During a recent Institute for Organization Management Fall Info Session, the IOM team and 2026 site chairs delivered a comprehensive and actionable overview of the program. They outlined what the Institute is, how it works, associated costs, available scholarships and discounts, and how to select the site that best aligns with individual goals. The IOM journey was presented as a flexible, four-site pathway offering 96 hours of continuing education tailored for chamber, association, and nonprofit professionals. With a focus on real-world learning, peer-to-peer collaboration, and a strong cohort experience on college campuses, the program is designed to elevate professional growth.
The session highlighted IOM’s curriculum structure, which includes 24 hours of coursework per week/site across nine classes. This format combines three-hour core courses with two-hour electives, allowing participants to cover essential topics while customizing their learning to fit their roles. Faculty members are seasoned practitioners, consultants, and U.S. Chamber experts, such as attorneys teaching law and CPAs teaching finance. The curriculum is aligned with the CAE and CCE bodies of knowledge, ensuring its relevance and rigor. The program’s unique value lies in its combination of applicable content and a powerful national network that fosters problem-solving, best-practice sharing, and career advancement.
Attendees received a clear breakdown of pricing and incentives. Tuition is charged per site/week and increases by $200 after each site’s early enrollment deadline. Member rates vary based on U.S. Chamber membership level, with a non-member rate also available. Two notable savings opportunities include a multi-student organizational discount ($300 off for each additional enrollee after the first registers at full price) and a Fast Track discount ($300 off when one individual attends more than one site in a calendar year). Both discounts require request-only codes. Scholarship options include a $500 National Scholarship for first-year attendees (staff-selected), site-specific Regent Scholarships, and State Partner Scholarships administered by participating state organizations. The next application window for summer sites opens in early 2026.
Site chairs provided practical guidance on selecting the right location, emphasizing that curriculum and learning objectives remain consistent across all sites:
- Winter (Tucson, AZ – University of Arizona): Warm January weather, a welcoming and diverse cohort, and a walkable setup between the hotel and student union.
- Midwest (Madison, WI – University of Wisconsin): Early June “Midwest nice” culture, lake views at the Pyle Center, and special touches for fourth-year participants.
- Southeast (Athens, GA – University of Georgia): Late June, with an all-in-one facility at the Georgia Center (hotel, dining, classrooms), a laid-back atmosphere, and easy travel via Atlanta.
- Northeast (Philadelphia, PA – Villanova University): Late summer, featuring a strong association presence, convenient on-campus housing or nearby hotels, and access to rich regional history and major cities.
Key logistics and deadlines were also covered. There are no prerequisites to attend, and early enrollment deadlines (with tuition increasing by $200 afterward) and final enrollment dates are as follows:
- Winter: Early Deadline—November 14, Final Deadline—December 10
- Midwest: Early Deadline—May 8, Final Deadline—May 20
- Southeast: Early Deadline—June 5, Final Deadline—June 17
- Northeast: Early Deadline—July 3, Final Deadline—July 15
Tuition includes instruction and most lunches/snacks, while travel, lodging, breakfasts, and many dinners are separate. Attendees were encouraged to select sites based on their goals—geography, sector mix, schedule, and desired network—and reminded that “there’s no wrong way to Institute,” whether spreading attendance over multiple years or fast-tracking within one.
Packed with essential details on curriculum, pricing, scholarships, and site cultures, this info session is a must-watch for chamber, association, and nonprofit professionals ready to invest in practical education and a high-value national network. By joining IOM, participants gain actionable tools, expand their professional networks, and return to their organizations with renewed clarity and momentum.
Learn more and register at institute.uschamber.com. For questions, please email iom@uschamber.com.
From the Series
