Participant Travel Instructions
We’re so glad you’ll be joining us at Leadership Academy! Please read the instructions below to find all the travel information you need.
Don’t forget to bring a photo ID or passport if you’re traveling internationally.
Please Note: When making your travel arrangements, please keep in mind that attending Leadership Academy is a privilege and an honor. Please resolve any scheduling conflicts before making your travel arrangements, including any concerns about missing school or work. Each participant must attend Leadership Academy in its entirety. Due to the remote location of the property, late arrival or early departure will not be possible. Participants may cancel prior to July 15 with no penalties or fees.
Flying Participants
You will be booking your flight through Direct Travel as part of the registration process. All cancellations must occur prior to July 15. If you cancel after the deadline, you will be responsible for any costs associated with travel and/or participant fees. Airline tickets are nontransferable and nonrefundable.
Once your flights have been reserved, Direct Travel will send a copy of your itinerary via email. Please do not make your reservations through Travelocity, Expedia or any other outside source. If you do, you will not be reimbursed for your travel.
Each Leadership Academy participant is responsible for arranging their own transportation to the airport. Chapters are expected to provide transportation to the airport, pay for airport parking, a ride-hailing service, train, etc., if a ride to the airport cannot be provided.
Arrival
Before departing for Leadership Academy, make sure you’ve packed and ready to go with all of the materials on the packing list.
Upon arrival at the John Glenn International Airport in Columbus, Ohio, go directly to the baggage claim where you will be greeted by Kappa event staff wearing Leadership Academy T-shirts. They’ll have instructions for taking the shuttle to the Heartland Conference Retreat Center. Plan to wear your Kappa letters on a sweatshirt or T-shirt so our airport greeters can easily identify you. Please do not bring or wear your badge. Given its value, we do not want you to lose it during the weekend.
If you arrive late or are delayed, please call Lisa Thomson, Event Manager, at 614-341-2134 and relay the message of your late arrival. If you miss your flight, contact Direct Travel right away.
Departure
On Sunday, you’ll need to be packed and out of the sleeping quarters by 8 a.m. ET. You’ll bring your belongings with you to breakfast and your luggage will be safely stored in the Oakwood Center auditorium until Leadership Academy concludes.
You’ll be asked to stay inside the dining hall until your shuttle arrives and has been announced. Before boarding the shuttle, you’ll check out with the event staff.
Driving Participants
Chapters within 275 miles of the Heartland Conference Retreat Center in Marengo, Ohio, will drive to the event. You’ll find the retreat address below.
Review the list of chapters within driving distance to determine if you are a driving chapter. Next, check to see if you can arrange to carpool with other Kappas in your area. Start by contacting chapter Presidents, alumnae association Presidents, or Advisory Boards who are nearby. Carpooling is recommended.
Once you have established your driving arrangements, set your departure time to arrive at the Heartland Conference Retreat Center between 4:30 and 10 p.m. on Thursday evening.
Heartland Conference Retreat Center
3201 County Road 225
Marengo, Ohio 43334
740-747-0220
If you’re having a problem arranging transportation, immediately contact the Education and Training Department at Kappa Kappa Gamma Headquarters at 866-KKG-1870.
If you are driving, please note the Fraternity will reimburse mileage.
Arrival
Before departing for Leadership Academy, make sure you’ve packed and ready to go with all of the materials on the packing list.
Upon arrival to the Heartland Conference Retreat Center, follow the signs to park your vehicle in the main parking lot. You will not be allowed to move or use your vehicle until Sunday morning. This is for your safety while attending Leadership Academy. Once you have unloaded your luggage, follow the signs to the registration table to check in.
Departure
On Sunday, you will need to be packed and out of your sleeping quarters by 8 a.m. ET. You’ll bring your belongings with you to breakfast. Luggage will be stored safely in the Oakwood Center auditorium until Leadership Academy concludes.
Participants will be able to depart after 12 p.m. ET.
Chapters Within Driving Distance
Ohio
● Bowling Green State University
● Denison University
● John Carroll University
● Miami University
● Ohio State University
● Ohio Wesleyan University
● University of Akron
● University of Cincinnati
Indiana
● Butler University
● DePauw University
● Indiana University
● Purdue University
Michigan
● Hillsdale College
● Michigan State University
● University of Michigan
Kentucky
● Centre College
● University of Kentucky
Pennsylvania
● Allegheny College
● Carnegie Mellon University
● University of Pittsburgh
● Washington & Jefferson College
West Virginia
● West Virginia University
