EMPOWERED 2024

July 17-19, 2024

JW Marriott Minneapolis
Mall of America

Thank You for an Incredible #EMPOWERED2024

akoyaGO Annual Conference

EMPOWERED is the intersection of learning and innovation, offering a platform where you can immerse yourself in expert insights, interactive experiences, and networking opportunities with fellow foundation professionals. With a dedicated focus on providing practical tools and fostering inspiring atmospheres, our conference empowers you to overcome challenges and capitalize on opportunities using the transformative akoyaGO solution.

Three Days Full of LEARNING NETWORKING IMPACTING

EMPOWERED 2025

Keep an eye on akoyaGO announcements for the official dates and location details!

Registration

We are thrilled to see the overwhelming enthusiasm for our annual user conference, EMPOWERED 2024! Due to the incredible interest and to help us finalize attendance numbers, we encourage you to register by June 28th, as we are approaching capacity limits at our venue. This will ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all attendees.

Please be advised that all breakout sessions at EMPOWERED 2024 are first-come, first-served, and will be removed from registration once at capacity. We kindly ask that you register for the sessions you plan to attend to help us allocate the best-suited rooms for each session.

EMPOWERED Schedule

We recommend viewing the schedule before registration opens, enabling you to make well-informed decisions about which sessions to attend. Each session is accompanied by detailed descriptions, the intended user level, and any prerequisites needed for registration.

Unsure if you meet a specific prerequisite? Check here.

Additionally, we’ve developed tailored session lists based on the roles of participants. Take a look!

Hotel and Location

We are excited to host EMPOWERED 2024 at the JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America, located at 2141 Lindau Lane, Bloomington, MN 55425.

Although the deadline to book a discount-rate room has passed, there are several nearby alternative accommodations, including:

Radisson Blu Mall of America
Element Bloomington Mall of America
TownePlace Suites by Marriott

Thank you for your understanding and enthusiasm. We look forward to seeing you there!

We are hosting EMPOWERED 2024 at the JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America at 2141 Lindau Lane, Bloomington, MN 55425. EMPOWERED attendees will have access to a block of discount-rate rooms. The deadline to book is June 28, 2024.

If you have a Bonvoy account, we encourage you to “Sign In” at the top right corner of the ResLink before booking – or, all guests will also be prompted to sign in during the booking process on the link.

Our conference room block at the JW Marriott has filled up due to overwhelming interest! We have secured additional rooms to accommodate more attendees. However, these are limited. Alternative options nearby include:

Radisson Blu Mall of America
Element Bloomington Mall of America
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America

We appreciate your understanding and enthusiasm!

EMPOWERED Annual Conference

Hear From Attendees

"EMPOWERED was such a great experience for me. I was able to better understand akoyaGO and receive words of encouragement from other users. I also picked up tips and tricks that I never would have figured out on my own. I look forward to attending again."

Loni Heinen, Emporia Community Foundation

FAQs

Is EMPOWERED a free event?

Yes! We ask you to pay for your travel and hotel accommodations. Once you arrive to the hotel, we will take care of everything: conference training and materials, meals, entertainment, as well as transportation to and from our evening event.

What should I expect from the conference?

We are so excited to gather as a community. This will be a meaningful opportunity to get to know the akoyaGO team, collaborate with other foundation professionals, and build a community of shared users. It will also be a great time to hear from our experienced team on industry insights as well as best practices for using akoyaGO.

Who can come to EMPOWERED?

Anyone from your foundation is welcome to join us, including board members. There is no limit to the number of participants from your organization.

Additionally, we welcome foundation professionals who may be interested in learning more about partnering with akoyaGO.

Can I reserve a room outside of the conference dates?

You can reserve a room outside of the conference dates using our EMPOWERED room block. The Group Room Rate is applicable three days before and after the program dates, subject to availability. Please note that there is limited availability for booking outside of Wednesday and Thursday nights.

What does the JW Marriott offer for amenities?

Connected to the Mall of America, the JW Marriott provides great access to this iconic attraction. Additionally, the hotel offers room service, indoor pool, fitness center, on-site restaurant, and airport shuttle. Check out the JW Marriott!

What is the dress code for the event?

The conference, including all evening events, is informal. Please feel free to wear what you find most comfortable.

What is the difference between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport?

Terminal 1, also known as Lindberg Terminal, is the larger terminal servicing all major carriers and has seven concourses. Terminal 2, or Humphrey Terminal, has only one concourse and services the charter airlines. Light rail transit connects the terminals and is available free of charge between the two terminals.

How far is the hotel from the airport?

The JW Marriott hotel is less than a ten-minute drive from both terminals.

Do I need to rent a car?

This is completely personal preference but there is no need for your own transportation throughout the conference. Shuttles to and from the O'Shaughnessy networking event and the Science Museum social have been arranged.

Although the JW Marriott does not provide shuttle services to and from the airport, we recommend using ride services like Lyft and Uber. Additionally, the Metro's Light Rail connects both airport terminals to the hotel and the Mall of America. For more information, please visit MetroTransit.org.

What will the weather be like in Minnesota in July?

Minnesota is lovely in July. Daily high temperatures are usually in the mid-80s and rarely fall much below 70 degrees in the evening. Although warm, it can also be humid this time of year.

What is there to do around the Twin Cities during my visit?

From car shows to concerts, the Twin Cities offers all kinds of events and entertainment if you decide to stay the weekend. Check out Explore Minnesota for great options!