We Are One CREW: Leading Into The Future
CREW Network invests in annual training for chapter leaders to build their leadership skills, create stronger chapters, and create a unified CREW experience. The skills and learning gained here will help members be stronger leaders and employees.
Chapter leaders serving as 2025 President-Elect (president in 2026) are required to attend this event and will be reimbursed up to $500 USD in transit costs following the event, as long as all sessions are attended and a post-event survey is completed. If reimbursement is needed prior to the event, please contact jennyw@crewnetwork.org to ask for early reimbursement.
2025 President-Elects must arrange their transportation to Chicago. Chicago O'Hare (ORD) is the closest airport to the training. Participants should arrive in Chicago by 1:30 p.m. CT on Thursday, October 24. Departing flights can be scheduled after 4 p.m. CT on Friday, October 25.
CREW Network will manage all hotel reservations and cover 1 hotel room night (Thursday) for all participants. If a return flight is not available on Friday after 4 p.m., a second hotel room night will be covered with advance approval (contact jennyw@crewnetwork.org). More information will be provided directly to leaders serving as 2025 President-Elect in September.
General Session| Ballroom FG
While CREW exists in different cities and operates in different ways across our global network, as a whole we are One United CREW. One CREW represents a cohesive brand, reputation, and experience for our members and the broader CRE community. Each leader plays an important role in stewarding the CREW experience and creating an inclusive environment for all. Hear from Wendy Mann, CREW Network CEO, about how you can embody this model and bring it to life.
General Session| Ballroom FG
Good governance is one of the most important factors in the success of a chapter as it defines operating norms, practices, accountability structures, and any unique needs of the organization. This session, led by Donna Dunn, CAE, of Tecker International, will provide an overview of the role of the board based on organizational maturity, the fiduciary responsibilities, governance documents, and best practices in committee structure.
General Session| Ballroom FG
Volunteers are the heart of a chapter and serve in both large and small leadership positions across the organization. This session, led by Jackie Price Osafo, CAE, of Vista Cova, will be an interactive discussion about volunteer expectations, motivation, training, and the personal value gained from volunteer roles. Participants will discuss the challenges and successes they have faced identifying, recruiting, and managing volunteers and the role that culture plays in the volunteer experience.
Reception| River
Dinner| Salon 8-10
Breakfast| Salon 8-10
General Session| Ballroom FG
When a volunteer becomes a chapter leader, the expectations placed on that person change. A chapter leader is expected to lead with purpose and authenticity and always operate with the best intentions of the chapter at the core of their behavior. Chapter leaders are the official voice of the organization and need to behave with integrity, restraint, and good judgement when faced with a myriad of challenges. This session will feature past CREW Network presidents who will share personal learnings and insights from their CREW leadership experience. Facilitated by Emily Reineke, CAE, CREW Network Chief Member and Chapter Services Officer; presenters include Alison Beddard, Tiffany English, and Tara Piurko.
General Session| Ballroom FG
Succession is a key component of all volunteer organizations and securing the right people at the right time is both an art and a science. This workshop, led by Elisa Pratt, CAE, Brewer Pratt Solutions, will be interactive and leave you with a customized succession plan, innovative recruitment techniques, and best practices for seamless leadership transitions. You'll come away with a better understanding of the "why" behind member volunteering and actionable tips and innovative approaches you can apply immediately. Your volunteers are your most valuable asset – invest in your chapter's future success and ensure long-term organizational sustainability.
Luncheon
General Session| Ballroom FG
As president, you are the most visible leader of the organization and other leaders and volunteers will watch your behavior and actions closely. As president, you should be conscious that your decisions have a ripple effect, either positive or negative, and it is your responsibility to lead in a strategic and thoughtful manner. This session, led by Jenny Weissenbach, CREW Network Chapter Services Director, will review CREW Network’s expectations for you and share a timeline and other resources provided by CREW Network to help you achieve success in this role.
General Session| Ballroom FG
How would you describe your chapter’s culture? How do your members describe your chapter’s culture? Do the words or feelings that come up reflect what you’d prefer? Leadership impact is built through words, actions, and intentions. Great leaders understand that leadership is a constant journey of growth, and that their leadership skills directly impact culture. Being a leader requires hard work to examine your own biases and claim ownership of both your skills and your shortcomings. As elected chapter leaders you obviously are respected for your skills and talents, yet it is vital to also recognize and reflect upon areas in which you can improve, especially related to how you manage conflict and navigate complex circumstances with a positive impact. Your leadership can improve, maintain, or detract from the chapter culture. As president you will face scenarios that challenge you and require you to use new muscles to respond in ways that advance the One CREW culture.   This keynote session from Sharon Newport, CAE, organizational consultant, and Georgetown University adjunct faculty, will focus on cultivating your chapter culture with integrity, including how your leadership style shapes the culture, considerations for creating a welcoming and inclusive culture, and how to evolve your leadership journey.
General Session| Ballroom FG
Emily Reineke, Chief Member & Chapter Services Officer with CREW Network will briefly share information about the launch of a new playbook outlining best practices for chapter operations to set your chapter up for success, and wrap up the event with encouragement and reflection.
Location
8535 West Higgins Road Chicago, Illinois, United States of America 60631
from
Expenses covered by CREW Network
Contact us with questions:
