The vision of the PPAI Women’s Leadership Conference is to create an engaging, collaborative community that enables diverse women in the promotional products industry to be authentic, learn together and from each other, and build relationships that’ll grow throughout the year.
Throughout the year, look for WLC-sponsored webinars that feature content specifically for women in our industry, as well as other opportunities to connect with the Women’s Leadership Conference community.
Monday, June 21, 2021
First Time Attendee Meet And Greet
New to WLC? Please be sure to join this interactive reception and get to know members of the workgroup. They will provide insights into the DNA of WLC and how to make the most of both the online session and the valuable connections you are sure to make.
Welcome And Opening Remarks
Speakers: Carrie Pitre, MAS, The Magnet Group and Kelli Denes, MAS, The Vernon Company
Session 1: Dream It. Make It Happen.
Speaker: Jo-An Lantz, MAS, Geiger
What do you dream about? What does it really take to turn your dreams into reality? Many are afraid to allow themselves to dream big because the cost is too high or the effort too great. But strong leaders dream big and hustle to make it happen. Jo-an Lantz, one of the original founders of WLC, will share what it takes to achieve your dreams and how leadership makes all the difference.
Association Update
Speaker: PPAI Interim President Bob McLean, CPA, CAE, CEM
Join Bob McLean as he welcomes you to the 2021 Women’s Leadership Conference Direct 2 You and provides a brief update regarding the state of the Association and the industry.
Session 2: Girl Grit…The Story Of Trials And Triumph Powered By (S)heroes, Courage And Endurance
Speaker: Paula Wygonik, MAS, CE Competitive Edge LLC
Do you ever feel like the hits keep coming? Do you look at women around you and wonder “how do they do it”, “why are they successful”, “have they faced any adversity”, “are they smarter or stronger than I am”?
Rising above adversity and succeeding isn’t something you do once and then check it off your list like a grocery item. It is a series of decisions and “character grit” that allow you to acknowledge a new challenge, evaluate your options and dig deep to fight back and win. Understanding your “why” when facing adversity can help you through the most painful of hows. Hint…mobilizing your (S)heroes will lighten the darkness and give you the courage and confidence to go from victim to victor!
Trigger warning: The session mentions sexual assault.
Roundtable Chat
Networking is a critical aspect of WLC so small group conversations are scheduled at the conclusion of each day. This is your chance to network in small groups, reflect on the day and identify tangible takeaways from the sessions.
Reception And Woman Of Achievement Celebration
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
Optional: Morning Yoga
Speaker: Roni Wright, MAS, The Book Company
Join us for morning yoga and set yourself up to be focused, relaxed and ready to engage in day two of WLC!
Welcome And Opening Remarks
Speaker: Poetry by Laura Brewer—Promo Poet Laureate
Get ready to be inspired as our own Promo Poet Laureate welcomes you to day two with an original poem.
Session 3: Economic Outlook For 2021 And Beyond
Speaker: Chad Dziedzic, Blackrock
Chad Dziedzic will address the current economic conditions and outline what you can expect going forward.
Tuesday conversation: At The Intersection Of Diversity, Inclusion, & Equity: What We Can DO To Advance Systemic Opportunity In Our Workplace
Speaker: Arlene Pace Green, PH.D.
It has never been more important to understand concepts of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity, and how these concepts impact our communities and organizations. In this interactive discussion, we will explore issues of race, gender, and what we can do to advance equal opportunity within our workplaces.
Learning Objectives:
• Diversity, Inclusion, & Equity: Understand key definitions of diversity, inclusion, and equity; and how these definitions have changed over time.
• Organizational Leadership: Explore what individuals can do to advance racial and gender equity in our organizations today.
Session 4: Programs That Matter—The Power Of Purpose
Speaker: Megan Baker, Stryker
Roundtable Chat
Networking is a critical aspect of WLC so small group conversations are scheduled at the conclusion of each day. This is your chance to network in small groups, reflect on the day and identify tangible takeaways from the sessions.
Virtual Dine-Around
Join the WLC Task Force as they invite you to “join” them at their favorite restaurants for a virtual dine-around. While we won’t be able to break bread together, we can promise the same great conversations and laughter in small group settings.
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
Optional: Morning HIIT Workout
Speaker: Gabrielle Holgate
Start your day energized and ready to go after a high-intensity interval training session led by professional fitness coach Gabrielle Holgate. Want to know what you’re getting into? The workout plan is linked to the session on the online platform.
Welcome And Opening Remarks
Speaker: The WLC Workgroup
Breakout Sessions
Breakout 1: Finding Your Why
Speaker: Jessica Gibbons-Rauch, Trend On Brand
So many times we focus on how to do something or what we need to do that we forget about why we are doing it in the first place. Sometimes, especially for women, we have a hard time clearing out our "dragons" and creating our purpose. This workshop dives into how to find your why and create inspiration to continue to grow and develop with your individual reason in front.
TIP: Since all sessions will be recorded, you won’t have to suffer FOMO – pick one to watch live and the other on demand!
Breakout 2: Promo In A Virtual World
Speaker: Becki Heinen, Facilisgroup; Joe’l Bastien, AIA; Javier Melendez, Walker Clay; Ray Rodrigues, Tekweld; Karen Foy, Gorman Foy; Trina Bicknell, HPG
How can we continue to create client experiences that wow in a virtual world and what do we need to start learning now to be able to succeed in the hybrid universe that is quickly approaching? This session will identify industry trends and challenges, the value of the meaningful message and more.
Wednesday Conversation: Remarks From PPAI Leaders
Speakers: Dawn Olds, MAS, HALO and Brittany David, MAS, SnugZUSA
Join Incoming PPAI Board Chair Dawn Olds and Former Board Chair Brittany David as they reflect on lessons learned during a year like no other, leadership during uncertainty and expectations for the industry as we move beyond COVID-19.
Session 5: Talent Matters: Strategies For A People-Centered Team
Speaker: Kate Alavez, PromoShop, Inc.
Managing a team or organization is about more than numbers. It's about creating an inclusive, equitable workplace in which every person has a voice and is encouraged to bring their experiences and ideas to the table. When your people flourish, your team and organization thrive. So, what does it take to build and manage this type of people-centered team? Join this conversation and learn strategies to manage your team through inclusive leadership.
Session 6: Trooper Tillman Presents Purses With A Purpose
Speaker: Trooper Andrea Tillman, Michigan State Trooper
Roundtable Chat
Networking is a critical aspect of WLC so small group conversations are scheduled at the conclusion of each day. This is your chance to network in small groups, reflect on the day and identify tangible takeaways from the sessions.
Closing Remarks
Product Sponsors
Product Donors
Raffle Sponsor