Written by Caroline Wilson
We had the opportunity to send 36 Delta Nu brothers to the Elevate Conference in Chicago from February 6–8, 2026, for one elevated weekend centered on growth, connection, and career momentum.
Elevate 2026, themed “Ignite Your Path: Where Growth Meets Opportunity,” was more than a tagline; it was a call to action. The weekend brought together driven students and professionals from diverse industries to explore fresh ideas, build meaningful relationships, and uncover opportunities aligned with both personal and professional development. The experience challenged each attendee to take ownership of their career journey and step boldly into their next chapter.
Hosted at the Sheraton Grand Chicago, the conference blended structured learning with intentional networking. From registration and partner showcases to informal meetups and peer conversations, every moment fostered an environment where curiosity was encouraged, and contributions were valued.
The weekend officially kicked off with a high-energy Opening Session that introduced Alpha Kappa Psi’s broader strategy and set the tone for what was to come. One of the most impactful moments of the conference was the keynote, “Sweaty Equity: The Double Life, the Downfall, and the Rebuild,” delivered by entrepreneur and former Chicago Bulls ball boy Mike Shannon. Through candid storytelling and humor, Mike shared his journey from mopping NBA floors to building and exiting a multimillion-dollar company. His message on resilience, leadership under pressure, and reinventing yourself when plans fall apart left our brothers inspired and motivated to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
Throughout Saturday, members engaged in multiple educational blocks and interactive workshops designed to equip attendees with practical tools for career advancement. Sessions emphasized leadership, personal branding, and career momentum, reinforcing that success is not just about a polished resume but about understanding your unique value and communicating it effectively. Brothers explored how continuous learning fuels long-term growth and how to align their strengths with real-world opportunities.
“I believed all of our brothers attending Elevate would benefit from the impressive programming. I was especially excited for the keynote and the opportunity to learn more about resilience and leadership, and I knew the lessons we gained would help us grow both individually and as a chapter,” Matthew Sommers, President of the Delta Nu chapter, said.
Elevate 2026 truly embodied transformation through learning. With 36 brothers in attendance, we returned to Delta Nu energized, equipped with actionable insights, and ready to apply what we learned. The weekend not only strengthened our individual professional goals but also reinforced our commitment to elevating one another and our chapter as a whole.
