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.

Summit 26 Shore Sessions


Melissa BowenLPC-S


Authenticity: Be You. Be Seen. Be Brave. 

We all have limiting beliefs that prevent us from showing up authentically in our lives and careers. How can we overcome these beliefs and rise to our full potential? We will explore and dismantle the thoughts that hold us back and discuss how you can show up courageously as your most authentic self - every single day. 

You'll Learn: 
  • How to recognize shame and how it keeps you down
  • 5 strategies to build resilience to shame
  • How vulnerability is essential for fulfilling connections
  • How to practice courage 

Boundaries: Say "Hell Yes" to Life by Saying “No”

Our frustrations in life often hint at where we are lacking boundaries. Establishing healthy boundaries in your personal and professional life empowers you to love yourself, love others, and be successful. We will explore the 5 common obstacles that prevent us from maintaining our boundaries, and discuss a step-by-step method for establishing boundaries.

We will explore:
  • The functions and purpose of boundaries 
  • The 5 main obstacles that prevent boundary setting
  • A step-by-step process of setting healthy boundaries

The Superpower of Emotional Intelligence

Get the best of your emotions instead of letting them get the best of you. Learning to recognize, understand, and manage your emotions will allow you to unlock the agency and potential of yourself, your life, and your career. And that of others.

You'll Learn: 
  •  The functions and benefits of developing emotional intelligence
  • A 5-step process to get you to a place of regulation
  • Identify various skills to address emotions
  • Connect this learning to other relationships, like leadership and parenting

Jaci Russo, PCM


Tell it to Someone Who Needs to Hear it

What does your audience think now, and what do you want them to think? Knowing your target audience better than they know themselves allows you to lead from the front instead of playing catch-up from behind.

Ready to dive deeper than just demographics?

We will discuss: 
  • Psychographics
  • Personalities types
  • Audience perceptions  

Differentiate to Dominate

Your brand isn’t like everyone else’s, so your marketing strategy shouldn’t be either. By leaning into your the areas of expertise that are unique to you, you can build a brand that attracts quality consumers instead of one that chases the wrong ones. 

You will learn how to:
  • Apply the laws of attraction to branding
  • Develop thought leadership
  • Set goals for success

The Marketing Personality: Using DISC to Craft Targeted Messaging

Not all audiences are the same, and neither are their preferences. This session explores how to use the DISC personality assessment to understand your target market and create marketing materials that resonate with each personality type. By aligning your messaging with the tendencies of your audience, you can increase engagement, drive conversions, and build deeper connections.

You'll Learn: 
  •  The 4 DISC personality types and their traits in reference to marketing.
  • How to identify and segment your audience based on DISC profiles.
  • Tailored messaging strategies for each personality type
  • Real examples of how DISC-informed marketing improves campaigns.  
  • Tips for incorporating DISC insights into your overall marketing strategy.

Guided Activities


Storytelling Fireside Chat

Gather around the fire for conversation, connection, and s’mores. Share stories, listen deeply, and enjoy the warmth of community under the night sky.

Art Therapy

Explore your emotions through color and creativity. No skill required—just expression, reflection, and the freedom to let your art speak for you.

Creative Writing

Use words as a mirror for your thoughts and emotions. Guided prompts are provided to help you write freely, reflect deeply, and uncover your inner voice.

Yoga

Find balance, breathe deeply, and release tension through gentle, guided movement designed for all skill levels.

 Meditation 

Slow down and reconnect with yourself. This guided session will help you quiet the noise, restore focus, and find peace in stillness.

 Improv Workshop 

Step out of your comfort zone and into the moment. Through laughter and play, discover creativity, confidence, and connection.

 Singalong by the Fire 

End the day in harmony. Bring your voice—or just your presence—as we sing together and celebrate community by the fire.

 Wine Tasting 

Savor and explore with intention. This guided tasting invites you to slow down, sip mindfully, and enjoy some good conversation.


Optional Activities


 Headshots 

Capture your best self with professional photos taken around the scenic grounds—perfect for updating your profile or brand.

 Massage 

Relax and release with a rejuvenating massage designed to help you unwind and recharge during your Summit experience.

 Private Coaching 

Spend one-on-one time with a coach for deep exploration of your goals, challenges, and next steps in a safe, focused space.

 Adult Color Station 

Color, unwind, and let your mind wander. Crayons, pencils, and coloring books will be available for simple, creative relaxation.

Nature Walk & Digital Detox

Enjoy a quiet stroll with a printed guide to the grounds. Take in the beauty around you—no screens, no rush, just presence.

Core Values Corner

Discover what truly drives you. This self-guided exercise uses a deck of value cards to help you identify and name the principles that shape your life and work.


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 12/15/25
$625

(eligible for SBET reimbursement. Pre-approval required)

Standard Registration
12/16/25 - 1/31/26
$775

($625 eligible for SBET reimbursement. Pre-approval required)

*Your registration for the Womens’ Summit Ashore is $775 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 12/15/25

Standard Registration
12/16/25 - 1/31/26

Solo Room
Limited Quantity 

$894

(only 3 remaining)

$994

Shared Room
You select your roomate

$794

$894

Shared King Size Bed
Limited Quantity  - You are responsible for selecting your bedmate

$664

(only 2 remaining)

$764

$193.35 Taxes, tips, & fees
$775 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, LPC-S


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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.