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:

Yes!  We have reserved a block of rooms reserved for attendees at the Hilton Garden Inn Arlington/Courthouse Plaza 1333 North Courthouse Road Arlington, Virginia 22201.  It is an easy 20 minute walk to the event venue. Booking Code is AW2023 and Group booking link is: Academy Women.


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, 2023 you will receive early bird pricing.  See the OWLS tab for more details.


Question: What is the time, date, and location of the 2023 Career Workshop, Evening Reception, and OWLS?

Answer:
The Career Workshop will be held in person and virtually on 13 April from 9:00am-4:30pm EST. The Evening Reception will be held in person on 13 April from 4:30pm-6:00pm.  The Officer Women Leadership Symposium will be held in person and virtually from 9:00am-5:00pm EST on 14 April 2023.  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 2023 OWLS is:

Leading for Impact

In the face of conflict, opportunity, and challenge, how do you lead for impact when it might be tempting to just get the job done?  How do you skillfully manage your behaviors, relationships, decisions, and strategic vision to align your intentions with the impact you want to have 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.  We also invite you to join our eMentor program where you can mentor, find a mentor, or participate in ongoing discussions.


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, you may select the option, “Admission Price Waiver Wait List” when registering.  Placement on the wait list does NOT guarantee admission to the events.  The AcademyWomen team will contact you directly if there is donation money available to cover your registration fees.


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.