2025 Elevating Leaders Summit

ELS 2025 will take place on Friday, October 17^th – Saturday, October 18^th at the Omni Shoreham in Washington DC.  Scholars will be asked to fly in on Friday, October 17 and depart on Sunday, October 19 so that they can attend the full program.   

ELS is open to APIA Scholars who are recipients of the 2025-2026 scholarship.  Submitting an RSVP does not guarantee event attendance.  The Student Success team will reach out to you to confirm next steps to complete the RSVP process.  If we reach capacity for the event, we will open a waitlist.  ELS will also be open to returning Scholars, alumni, partners, and community leaders as space becomes available.

ELS is a closed event for APIA Scholars.  If you wish to bring a guest, APIA Scholars will not provide any travel, lodging, or meal accommodations.  Space in workshops will be prioritized first to ELS attendees.

Yes! Travel and lodging will be covered for any Scholar attending ELS.  Once your RSVP is confirmed, our team will reach out to you with the next steps to book your travel accommodations.  Accommodations for lodging (at the Omni Shoreham) will also be covered by APIA Scholars and we will coordinate with you directly to confirm your hotel needs. APIA Scholars will also cover your transportation to and from your designated airport and the Omni Shoreham. 

No. APIA Scholars will work each attendee to book flights. Upon confirmation of your RSVP, you will receive a link to fill out your travel information and will work with the team to determine the best flight option for you.

If your travel is disrupted, contact the travel support number provided in your itinerary right away.  We’ll do our best to rebook and support you in real time.

All Scholars will have their own (single-occupied/standard) room at the Omni Shoreham hotel. You will receive information on check-in and check-out time as we get closer to the event. 

We recommend business casual attire for ELS. We also encourage you to bring a journal/notebook, comfortable shoes, and any medication or personal items that you’ll need for a few days.  Don’t forget to also pack your REAL ID and/or passport for travel! We will share a full list of packing recommendations as we get closer to ELS.

To get the full experience, all Scholars are expected to attend the full duration of ELS.  Scholars will begin arriving on Friday, October 17 and will depart from ELS on Sunday, October 19.  Please reach out to programs@apiascholars.org if you need to request alternative arrival/departure times.

Think fun, engaging, and impactful.  ELS is more than a conference.  It’s a space for you to show up as your authentic self, connect with fellow Scholars, build leadership skills, and hear from inspiring speakers.

APIA Scholars is committed to creating an inclusive, accessible, and affirming space.  If you have accessibility needs, please let us know in your registration form or reach out to us directly at programs@apiascholars.org.  

Yes! Meals and snacks will be provided throughout ELS.  We collect any dietary restrictions in advance and will do our best to accommodate all needs.  For meals during your travel that are not provided during ELS, APIA Scholars will send a Tango gift card, which may be redeemed for meals before your travels.  Please refer to our Scholar Travel Policy for more information about meal accommodations.  

Workshops and panels on leadership, advocacy, storytelling, cultural identity, financial wellness, mental health, and/or career development. Plus interactive activities and community building. **Extra bonus for our keynote speaker, to be announced soon!

Yes, we will build in breaks and informal space to connect with others.  Scholars are encouraged to rest and recharge at their own pace.

Scholars who RSVP will be invited to attend our virtual New Scholar Orientations on July 29 and August 19^th.  We will also host a Scholar Speed Networking session on September 16^th as a one-month countdown to ELS!  We will send out more information on how to attend these virtual sessions soon.  Our team will also prepare a Know Before You Go leading up to ELS, which will include any preparation guidelines beforehand.

Absolutely! Many Scholars share similar sentiments, but not to worry!  ELS is designed to create a welcoming space.  Our ELS Ambassadors and APIA Scholars staff will also help you feel connected and seen from day one. 

Please email the Student Success team at programs@apiascholars.org