CANCELLATIONS REQUESTS

Cancellation requests must be submitted via the Refund/Substitution Request Form to Soror Terri Barnett Coleman, International Region Tamiouchos tcoleman@aka1908.com

All cancellation requests should include your contact information and documentation supporting your request

Cancellation requests must be received by Sunday, April 16, 2023 You MAY be eligible for a refund - all requests must be approved by the International Regional Director A minimum processing fee of $50 for graduate sorors and $25 for undergraduate sorors and any other associated ticketed event expenses will be assessed and deducted from the refund amount. Refunds will be returned via the payment and delivery method by which they were received. There will be no on-site refunds.

All refunds will be processed at least 90-120 days following the conclusion of the Regional Conference. Cancellation requests made after the close of registration will not be considered.

No refunds will be afforded to those who violate Alpha Kappa Alpha Policies or Documents (withdrawal of privilege, suspension) in the period between conference registration and the actual conference date.

Upon registering online, all registrations are PENDING Once your 2023 financial status has been confirmed, final email confirmation of CONFIRMED status will be sent If your 2023 financial status is not confirmed before the conference, registration will be cancelled with no refund

For refund requests, complete the Cancellation & Refund Request Form before April 16, 2023 Requests after April 16, 2023, will be at the discretion of the Regional Director on an individual basis Please email this form to Soror Terri Barnett Coleman, International Region Tamiouchos at tcoleman@aka1908.com

Refunds will be processed after the conference bills have been paid. A processing fee of $50.00 and/or any additional expenses incurred will be assessed on all refunds. There will be no on-site refunds or registration.

Substitute Registration

All substitutions must be approved by the International Regional Tamiouchos and completed by April 16, 2023 The substitution can only be with a soror that is financial at the time the request is made. There will be no on-site substitutions.

A soror may request to substitute her registration for another soror. To initiate a substitution request, the originally registered soror must submit the Substitute /Refund Request Form online for review and processing:

Requests must be received by Sunday, April 16, 2023. The substitute registration selections (events, workshops and meal functions) cannot be changed. Additional events may be added to the original registration via the registration portal.

All transfer of funds must be handled between the sorors involved.

REGISTRATION MATERIALS, SOUVENIRS, AND CERTIFICATES

Conference attendance certificates will be emailed to sorors who attend the conference.

A registered soror unable to attend the conference may complete an Authorization to Pick-Up Form in order for the Chapter Basileus or Graduate Advisor (Undergraduate Chapters Only) to pick up her registration materials and conference gift during open check-in hours only.

Giving permission to release registration materials and conference gift must be submitted by June 2, 2023.

The soror picking up the registration materials and conference gift will be required to present her financial card, a valid form of identification, and must sign the Authorization to Pick-Up Form

Certificates of attendance will not be distributed to sorors who do not attend the conference

Registration materials and conference gifts will not be mailed.

Conference Workshops will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

SERIES A | 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

All workshops are open to undergraduate and graduate sorors unless otherwise indicated.

WK01 | Chapter Operations: The Heart of Perpetuity

This interactive workshop will provide sorors with the fundamentals of effectively operating a chapter. Further, the workshop content will increase your knowledge of best practices and tools that result in successful chapter operations. The International Standards Committee will assist you in understanding how to implement chapter and committee improvement processes by conducting efficient chapter and committee meetings, understanding officers’ roles and responsibilities, improving your chapter’s knowledge, and creating an environment to ensure your chapter is “Viewing Standards

Through a Different Lens: SOARing to Operational Proficiency and Perpetuity ” Chapter basilei and chapter standards committee chairmen and members are encouraged to attend.

Presented by: International Standards Committee

WK05 | Kulture Shock: Reimagining “One AKA”

This workshop will focus on setting one international standard for undergraduate sorors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. We also will examine the paradigm shift of a post-COVID college campus and our responsibilities as members of AKA in our campus community as we navigate this new normal. All undergraduate sorors are encouraged to attend.

Presented by: International Undergraduate Activities Committee

WK07 | Financial Operations: Making $ense of the Financial Operations Guide

In this interactive workshop, participants will master best practices for effective chapter financial operations Topics include roles and responsibilities of the chapter financial officers, chapter financial procedures, and best practices for budget development and review Join us to learn the key questions you should ask as a chapter shareholder Chapter basilei, anti-basilei, graduate advisors/council, pecunious grammatei, and tamiouchi are encouraged to attend.

Presented by: International Finance Committee

WK08 | How to SOAR: Planning and Executing High-Impact Programs

Learn strategies and best practices for planning high-impact programs under the Soaring to Greater Heights Administration. Topics will include the three (3) key steps to create impact in your community, budgeting, funding strategies, and more. Chapter basilei, Anti-basilei, program committee chairman, and graduate advisors/council are encouraged to attend.

Presented by: International Program Committee

Conference Workshops will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

SERIES B | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

All workshops are open to undergraduate and graduate sorors unless otherwise indicated

WK03

| SOARING to Greater Heights of Membership

Join your region’s representative to the International Membership Committee to learn about our 2022-2026 International Membership Strategy Topics will include retention strategies for a post-COVID world, the Membership Experience, and Reclamation Membership chairmen are encouraged to attend.

Presented by: International Membership Committee

WK10 | Let's Move It: A Motion Master Class

This interactive workshop will focus on seven motions that can be used to expedite the amount of time needed to complete chapter business meetings. The workshop will include a combination of teaching and role-playing and will conclude with a brief "self-graded" quiz on the information presented. Chapter basilei and parliamentarians are encouraged to attend.

Presented by: International Constitution Committee

WK11 | A Blueprint to Soaring in Sisterhood

An in-depth and hands-on workshop, focused on the Strengthen our Sisterhood initiative and its five areas of focus This workshop will provide a deep dive into strategies for implementing high-impact Sisterly Relations activities, the importance of collaboration among chapter committees, and how to be a model of sisterly kindness The goal is to provide members with a “toolkit” of best practices, which can be used to encourage meaningful and uplifting relationships among sorors. All sorors are encouraged to attend.

Presented by: International Sisterly Relations Committee

WK13 | Soaring to New Heights: Elevating the Practice of Protocol

The Basic Protocol Workshop will include an update of the revisions to the 2022 Protocol Guide, an introduction and review of the protocol guidelines and principles that govern our sorority, and an interactive segment that encourages sorors to engage in their learning. Chapter basilei and protocol chairmen are encouraged to attend.

Presented by: International Protocol Committee

CHICAGO MIDWAY AIRPORT (MDW)

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), typically referred to as Midway Airport, Chicago Midway, or simply Midway is a major commercial airport on the Southwest side of Chicago, Illinois, located approximately 12 miles (19 km) from the Loop business district. The smaller of the two major airports serving Chicago, Chicago Midway International Airport is a base for low-cost and regional airlines and serves as a hub for Southwest Airlines. Chicago Midway Airport has one main passenger terminal divided into 3 concourses: Concourses A , B, and C. There is one MDW Airport military lounge, located in Concourse C. flychicago.com/midway

Pickup From The Terminal

You’ll get directions about ORD pickup points directly in the app. When you’re ready, open the Uber app to request a ride to your destination. Choose the MDW airport transportation option that suits your group size and luggage needs.

Exit on the baggage claim level

Riders requesting at MDW should meet their driver downstairs on the arrivals level (near baggage claim). Exit through Door 4, cross the street, and meet your rideshare driver in the center lane.

Confirm Your Location

Select your terminal and ORD pickup location as specified by the app

Please note: this location may not always be at your nearest exit

Your driver’s name, license plate, and car color will show in the app. Verify your ride before you get in. If you can’t find your driver, contact them through the app.

O'HARE AIRPORT (OR

Located on the far northwest side of Chicago, Illinois, Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is about 17 miles from the downtown Loop. It serves over 200 destinations in the United States and abroad and is a hub for American and United and a focus city for Frontier and Spirit airlines

O'Hare has non-stop flights to 214 destinations in North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, and the North Atlantic region as of November 2022

On the ground, road access to the airport is offered by airport shuttle, bus, or taxis by Interstate 190 (Kennedy Expressway), which goes directly into the airport. ORD Airport has 4 passenger terminals

Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5 that house 191 gates in total. Terminal 5 handles all international arrivals. flychicago.com/ohare

Rideshare Pickup From The Terminal

You’ll get directions about ORD pickup points directly in the app Pickup locations may vary by terminal and product For most requests, you’ll meet your rideshare driver on the Departures level For requesting Uber Black or SUV at ORD, and those in the International terminal, please meet your driver downstairs on the Arrivals level.

Confirm Your Location

Select your terminal and ORD pickup location as specified by the app

Please note: this location may not always be at your nearest exit

Your driver’s name, license plate, and car color will show in the app. Verify your ride before you get in. If you can’t find your driver, contact them through the app.

Getting Around In Chicago

Chicago is a highly walkable city with an excellent public transit system that includes both trains and buses. Uber, Lyft, and cabs are also plentiful across much of Chicago. Metered taxis are easy to find throughout downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, though Uber and Lyft are likely to be cheaper. Uber and Lyft are your main rideshare options in Chicago. For best service, download your preferred ride app before arriving at the airport

Price Details

If your upfront price for a ride looks high, it might be busier than usual This can happen when there are more ride requests than available drivers

All trips in Chicago are subject to a $0 65 City and Accessibility Fee Rides to or from Chicago Airports (O'Hare and Midway), McCormick Place, and Navy Pier are subject to an additional $5.00 surcharge.

Trips to or from Chicago Airports (O'Hare and Midway), McCormick Place, and Navy Pier are subject to a $5.00 surcharge.

Trips to or from The Museum of Science & Industry may be subject to a $1.00 venue fee. Applicable tolls and surcharges may also be added to your fare.

REQUESTING A RIDESHARE PICK UP | Open your app to request a ride

When you’re ready, open the app to request a ride to your destination Choose the transportation option that suits your group size and luggage needs.

Requesting A Rideshare Without

UBER

THE APP

You can request an Uber ride online via m uber com, whether that’s on:

An older phone with internet browsing capabilities

A tablet or laptop

A public desktop computer with internet access

LYFT

You can request a Lyft using any browser with the exception of Shared and Lux services. Standard Lyft services are fine. The process is very similar to the app but you will manually have to verify your phone number and pay through the browser. If you already have a Lyft account associated with your phone number, you will be logged in after entering it. If you don’t have an account linked to that number, you will need to enter an SMS code to verify it.

Visit http://ride lyft com in your browser

Enter your phone number in the box and wait for the SMS code

Enter the code into the box on the website

Request a pickup, set a destination and payment method

If planning to travel, visit https://covid.gov/ for current state orders and updated information Sorors and guests who are under isolation or quarantine orders should not attend the conference

If at any point during the conference, a Soror or Guest tests positive for COVID-19, they and their traveling party may be required to isolate.

Guests agree to abide by any and all applicable health-and-safety requirements.

Please note that the following recommendations for your awareness:

The current COVID-19 variants spread easily through airborne transmission In addition, the current variants are more infectious than the original virus and can result in reinfections for those who might have been previously infected

As part of our commitment to creating the safest possible environment for our in-person events, we strongly recommend that all attendees do the following for all in-person meetings regardless of the CDC COVID-19 Community Level:

Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, including all primary series doses and boosters for their age group

Wear a mask in indoor settings if you are at high risk for severe illness

The health requirements for each event may be affected by changes in the CDC COVID19 Community Levels You will be notified in advance of any changes to health requirements for this event if the CDC COVID-19 Community Levels change.

You can monitor the CDC COVID-19 Community Levels for all locations in the country at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html

TOILETRIES

☐ Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss, Mouthwash

☐ Soap, Shower Gel, Shower Cap

☐ Facial Cleanser, Toner, Cotton balls

☐ Deodorant

☐ Lotion

☐ Razor, Shaving Cream

☐ Contact Lens, Cleaning Solution

☐ Eyeglasses/Case

☐ Personal Hygiene Items

☐ Sunscreen

☐ Other

BEAUTY

☐ Perfume, Body Spray

☐ Makeup Remover

☐ Hair Products, Combs, Brush

☐ Flat Iron, Curling Iron

☐ Hair Scarf, Bonnet

☐ Fingernail Polish

☐ Other:

MEDICATION

☐ Personal Prescription

☐ Aspirin

☐ Ibuprofen

☐ Diarrhea Medicine, Laxative

☐ First Aid Kit

☐ Other:

PERSONAL ITEMS

☐ Comfy Shoes

☐ Workout Gear, Tennis Shoes

☐ Swimsuit

☐ Coat, AKA Jacket, AKA Sweater, Wrap

☐ AKA Umbrella

☐ Robe, Pajamas

☐ Foundations, Bra

☐ Undergarments

☐ Other:

DOCUMENTS

☐ Constitution and Bylaws

☐ Manual of Standard Procedure

☐ Protocol Manual

☐ Workshop Materials

☐ Financial Card, Driver’s License, Other ID

☐ Registration Confirmation

☐ Chapter or Professional Business Cards

☐ Pen, Pencil, Notepad

☐ Cash, Checks, Credit Cards

ELECTRONICS

☐ Laptop, IPad, Tablet, Stylus

☐ Travel Speakers

☐ Camera, Spare SD Card, Batteries

☐ Flash Drive

☐ Cell Phone

☐ Chargers and Charging cables

☐ Ear Buds, Earphones

☐ Watch

☐ Other:

EVENT ATTIRE

☐ Registration: AKA Paraphernalia

☐ Welcome Reception: Native Attire, Chapter/Cultural Pride

☐ Awards Luncheon: Green Business

☐ Global Spotlight: Pink & Green Business

☐ Jewels Luncheon: Sparkle (Diamond), Pearl, Gold, Silver

☐ Plenary I: Ritual White – No Pants

☐ Plenary II: Green Business

☐ Plenary III: Pink & Green Business

☐ Legacy Parade: Matching Attire

☐ Formal Banquet: Shades of Pink

Protocol Courtesy

Sorors must display their badges to gain access to conference meetings, events and vendor areas

Only members with badges will be admitted to plenary sessions Be on time for all sessions

Do not hold seats Be courteous Be sisterly

Do not sit in designated "reserved seating" for delegates, Very Special Guests (VSGs), Diamond/Golden sorors, the Emergency Medical Team (EMTs) or physically challenged sorors

Conference Attire

Adhere to appropriate conference attire

Refer to Conference Attire Summary and "The Official Guide to Alpha Kappa Alpha Protocol" for details.

Meetings and Luncheons: Business Attire.

Ivy Beyond the Wall Ritual: Uninterrupted White.

Rededication: No Pants.

No flip-flops or tennis shoes. Adhere to conference attire recommendations per event.

Event Etiquette

Stand when the dais processional enters the room.

Stand when the Regional Director, Supreme Basileus, and Former Supreme Basilei enter the room. Enter through assigned doors only.

Do not walk during program introductions, meditations, and when the Regional Director or Supreme Basileus is addressing the audience

Turn off all electronic communication devices Please step out of the meeting if you must use a phone

Table hostesses are beneficial during meal functions to remind us to remain silent during the presentations and/or performances at the dais

Do not audio, video record, or take photos of presentation slides during business meetings and workshops

Please be considerate of other conference attendees and take only one gift when they are distributed at functions

Refrain from overloading your plate at receptions One or two pieces of each food item is appropriate

Do not come onto the dais at any time.

Please remove badge when taking photos (individual or group photos).

Please arrange for child care and guests when attending business meetings as these meetings are for sorors only.

Please wear delegate identification and arrive early for proper seating.

Please speak to the body only after being recognized by the presiding officer. Address the presiding officer as “Madam Regional Director.”

Address the delegation by clearly stating your name, chapter, chapter location, and whether you are a delegate or non-delegate.