Chicago Program Details

LEAD Weekend (Chicago) is a three-day program that will help more than 250 executive officers learn from headquarters staff and other undergraduate members as they prepare for success in their leadership roles. For the first time, LEAD Weekend will include unique social, career, and community engagement activities!

 

This in-person program provides multiple officers with the opportunity to receive training and to connect with their counterparts at chapters across the country! This year, the in-person program will focus on the following tracks:

  • President
  • VP, Recruitment
  • Sgt. at Arms

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE CHICAGO PROGRAM SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 12-14, 2024

The registration deadline is Monday, December 4, 2023.

Schedule

  • Friday
    • 1:00 p.m.: Welcome desk opens!
    • 2:00 p.m.: DSP Games + Michelle’s Closet
    • 5:00 p.m.: Dinner
    • 6:00 p.m.: Opening Keynote + Chapter Awards
    • 7:00 p.m.: Officer Session #1 + Small Group

 

  • Saturday
    • 8:00 a.m.: Breakfast
    • 9:00 a.m.: Officer Session #2 + Small Group 
    • 12:00 p.m.: Lunch
    • 1:00 p.m.: Career Readiness and Networking Event
    • 4:00 p.m.: Break
    • 5:00 p.m.: Dinner
    • 6:00 p.m.: Officer Session #3 + Small Group 
    • 8:00 p.m.: Social Event

 

  • Sunday
    • 8:00 a.m.: Breakfast
    • 9:00 a.m.: Community Engagement Event
    • 10:30 a.m.: Officer Session #4 + Small Group 
    • 12:00 p.m.: Closing Session
    • 12:30 p.m.: Program End

 

All times are central standard time.

Where is LEAD Weekend 2024 being hosted?

LEAD Weekend will be returning to the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago. This is the same location that hosted last year’s program.

We hope to deliver an approachable and fun educational experience. It is likely not possible that we will be able to prepare you for every situation you will face in your leadership role, but we want to provide you with the basic knowledge you need to get started. 

We also hope you will leave LEAD Weekend knowing how to seek additional help from staff and other members who might be able to guide you throughout your term in office.

 

How do we get to LEAD Weekend?

Driving: If your chapter is 5 hours or less from your assigned LEAD Weekend location you will be required to drive. Your mileage will be reimbursed. Mileage will be reimbursed for 1 car per chapter. Car-pooling is highly encouraged. You are responsible for gas and any meals or snacks before/after the program. Delta Sigma Phi will cover the cost of any on-site parking at the designated hotels.

Flying: If your chapter is 5 hours or more the Fraternity will pay for your flight, which you must book through our travel site. You will not have access to our travel site until you have registered. Please note that flights are non-transferable so if you book a flight and cannot attend you/your chapter will be required to reimburse the Fraternity.

You are responsible for baggage fees and any meals or snacks before/after the program. We ask that members who are flying be dropped off at the airport, if you need to drive and park at your departure airport please email Andrew Thomas, thomas@deltasig.org.

 

Who is responsible for completing the registration form?

Each individual officer is responsible for completing the registration form. The form includes some personal information that we will need.

 

Who is responsible for making hotel reservations?

Headquarters staff will make hotel reservations and room assignments for you. Staff does their best to pair you with chapter brothers when possible.

 

When should we arrive?

On the Friday of your LEAD Weekend date no later than 4:00pm to make sure that you check-in and get to dinner on time. On-site check in will open at 1:00 p.m

 

Are we required to stay overnight in the hotel?

Yes. Since LEAD is funded by the National Fraternity and Delta Sigma Phi Foundation, including your travel and lodging, you are required to stay in the designated hotel. This rule also exists for your safety and the safety of other members. Outside guests are not allowed to visit you while at the hotel.

 

What is there to do around our LEAD location?

While at LEAD Weekend there will not be enough time to explore the city. You can explore at your cost after the program is over on Sunday at 12:30 p.m.

 

What is the dress code for LEAD Weekend?

The dress code for LEAD Weekend is business casual. This is defined as wearing chinos or dark jeans, a button down shirt, and a sports coat, or a suit without a tie. Please do not wear t-shirts, sweats, or workout/athletic wear during LEAD Weekend.

 

What meals are provided during LEAD Weekend?

  • Friday: Dinner
  • Saturday: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Sunday: Breakfast

All participants will have the option to provide dietary restrictions during the registration process.

 

Are there any additional costs?

  • Hotel incidental fee: Incidental fee of $100 for your hotel room(s). You will need a card for this, credit card is a quicker return process than a debit card. Incidental fees are returned to your card upon check-out and if you have not charged anything to your room or have left your room damage-free. The cost of your full hotel stay is covered by the Fraternity in advance.
  • Meals during travel / additional snacks: Participants should plan on paying for personal meals that are not included above. Additionally, if you may consider bringing snacks for energy throughout the day.

 

Conduct Rules:

  • LEAD Weekend is an alcohol and substance free program, regardless of age and role. Bringing, using, consuming any alcohol or illegal/unlawfully obtained drugs or substances is prohibited.
  • Any additional violations of the Delta Sigma Phi Code of Conduct may result in a review of a participant’s membership status.
  • All participants are asked to attend all sessions during the program. Attendance will be tracked throughout the weekend. 
  • Unacceptable conduct or absenteeism may result in a participant being sent home at his own expense and the chapter being charged $1,000 for the cost of the program.

 

What technology will I need to participate?

No technology will be required to participate in the in-person LEAD Program. We will notify participants if this changes. It is possible a laptop may be recommended for some tracks.

 

Can I attend multiple tracks?

The quick answer is, no. The better answer is that we have designed LEAD Weekend tracks to be most relevant to the officer in each position. Additionally, information that is learned at the start of each track will need to be applied to additional training received throughout the remainder of the track. For this reason, we ask that you join your assigned track on time and stay in the same track until it is complete.