Standards Forward: Innovating Processes, Tools, and Collaboration in a Changing Landscape

A Roundtable Series | April 2026

Standards Forward is a new multi-session virtual series designed for standards development organizations, government standards professionals, and industry participants who want to modernize their processes, strengthen collaboration, and navigate emerging challenges in today’s rapidly evolving standards ecosystem.

Across five sessions—one member exclusive roundtable, three expert led deep dives, and a closing session designed to put your learning into action—participants will explore how AI is reshaping standards work, how digital tools can streamline development processes, and how individuals can increase their influence in consensus driven environments.

Sessions will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:00 pm ET in April 2026.

Sessions Dates and Topics (full session details available below):

• April 9, 2026: Peer Benchmarking and Practical Insights for Modern Workflows (Exclusive Member Roundtable)
• April 14, 2026: AI in Standards Development: Opportunities, Risks, and Governance
  
• April 16, 2026: Modernizing Standards Workflows: Tools, Metrics, and Process Optimization
• April 21, 2026: Influence Without Authority: Thriving in Consensus-Driven Standards Work
• April 23, 2026: Applying Tools, Techniques, and Insights From Standards Forward
  

Registration Details: 

Session 1: Member Only Roundtable: Free to Members

Roundtable Series (Sessions 2 - 5)*: 

*Sessions are not available for individual purchase. Recordings for each session will be shared with all registrants.

Why Attend?

• Benchmark your standards development processes with peers
• Learn practical, real world applications of AI in standards work
• Discover tools and techniques to streamline workflows and reduce time to market
• Strengthen your soft skills for navigating consensus environments
• Build a network of professionals committed to advancing the practice of standardization
  

Who Should Attend?

• Standards development organizations
• Government standards and regulatory professionals
• Industry participants engaged in standards committees
• Anyone seeking to modernize their standards development processes

Session Details:

Session 1 - Peer Benchmarking and Practical Insights for Modern Workflows (Exclusive Member Roundtable) | April 9, 2026 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm ET

This member exclusive roundtable opens the series with a deep dive into how standards development organizations actually work. Participants will share their processes in advance, enabling a rich benchmarking conversation that highlights similarities, differences, and opportunities for improvement across the community. During the session, members will discuss workflow challenges and share practical strategies for improving efficiency. The conversation will also explore emerging AI practices: what’s appropriate, what to avoid, and how organizations are navigating licensing and derivative work considerations. 

Session 2 - AI in Standards Development: Opportunities, Risks, and Governance | April 14, 2026 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm ET

AI is transforming how standards are created, reviewed, and maintained, but it also introduces new legal, ethical, and governance challenges. This session brings together experts to examine practical AI use cases in standards and standards adjacent products, including drafting assistance, research acceleration, and data analysis. Presenters will explore risk mitigation strategies, governance frameworks, and the legal boundaries of AI use, particularly how to maintain copyright protection when AI tools are part of the development process.

Session 3 - Modernizing Standards Workflows: Tools, Metrics, and Process Optimization | April 16, 2026 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm ET

As standards development becomes more complex and globally distributed, organizations are turning to digital tools and asynchronous collaboration models to streamline their processes. This session focuses on practical approaches to improving efficiency, from identifying bottlenecks to selecting the right digital platforms to evaluating whether AI can support specific workflow challenges. Experts will also discuss how to measure the impact of process improvements, including time-to-market metrics, member satisfaction indicators, and resource utilization. Participants will gain actionable insights to modernize their development ecosystems.

Session 4 - Influence Without Authority: Thriving in Consensus-Driven Standards Work | April 21, 2026 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm ET

Standards development requires collaboration across diverse stakeholders, often without formal authority. This session focuses on the soft skills that enable participants to be effective and influential in a consensus environment: persuasion and negotiation techniques, stakeholder management, relationship building, and strategies for navigating conflict constructively. This session is ideal for anyone seeking to strengthen their leadership presence in standards committees and working groups.

Session 5 - Applying Tools, Techniques, and Insights From Standards Forward | April 23, 2026 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm ET

This closing session brings together participants who attended the Standards Forward series paid sessions to reflect on what they learned and discuss how they plan to implement new tools, processes, and skills. Facilitated discussion will help attendees identify next steps, share early wins or challenges, and build a peer network for continued support. This is an opportunity to translate insights into action and strengthen the community of practice around modern standards development.