Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Can I attend PTDY/PTAD?

Answer:

Approval rests with your leadership but attending OWLS will definitely enhance your value to your service! These references may help:

  • Air Force: AFI 36-3003, Military Leave Program, 24 Aug 2020, Table 3.6 Rule 6
  • Army: AR 600-8-10, Leaves and Passes, 3 Jun 2020, para 5-2 and 5-3
  • Navy: MILPERSMAN 1050-270, Administrative Absences, 10 May 17, para 3(a)
  • Marines: MCO 1050.3J, Regulations for Leave, Liberty, and Administrative Absence, 19 May 09, Chapter 5, para 1(c)
  • Coast Guard: COMDTINST M1000.8A Military Assignments and Authorized Absences, 22 Jun 18, Para 2.A.10.b. (1)

Question: Is there a Hotel Group Booking for this event?

Answer:

We have a block of rooms reserved at: The Hyatt Place Arlington/Courthouse Plaza.  The Group Booking URL link is:  https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/virginia/hyatt-place-arlington-courthouse-plaza/wasza?corp_id=G-ACAD. Our group code is G-ACAD Click on “Book Now” and type in the exact group dates. The group code will appear automatically; dates must be within the contracted dates APRIL 10 – 13, 2024 outside these dates the rooms and rates are not available. Please contact the hotel if you wish to add shoulder nights; reserve one room at a time with a guest name; do not book multiple rooms in one setting under one name because the system will not allow making name changes; reservations will require a credit card for guarantee.  Reservations can also be made via phone at 888-591-1234 with the group code, group name, arrival and departure dates. For this rate you must reserve nlt MARCH 10, 2024.

Question: What are the registration fees?

Answer:
The registration fees for purchasing both the Career Workshop and OWLS are discounted.  In addition, if you register before COB March 15, 2024 you will receive early bird pricing.  See the OWLS tab for more details.

Question: What is the time, date, and location of the 2024 Career Workshop, Evening Reception, and OWLS?

Answer:
The Career Workshop will be held in person and virtually on 11 April from 9:00am-4:40pm EST. The Evening Reception will be held in person on 11 April from 4:45pm-6:30pm.  The Officer Women Leadership Symposium will be held in person and virtually from 9:00am-5:00pm EST on 12 April 2024.  All in person events will be held at George Mason University at the Mason Square campus in Arlington, Virginia located at Van Metre Hall, 135, Auditorium (metro stop: Virginia Square on the Blue and Orange lines).  You may access the venue by metro or car.  Driving directions are on maps.gmu.edu. Paid parking is available. More details at info.gmu.edu and transportation.gmu.edu/arlington-campus/.

Question: What is the theme of the OWLS?

Answer:
The overarching theme of the 2024 OWLS is:

Rooted in Service, Growing the Future Together

This event theme will explore how the call to service fuels military and veteran women to lead our nation for a strong future. Regardless of challenges, our commitment to a cause greater than self helps to fuel aspirations for the highest possible impact as a leader.

Question: Is there a break for lunch during the Career Workshop and OWLS?

Answer:
There will be a break for lunch and breaks throughout the day.  Lunch will be provided.

Question: How interactive will the Career Workshop and OWLS be for virtual attendees?

Answer:
For the virtual audience we are making it possible for participants to ask questions and share comments during the sessions.

Question: What is the Dress Code?

Answer:
Event attendees are encouraged to be comfortable yet professional.  Event attendees are recommended to wear business casual. Those who are unit funded may be required to attend in uniform, in which case, Class B uniform or equivalent is recommended. Speakers and Presenters are recommended to wear business attire or Service Dress.

Question: Are there options if I cannot pay the registration fees?

Answer:
If you are unable to personally cover registration fees, do not hesitate to ask your supervisor, units, companies, or organizations for support.  There may be training and professional development funds available to cover your registration fees.  If this is not an option, please contact our planning team.

Question: For the virtual event, why do we have to pay registration fees?

Answer:
The registration fees cover expenses incurred to plan, organize, and run a very high-end, professional first-class event.  In addition to hearing from and engaging in discussions with world-class speakers, you will have the opportunity to connect with other high-caliber event attendees from all military services and many organizations doing important work for our nation.  This event offers unique opportunities to meet leaders, spark new ideas, and consider ways to hone your own leadership.  The programming offered in these three days has been life-changing, eye-opening, and career-enhancing.  The value of these events extends well beyond the cost of registration.

Question: How can I help others attend who may not be able to pay the registration fees (even if I cannot attend myself)?

Answer:
Thank you for your generosity and commitment to build our community! If you are able to donate an additional admission fee, or multiple admission fees, on behalf of those who may not be able to afford the cost, you may select the registration option, “Donate Admission(s)” and contribute any amount. AcademyWomen is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Please confer with your tax professional to determine your level of deduction. Receipts for donated admission fees will be available upon request. 

Question: How can I get help paying for this event?

Answer:

There are options if you cannot personally pay for this event.  For ideas, please email owls@academywomen.org and we might be able to help.

Question: Is there a virtual option for both the Career Workshop and OWLS?

Answer:

Yes.  Virtual attendees will join the event over the platform zoom gov and details will be sent the day prior to the event.  There will be an opportunity to ask questions, connect in small groups, and participate in the Passion Profiler. 

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