[Connect / Innovate / Lead / GIVE BACK]
be part of history
At the IPN Summit, discover how to launch your career, scale your business, and accelerate your journey alongside top Ismaili leaders from around the world shaping the future.
03
MONTH
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03
DAYS
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03
HOURS
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03
MINUTES
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03
SECONDS
When?
JANUARY 02-04, 2026
Thousands of Professionals.
1 HISTORIC VENUE.
COUNTLESS POSSIBILITIES.
1 HISTORIC VENUE.
COUNTLESS POSSIBILITIES.
WHERE?
Ismaili Center
Houston, TX
and
george r. brown convention center
houston, tx
Houston, TX
and
george r. brown convention center
houston, tx
The IPN Summit is designed for individuals at every stage of their career, from students and recent graduates to entrepreneurs to C-suite executives. Wherever you are in your professional journey, this event provides the connections, inspiration, and tools to help you take the next step.
From emerging trends to industry-shaping insights, summit offers a rich selection of sessions designed to inspire, inform, and connect. With multiple specialized tracks, there’s something for every professional—no matter your background, goals, or area of expertise.
Panel Discussion
From Idea to Pre-Seed $$$$
This will be a 90-minute session during which founders will learn how to craft a clear, compelling pitch and navigate the pre-seed fundraising process. We'll open with a 30-minute talk by Aliya Lakhani from Precursor Ventures covering what early stage investors look for, how to shape your story, and how to prepare for meetings. Next, we'll host two engaging 30-minute panels: Investor Panel: Hear directly from VCs about how they evaluate teams, markets, and opportunities in today's pre-seed environment. Founder Panel: Learn from entrepreneurs who recently raised their rounds on what worked, what didn't, and how they turned no's into yes's.
Round Table
Unicorn Founder & former CTO of the USA, Todd Park: Lessons from Playing at the Highest Levels of Capitalism
What if the greatest unfair advantage in business isn't capital, speed, or strategy but love? In this fireside, Todd Park, co-founder of Devoted Health and athenahealth, and former U.S. Chief Technology Officer under President Obama, and Tabreez Verjee, serial founder and early investor in Kiva, Change.org, and Devoted Health, sit down with Shireen Jaffer to share what they've learned from operating at the highest levels of capitalism. This is a rare look inside how the best in the world are redefining power, success, and what it means to win.
Workshop
Art of Storytelling: Crafting your Narrative
Foundations of storytelling: structure, emotional resonance, authenticity; Translating personal experiences into professional narratives (esp. for case/fit interviews, networking, or pivoting).
Panel Discussion
Bridging Generations: From Founders to Successors
Smooth transitions between founders and successors are vital for the long-term success of family-owned businesses. Balancing tradition with innovation, preparing the next generation for leadership, and fostering open communication help preserve legacy while equipping companies to thrive through generational change strengthening both businesses and the communities they serve.
Panel Discussion
Future of Retail & Convenience: Leaning Into Your Strengths
The future of retail and convenience lies in leaning into your unique strengths offering unforgettable experiences, innovative EV strategies, and distinct product categories like breakfast, coffee, and pizza. To compete today and thrive over the next 20 years, focus relentlessly on customer experience while exploring new and alternative offerings that set your brand apart.
Workshop
Practicing Empathetic Leadership
The art of having difficult conversations with empathy, building emotional intelligence, art of active listening.
Panel Discussion
Women in Sports
Women leading in sports, from playing fields to boardrooms, share stories of resilience, leadership, and advocacy for inclusion
Round Table
Global Knowledge Exchange
This panel will provide an overview of the Aga Khan System (AKS) and the Aga Khan Institute of Education, highlighting pathways for engagement and professional growth. Speakers will share insights into current initiatives and explore how individuals can contribute through Time and Knowledge Nazrana (TKN) opportunities. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how AKS institutions advance education and development while discovering ways to meaningfully get involved.
Workshop
Marketing Strategy Playbook for SMBs & Startups
Not every business has enterprise budgets or big marketing teams — but growth is still possible with the right strategy. In this hands-on workshop, hear from practitioners across consulting, telecom, martech, and consumer platforms on practical tactics SMBs and startups can apply immediately to win customers and scale.
Featured Experiences
Brain Dates
Connect one-on-one or in small groups for focused, peer-to-peer conversations around topics that matter most to you.
CEO Roundtables
Exclusive, closed-door sessions for C-suite leaders to exchange insights, tackle challenges, and shape the future together.
Ismaili Center Tours
Experience guided tours of the Ismaili Center, exploring its unique architecture, cultural heritage, and community significance.
Resume Workshops
Get personalized guidance from career coaches and industry professionals to refine your resume, highlight your strengths, and stand out to employers.
Singles Event
Connect with like-minded Ismailis in a relaxed setting designed to spark meaningful conversations and new relationships.
Tech Hackathons
Put your skills to the test in a fast-paced, collaborative challenge designed to solve real-world problems with impact.
Airfare ✈️
Airports
We recommend flying into either George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).
Friday Arrivals
Complimentary shuttles will run from both airports to the Summit venue every hour throughout the day.
- If you’re attending sessions such as the College Student Bootcamp, Innovation Challenge, or AI Skills Lab, we recommend booking a flight that lands before 11:00 AM CT on Friday to give you enough time to check in and settle before sessions begin.
Sunday Departures
Shuttles will run hourly back to both airports. For the smoothest experience, we recommend scheduling your return flights for 6:00 PM CT or later on Sunday as programming wraps up at 5:00 PM.
Hotel 🏨
We’ve arranged special discounted rates at two nearby hotels for Summit attendees:
- Hilton Americas Downtown Convention Center - $179/night
- Hampton Inn by Hilton Houston Downtown Convention Center - $119/night
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Houston Downtown Convention Center - $129/night
- [LIMITED SPOTS] Home2 Suites by Hilton Houston Downtown Convention Center – $129/night
- [LIMITED SPOTS] Tru by Hilton Houston Downtown Convention Center – $119/night
Shuttles will run from all hotels to the Ismaili Center Houston and other various venues the conference will be taking place. Shuttles will be available everyday from Jan 1st - Jan 4th.
Please reserve your hotel by Sunday November 30th to secure your discounted rate. Please note that spots are limited.
This isn’t just a conference, it’s a defining moment for Ismaili Professionals around the world. Whether you're a student exploring your path, a young professional building your career, a founder scaling your business, or an executive shaping your industry, this Summit is designed for you.
You'll connect with Ismailis across industries, generations, and continents; making this an unmatched opportunity to expand your network and build meaningful relationships. Through powerful keynotes, hands-on sessions, and curated experiences, you’ll gain real-world insights, mentorship, and strategies to grow your career or business. With a cross-industry lens, you'll hear from innovators, creatives, operators, and changemakers: all under one roof.
[FAQ]
Questions Answered
How will transportation work across different venues?
How do I find my redemption code?
Approximately seven days after you purchase your ticket, you will receive an email containing your redemption code. Follow the instructions in that email to enter the code.
Is financial assistance available?
Financial assistance is available for the cost of the program fee, travel, and accommodations, and is only available to those in the USA. Please email ipnsummit@ipnonline.net with any questions or to inquire about financial aid options.
When and where will the IPN Summit take place?
IPN Summit will take place in Houston, Texas from January 2 - 4, 2026 at The Ismaili Center Houston and George R. Brown Convention Center.
Is there a dress code for the event?
The dress code is business professional. We encourage attendees to dress with confidence and professionalism, as first impressions are essential.
Can I volunteer during the summit?
We’d love your support! Volunteer opportunities will be announced soon; stay tuned for more details.
Can I apply or nominate someone to speak at the summit?
Yes! We welcome speaker applications and nominations from individuals with relevant experience or insights. If you or someone you know would be a great fit, please email us at ipnsummit@ipnonline.net.
Is the event in-person or virtual?
IPN Summit will be held in-person in Houston. Virtual attendance will not be available.
How do I register, what’s included, and are there student discounts?
You can register online at IPNonline.net or by clicking the “Get A Ticket” button on this site. All ticket levels include meals, transportation, and access to keynotes, plenaries, and networking events. Discounted rates are available for college students, visit IPNonline.net for full details.
When should I arrive in Houston?
We recommend arriving at least one day before the Summit begins to allow time for check-in and any pre-event or welcome activities.
Will there be parking or hotel options available?
Yes. Paid parking and discounted hotel rates will be available for attendees. We’ve arranged special discounted rates at two nearby hotels for Summit attendees:
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Houston Downtown Convention Center ($129/night)
- Tru by Hilton Houston Downtown Convention Center ($119/night)
See booking details here.
Please reserve your hotel by Sunday October 31st to secure your discounted rate. Please note that spots are limited. Shuttles will run from both hotels to the Ismaili Center Houston and other various venues the conference will be taking place.
What is the refund policy?
Full refunds are available within 15 days of your ticket purchase. No partial refunds will be issued. For requests, please email ipnsummit@ipnonline.net.
