American Association of University Women
AAUW of NC State Conference
April 17 – 18, 2026 – Charlotte, North Carolina
“Hats Off to Her: Join the Race for Equity”
The Carolina Derby Experience
Conference Reservation – Let us Know Your Plans to Attend the Conference
Online Reservation Form (this is NOT for payment)
- Please Complete this online form to help us with our event planning
- Use this form also if your plans change and you need to cancel your reservation
Conference Payment
Conference Mail-In or Online Payment
- To commemorate our 1912 establishment in the state of North Carolina, the conference registration fee of $114 covers the Awards Reception, the Derby for Diversity Luncheon, and all registration materials.
- Instructions for Mail-in and Online Conference Payment: View these instructions for Mail-In Payment or to use Online PayPal Payment
- DEADLINE: MARCH 19, 2026
Conference Agenda
Updates to the Agenda will be posted to the AAUW NC website under the Events menu option. This agenda is the initial draft in late November.
The Winners Circle: Friday: April 17, 2026
Reception 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Awards 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
The Winners Circle celebrates the trailblazers, sojourners, advocates, and emerging leaders who keep AAUW’s mission in motion, advancing equity through education, leadership, and advocacy. The goal is to honor outstanding women and branches in North Carolina. Like a derby, progress requires preparation, perseverance, and teamwork. Together, we’ll tip our hats to those who paved the way and gather momentum for the next lap toward equality.
- Derby elegance meets empowerment. Award categories; Equity, Leadership, Advocacy, Education.
- Dress-up element: Attendees are asked to wear their finest hats or fascinators for a celebratory awards event.
Individual Award Nominations
AAUW NC Conference Individual Recognition Award Nomination Form
Use the link below to access the nomination form. This form is your opportunity to nominate members in your branch for individual recognition awards to be presented on Friday evening 6:00 to 10:00 during Hats Off to Her: Honoring Trailblazers • Sojourners • Advocates • Emerging Leaders. Thank you so much for helping us honor branch members.Run for Equity: Saturday, April 18, 2026 8:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Derby Dialogues, sessions on leadership and policy
- 8:30 – 9:15 a.m. Pacing Presidents and Vice Presidents & Trotting Treasurers
- 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Riders Up
- 11:00 – 12:15 p.m. Derby for Diversity Luncheon
- 12:20 – 1:15 p.m. Galloping Governance (bylaws, voting, installation)
- 1:20 – 3:15 p.m. Parade to Pay Equity
- Prized Public Policy
- Steeplechase in STEM
- Neck and Neck to NCCWSL
- Race to Read
- 3:15 p.m. The Closing Kick
Lodging Information
- Location: Hilton Airport 2800 Coliseum Centre Drive Charlotte, NC 28217
- Rate: $159 per night including breakfast Phone: 704-357-1414 Book by: March 19, 2026
- American Assoc of University Women
- Code: 93J
- Booking Link: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/americanassociationofuniversitywomen/