Connect

 The BADST Level-up Retreat, scheduled to occur in Atlanta, GA, February 22-24, was inspired by a similar event hosted by the Beta Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Chapter in April 2023. The BADST Level Up Retreat is a professional networking event that will allow Beta Alpha initiated Sorors to connect, support, and drive deeper relationships that extend beyond classic interactions that occur in an on-campus environment. This retreat will help foster meaningful professional connections that will allow us to leverage the distinctness of being a select member of the BADST. Being BADST means that you and your family should be positioned to advance in all dimensions of life by leveraging our collective network. This only happens if we know how to support and help each other in our professional and personal endeavors. 

 Sorors Timicka Carrol Anderson (Fall ‘93, #34) , Erica McGeachy Crenshaw (Spr. ‘98, #8), Courtney Hughes (Fall ‘96, #32), and Leigh Hughes (Fall ’96, #27)  

 No, just the opposite. Soror Crenshaw and her husband, Lorin Crenshaw, have provided the seed capital for the retreat.  All committee organizers and other Sorors involved in the execution of the event (Ania Wilson, Spr. ‘19, #24 and Lauren Grant, Spr. ’05, #47) are dedicating a considerable amount of time and financial resources to ensure a successful event. All proceeds are going directly to the production of the retreat.  

 Unlike Nationals and Regionals, we do not have long-standing corporate sponsor relationships. This is the first time that BADST Forever has hosted a professional convention. However, we will be soliciting donations from a targeted list of corporations with the intent to offset some of the cost.  If you have recommendations for sponsors or would like your company to be considered as a sponsor, please reach out to the organizers via email at badstforeverfamu@gmail.com. 

 The registration fee will remain the same. While we are excited about the possibility of sponsorship, it is not guaranteed. We also have to take into account unexpected costs. We would love to be able to lower costs for all attendees and will work diligently to do so, but at this point, there are no guarantees or concessions. As of now, we do not anticipate any excess cash; in the event there is excess cash, the organizers will determine the best use for said cash (i.e., a donation to the chapter, speakers/panelist fee, applied towards future events, etc.) We will likely poll registrants to term the best use of the cash. 

 The registration fee covers the reception on Thursday, four meals (breakfast and lunch) on Friday and Saturday, and the Friday night social event, which includes a DJ and food. 

 No. Sorors who are participating in the retreat, whether as organizers or speakers, are doing so out of service to the organization, this event, and our sisterhood.  

We would like Sorors to stay at the hotel and participate in the main stage sessions and breakout sessions throughout the day in order for Sorors to get the full benefit and return on the retreat. The organizers wanted to make it convenient for Sorors to establish connections without the distraction of juggling home life. Instead of spending time fighting Atlanta traffic, bond over drinks with a newly acquainted Soror or take advantage of the fitness center and pool.  To decrease the hotel room rate of $199 per night, consider sharing a room with a line sister or ISM. There is a committed block of rooms at the recently renovated Hilton Atlanta Airport for your convenience. 

 No, childcare will not be provided during this professional retreat.   

 The cost for the registration would exceed $450 if we added it to everyone’s registration, and not all Sorors would select that experience. However, we have negotiated terms with Porsche for Sorors who would like to participate in either the simulation or expert driver’s experience. You can select these add-ons during registration.  

 It is too soon to determine if this retreat will be repeated.  We are extremely excited about the potential of this event and certainly look forward to connecting with everyone in Atlanta.  We are hopeful that the demand for this and future retreats will be high.   

This retreat is for us and by us. There are a host of opportunities and ways to participate, such as: 

• Joining one of the following committees: Programming, Ways and Means, Marketing and Publicity, and Team Atlanta. Please email badstforeverfamu@gmail.com to express your interest.
• Corporate and small business sponsorships. Please fill out our sponsorship form: https://form.jotform.com/240140731940143
• Sponsor an undergrad Soror. Please select this option when you register.