Meeting Professionals International, the premier global association community for meeting and event professionals, believes in the unequalled power of events and human connections to advance organizational objectives.

Women’s Leadership Conference

Chicago Area Chapter focuses on career development and leadership skills during one-day event.

By Jessie States

The MPI Chicago Area Chapter fulfilled its ongoing mission to provide quality professional development and networking on Nov. 10 at the Hotel Orrington in Evanston with its fourth annual Women’s Leadership Conference: “11...10...09... Countdown to a New Beginning: Reinventing Yourself and Your Career.” The one-day educational event included educational sessions, a luncheon program, trade show The ConnectionPlace and a silent auction.

“Now in its fourth successive year, The Women’s Leadership Conference has grown and improved each year,” said Chrissy Ward, Chicago Area president. “There is more reason than ever for professionals to seek out opportunities that will help them fulfill their goals, both professional and personal. This conference and tradeshow is tailored to women-specific issues and is just one of many great forums offered by the chapter in support of its entire membership.”

Panel discussion "Plan B: Reinventing Yourself & Your Business Relationships" featured first-hand advice from meeting industry executives who have successfully re-engineered their careers. Additional seminars and workshops addressed critical issues facing women professionals in today's challenging business environment with emphasis in professional development (“Make Your First Impression Positively Powerful”), financial stability (“Who’s In Control: Are you in control of your finances or are they controlling you?”), personal growth (“How’d You Score That Gig?”) and workplace environment (“Knowledge Share: SPEAK UP!”).

Meanwhile, the ConnectionPlace trade show offered attendees the chance to network while learning about destinations, businesses and organizations tailored to women’s needs. In addition, those who participate in the silent auction benefiting the MPI Foundation could bid on luxury hotel stays, event tickets, restaurant gift certificates and other items. Visit www.mpicac.org for more information.

Conference sponsors included The Hotel Orrington, the Mexico Tourism Board, Edward Fox Photography, Warner Audiovisuals, Meeting Trader, Directions Inc., Nashville CVB, BBJ Linens, Boundless Network, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Francine Marketing, Kalahari Resorts and Phillip’s Flowers.

JESSIE STATES is assistant editor of One+.