Babyface will headline the Opening Celebration at the 2026 American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Annual Meeting & Exposition in Indianapolis.
The 13-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist, songwriter, and producer will perform Aug. 15 at White River State Park. The event is open to ASAE Annual Meeting attendees.
Babyface returns to Indianapolis
Babyface, an Indianapolis native, is one of the most successful songwriters and producers in popular music. He co-founded LaFace Records and helped launch or shape the careers of artists including Usher, Toni Braxton, TLC, Outkast, and Pink.
He is also the only producer to earn Producer of the Year honors four times.
“Bringing Babyface home to Indianapolis for our Opening Celebration is a tremendous opportunity to create a memorable experience for attendees while showcasing the incredible talent and cultural legacy of our host city,” says Michelle Mason, president and chief executive officer of ASAE.
Annual Meeting runs Aug. 15-18
The 2026 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition will take place Aug. 15-18 in Indianapolis. The event brings association professionals together for education, networking, business events, and an expo.
This year’s theme is “Driven by Purpose.” ASAE says the program will include more than 100 education sessions, an expo, and several evening events throughout the city.
The keynote lineup includes mentalist and author Oz Pearlman, Harvard Business School professor Amy Edmondson, and CNN host and producer Van Jones. Catalyst speakers include Justin Patton, Sheri Jacobs, and Anthony McClean.
Indy venues anchor evening events
ASAE and Visit Indy also plan several evening events tied to major Indianapolis venues. The ASAE Research Foundation’s The Classic will take place Aug. 17 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Closing Celebration will take place Aug. 18 at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Babyface home to Indy as the headliner for ASAE’s Opening Celebration,” says Leonard Hoops, president and chief executive officer of Visit Indy. “His extraordinary career, global impact, and Hoosier roots make him the perfect artist to help us showcase Indy on one of the association industry’s biggest stages.”
Registration is open for the 2026 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition.
About ASAE
American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), The Center for Association Leadership, is a membership organization of more than 50,000 association executives and industry partners. ASAE provides resources, education, research, ideas, and advocacy for the association and nonprofit profession. For more info, visit www.asaecenter.org.
Press release submitted by ASAE. Edited by Exhibit City News for clarity, length, and style.
