Visionaries
ACA Women Leading the Way
Visionaries is a goal-centered, engaging experience for women and female-identifying individuals at every level of an organization. The two-day event, held in-conjunction with ACA’s Fall Forum, offers incredible opportunities for business networking, career empowerment, and personal growth. All are welcome regardless of gender identity.
Each person who attends the conference is a visionary. Each attendee is there to:
- Discover that they are a visionary if they didn’t think they were when they walked into the room.
- Share their knowledge and experiences to help others define what success in the industry looks like.
- Create or add to a vision for their own professional and personal development through content learned in sessions and through connecting with other women and their allies in the industry.
Scholarships Now Available – APPLY HERE
Due to a generous donation from CCMR3 and co-founder and CEO Jacob Corlyon, members can apply for several available scholarships on a first-come, first-serve basis. CCMR3 is also the diamond sponsor for the event.
The scholarships include:
- 10 scholarships to cover registration.
- 5 scholarships to cover registration and two nights at the hotel.
The application will be available until all 15 scholarships have been distributed. Applicants will receive a notification within five business days as to whether their application has been accepted and ACA will provide updates on the availability of the scholarships.
Save the Date and Register – Seats are Limited!
See the Schedule tab for the full slate of sessions offered! While we hope to expand this program in the near future, seats for this year are limited. Register early to guarantee a spot!
Save $200 on this event by adding it to your Fall Forum registration!
Sponsorships
Show your support for ACA’s newest conference by sponsoring this event. View available sponsorship opportunities here, or email us at [email protected] with questions and for more information.
Schedule
Dinner with Strangers
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
An homage to ACA's popular convention Dinner with Strangers, this event takes you out to a local Chicago restaurant for dinner with 5 to 7 other Visionaries. You won't know who you're dining with or which Chicago hot spot you're going to until you check-in at our meet-up location. The meet-up location will be announced in the Know-Before-You-Go email. No registration fee is required but each person will pay for their own dinner and drinks at the restaurant. RSVP is required.
Continental Breakfast
7:45 AM - 8:15 AM
Welcome
8:15 AM - 8:30 AM
Imposter Syndrome is Your Superpower
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
I’m not sure I can do this, they’ve overestimated my abilities, I think I’m going to get found out, I’m scared I’ve taken on too much, what if I fail and I can’t do it?
Do you ever feel like this? Do you feel that no matter how hard you work, how many hours you put in, or what new ideas you come up with it’s never quite enough? Do you worry about what other people will think? Do you tend to avoid taking risks or taking on challenges through fear that you’ll get in over your head? Do you hold exceedingly high expectations of yourself and always aim for perfection?
You’re not alone; these thoughts played continuously in the minds of almost every successful person. Despite the proof, countless promotions, having a voice at the leadership table, leading an organization, or even owning one these thoughts echoed in their minds too. It’s more common than you think yet it’s never talked about and the more we succeed, the stronger these fears become.
In this course Kat O’Brien and Kelli Van Cleave Krueger will:
• Uncover what imposter syndrome is and why it affects so many.
• Unpack the real impact of our fear of failure, perfectionism, and people-pleasing tendencies.
• Discover how to inoculate nagging feelings of self-doubt.
• Build resilience to face these fears and be the person you’re capable of being.
If you want to wholeheartedly believe you deserve what you’ve achieved, join us at Visionaries and dance away with practical tips to help build self-efficacy, and resilience and navigate those feelings of fear and inadequacy.
Beyond TikTok - How to Engage and Influence in the Real World
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Are you banging your head against the wall? Why don’t my kids, employees, peers, or community take me seriously? Sometimes your life and work can feel like learning the newest dance moves on TikTok. Compliance demands, profit pressures, culture change and work family balance may make you feel uncoordinated and exposed. There are ways to channel your efforts to become a person of influence for the good of your business, colleagues and community. Join Jen and Mindy for compelling session to learn how to create an influence plan to encourage growth for your teams, to support people across varied generations and to use your voice to lead through your values. You’ll moonwalk away with confidence and practical actionable tips to be an influencer yourself!
Objectives
• Identify Opportunities to influence in your community
• Incorporate different methods to be relevant through culture and generational shifts
• Learn ways to be intentional about mentorship
Morning Break
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
You CAN Always Get What You Want - Negotiate Anything
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Have you ever attended a meeting where you couldn’t get a word in? Have you ever felt as though people weren’t taking you seriously as you gave a presentation, negotiated, or provided feedback? It’s irritating and discouraging to feel as though your voice isn’t being heard.
As a woman, speaking up can be especially challenging. It’s easy to feel as if you can’t get a word in or that your thoughts and feelings aren’t taken seriously. Unfortunately, these concerns are not unfounded, as, contrary to popular belief, women speak less in the workplace than men.
The ability to negotiate and be heard is one of the most critical skills in any interaction as a woman but is rarely developed. This engaging and interactive session explores areas that enhance your voice to be heard, to become a master negotiator, exude confidence and learn how to find your power!
Objectives:
• Discover 5 areas that enhance your voice
• Identify the characteristics of a confident negotiator
• Practice strong negotiation skills
• What is your power and how do you use it?
Lunch
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
Braving Vulnerability to Lead Courageously
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
When was the last time you bravely faced uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure?
All too often our so-called strength comes from fear, not love. We walk around shielded and defensive protecting ourselves. Vulnerability is not a weakness. It measures our ability to be courageous. Are you willing to show up and be seen when you cannot determine the outcome?
The easiest thing to be in the world is YOU. Dare to be yourself by living your values. We need to be vulnerable to build trust in order to effectively lead out teams.
In this course Cortney Helfrich and LaDonna Bohling will:
• Unpack the impact of shame, embarrassment, and being armored has our leadership styles
• Discover how to belong to ourselves first and betray ourselves last
• Look at values that can walk the walk, not just talk the talk by being brave and trusting first
• Lead a team that follows you because of who YOU are and what YOU represent; not merely because of your title
If you are ready to invest your time by facing your inner fears and feelings to manage effective and productive behavior, join us at Visionaries and walk away with a grounded confidence that True belonging doesn't require you to change who you are, it requires to be who you are.
The Great Balancing Act: The Power Behind PB and J!
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Have you ever felt off balance and uncentered? Do your work-life demands create conflict and despair? Are you always choosing between engaging in work, family, or life obligations, without enough hours in the day to do it all? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone. Work-life balance is not a new phenomenon. What is new are the dynamic internal and external environmental factors that change over time. If you find that over time, your wellbeing, psychological safety, personal or professional growth has become unbalanced, this session is for you! Join Dr. Karolyn Rubin and learn how her research led to the discovery on how her PB and J Method can help you!
During this session, you be able to:
• Understand key individual and external environmental factors that influence work-life balance challenges for women
• How to foster work-life balance at home and work
• Feel empowered when navigating through work-life challenges
• Apply the PB and J Method to your daily work-life-family balanced routine
Mixology 101
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Our event closes out with this fun and interactive session on how to mix drinks. A Radisson Blu mixologist will give us all the tips and then the group will be divided into teams. Everyone will have the opportunity to taste each other's creations. The winning drink will be served as the signature drink at the Fall Forum Welcome Reception.
Click each date above to expand the agenda and see full details currently available.
Additional details, including session titles and descriptions will be added once available in September.
PDUs:
Attending fall forum gives you 5 Professional Development Units towards ACA’s Designations.
Hotel
Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago
ACA looks forward to welcoming you to the Radisson Blu Aqua hotel in Chicago, Illinois. With a prime location in the heart of downtown Chicago, you can walk to Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier, when you’re not in sessions, of course! Secure a room here at ACA’s low rate of just $209. Rooms are limited – book soon!
Room Reservations
Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago
221 Columbus Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
Rate Information
Room Rate Cut-Off: Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Room Rate: $209 Run of House plus state/local taxes
A limited number of rooms are blocked for ACA attendees; therefore, we cannot guarantee rooms will be available through the reservation deadline. Make your reservations early! To receive ACA’s group rate, be sure to book using the reservation link above. For those looking to extend their stay, group rate is also available three days pre- and post-event based on hotel availability at the time of booking. Credit card is required to hold your reservation. Room cancellations must be submitted directly to the hotel at least three (3) days prior to arrival or otherwise one night’s room, fees and taxes will be charged.
Check-In Time: 3:00 PM
Check-Out Time: 12:00 PM
Subject to change.
Beware of Unknown Housing Services
No third-party company or housing service is authorized to act on behalf of ACA International or the official event hotel(s) listed above. Be aware of potential fraud with third-party companies. Please use only the phone numbers and links provided above to reserve your room. Any companies claiming to represent ACA International, the ACA Convention or the above venues should not be trusted.
Important Travel & Ground Transportation Notes
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is located 13 miles from the Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago. O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is located 18 miles from Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago. In addition to car rental and taxi, ground transportation options to/from either MDW or ORD include Lyft, Uber and airport shuttle and train.
Registration Pricing Deadlines
Early = on or before September 28
Late = on or after September 29
ACA MEMBERS
Visionaries Only
$599 Early
$699 Late
Click the “Register Now” button above.
Add-on to Fall Forum
$399 Early
$499 Late
Add this event to Fall Forum when registering for Fall Forum. If you have already registered, contact Member Services to have it added.
NONMEMBERS
Visionaries Only
$795 Early
$895 Late
Click the “Register Now” button above.
Add-on to Fall Forum
$695 Early
$795 Late
Add this event to Fall Forum when registering for Fall Forum. If you have already registered, contact Member Services to have it added.
Registration and Cancellation
By attending an ACA International (“ACA”) event, you acknowledge that you have read, understand and agree to ACA’s policies as listed on this page. ACA reserves the right to cancel any meeting.
You are authorizing ACA to use your image in any promotional or informational material produced by or on behalf of ACA. This includes, without limitation, video, audio and photographs which may be distributed in ACA Daily, on the ACA website, event recap videos, future event promotions, photo libraries, social media, and email.
A full refund minus a $75 processing fee will be provided for cancellations received by ACA in writing no later than September 21, 2022. No refunds will be granted on or after September 22, 2022, except as provided below. Registrations may not be transferred to another individual unless approved by ACA. No refunds will be given for no-shows.
Cancellations Due to COVID-19
If you need to cancel your registration for any reason related to COVID-19, you will receive a full refund of all registration fees paid to ACA.
Note that ACA does not have authority to cancel hotel reservations that were not originally booked by ACA staff. To avoid hotel cancellation charges, your hotel reservations with the event hotel (“Hotel”) must be cancelled directly with Hotel. Failure to timely cancel your hotel reservations will result in charges. To cancel your reservation with the Hotel, see your hotel reservation confirmation e-mail they sent to you.
Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability
By registering for this event, you hereby acknowledge and agree that ACA is not responsible for any injury, claim, liability or other cause of action of any kind based upon or resulting from your participation in this event.
The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been declared a global pandemic. COVID-19 is highly contagious and is believed to spread mainly from person-to-person contact. By registering for or attending an ACA event, you (a) acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the risk that you may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19 and that such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and death, (b) voluntarily agree to assume all of the foregoing risks and accept sole responsibility for any injury, illness, damage, loss, claim, liability, or expenses, of any kind (“Claims”), that you may experience or incur, and (c) hereby release, covenant not to sue, discharge, and hold harmless ACA International, Inc., and its officers, directors, managers, employees, agents, affiliates, shareholders, members, successors, and assigns, from Claims of any kind arising out of or relating thereto.
In addition to all other policies relating to your attendance at an ACA event, you agree to comply with all COVID-19-related safety procedures that may be implemented by ACA or Hotel, or that may be required by law or recommended by public health agency, in order to protect as much as possible the health and safety of all event attendees.
Antitrust and Anti-Harassment Policy
ACA holds its members to the highest standards of professional conduct. These standards apply equally to all event participants. ACA expects event participants in any capacity to act responsibly and ethically when interacting with others at events. Please take a moment to review ACA’s Antitrust and Anti-Harassment Policies. If you have questions or concerns about possible non-compliance at an event, please inform a member of ACA’s staff.
Reservation Information-Sharing
ACA may provide personal registrant information including attendee names to Hotel and ACA may receive personal guest reservation details from Hotel for the limited purposes of event-related meeting planning and contract fulfilment. Visit the Hotel website for their full privacy policy . Your registration information will be shared with exhibitors and sponsors of the event as noted when you register. ACA may also contact you regarding your event participation or Hotel stay based on registration and reservation information received. You agree to receive communications from ACA, which may include marketing and promotional emails regarding ACA’s products and services. You can change your preferences at any time.
COVID-19 Safety Protocols
Updated August 17, 2022
A safe and comfortable experience at ACA International’s (“ACA”) 2022 Visionaries (“Event”) is a top priority for ACA as we plan for your arrival at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago (“Hotel”). We have prepared these COVID-19 Safety Protocols with the health, safety and enjoyment of attendees in mind.
These safety protocols are based on local, state and federal recommendations and mandates. However, given the evolving nature of the pandemic and changing local, state and national guidelines and requirements, safety protocols will naturally be fluid. ACA reserves the right to modify or update these safety protocols at any time so that they are appropriately tailored to the state of the COVID-19 pandemic, its attendant health and safety risks, and national, state, and local requirements and guidelines, during the dates of the event.
Please check back periodically so you are aware of the safety protocols you will be expected to follow while attending the event.
By attending the Event, you and anyone travelling with you agree to follow the safety protocols set in place by ACA, Hotel, Cook County, the state of Illinois and the CDC, including those stated here and onsite at the event. ACA and Venues reserve the right to ask any attendee or guest to leave the event and hotel premises at any time in the event of a suspected COVID-19 infection, exposure or symptoms.
HOTEL – Venue & Accommodations
Our host venue, Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago, a Radisson Hotels property, released their Health and Safety Protocols, including Meetings & Events protocols, that provide in-depth details on how they facilitate a safe, secure and healthy environment onsite for all participants, both in terms of the Event and hotel room accommodations. Though PCR and antigen testing can be pre-ordered through Radisson, ACA will not be requiring advance or on-site testing at the Event.
ACA – On-site COVID-19 Safety
Masks
- Mask protocol will follow Illinois Department of Public Health and CDC guidelines.
- Please bring your own masks. ACA will have disposable masks available if you need them.
- Hand sanitizer will be available the meeting space.
PARTICIPANTS - Self-Screening and Personal Accountability Commitment
Attendees’ commitment to act responsibly with respect to their own health and the health of others at the event will be critical to the success of Event. In that regard, ACA expects all attendees and their guests to conduct daily self-screenings and to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. Please review the CDC list of symptoms and CDC Travel Guidance before attending the Event.
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 or are exposed to someone who has COVID-19 symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19, during Event, we ask that you please promptly notify an ACA staff member and excuse yourself from event activities. You may want to reference the CDC Coronavirus Self Checker at that time to obtain the CDC’s guidelines on staying away from others, testing and medical attention. ACA and hotel staff will work with you to determine whether and when it may be appropriate for you to return to event activities.
TRAVEL – TSA & Airlines
Before you travel, please take time to also understand the protocols put in place by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the major airlines:
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Delta Airlines
Frontier Airlines
JetBlue
Southwest Airlines
Sun Country
Sponsors
Demonstrate your support for women in the industry by sponsoring the Visionaries conference. Click here to see available sponsorship opportunities.
