ARCS members representing all 15 chapters gathered in Chicago June 5-9 to attend the All ARCS Conference (AAC), “Celebrating the Past; Empowering the Future”.  The conference focus originated on feedback received after the 2022 Atlanta conference.

As ARCS President Beth Wainwright stated, “This conference is like no other for ARCS!  In addition to engaging speakers, experiential leadership, and educational networking, don your party best to celebrate both the 45^th Anniversary Illinois Chapter event and ARCS Foundation’s 65^th Anniversary event, “Night of Toasts”. 

Attendees were inspired and challenged by Dr. Judith Giordan’s comments, American Chemical Society President 2023, as she discussed “Future of STEM Leadership:  A Nexus of Trust, DEIR, and Opportunities.”  She discussed why “science solutions are needed to address major global issues” and emphasized that developing the solutions is not sufficient. The solutions must be communicated and marketed, and people need to trust, value, and buy into the solution.  She reminded all attendees that we need to have the right mindset (growth mindset, not fixed mindset) to make an impact. To make an impact, we all need to take action now!!

Dr. Kristian Hammond, a Northwestern University Artificial Intelligence Professor, outlined the current capabilities and risks associated with artificial intelligence and how he believes in humanizing computers to stop the process of mechanizing people.

Janet Foutty, former executive chair of the board of Deloitte US, reflected on her career experiences when sharing “Leadership in an Evolving Market.”  She outlined the expectations of leaders today, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, a servant leader mindset, digital and tech-savvy, emphasis on emotional intelligence and ethics, moving from stability to agility, and keeping a lens on equity.

Attendees left Chicago with tools to improve their leadership skills after attending the workshop led by Cassa Hanon, Consultant, and Seattle Chapter member, and the education sessions led by ARCS leaders in the areas of Membership, Marketing, and Philosophy. Cassa provided facilitation and leadership approaches that enable innovative organizations to do well, emphasizing the importance of empathy, rewards and recognition, and healthy debate. 

Member accomplishments were recognized during the ARCS Luncheon, and fun celebrations were experienced during the Illinois 45^th Anniversary Reception and the ARCS 65^th Anniversary Event, “A Night of Toasts.” The daytime activities included tours of Chicago sites and time to network with past and new colleagues. 

Thank you to those who have filled out the feedback survey; a few attendee comments include, “such a wonderful experience to see old and make new ARCS friends and be together” and ”this was a terrific conference!  Thanks to ASG and the ARCS committee for planning and executing ”.  When asked about future conferences, the following comments were received, “Continue leadership topics and boot camp topics and some local tours.   This year’s speakers were great; it will be a tough act to follow!!” and “This was an exceptional conference”, “next time allow more time for education/boot camp topics; this was a good start.”