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February 6-8, 2026
Chicago
Ignite Your Path: Where Growth Meets Opportunity is more than a tagline—it’s a call to action for professionals ready to elevate their career. This event brings together dynamic individuals from diverse industries to explore fresh ideas, forge meaningful connections, and uncover opportunities that align with both personal and professional growth. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, collaboration, or a new perspective, this gathering is designed to spark forward momentum and empower attendees to take bold steps toward their goals.
Through interactive sessions, expert-led workshops, and peer networking, you’ll explore how continuous learning fuels career momentum. Participants will engage in curated experiences that blend learning, networking, and purpose-driven dialogue. From interactive sessions to informal meetups, the event fosters an environment where curiosity is celebrated and contributions are valued. Whether you’re stepping into the spotlight or championing someone else’s journey, this is your moment to connect with a community that believes in growth through shared opportunity.
In today’s competitive job market, success isn’t just about having a polished résumé—it’s about understanding your unique value and learning how to communicate it effectively. This event is designed for individuals who are ready to take ownership of their career journey and invest in their professional growth. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to pivot or advance, you’ll gain practical tools to identify your strengths, build your personal brand, and align your goals with real-world opportunities.
Because learning isn’t just preparation—it’s transformation.
One Elevated Weekend
Sheraton Grand Chicago
301 East North Water Street, Chicago, Illinois, USA, 60611
Reservation Cut off: Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Eastern (5:00 p.m. CST / 4:00 p.m. MST / 3:00 p.m. PST)
Room rate: $158.49 w/taxes/fees/ per night
This is a single-quad rate, and all reservations must be accompanied by a first-night room deposit or guaranteed with a major credit card.
Registration Rates
Captivate: The Student Speaker Competition
Unleash your voice and enthrall your audience at Captivate: The Student Speaker Competition! This dynamic opportunity is designed to showcase the eloquence, creativity, and critical thinking skills of student speakers from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned orator or a first-time speaker, this competition is your platform to shine.
The top three (3) vote recipients will speak at Elevate 2025 in Chicago, IL.
Competition Overview:
- Date: February 21-23, 2025
- Location: Elevate, Sheraton Grand, Chicago, IL
- Eligibility: Open to collegiate members
- Format: Individual presentation
- Duration: Each speech will be 15 minutes
Topic:
- Persuasive, Informative, or Inspirational Speaking:
- You can
- Convince your audience of a cause or perspective with compelling arguments and passionate delivery,
- Share knowledge on a topic of your choice, presenting facts and insights in an engaging manner, or
- Motivate and uplift your listeners with a speech that resonates on a personal and emotional level.
- Your presentation needs to include a response to this question: What have I learned, and what is the audience’s call to action?
- You can
Benefits of Participating:
- Enhance public speaking skills
- Opportunity to engage with professional speakers/facilitators
- Receive feedback on your presentation to enhance future speaking engagements
- Showcase your experience with potential employers
Judging Criteria:
- Content: Relevance, clarity, and originality of ideas
- Delivery: Confidence, articulation, and engagement with the audience
- Structure: Organization and coherence of the speech
- Response: Ability to handle questions and interact effectively with the audience
Prizes:
The top vote receivers will receive a complimentary registration to Elevate and an opportunity to be a Business Edge Podcast Guest, and all participants will gain valuable experience and feedback.
How to Enter:
Submit your 3-minute teaser video by Friday, November 22, along with a brief description of your speech topic. Staff will review each teaser video for appropriateness. For more information and to register, visit www.akpsi.org/elevate.
Join us for an inspiring and educational experience where future leaders and communicators come to shine!
Eligibility
Members of Alpha Kappa Psi, their guests, and guests of the organization are eligible for registration for many of AKPsi’s events. Registration for specific events may be limited to various roles within the organization.
Badge sharing, splitting and reprints are strictly prohibited.
Confirmation
After you secure your registration online, you will receive an electronic confirmation from Alpha Kappa Psi. The confirmation will include event date, location, travel reminders, balance due, payment instructions, and support contact information. Please bring your confirmation to event check-in. If you do not receive an event confirmation within 5 business days, please contact [email protected].
Agreement
Attendees will adhere to the fraternity’s risk management policies on alcohol/drug, sexual harassment, hazing, fire/health safety, and publication of inappropriate materials. Attendees are encouraged to read and review the conduct policies prior to attendance. Attendees also agree to attend all portions of the educational programming. I understand once I commit to attending if I should cancel for any reason after the cancellation deadline, I will incur the penalty for non-attendance specific to the event, and shall reimburse the fraternity for related expenses, specifically those which have already been reimbursed (e.g., airline ticket).
Liability Waiver
Attendees acknowledge an inherent risk of exposure to Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) exists in any public place where people are present. By attending an in-person event hosted by Alpha Kappa Psi, you and any guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold Alpha Kappa Psi or the event location, or any of their affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, or volunteers liable for any illness or injury. Furthermore, you agree to abide by all applicable COVID-19-related requirements, advisories, policies, procedures, and protocols of the event location and AKPsi, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the State of the event location, and any other governmental authority for the duration of the event.
Pre-Event Activities
Various events may require you to complete activities prior to arriving onsite at the event location. As a condition of your acceptance as an attendee, small group facilitator, presenter, etc. you will be assigned a learning plan to complete.
Consent Clause
Permission is hereby granted for the taking of photographs and videos to be used for instructional and/or promotional purposes by the Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi Foundation, and related entities. Observation will be used as part of the data we collect from the event (e.g., watching how individuals participate, when they are engaged/disengaged, etc.). This data will be used for improvement of the programming content. Your registration may include technology to track your individual session attendance and session feedback.
Our Guarantee
Our goal is to provide truly exceptional offerings and service, and we won’t be happy until you are. If any programs, products or services of Alpha Kappa Psi do not fulfill our promise, we will endeavor to correct the situation. Please let us know if we fall short by contacting Jason Pierce, Senior Director of Learning & Development or speaking with a staff member in person at the event.
Coming Soon!
Coming Soon!
Event Policies and COVID-19 Protocols
Resources: AKPsi Event Policies
All registrants must agree to the following as a part of the registration process:
- AKPsi will endeavor to follow CDC and local hotel guidelines and protocols regarding the COVID-19. This may include social distancing and mandating the wearing of masks indoors.
The event policies document also includes the following language: Attendees acknowledge an inherent risk of exposure to Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) exists in any public place where people are present.
Alpha Kappa Psi will have on hand various health and safety items at the request of an event participant. These items include:
- 3-layer individually wrapped disposable masks
- Alcohol Pads
- Hand Sanitizer
A small quantity of KN95 masks will be made available as well.
- Hotel rooms are not included in the registration rate.
- AKPsi has a block of rooms reserved for its members and guests through the hotel’s reservation cutoff date. Room types (especially those sleeping four to a room) are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Provided there are remaining guest rooms in our block after the cut-off-date, the hotel will continue to accept reservations at the special rate. Once the block is full, whether it is before or after the cut-off date, regular hotel rates will be in effect.
- Attendees are responsible for contacting the hotel directly to arrange accommodations. All guests must provide debit/credit card for the reservation and a photo ID on-site at check-in and receive keys to their rooms. Photo ID must match the name on the room reservation or access to the hotel may be denied. If multiple people are staying in the same room, please add their names to the reservation, as well.
- Participants are expected to comply with the Alpha Kappa Psi Code of Conduct, state and local laws as well as guest policies of the hotel.
What is covered with my registration?
- All registrations include:
- Entry to Elevate and Elevate-related materials including name badge
- Educational programming and content including handouts, activities, etc.
- Additional meals, transportation and hotel accommodations are the responsibility of the individual and are not included in the registration fee.
What content is offered at Elevate?
Elevate offers individuals a structured program focusing on AKPsi’s Certificate Program. The Certificate Program provides depth and breadth to new topics focused on the four professional pathways: Know Yourself, Build Your Team, Find Your Path, and Build Your Skills.
What are the registration rates and deadlines?
Student Rates:
- Early Bird: $114, Oct 1 – Nov 15, 2025
- Standard: $129, Nov 16, 2025 – Jan 10, 2026
- Last Chance: $149, Jan 11 – Feb 1, 2026
- Onsite: $165, Feb 6, 2026
Alumni Rates:
- Early Bird: $129, Oct 1 – Nov 15, 2025
- Standard: $149, Nov 16, 2025 – Jan 10, 2026
- Last Chance: $169, Jan 11 – Feb 1, 2026
- Onsite: $1854, Feb 6, 2026
How do I pay?
If you did not submit payment at the time of registration, you may pay via one of the following options:
Pay via check; checks should be payable to Alpha Kappa Psi and mailed to the following address. Please be sure to include your chapter name and school with your check and note it is for payment for Elevate.
Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity and Foundation
8001 E. 196thStreet
Noblesville, IN 46062
Pay via credit card via phone; call 317-872-1553.
Pay via credit card online.
How can I make a substitution?
Substitutions are not allowed. If you can no longer attend, please cancel your registration.
How can I make a cancellation?
If you wish to cancel your registration, log into the Business Edge Portal. Once there, click Events at the top of the page and click the event you want to cancel. In the upper right corner, click “Manage Registration.” On the next screen, hover over the three dots to the right of the ticket name. Click “Cancellation Request” and then confirm cancellation on the next screen by clicking “Request.” There is a $10% cancellation fee of the ticket price (ex: $14.90).
Cancellations are due by January 26, 2026.
How do I receive a refund?
- Refunds are not granted for failure to cancel after the cancellation due date, failure to attend, late arrival, unattended programs, or early departure.
- Alpha Kappa Psi is not responsible for weather-related cancellations, airfare, hotel, or other costs associated with the event. No refunds will be given for canceled registrations due to weather or travel-related issues.
- Regardless of payment method, all refunds will be credited to the chapter’s account. It is then the chapter’s responsibility to refund the individual.
What is covered with registration?
All registrations include:
- Entry to the corresponding event and event-related materials including name badge
- Educational programming and content including a certificate program workbook, handouts, activities, etc.
- Access to the online event community
- Access to event app to track your individual schedule
Additional meals, transportation, and hotel accommodations are the responsibility of the individual and are not included in the registration fee.
What accommodations are provided?
Hotel rooms are not included in the registration rate.
AKPsi has a block of rooms reserved for its members and guests through each hotel’s reservation cutoff date. Room types (especially those sleeping four to a room) are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The hotel will continue to accept reservations at the special rate if there are remaining guest rooms in our block after the cut-off date. Once the block is full, whether it is before or after the cut-off date, regular hotel rates will be in effect.
Attendees are responsible for contacting the hotel directly to arrange accommodations. All guests must provide photo ID on-site at each hotel to check in and receive keys to their rooms. The photo ID must match the name on the room reservation, or access to the hotel may be denied.
A one-night deposit is generally required to secure a reservation. A credit or debit card will be required upon check-in. Hotel policies may vary by property.
Participants are expected to comply with the Alpha Kappa Psi Code of Conduct, state and local laws, and the hotel’s guest policies.
Event Agreement
Each member in attendance agrees to the photography and videography release statements found in the AKPsi Event Policies. Upon registration, each attendee must provide emergency contact information for someone who can make medical decisions for you. Those who do not may not attend the event.
What is the dress code?
- Friday: AKPsi Spirit – wear your AKPsi gear and get excited for the weekend (no yoga pants, jeans with holes, etc.)
- Saturday: Business Casual (no jeans, t-shirts, tennis shoes, caps, or hats).
Is there a volunteer incentive?
Yes, there is a volunteer incentive for accurately reported volunteers. All official volunteers (those reported on or before January 13) are extended the early-bird registration rate regardless of the date of the registration.
- Chapter Advisor: Must have 8 paid student registrations to receive complimentary registration.
- The chapter advisor is to register and pay for Elevate.
- Once Elevate is completed and registrations are audited, the registration fee will be refunded via check if the above criteria are met.
- Chapter Advisors are not to register as part of the student chapter and are not counted toward the tier discount for the chapter.
- Only one (1) complimentary registration will be reimbursed per chapter.
Refunds will be processed post-Elevate (end of February) and no later than March 31.
Is there a presenter incentive?
Alpha Kappa Psi is committed to educating members to be successful in every aspect of life. Presenters at fraternity-wide events such as Elevate are integral to the success and impact of these events.
Presenters who are vetted and selected as part of the presenter selection process will be granted the following compensation: a complimentary registration for the event where the presentation will occur. In addition, a scaled honorarium will be paid to each presenter. Other expenses, such as other hotel costs/fees, mileage, meals, etc., will not be reimbursed via the presenter incentive policy.
