Brand State U Presents:
Lafayette, LA • April 16-19, 2026
A personal branding and professional development summit hosted by women, for women.
You asked. We listened.
For the first time ever, the Women’s Summit experience is coming on land - right here in Acadiana.
If you’ve always wanted to join us at sea but couldn’t get away, or if you’ve sailed with us before and can’t wait to do it again, this is your chance to spend 3 unforgettable days and nights growing, connecting, and recharging…
What's Included
- All-Inclusive Experience
Beautiful lodging, catered meals, snacks, and refreshments. - World-Class Sessions
Led by Melissa Bowen and Jaci Russo, delivering transformative strategies for mindset, marketing, leadership, and life. - Curated Experiences
Get the growth, rest, & fun that you deserve for a full education vacation.
- Deep Connection
A powerful community of like-minded women who understand and cheer you on. - Local Flavor
Enjoy the beauty and culture of Lafayette in spring - Full Summit Energy
Everything that you love about the Women’s Summit - just without the waves.
Why you should sign up now
Space is extremely limited
There are only 25 spots available.
Secure your place with just $100 today
refundable until December 1, 2025. Balance Due January 15, 2026 with payment plans available!
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this 1st ever Women’s Summit Ashore.
Ready to sail to success?
Join us April 16-19, 2026 for the 1st ever Brand State U Women’s Summit Ashore to build community, connection, and confidence with a group of like-minded women.
How Does It Work?
Your $100 non-refundable, per person, deposit will secure your spot on the summit. It’s that easy! Brand U Women's Summit Ashore is a unique conference with the rooms, meals, and summit costs all included.
Pick your room, invite a pal, and let’s set reach the summit together.
Summit Registration
Early Bird Registration
Now through 1/15/26
$1089
*Your registration for the Womens’ Summit Ashore is $1089 and is for all sessions and materials. Summit registration costs do not include your stateroom purchase. Traveling companions not attending the summit are only required to purchase a stateroom, not register for the summit.
Lodging Options
(priced per person/double occupancy)
Early Bird Registration
Now through 1/15/26
Solo Room
Limited Quantity
$689
Shared Room
You select your roomate
$587
Shared King Size Bed
Limited Quantity - You are responsible for selecting your bedmate
$497
$249 Taxes, tips, & fees
$1089 Summit, meals, activities $649 SBET reimbursement eligible ($100 discount for previous Summiteers)
These prices are per person for double occupancy
Grab your work wife, your BFF, or that nice neighbor lady down the street, and head out to find yourself and your strength. No better time to relax, rejuvenate, and restore than with a group of like-minded women. After a week of growing and connecting, you will return refreshed and ready to make your world a better place.
Summit Guides:
Jaci Russo, PCM
Jaci Russo, is the co-founder and CEO of brandRUSSO. Jaci began her career at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in Los Angeles, California, and then with media mogul Barry Diller, developing the brands of the Home Shopping Network, Ticketmaster, USA Network, and Savoy Pictures. Jaci is a published author and sought-after speaker on all things branding.
Jaci founded Brand State U – an affordable online academy for small businesses and do-it-yourself marketers. She is a Professional Certified Marketer (P.C.M.) through the American Marketing Association, and a graduate of Leadership Louisiana and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program. In addition, Jaci serves as a mentor for the American Academy of Entrepreneurs and a Brand Consultant through the Edward Lowe Foundation. In 2012, Jaci was inducted into the Acadiana Business Hall of Fame. Jaci is the proud mother of four and works full-time with her husband of 25 years, Michael.
For information on workshops, speaking, and online courses, visit her website at www.jacirusso.com
Melissa Bowen, LCSW
Melissa Bowen is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Coach, and a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator. Her work revolves around the belief that lives, relationships, and leadership can be transformed by developing a stronger sense of self and living a more authentic, vulnerable, connected, and courageous life.
The Daring Way™ is an approach based on the shame-resilience research of Brené Brown. She has a counseling private practice in Lafayette, LA, where she also supervises counselor interns. Melissa has worked with GSK, KADN TV15, The United Way, Family Missions Company, brandRusso, and Chamber of Commerce organizations, among others. Melissa is a New Orleans native, and lives in Lafayette, LA with her husband, Kody, a few cats, and a bunch of ducks. Yes, ducks.
For information on workshops, speaking, and online courses, visit her website at www.theautheticitycenter.com
Questions?
Reach out via email if you have any questions or concerns or schedule a call to chat directly.
Reach me at jaci@brandstateu.com or https://calendly.com/jacirusso/
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly will we learn?
Our focus is on branding and personal development. Each session will build on the last to guide you through the process of making the most of your unique attributes and how you can build a following in your life and online.
What will we do each day?
Our Summit Sessions are in the mornings and the rest of the day is YOURS to sip on a drink by the pool, enjoy activities on the ship, head to the casino, or anything else that floats your boat.
Our daily schedule looks something like this:
Day 1 - Depart Galveston at 4pm Attend Welcome Reception
Day 2 - Day at sea - Summit Sessions 9am-1pm
Day 3 - Summit Sessions 9am-11am. Enjoy Puerto Costa Maya 12pm-7pm
Day 4 - Enjoy Cozumel 7am-5pm
Day 5 - Day at sea - Summit Sessions 9am-1pm
Day 6 - Arrive Galveston 8am
Cruise Details
5 night Western Caribbean Cruise, roundtrip from Galveston, TX on the Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas! We chose this particular cruise because a mix of Sea Days and port days means we will have a couple of hours of teaching per day, leaving you enough time to implement what you’re learning and still have plenty of time to take advantage of all the fun activities on board.
Can I bring a friend?
Of course! Cruising is more fun with a friend or business bestie! The listed rates reflect individual prices and attendees are required to book in groups of two. All aboard!
Should I bring my kids?
Some people will want adult time away from their kids, some don’t even have kids, and others will want to bring their children & family with them. We want you to make this experience the best it can be for you. Royal Caribbean has a great kids program, and all of our training time will be held when the kids club is open.
How do I convince my boss that the company should pay?
Lifelong learning is an important part of professional development. You will be able to bring these best practices back to your company to improve your company’s brand. Whether you are in a hotel in Houston or a ship in the Gulf, the important part is that you are developing great tools to be more successful.
*Download this flyer and present it to your company to show the professional development value that comes with this trip.
What if I want to sail solo?
Sure thing! There will be lots of opportunities for networking and hanging out with all of your new friends. All of the prices listed are per person with two people per room. For solo travelers, the cost to cruise will be double for the cabin, but you will only purchase one summit session.
Does the Summit count for my Continuing Education Credits?
Women's Summit at Sea has been approved for 11 hours of continuing education credits by the Louisiana LPC Board! This means that licensed professional counselors can knock out 11 of their required continuing education credits by attending the summit. We are still seeking CEC Accreditation for the following industries: Human Resources, Certified Public Accountant, & Realtor.
I’ve been searching for the proper words all day to describe this week, and I can’t find them, so please bear with my jumbled raw thoughts. This week was absolute magic. 22 women, a cruise ship, zero judgment, amazing lessons, and SO much fun. All of the women who attended the Summit come from different walks of life, we’re all in different careers and stages of our careers. There was so much growth that happened this week. More than I can explain. We learned about a wide variety of topics that will not only help us to grow and succeed in our careers but personally as well. I am so excited to bring a lot of what I learned back to work!! The sense of community I felt from this group of women is truly indescribable. I’ve made friends for life. I cannot recommend this Summit enough. Women, no matter what stage you are in in life, work, whatever, sign up for this. I promise you won’t regret it. Keep an eye out at Brandstateu.com for registration for next year’s Summit. I can’t wait to sail with you and watch you grow!
-Tara G.
Summit at Sea with Jaci Russo and Melissa Lyons Bowen was as AMAZING as expected . These women are brilliant, strong, and inspirational!! Thank you so, so much for the unforgettable experience . Until next time!!
-Elizabeth M
I had a great time! Wonderful educational experience and a great group of people.
-Sharon D
Wow. What an exceptional week! I’m still on a Summit high. I’ve had so many exciting conversations about the Summit at work this morning and all the things we’d like to work on as a company!
-Adrienne G
Almost 30 years of attending conferences and this is the best one of them all. Signing up for next year.
-Liz M.
Equal parts entrepreneurship and relaxation— the Women’s Summit at Sea did not disappoint! @melissaspix led us to identify values and overcome barriers while @jacirusso taught us to implement those values into our business marketing and strategic plan. Thankful and encouraged by this group of professional women making a difference in the world! @brandstateu
-Lauren B.
Thank you to all the women who made the inaugural Women’s Summit at Sea 2023 all that it could be and more. I was honored to share space, time and deep thoughts with these amazing women. #LeadershipCruise #womenempoweringwomen #thankyoutoallwhocamebefore
-Marie C.
The inaugural Women’s Summit at Sea exceeded all expectations — enthusiastic leadership in Jaci Russo and Melissa Lyons Bowen, engaging sessions packed with insider content and guidance, and a tight-knit group of strong women, each navigating their own great voyages. I’ll definitely be there next year! Will you? www.brandstateu.com/summit
- Anne S.
This week members of our team participated in the Brand State U inaugural Summit at Sea, Leadership and Marketing Summit! Thank you for the invite and we look forward to next years! #leadershipdevelopment #marketingstrategy #teamgrowth #TodayForTomorrow #StillRockin #BullDogin
-Edna T.
Heading home from Galveston after a week-long cruise sailing with two of the best trainers in the business… If you ever get the opportunity for some professional and personal development then reach out to Jaci Russo and Melissa Lyons Bowen for more information on their next Women’s Summit at Sea. You definitely don’t want to miss it and absolutely won’t regret it.
Just a few of the topics that were covered:
Women in Leadership, The Power of Vulnerability, Personal and Professional Branding, Setting Boundaries and more… I don’t want to give it all away…
I made some amazing connections with women across the country and cannot wait for the next chapter.
-Rachel F.
What a week Now that I’ve had time to reflect on what I’ve learned & experienced, I love to say it was one of the best weeks ever! Ready to put what I’ve learned to use not only in work but life in general! A wonderful group of successful & supportive women pictured here!!! (& a few great guys )
-Celina C.
Will I need a server to host my courses?
“Wow, just wrapped up Women’s Summit at Sea! The experience was truly amazing - empowering talks, networking with inspiring women, and personal growth sessions. Here’s to celebrating women’s leadership in both professional and personal spheres! So grateful for Melissa Lyons Bowen, Jaci Russo, and all of the amazing women who said “yes”. #LeadershipCruise #EmpowerWomen #AmazingJourney”
- Kerri T.