Thursday, May 14, 2026 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM Northern Hotel, 19 N. Broadway, Billings, MT Cost: Executive Workshop $125/person, Friday Excursion: $50/person
Join us in Billings, Montana for our W.A.C.E. May Executive Workshop! Enjoy and all day workshop on Thursday on how to build a foresight-ready Board & Chamber, and stay Friday for an optional tour of Little Bighorn Battlefield. Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your organization, connect with peers, and explore the scenic community of Billings & surrounding area.
Thursday Executive Workshop
Thursday, May 14, 2026 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM
From Foresight to Action: Build Your Foresight-Ready Board & Organization Kelly Hall, Clayton Rose Solutions
You know something has changed! You may not be able to name it neatly. It may not show up clearly in dashboards or board packets yet. But you feel it, in the questions being asked, in the pressure behind decisions, in the pace at which assumptions seem to expire. For a long time, we told ourselves that sophistication meant more structure. Better plans. Sharper metrics. Longer time horizons. And for a season, that worked. Until the world changed faster than our systems could adapt. Strategic planning alone was never designed for this level of uncertainty. What has been missing is ownership of the future. If Chambers are to remain relevant across generations, they must be run with discipline, clarity, and forward focus. What you will walk away with:
How to install foresight into board governance without confusing roles
How chairs and CEOs share responsibility for the future, intentionally
Practical meeting flows that fit real agendas (not ideal ones)
Clear examples of how foresight changes decisions, not just discussions
Tools boards actually use, not frameworks that sit on a shelf
NOTE: The $125 fee includes a reception on Wednesday evening, continental breakfast on Thursday, lunch on Thursday, all course content and materials, and a reception with the Board on Thursday evening.
You're Invited: Bonus Content
Our friends at the Billings Chamber have arranged for three "Bonus" sessions that you can add to your agenda. As your schedule allows, please consider joining us for these extra learning opportunities:
Government Affairs (Wednesday, May 3, 4-5pm). An interactive workshop to discover how every Chamber can be a Kick-Butt Problem Solver. Presentations and discussions led by representatives of WACE, The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Chamber advocacy leaders.
Growing with Confidence: Navigating Change (Thursday, 1:15 - 2:30pm). This inspiring panel of WACE Emerging Leaders and Billings Business Leaders brings together trusted voices in leadership and community impact—for an honest conversation about growth, resilience, and the confidence it takes to step into leadership. Each of these leaders has climbed from the ground up into influential leadership roles, gaining firsthand experience in navigating challenges, seizing opportunities, and growing through every stage of their careers and lives. From career pivots and organizational shifts to personal reinvention, this conversation will explore what it truly means to grow with intention—staying grounded, purpose-driven, and confident even when the path ahead isn’t clear. Panelists will share their personal stories of navigating uncertainty, leading through transformation, and building confidence in the most unpredictable seasons.
Women's Business Network (Thursday, 3:00 - 5:00pm). Everyone is welcome (men and women). Take part in this monthly meeting hosted by the Billings chamber. This month's program features: Crafted by Women: Brewing Business & Creativity. As part of the Billings Craft Beer Week, join the Women's Network for a unique experience highlighting three incredible female entrepreneurs who are shaping both business and creative culture in Billings. Hosted at Thirsty Street Brewing, this session will feature a female brewer alongside the women behind Quil House of Ink - a membership-based creative lounge where writers, artists, and makers come together to focus, create, and bring meaningful work into the world and Michelle's Pantry, known for serving up homemade, from-scratch snackage inside the brewery. Together, these women represent the power of creativity, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship all in one building. Through conversation and connection, we'll explore how they've built their businesses, fostered community, and carved out spaces where others can gather, create, and build. Come ready to connect, be inspired, and celebrate the women who are crafting something special in Billings.
Little Bighorn Battlefield Tour (“Custer’s Last Stand”) During the one hour bus ride, hear from a member of the Crow Tribe on the value of connecting with communities around you. Discuss tourism partnerships (regions, CVBs, area communities, etc). Tour the battlefield with National Park Superintendent.
We have secured a special group rate at the Northern Hotel in Billings, MT for our workshop attendees. How to Book Option 1: Direct Booking (Recommended) Click this link to go directly to our reserved block. The group code and dates will be applied automatically:
Option 2: Manual Booking If you prefer to book via the hotel’s main website, please follow these steps:
