Below are frequently asked questions about the WRISE Leadership Forum. If you don’t see the information you need or have additional questions, please email info@wriseleadershipforum.org
Registration
What do the different ticketing prices mean?
What do the different ticketing prices mean?
- WRISE Member: All WRISE member levels are eligible for member pricing - New Entrant, RE Professional, or Leadership Circle - ($35, $75, $125, $500 levels).
- Non-Member: Anyone that is not a member with WRISE.
- Academic/Non-Profit: Anyone who works within the academic and/or non-profit industry.
- Recording Only: This ticket includes access to recordings of all Main Stage sessions, including keynotes and plenaries. Recordings will be available after the conclusion of the conference.
Are early bird discounts available?
Are early bird discounts available?
- Yes! Early Bird rates are available until April 24, 2026.
What do the tickets include?
What do the tickets include?
- All tickets include access to main stage sessions, workshops, breakout sessions, the Wednesday reception and the following meals: Breakfast on Wednesday, September 30, and Thursday, October 1, Lunch on Wednesday, September 30, and Thursday, October 1, and the reception on Wednesday, September 30.
I didn’t receive a confirmation email, what should I do?
I didn’t receive a confirmation email, what should I do?
- Check your spam folder and see if you received a confirmation email from info@wriseleadershipforum.org.
- If you still can’t find the confirmation email, please email us at info@wriseleadershipforum.org and we can confirm if you are registered or not.
I can’t find my receipt, where can I find it?
I can’t find my receipt, where can I find it?
- The receipt is included in the confirmation email. If you did not receive a confirmation email, please check your spam folder and see if you received a confirmation email from info@wriseleadershipforum.org.
- If you still can’t find the confirmation email, please email us at info@wriseleadershipforum.org and we can confirm if you are registered or not.
When can I sign up for tours, dine-arounds, and workshops?
When can I sign up for tours, dine-arounds, and workshops?
- Tours, dine-arounds, and workshops will be available to add to your registration beginning in July 2026. We will notify you as soon as these options go live.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Cancellation and Refund Policy
- Refunds will be granted for ticket purchases up to 90 days from the date of purchase
- All refund requests must be submitted by July 1, 2026 in order to be considered.
- A $50 processing fee will be applied to all approved refund requests
- Refunds will not be available after the 90-day period or after July 1, 2026 However, you may transfer your ticket to the next conference or substitute another colleague in your place.
If you need to cancel or transfer your ticket, please email info@wriseleadershipforum.org to start the process.
I can’t pay by credit card; is there an alternate payment method?
I can’t pay by credit card; is there an alternate payment method?
Yes, you can pay by ACH or Check with us. Please email info@wriseleadershipforum.org and we can start the process.
I want to book a large group; do I need to register each person individually?
I want to book a large group; do I need to register each person individually?
- If you want to register a large group, the best way is paying via invoice. We accept payment by ACH, credit card, and check. Once payment is received, we will send a link for all of the individuals in your group to register themselves through our registration system (pre-paid). Email info@wriseleadershipforum.org to start the process.
- Manual check payments must be received by August 29, 2026.
Do you offer any scholarships?
Do you offer any scholarships?
WRISE offers a small number of GiveBack Scholarships. The number available will depend on GiveBack Sponsorship. The GiveBack application will open in Summer 2026. We also have volunteer opportunities that offer a discounted ticket. To learn more on how to volunteer, check out our volunteer page to be posted in June 2026. If you are unable to volunteer and are still facing financial hardship preventing you from attending the Leadership Forum, please reach out to info@wrisenergy.org to explore additional options.
I booked the wrong tour or workshop; can I change my booking?
I booked the wrong tour or workshop; can I change my booking?
If you need to make changes to your registration details, you can do so by following the steps below:
- Locate your original confirmation email.
- Click the “Modify Registration” link provided in the email.
- Make any necessary updates to your registration information.
- Be sure to review your changes before submitting.
If you have any questions or need assistance along the way, please don’t hesitate to reach out to info@wriseleadershipforum.org.
I don’t remember which tour/workshop I signed up for, how do I find out what I registered for?
I don’t remember which tour/workshop I signed up for, how do I find out what I registered for?
If you need to locate registration details, you can do so by following the steps below:
- Locate your original confirmation email.
- Click the “Modify Registration” link provided in the email.
- Sign in to view your registration.
- Review registration details and any changes, if applicable.
If you have any questions or need assistance along the way, please don’t hesitate to reach out to info@wriseleadershipforum.org.
Volunteering
How do I sign up to be a volunteer?
How do I sign up to be a volunteer?
Our volunteer page will go live by or before June 2026.
What are the benefits of volunteering onsite for the conference?
What are the benefits of volunteering onsite for the conference?
Volunteering at the WRISE Leadership Forum offers a unique opportunity to:
- Gain Experience: Enhance your skills in event management, coordination, and customer service.
- Networking: Connect with professionals and enthusiasts in your field of interest.
- Contribute: Make a meaningful impact on the conference and its attendees.
- Discounted Full Conference Ticket: Volunteers will receive a discounted ticket in exchange of volunteering for 4-5 hours onsite.
When will the volunteer application open?
When will the volunteer application open?
- The volunteer application will open on June 1, 2026.
I want to get involved with WRISE, the non-profit. How do I do that?
I want to get involved with WRISE, the non-profit. How do I do that?
- Great! Check out the WRISE website here
Events
Will this event be recorded?
Will this event be recorded?
No sessions will be recorded this year.
I have special accessibility needs/dietary requirements; can you accommodate me?
I have special accessibility needs/dietary requirements; can you accommodate me?
The WRISE Leadership Forum Planning Team is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible experience for all participants. We strive to accommodate a wide range of dietary needs and accessibility requirements to ensure every attendee feels welcome and supported.
During the registration process, you will have the opportunity to share any dietary preferences or restrictions, as well as accessibility needs, so we can make the necessary arrangements.
The Hilton Chicago provides facilities, including guest rooms, meeting rooms, restrooms, dining areas, and common areas that are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ADA-accessible guest rooms are available upon request at the time of reservation, subject to availability, and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Will there be an event app?
Will there be an event app?
- Yes, there will be an event app. All registrants will be emailed download instructions two weeks prior to the event.
How do I get around town?
How do I get around town?
- CTA– Chicago’s transit system is a quick and affordable way to explore the city. Plan Your Trip.
- Rideshare – Lyft and Uber are widely available for quick, convenient rides.
What is the closest International Airport?
What is the closest International Airport?
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) - – largest international airport (19 miles from hotel)
- Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – closer to downtown (12 miles from hotel)
Is shuttle service provided to and from the Airport?
Is shuttle service provided to and from the Airport?
-
The Hilton Chicago does not provide shuttle service, but private and public transit options are available:
-
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) - Plan Your Trip.
CTAs train system is Chicago’s main form of public transportation.
Hotel
Is there a preferred hotel I can book?
Is there a preferred hotel I can book?
Yes, Hilton Chicago is the WRISE Leadership Forum official hotel and event venue, located at 720 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605.
Click here to book your group discounted hotel room at rates starting at $279 + tax/night.
What are the check-in and check-out times at the Hilton Chicago?
What are the check-in and check-out times at the Hilton Chicago?
Check-in at Hilton Chicago is from 3:00 PM, and check-out is until 11:00 AM.
What are the parking fees at the Hilton Chicago?
What are the parking fees at the Hilton Chicago?
Self-parking is $72 daily, valet is $88.
What do I need for check-in?
What do I need for check-in?
To qualify for the group discount, reservations must be made by September 8, 2026. Space is limited, and discounted rates are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
At check-in, you'll need:
- A valid photo ID
- A credit card (required for payment and incidentals)
An additional authorization for incidentals will be placed on your card, along with the total room & tax. Any unused funds will be released 3-7 business days after departure.
Are there onsite breakfast, lunch, and dinner options?
Are there onsite breakfast, lunch, and dinner options?
720 South Bar & Grill
Serves a la carte breakfast and lunch. This casual American grill features seasonally inspired, farm-to-fork Midwest flavors, sharable plates, curated cocktails, craft beers, and an extensive wine list, with a cozy fireplace ambiance.
Kitty O’Sheas
An authentic Irish pub overlooking Grant Park, offering traditional and modern Irish fare like fish ’n’ chips, burgers, shepherd’s pie, pints, craft beer flights, and the largest whiskey menu in Chicago, plus live entertainment.
Herb N’ Kitchen
A grab-and-go gourmet market with Starbucks coffee, artisan salads, sandwiches, breakfast items, pastries, sweets, snacks, craft beers, wine, and cocktails prepared daily.
Opening hours vary by season; check back or with the front desk while onsite for current serving hours.
What are the dinner options onsite?
What are the dinner options onsite?
The Hilton Chicago offers three main on-site dinner options: Kitty O’Sheas, and Herb N’ Kitchen, with room service delivery available from Herb N’ Kitchen.
Kitty O’Sheas
An authentic Irish pub overlooking Grant Park, offering traditional and modern Irish fare like fish ’n’ chips, burgers, shepherd’s pie, pints, craft beer flights, and the largest whiskey menu in Chicago, plus live entertainment.
Herb N’ Kitchen
A grab-and-go gourmet market with Starbucks coffee, artisan salads, sandwiches, breakfast items, pastries, sweets, snacks, craft beers, wine, and cocktails prepared daily.
What are some things to do while in Chicago?
What are some things to do while in Chicago?
The city’s best local attractions are within a mile of our front door, so you’re never far from a world-class experience.
Visit our Event Details page for a list of things to do while you are in Chicago.