivering TED-style talks on professional selling and sales management. Practitioner panels then provide insights, feedback, and suggestions for future research, bridging theory and practice.
- Networking Opportunities: Attendees can also participate in scheduled networking events off-campus.
“When we put together the keynotes and special sessions, we consider the latest trends,” says Habel. “For example, AI hasn’t always been a major focus, but now it’s critical. We adapt the conference each time to ensure we’re addressing the topics that matter most to the future of sales.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Mike Ahearne, Conference Co-Founder and 2025 Conference Co-Organizer (University of Houston)
The Thought Leadership on the Sales Profession Conference has a legacy of being hosted by some of the world’s most prestigious business schools, including Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and UVA Darden School of Business. This year, the conference continues its tradition of excellence at UCLA Anderson, providing an inspiring venue for groundbreaking discussions.
Why You Should Attend
The 2025 conference isn’t just another sales industry event—it’s a chance to shape the future of sales actively. Attendees will gain access to:
- Exclusive Insights: Learn directly from keynote speakers and panelists transforming the sales profession.
- Collaborative Discussions: Engage with thought leaders and practitioners from diverse backgrounds.
- Practical Takeaways: Leave with actionable strategies to tackle the challenges of an ever-changing industry.
“Through the intimate structure, TED-style talks, and interactive panels with researchers and practitioners, the conference is designed to foster meaningful dialogue in ways that can truly move the needle for the sales profession,” says Ahearne.
Don’t Miss Out
The Thought Leadership on the Sales Profession Conference is intended to be an intimate and exclusive event so that participants can truly engage in actionable dialogue. Request your invitation today.
