2026 CARE Education Event

Name: 2026 CARE Education Event
Start: 2026-09-15T00:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-09-15T23:59:59-05:00
Location: Obama Presidential Center

September 15

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C.A.R.E. Education Event | September 15, 2026
Obama Presidential Center, 6001 South Stony Island Avenue, Chicago, IL
3:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Program Agenda:

3:00 – 3:30 PM: Registration & Vendor Networking
3:30 – 5:15 PM: Educational Sessions & Keynote
5:30 – 7:30 PM: Self-Guided Museum Access & Exploration of the Obama Presidential Center (No food or beverage permitted within the museum exhibits)
5:30 – 7:30 PM: Networking Reception in Designated Event Space (Guests may choose between networking and museum exploration throughout the evening)

Museum admission is included in the registration fee. To receive museum admission, attendees must participate in the education program session beginning at 4:15 PM.

Registration is limited and we expect to sell out! Planners can apply to be hosted here.

Registration Options:
Professional Member Planner: $85
Hosted Planner Packages:
– (1) Supplier and (3) Planner tickets: $400
– (1) Supplier and (5) Planner tickets: $500
Faculty Member: $60
Student: $50
Non-Member Planner: $100
Non-Member Supplier: $180

Keynote Details:

Leading Without Armor: Creating Culture Through Authenticity, Vulnerability, and Empathy

Culture isn’t created through mission statements or company values hanging on a wall. It’s created through everyday interactions, conversations, and the courage to show up authentically. In a world where people are craving connection, trust, and belonging, leaders have an opportunity to shape cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued, and empowered to contribute their best work. But creating that kind of environment requires more than good intentions; it requires vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and the willingness to lead as a human first.

In this engaging and interactive keynote, award-winning speaker Courtney Stanley explores how authenticity becomes the foundation for stronger relationships, deeper trust, and more empathetic workplace cultures. Through powerful peer-to-peer storytelling, practical strategies, and meaningful audience reflection, attendees will discover how to foster genuine connection, communicate with greater intention, and create environments where people feel safe to contribute, collaborate, and thrive.

Learning Outcomes:

Leverage vulnerability as a strength that fosters connection and psychological safety
Create a culture where people feel respected, valued, and empowered to contribute
Strengthen self-awareness and emotional intelligence to become a more impactful leader

Parking & Transportation: Parking at the Obama Presidential Center is limited. Shuttle service will be arranged for attendees, courtesy of our Shuttle Sponsor, Choose Chicago — details will be shared with registered guests closer to the event date. You may indicate your interest in being shuttled within the registration form.

Click here for sponsorship opportunities!

Already know what you’d like to sponsor? Complete the GMC PCMA Sponsorship Enrollment Form & email it to us at [email protected] to get started!

Event Policies

Online Registration: Online registration will close 3 business days prior to the event date.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellation of registration must be submitted in writing via email to [email protected]. If a registrant cancels within 7 days of the event, they will forfeit 50% of the registration fee. If a registrant cancels within 3 days of the event, they forfeit the entire registration fee. No shows forfeit the entire registration fee. If a registration refund is owed, the refund will be processed within 7-14 business days to the original method of payment.
Registration Transfer Policy: Requests to transfer registration from one individual to another will be accepted in writing via email to [email protected] and must be made before the online registration deadline (3 business days prior to the event date). After this date, the new individual must register on site.
Walk in Policy: We highly recommend registering online before the event. Any attendee who registers on site will be charged an extra 10% of the applicable registration fee for their membership type. Onsite registration may not always be available. Please check the event website regularly for the latest updates and current walk-in registration policy.