Hosted by Ann Drake & The Women's Leadership Center at Williams Bay
↓
The Countdown Is On
Until we celebrate together…
--
Days
:
--
Hours
:
--
Minutes
:
--
Seconds
You have been an important part of the mission.
Now be among the first to experience…
A dream built.A future imagined.
The stars for women's leadership are aligning over Williams Bay. We hope you'll join us beneath them.
Celebrating the Journey
A Weekend of Vision, Purpose & Celebration.
Friday, October 2
The Architecture Tour
📍 Women's Leadership Center 333 Constance Boulevard, Williams Bay, Wisconsin
4:00 PM
Campus Tour (Optional)
We are opening the new campus for a complete tour — the buildings, the woodlands, and the thinking behind both. Completely optional, and the best possible introduction to everything that follows over the weekend.
Friday, October 2
The Welcome
📍 Ann Drake's Geneva National Residence 1487 Geneva National Ave W, Lake Geneva, WI 53147
6:00 PM
Welcome Cocktails
We'll begin Friday evening at Ann's home, bringing old friends and new together for dinner, music, and a festive start to the weekend.
7:30 PM
Dinner and Entertainment
A multi-course dinner followed by music and a festive opening-night energy.
Saturday, October 3
Tomorrow Starts Here
📍 Women's Leadership Center 333 Constance Boulevard, Williams Bay, Wisconsin
9:15 AM
Arrivals & Morning Fuel
Breakfast, gourmet coffee, pastries, and a vibrant start to the day.
The Kickoff
Welcome to the weekend. Get oriented, explore the property, and hear what’s in store for the retreat.
Mini Retreat
We will bring the WLC to life. You’ll move throughout the campus, experience the architecture and natural setting, and spend the day in conversations with an extraordinary group of people from across fields and experiences. The program will unfold through intimate dialogue, small-group discussions, and conversations led by remarkable leaders.
Lunch
Food stations, conversation, and time to explore.
The Mini Retreat Continues
The afternoon picks up where the morning left off — more dialogue and more time with the remarkable guests gathered for the weekend.
4:30 PM
Team Scavenger Hunt
A playful run across the campus with your team — the day’s spirited finish.
5:30 PM
Relax & Freshen Up
A chance to relax and recharge before the evening gets underway. Enjoy a stroll on the boardwalk, reflect on the terrace, or partake in close conversation.
6:30 PM
Reception
Cocktails and conversation as the evening begins.
7:30 PM
Dinner
An elegant dinner on the new campus, framed by the lake, the woodlands, and the stars over Williams Bay.
9:00 PM
Dancing & Entertainment
Music, dancing, and a celebration of the journey we’ve taken.
Sunday, October 4
Brunch
📍 Women's Leadership Center 333 Constance Boulevard, Williams Bay, Wisconsin
9:30 – 11:30 AM
Celebratory Brunch
We’ll conclude the weekend on Sunday over a celebratory brunch back at the WLC, complete with awards, prizes and a musical guest to send us off.
On Saturday, you'll join a team and step into a day of hands-on mini-retreat sessions and team activities — collaborating, competing a little, and connecting with others who share the vision.
Team One
Team Two
Team Three
Team Four
Your team — and your color — will be revealed when you arrive.
Save Your Place
Come celebrate the moment.
We'd be so glad to have you with us. Accommodations are included.
The nearest major airports are Chicago O'Hare (ORD), about 75 minutes south, and Milwaukee Mitchell (MKE), about 60 minutes northeast.
🚗
By Car
Lake Geneva is roughly a 90-minute drive from downtown Chicago and 50 minutes from Milwaukee. Complimentary on-site parking is available at both venues.
A beautiful 8.6-acre campus on the shores of Geneva Lake, set on pristine woodlands that adjoin
Yerkes Observatory — considered the birthplace of modern astrophysics —
and the former campus of George Williams College.
Planned in harmony with land, water, and sky, the design preserves 81% of the natural landscape,
adds 220 trees, and restores the grounds with native vegetation.
8.6 acres on Geneva Lake
Between Us
A Few Things to Know
If you can let us know by Friday, September 11th, that would be wonderful. Spaces are limited and we're holding one with your name on it — so the sooner you tell us yes, the better.
Think polished and comfortable, nothing that needs fussing with. Friday evening is upscale casual: a jacket without a tie, a dress or elevated separates. Saturday spans morning through evening, so wear one versatile outfit. Stylish sneakers are encouraged, and since much of the day is spent exploring, leave the heels at home. Sunday brunch is laid-back. Wear what makes you happy.
One tip from experience: Williams Bay turns cool the moment the sun drops in October. Tuck a wrap, sweater, or light layer in your bag. On Friday evening, you’ll receive a canvas tote bag for carrying all your essentials to the Center on Saturday. This tote is designed to fit neatly into your cubby at the Center, so pack it with everything you’ll want to have on hand throughout the day.
Dress comfortably and wear shoes you can walk in; we’ll be moving between indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the weekend. On Friday evening, you’ll receive a canvas tote bag for carrying all your essentials to the Center on Saturday. This tote is designed to fit neatly into your cubby at the Center, so pack it with everything you’ll want to have on hand throughout the day. We suggest packing: toiletries, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, your phone and charger, and a warmer clothing option like a shawl or light jacket.
Not a thing. Your room, the meals, the evenings together — it's all been taken care of, with love. All you have to do is say yes and show up ready to enjoy it.
We've got you. There'll be shuttles running between the hotel and both venues all weekend, so you can leave the car keys behind. We'll provide the shuttle schedule as the event draws near.
Just let us know — there's a spot to tell us on the RSVP, and the kitchen will quietly take care of the rest.