Early-career pros coming into 2026 are navigating a faster, higher-pressure industry—clients want “wow” experiences, budgets are tighter, and expectations around professionalism, communication, and results are higher than ever. In this roundtable, we’ll share real mentoring tactics that help new and rising planners grow faster: how to build credibility, ask better questions, find the right mentors/sponsors, and turn networking into genuine career momentum. We’ll also talk about what’s trending for success in 2026: using AI and tools responsibly to work smarter, strengthening soft skills that set you apart (client communication, vendor collaboration, problem-solving), and building a portfolio of wins—without burning out.
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