Get details & register here!

2025 PROGRAM DATES & NEW LOCATION
August 3-6, 2025 | Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco

Presenting Sponsor

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The #1 Chamber Training Program in the West

Started in 2003, the WACE Academy is a three-day (three-year) high quality summer program on chamber management “essentials” geared for today’s chamber executives and professional staff. It has become the leading training program totally devoted to chamber professionals in the West.
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Academy-Plus is designed for seasoned Chamber professionals (e.g. Academy grads, accredited executives, or executives with significant tenure) to continue their professional development and peer networks.

Chris Romer, ACE, IOM President & CEO, Vail Valley Partnership & Academy Chair

"As chamber professionals, professional development and continuous learning is key to driving impact in our communities. W.A.C.E. Academy is the premier training program for chamber executives looking to elevate their leadership, strengthen their organizations, and stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry. I highly encourage chamber leaders to attend and to invest in their staff’s development—this program delivers practical insights and valuable connections that will benefit your chamber for years to come."

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​Important Links

learn more & register here!

Academy Curriculum

Academy-Plus Curriculum

Schedule

Tuition

Hotel

Policies/FAQs

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Academy Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate from the W.A.C.E. Academy program, you must complete the following:

• Successful completion of three years of Academy curriculum. All three years of classes must be completed within a five year period in order to graduate.
• After attending first year of Academy, participants must attend (as a full delegate) two of the next three W.A.C.E. Annual Conferences.
• Earn 10 additional credits by providing documentation of attendance/participation in any of the following:
  • W.A.C.E. Webinars - 1 credit each. Maximum of 6 credits allowed.
  • Regional or other state chamber executive conferences (2 credits each).
  • Other conferences or programs must be approved by the Academy Steering Committee (2 credits maximum).

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Wayne Griffin Memorial Academy Scholarships

The WACE Educational Foundation provides Scholarships for the W.A.C.E. Academy each year.  These scholarships are named in honor of Wayne Griffin, long-time CEO of the Catalina Chamber of Commerce.   Wayne was the co-founding Chair of the W.A.C.E. Academy, and a long-time instructor and supporter of the program.

The application portal for 2025 Academy Scholarships is now open.   The deadline to apply is May 9.   Applications will then be reviewed and applicants will be notified of their status by May 30.

For the 2025 Academy Program, scholarships are available for $500 which can be applied to the program tuition and other related costs.

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Start your Scholarship Application Here

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Academy & Academy Plus Photos

To view all of the photos and add your own to the album visit https://albums.memento.com/Academy2023