Annual Connect Experience - 2026

Aug 19
2 min read

Updated: Aug 28

ACE 2026 was a day to remember! On August 6, the Women’s Leadership Network of Dubuque brought women together at The Meadows Golf Club for a day filled with connection, inspiration, growth and plenty of fun.

The day kicked off with engaging activities, meaningful conversations and an inspiring lineup of speakers who encouraged attendees to learn, lead and grow. From there, we headed outdoors for an afternoon on the course — and a little friendly competition!

Our best-shot nine-hole golf outing brought plenty of laughs, memorable moments and new connections. Whether you were a seasoned golfer or simply along for the experience, the afternoon was all about enjoying time together, networking, and having fun.

ACE 2026 was a wonderful reminder of what can happen when women come together to support one another, share ideas, and build meaningful relationships. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, spoke, and helped make this year’s event such a success.

Our theme this year was "From Insight to Impact: Growth & Leadership" with esteemed speakers Kristin Bock and Sarah Ciavarri.

ACE 2026 featured two inspiring speakers who offered valuable insights on communication, leadership, and building meaningful connections.

Kristin Bock, professional speaker, charisma consultant, and founder of Body Language Blueprints, explored the powerful role nonverbal communication plays in our relationships, leadership, and everyday interactions. Through engaging stories, practical strategies, and humor, Kristin shared how greater awareness of body language can help us communicate with confidence, build trust, strengthen our presence, and create more meaningful connections.

Sarah Ciavarri, award-winning keynote speaker, executive coach, author, and founder of Level Up Leadership, challenged attendees to rethink what it means to lead effectively. She shared how empathy and accountability can work together to create stronger relationships, build trust, and empower people to do their best work.

Thank you to our sponsors for helping make this event possible!

THANK YOU to our MCs, Nicole Link and Melissa Schmitt, for helping make the day such a great experience, and to Jessica Connery Photography for capturing so many wonderful moments throughout the event. We’re also grateful to The Meadows Golf Club for providing such a beautiful setting for ACE 2026.

Most of all, thank you to everyone who joined us! Your participation is what makes the Women’s Leadership Network of Dubuque so special. Our mission is to create opportunities for women in our community to connect, learn from one another, and grow together. We hope you left feeling inspired and connected, and we look forward to welcoming you back for ACE 2027!