Emerging Leaders Retreat

​Get ready for a weekend of personal growth, connection, and fun at the OPEN Houston 2026 Emerging Leaders Retreat!

​Each year, we host an Emerging Leaders' Retreat for early career professionals to learn about leadership and get inspiration from life stories of others. The retreat includes a panel discussion followed by a social activity and networking event with Houston leaders.

​The retreat is part of the OPEN Emerging Leaders program, which bridges the gap between high-performing talent and top-tier career opportunities and startup resources. This event will feature experienced panel speakers from various backgrounds such as finance, consulting, technology, entrepreneurship, and other areas to share wisdom gained from their tenure. Those who are college students, early career professionals, and graduate school candidates will benefit most from the insight, mentors, and professional network building. You will also have the opportunity to network with attendees with similar goals and career paths.

​Each pass includes speaker talks, networking, lunch and access to Topgolf training bays.  Lifetime membership for Topgolf is also included for new Topgolf attendees.

​Agenda:

• ​Registration and pre-event networking

• ​Professional programs (speakers and panel discussions)

• ​Lunch

• ​Social programs (additional networking and Topgolf)

​Our previous speakers have included:

• ​Director of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston

• ​General Manager of the Houston Dynamos

• ​Managing Director at RED Labs

• ​CFO of MD Anderson Cancer Center

• ​Partners at consulting firms including McKinsey and BCG

• ​Partners at law firms

• ​Startup founders

​Our 2026 confirmed speakers include:

​Zain Maredia is the Head of Growth & Strategy at Aga's Restaurant & Catering, a leading Indian-Pakistani restaurant in southwest Houston. Prior to this role, Zain served as an immigration lawyer, helping people of all backgrounds navigate the U.S.'s complicated immigration system.  A graduate of Columbia Law School, Zain brings a strategic, ambitious approach to leading the expansion of his family business. Sixteen years after taking over the restaurant, Zain, his family, and their team will open a second location in Katy, Texas this month. Zain's dream is to take Aga's nationwide--without franchising--and represent our community at the highest level in the mainstream market, maintaining the same authenticity, consistency, and exceptional hospitality.