FAQs

Why is HBA moving the Woman of the Year Gala outside of New York City? 

The HBA has outgrown the capacity of New York City’s biggest ballrooms where attendance is limited to 1,800 seats (or less)—typically resulting in a Woman of the Year event sell-out in the first few weeks. Future locations offer 20 percent more seats, more tables, more capacity.  

As the HBA’s footprint grows beyond the traditional east coast hold, we know that more than 60 percent of our members live outside the greater North East and Mid Atlantic and so it was time to move this annual signature event to different and rotating locations. 

Why Chicago and San Diego? 

The HBA team did its due diligence researching cities, meeting space capacity, transportation options, accessibility for HBA members, and proximity to Corporate Partner locations to ascertain what locations would best accommodate our current and growing Woman of the Year attendee audience. 

What are the dates and location for the 2025 Woman of the Year?  

The HBA Woman of the Year will be held 9 May at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk in Chicago, IL. Additional events for Rising Stars and Luminaries occur on 8 May. 

What is the dress code?  

Attire for all Woman of the Year events is business professional.  

Who can I contact with my dietary restrictions or ADA needs?  

Individual Seats: Dietary restrictions/preferences will be collected during the registration process. 
Table Guests: Please provide your table manager with your dietary restrictions or email HBA@HBAnet.org.
Table Managers: When entering the names of your table (10 seats) in the Table Portal, there are fields to enter dietary restrictions for that specific guest. 

Email HBA@HBAnet.org to communicate any ADA needs. Dietary restrictions and ADA needs that are not communicated cannot be guaranteed accommodation.   

What are the health and safety protocols?  

The health and safety of event attendees and a COVID-safe environment is our priority. The HBA will monitor CDC and WHO guidelines as well as state, city, and hotel policies at regular intervals and implement health and safety protocols as needed. 

How can I join the online conversation about HBA conferences and events?  

Join us online at our LinkedIn, Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram platforms. Use hashtags #HBAWOTY25 and #HBAImpact when posting about the Woman of the Year event to connect with us and your peers!  

When will registration open?  

Registration opened on 6 January and will remain open until the event hits capacity. On-site registration begins at 9:00 AM CT on 9 May 2025, with the first event (Coffee & Connections) starting at 9:30 AM CT. 

May I pick up all the badges for my tables/company?  

No, group check-in is not permitted. Each individual must go through the check-in line to print their badge. 

How much does it cost to register?  

Click here to view registration rates.  

What are the registration cancellation and substitution policies?  

Cancellation Policy:   

Confirmed registrants may cancel and receive a full refund (minus a $200/€185 administrative fee for individual seats and a $500/€463 administrative fee for tables) until 18 April 2025. A completed cancellation form must be received no later than 18 April 2025. Registrants who do not cancel by 18 April 2025 and do not attend will be responsible for the full registration fee. 

* Note: If a portion of your registration fee is covering HBA membership dues ($249/€230), this is nonrefundable and nontransferable per the HBA policy.  

Substitution Policy:  

In person seats may be transferred to another individual through Friday, 25 April 2025 via the table management portal for tables or the substitution form for individual tickets. No substitutions for in person tickets will be given after this date. Substitution to a nonmember will require paid membership to the HBA.  

* Note: If a portion of your registration fee is covering HBA membership dues ($249/€230), this is nonrefundable and nontransferable per the HBA policy.  

How many seats are at each table?  

The maximum number of seats allowed per table is 10. Additional seats cannot be added to any table due to hotel fire code. 

May I choose a specific table?  

Table managers are able to select their exact table(s) within the table type(s) purchased from remaining inventory. To do so, the payment for your table(s) must be received in full. Access to the portal for selection and management of tables opens on 13 January 2025. If your company has multiple tables and would like to have multiple table managers, please email HBA@HBAnet.org.  

Individuals will be assigned seats within the individual seating section. 

View the floorplan here. 

Will our Rising Star and/or Luminary sit at our table? 

Rising Stars and Luminaries are seated together in their own section within the ballroom, and not at their company tables, so that they can be recognized during the program. 

I am a “party of one” and would like to sit with other colleagues. How can I make those arrangements?  

We will accommodate requests to the best of our ability but cannot guarantee. Please ensure your request is submitted with your individual seat registration by following these instructions:  

In the “review my badge” section on the registration form, please indicate a seating preference in one of the following specialized areas: advertising/marketing, clinical development, consulting, entrepreneurs, finance, IT, sales or sciences. If you would like to sit with a specific person, please enter their name. If you have already registered, you can email your preference to HBA@HBAnet.org. 

How do I make hotel arrangements?  

Book your lodging in the HBA’s discounted hotel block for the guaranteed best rate at $309/night, plus state and local tax. The deadline to make hotel reservations in the block is 11 April 2025.  

Do you offer any travel discounts?  

We have negotiated several discounts with major airlines servicing Chicago airports. Click here for more information and redemption instructions.  

I am attending the HBA Annual Conference from outside of the United States. How do I request a visa letter?  

International attendees of the Annual Conference may need a letter of invitation from the HBA to obtain a visa to visit the United States. After you have registered, please follow the visa letter hyperlink in your confirmation email to obtain this documentation.   

My company is interested in sponsoring the 2025 HBA Woman of the Year event. What are the next steps?  

Click here for more information on HBA Woman of the Year sponsorship opportunities.   

Additional Questions

Who do I contact if I have additional questions?  

If you have a question about HBA membership, please email membership@HBAnet.org.

If you have a question about 2025 HBA Woman of the Year sponsorship options, contact your Account Manager.  

If you have a housing inquiry, please call the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk hotel at (312) 464-1000 and mention the HBA Woman of the Year hotel block.  

For all other HBA Woman of the Year inquiries, email HBA@HBAnet.org.