100077 - ACE Virginia Network of Women in Higher Ed
Overview
The annual Virginia Network conference provides an opportunity to engage with women at all stages in their professional journey, from graduate students to executive leadership. Designed to promote collaborative, diverse, and thoughtful conversations, topics may range from national, state, and regional forces affecting higher education to career development and advancement. Each year’s theme serves to focus sessions and draws panels from across the membership. Given that the Network has been particularly interested in identifying and developing the careers of women from diverse backgrounds, the conference has focused on critical issues for women of color five times in the recent past.
The theme for the 2026 conference “Navigating Rough Waters” reflects the environment in which higher education is currently working, i.e. converging pressures from demographic shifts and enrollment, political scrutiny, financial constraints, technological disruption, and evolving expectations around student success and workplace culture. No longer operating in predictable conditions, higher education leaders are required to make complex decisions amid ambiguity, heightened visibility, and competing stakeholder demands. Yet women leaders are demonstrating extraordinary resilience, adaptability, and vision by serving as steady guides who can chart thoughtful, values-driven paths. This theme acknowledges both the realities of disruption and the strength, skill, and community required to lead through it.
Finally, we will honor an outstanding woman leader who has made significant contributions to higher education in Virginia with the Virginia Network for Women in Higher Education Outstanding Leadership Award. Please join us in this important conversation and to celebrate our contributions to higher education!
Location Information
Hotel Information:
The Westin Arlington
801 North Glebe Road
Arlington, VA 22203
Reservation Link: Book your group rate for Virginia Network
CUT-OFF DATE: 05/18/2026
Group Name: Virginia Network
Start Date: 06/03/2026
End Date: 06/06/2026
Group Rate: $276.00
Agenda/Schedule
Program Schedule:See conference website for latest agenda: https://www.virginianetwork.org/2026-conference
Other
Conference FAQs
Are scholarships available? No, we do not offer any scholarship to the Virginia Network Annual Conference.
Will there be onsite registration? No, due to capacity limits we will not offer on-site registration
How can I sponsor the conference? Please contact Marti Tomlin directly at mtomlin@richmond.edu
Is Fuse at Mason Square accessible for people with disabilities? Yes! Fuse at Mason Square is equipped with ADA-Compliant Spaces, Assistive Technology, Accessible below-grade parking garage, and Trained Staff.
Parking & Access: An accessible below-grade parking garage is available, along with convenient, step-free access points.
Staff Training: Trained staff are on-site to assist guests
How do I park for the conference at Fuse at Mason Square? Visitor parking for events at Fuse at Mason Square is available in the Van Metre Hall, Vernon Smith, and Fuse garages. Participants staying at The Westin Arlington are encouraged to walk as they are able.
I’d like to volunteer during the conference, do you need help? Yes! Contact Eunkyoung Park (epark21@gmu.edu) and Shannon Davis (sdaviso@gmu.edu) to sign up!.
If you require specific accommodations, it is recommended to contact the event sponsor or the George Mason University ADA Coordinator at 703-993-8730 at least one week in advance.