After a triumphant in-person return in 2022, PPAI’s annual Women’s Leadership Conference is back again. “It’s a conference designed by women for women,” says WLC Workgroup Chair Kate Alavez.
WLC is once again bringing industry women together in Eagan, Minnesota. From June 25-27, conference attendees will hear from amazing speakers on hot topics, greet new and old friends and enjoy refreshing activities like morning yoga and daily walks.
Alavez, COO of California distributor PromoShop (PPAI 90066), says professional development and networking is important no matter where you are in your career. She says, “I also think this is a unique opportunity to have a smaller room for attendees so the discussions can be up close. You can really ask questions about topics discussed on the stage to get a deeper perspective and more in-depth understanding of the sessions.”
Sessions like “Command Your Worth: Negotiation,” roundtables and mixers will keep attendees engaged and ready for the year ahead.
Erin Reilly, WLC workgroup member and CEO of Pennsylvania supplier Pop! Promos (PPAI 19125), says, “I can’t wait for the amazing boost of energy this conference gives me every year. I always leave reinvigorated and excited to kick off the second half of the year. I am also psyched about the agenda we have for this year’s event.”
This conference not only gives women a boost, but also the industry.
“WLC represents a commitment on the part of the industry to recognize the role women play in leadership and how our community can elevate both our organizations and other women around us,” says Alavez. “This conference is really about synergies. Bringing the power of our human connection together with our expertise to find ways for our organizations to interact, identify pathways forward for the industry as the world evolves, and generate new opportunities for our contributions to thrive.”
When deciding conference sessions, feedback from past WLC attendees is invaluable. This year’s session topics are what attendees want to hear, learn and grow from.
Jill Begun, PPAI’s professional development manager, says, “We also have a WLC Workgroup which is comprised of women in the industry. This group works extremely hard and is dedicated to making sure the conference has the must-hear topics. Additionally, we listen to the leaders in the industry to find out what is important to them and their employees.
“It is so important that the women who come to the Women’s Leadership Conference feel the event is worth the time and investment they took to be there, and because of the topics and experiences they had, they leave already looking forward to the next year’s conference.”
Amelia Madl, VP of sales for PromoCorner (PPAI 110698), says, “Our industry is fortunate to have the ability to connect women running companies with emerging leadership and offer the richness of an all-female environment to help foster discussions and elevate women in all stages of their careers. I know from personal experience I’ve met so many amazing women at this event. And I’ve been able to foster those relationships for accountability, mentoring and so much more.”
These WLC veterans recommend bringing activewear, staying present and setting up out-of-office emails. Reilly, says, “If you’re brand-new to the industry or an industry veteran, remember that every woman in attendance is there to learn, grow their network and have some fun. Don’t be intimidated; it’s an exceptionally welcoming group! Force yourself to get out of your comfort zone and meet as many women as you can. You never know when you might cross paths with them in the future.”
For more information and to register for WLC, click here.
