WITTS 2026 Update
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the location and date changed?
​
On February 23, 2026, an incident involving domestic terrorism occurred in Puerto Vallarta. While the unrest was short-lived and major tourist zones stabilized quickly, the volatility surrounding that event required careful evaluation.
​
WITTS is built on intentional leadership and responsible planning. After closely monitoring the situation, consulting with hospitality partners, and largely due to considering attendee feedback, we made the proactive decision to relocate and reschedule the Mexico conference.
​
This was not a reactionary decision. It was a strategic one — rooted in safety, accessibility, and long-term brand stewardship.
​
Was the resort itself unsafe?
​
No.
​
Our original venue remained secure, and major tourist areas in Puerto Vallarta resumed normal operations shortly after the incident. However, even short-term instability can impact travel logistics, flight schedules, insurance considerations, and attendee comfort levels.
WITTS prioritizes not only physical safety, but also peace of mind.
​
When gathering hundreds of professional women from across the country, confidence in travel conditions matters.
​
Why move the event entirely instead of waiting?
​
We selected the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage because it offers:
-
A secure, controlled luxury resort environment
-
Ease of travel for domestic attendees
-
A stunning desert setting aligned with our aesthetic
-
An intimate, high-end atmosphere consistent with the WITTS brand
The property’s architecture and design beautifully complement our original Cinco de Mayo theme, allowing us to bring Mexico to the desert in an intentional and elevated way.
​
Is WITTS Moving Away from International events?
​
No.
International gatherings remain part of the long-term WITTS vision. This decision was specific to the February 23, 2026 incident and its timing relative to our event.
​
We remain committed to hosting future destination-based conferences when conditions align with our safety and planning standards.
​
Was this decision influenced by media coverage?
​
We are aware that significant media attention followed the February 23 incident. Some images circulating online were later identified as AI-generated or taken out of context, contributing to confusion.
​
Our decision was not based on viral content.
​
It was based on direct communication with hospitality partners, travel advisories, attendee sentiment, and risk assessment timing. Again, this decision was largely due to attendee feedback overwhelmingly indicating that they did not feel comfortable traveling to Mexico either in April or later in the year. We obviously care about our attendees safety and want to protect them.
​
WITTS decisions are made carefully and responsibly — not reactively
Does this change affect the programming?
​
No — it enhances it. WITTS 2026 will now blend:
-
Previously existing high-level MCLE programming
-
Curated networking
-
Expanded wellness components (since we are essentially combining the WITTS Punta Mita conference with our existing Wellness Weekend that was planned for September.
The energy, celebration, and community that define WITTS remain unchanged.
Only the backdrop has evolved.
​
What remains the same?
​
Everything that matters:
-
The women•
-
The relationships
-
The intentional curation
-
The vibrant Cinco de Mayo theme
-
The commitment to excellence and safety
WITTS is a community first — a destination second.
​
TICKET TRANSFERS, CREDITS & REFUNDS
​​
What HAPPENS TO MY EXISTING TICKET?
​
All previously purchased tickets have automatically transferred to:
​
WITTS 2026: Cinco de Mayo — Desert Edition
September 16 - 20, 2026
The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage
No action is required if you plan to attend in September. Your original registration pricing and status (including early-bird rates, VIP access, or sponsor inclusions) will be honored.
​
What if I cannot attend in september?
​
We understand that schedule changes may impact availability. If you are unable to attend the new September dates, you may choose one of the following options:
​
Option 1: Full Event Credit
Receive a 100% credit of your registration fee toward any WITTS event through 2027.
This includes:
-
WITTS Punta Mita 2027
-
Wellness Weekend 2027
-
Small group international trips
-
Other eligible WITTS programming, like the Santa Barbara Polo Mixer
Credits must be used within 12 months.
​
Option 2: Refund Request
You may request a full refund within 14 days of the official announcement email.
Refund requests submitted within that window will be processed in full to the original form of payment.
After the 14-day window closes, registration fees will convert to transferable event credit.
Why is there a 14-day refund window?
When large-scale event logistics are in motion — including venue contracts, room blocks, food and beverage minimums, production planning, and sponsor integrations — financial clarity is essential.
​
The 14-day window allows attendees to make informed decisions while also enabling WITTS to responsibly finalize contractual commitments with the new venue.
​
This structure balances flexibility for attendees with operational sustainability for the event.
Can I transfer my ticket to another person?
Yes. If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your registration to another eligible attorney or vendor within your firm or network.
​
All transfers must be submitted in writing prior to the published transfer deadline of 14 days from the announcement email.
​
Details regarding the transfer process will be included in your confirmation update.
Will ticket prices change for the September event?
Current ticket holders will not experience any price increase.
If ticket pricing increases for future registration phases, your originally secured rate remains protected.
What if I booked airfare or accommodations for Mexico?
We recommend contacting your airline and travel provider directly to review cancellation policies, credit eligibility, or travel insurance options.
While WITTS cannot reimburse independent travel bookings, we made this decision with as much lead time as possible to allow attendees to adjust travel arrangements accordingly. The Conrad Punta Mita offers a 72 hour cancellation window before the event, so attendees have time to cancel their hotel reservations without penalty.
​
final thoughts:
​
Leadership sometimes requires decisive action before uncertainty becomes disruption.
​
We are confident this move strengthens the experience, protects our community, and preserves the elevated standard WITTS is known for.
​
We look forward to gathering in September — confidently, beautifully, and intentionally.
​