The Women’s Congress, Miami Beach, FL
January 24 - 25, 2008
Conference Program
(Program subject to change without notice)
(Click here for Friday's Schedule)
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Morning Sessions (Paid Conference)
- Leveraging Technology & Transforming Organizations (Corporate Leadership Track) Room 235
- Best Practices in Corporate Social Responsibility (Corporate Leadership Track) Room D236
- Speak like a CEO: Secrets to Commanding Attention and Getting Results (Corporate Leadership Track) Room D234
- Social Media for Entrepreneurs(Entrepreneurial Strategies & Business Growth Track) Room D237
- Supplier Diversity Panel (Entrepreneurial Strategies & Business Growth Track) Room D239
- Successful Strategies for Starting Your Own Business(Entrepreneurial Strategies & Business Growth Track) Room D238
- Assess Your Company’s Hispanic-Readiness: Marketing to Hispanics (Hot Topics Track) Room D241
- Her Turn: Why It's Time for Women to Lead (Hot Topics Track) Room 240
Afternoon Sessions (Paid Conference)
- 5 Traits for Authentic Leadership: Theoretical & Practical Applications (Corporate Leadership Track) Room 234
- Innovative Marketing Strategies (Corporate Leadership Track) Room 235
- Gaining Career Traction Through Mentoring (Corporate Leadership Track) Room 236
- Equity Financing(Entrepreneurial Strategies & Business Growth Track) Room 237
- Back to Basics: Innovative Direct Mail, PR and Promotional Strategies for Increased Business Growth (Entrepreneurial Strategies & Business Growth Track) Room238
- Cultivating a Creative Organization (Entrepreneurial Strategies & Business Growth Track) Room239
- Getting the Green Light: The Art and Science of Closing The Deal (Hot Topics Track) Room 241
- Same Words, Different Language: The Power of Understanding Differences(Hot Topics Track) Room 240
9:00 - 10:15 a.m.
Entrepreneurial Success Stories, Keynote Presentation & Continental Breakfast (open to all attendees) Room D130
Cordia Harrington, CEO and President, The Bun Companies
Rosa Sugrañes, Chairman of the Board, Iberia Tiles
Moderator: Ann S. Lieff, Founder, The Lieff Company
Hear two very different stories of creative, powerful and tenacious entrepreneurs who built enormously successful companies.
Cordia Harrington presents her “Recipe for Success”—a motivational and honest story of overcoming life’s barriers and living an American dream. Her recipe calls for passion, persistence and service, followed by some advice on how to enjoy it all! Cordia believes you must follow your dreams by being your best self, and she shares the story of how she did just that. Follow her inspirational journey from real estate agent and single mother to McDonald’s franchisee to the successful owner of five businesses, and learn how you can follow Cordia’s recipe for success on your own.
Rosa Sugrañes is Chairman of the Board and Founder of Iberia Tiles, one of the largest independently owned distributors of ceramic tile, marble and stone in the Southeast U.S. The company was founded in 1979. She is now responsible for overseeing the company’s activities of its various showrooms, warehouses and partnerships. These include Iberia Tiles showrooms in Florida (Miami, Coral Gables, North Miami Beach and Pompano Beach) and in Georgia (Norcross). The Iberia Tiles products are currently displayed nationwide at Lowes, TGI/Sears and Home Expo. Rosa will talk about strategies, priorities, and why holding leadership positions and giving back to the community is not only vital to her as a person but good return on investment.
10:30am-12:30pm and 2:00pm-5:30 pm.
B2B Sourcing Expo Exhibits
10:30am-11:15am & 11:30am–12:15pm.
Vendor Sessions Exhibition Floor
10:30am - 12:00noon
Conference Morning Sessions (paid program)
Leveraging Technology & Transforming Organizations (Corporate Leadership Track) Room 235
Dr. Joyce Elam, Executive Dean, College of Business Administration, Florida International University
Monica Luechtefeld, Executive Vice President, Business Development, Supply Chain and IT, Office Depot, Inc.
Moderator: Kay Cioffi, Tex-Zen Partners
Information technology has evolved from its traditional orientation of administrative support to today’s strategic role within an organization. Yet, many executives are not aware of how to unleash the strategic transformative power of technology. Additionally, organizations must prepare for the challenges that come with the implementation of new technologies. This session will explore new trends and opportunities available to companies and help you ask pertinent questions and make informed decisions.
Best Practices in Corporate Social Responsibility (Corporate Leadership Track) Room D236
Alyssa Dver, Executive Director & Founder, Center to Prevent Lost Children
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is not just “hot”, it’s critical. Companies large and small aggressively promote their green, charitable and ethical causes via their websites, annual reports, media releases and even on through their product offerings. Good CSR increases consumer loyalty, employee retention and stockholder value. Bad CSR can destroy brands and careers.
CSR includes cause marketing, philanthropy, environmental protection & sustainability, ethical investing, employee diversity & satisfaction, and corporate governance. Few companies are expert in all areas and they all wrestle with the ongoing challenge of effectively communicating CSR work to internal and external audiences. Through firsthand interviews with dozens of companies including Coke, Pepsi, P&G, Ford Motor, McDonalds, Burger King, Dunkin Brands, AT&T, VerizonWireless, T-Mobile, PNC Bank, Goldman Sachs, BP plus leading academics and association leaders, Alyssa discusses the trends and best practices in selecting and implementing corporate citizenship. Her focus on the business behind CSR reveals why companies do CSR, how they select what to do, how much money they invest in it, and how they measure and communicate results. She'll also discuss how CSR reaches into every aspect of the business through operations and the supply chain. It's a topic that all executives must be aware of and consider thoroughly in their efforts to keep their companies and their own careers competitive.
Speak like a CEO: Secrets to Commanding Attention and Getting Results (Corporate Leadership Track) Room D234
Suzanne Bates, President & CEO, Bates Communications, Inc.
Moderator: Peggy Hollander, Managing Partner, The Succession Group
To become successful, hard work and experience are important, but they can take a person only so far. To lead in an industry or profession, a leader must be ready to assume a speaking role. In survey after survey, the number-one skill determined to be indispensable to leaders is communication. In Speak Like a CEO, participants find out that developing a compelling speaking style isn’t something that comes naturally – anyone can do it with some practice and effort! Whether they’re in the corner office or the Oval Office, at the dining room table or before an audience of millions, participants will find a blueprint to speak like a leader and get results. You’ll leave with a thorough understanding of the secrets, strategies and solutions that every executive must face as well as clear and wise advice on how to find your authentic voice and instantly command the room with a powerful presence.
Social Media for Entrepreneurs(Entrepreneurial Strategies & Business Growth Track) Room D237
Lena West, CEO & Founder, xynoMedia Technology
Moderator: Ja-Naé Duane, President & Founder, Wild Women Entrepreneurs
As of January, 2007, there were more than 63 million blogs on the internet, additionally over 100 million videos are being watched daily on YouTube and in excess of 100 million people are members of online social networking websites. What does this all mean for you and your business? How active do you need to be to benefit from the collective conversation? This interactive, session, with social media expert and consultant, Lena West, will feature straight-talk (no jargon!) and examine all aspects of social media, including online communities, blogs, podcasts and the like. Learn what it is, how it fits into your overall business and marketing plans, growth expectations and specific considerations entrepreneurs need to consider to effectively utilize this emerging form of media.
Supplier Diversity Panel (Entrepreneurial Strategies & Business Growth Track) - Room D239
Debra Jennings Johnson, Director of Supplier Diversity, BP
Ruby McCleary, Senior Manager, Supplier Diversity, US Cellular
Sandra Rand, Director, Supplier Diversity, United Airlines
Large companies know that diversity and inclusion provide a competitive advantage - one that drives their business results. Many companies have initiatives in place to increase their purchases of goods and services from certified minority and women-owned businesses, but how can small companies secure those contracts? This session will explore the procurement process, how companies identify strategic opportunities to enhance their supply chain, and making sure your company is prepared to deliver reliability, service and innovation. You’ll leave with a solid understanding of necessary criteria, timelines and financial considerations.
Successful Strategies for Starting Your Own Business(Entrepreneurial Strategies & Business Growth Track) Room 238
Michael Bush, Consultant, Franchise Advisors, Inc.
Deborah Garand, Founder & President, Integrity Integrations
Wendy Pease, Owner, Rapport International
Moderator: Jennifer Buddin, Co-Founder, The Little Black Book For Every Busy Woman
There are inherent risks and financial obligations to starting any business. This panel will examine different options for starting your own business, including launching a business from scratch, purchasing an existing business, and buying a franchise. The panelists will examine the pros and cons of each option, so you can determine the appropriate path to your success.
Assess Your Company’s Hispanic-Readiness: Marketing to Hispanics (Hot Topics Track) Room D241
Lillian Santiago-Bauzá, Director of Hispanic Readiness Program, Bauzá & Associates
Beth Goldstein, President, Marketing Edge Consulting Group
Moderator: Roz Cole, President, PPI Marketing
The Hispanic community's economic clout is expected to top $863 billion this year. Are YOU ready? Learn to optimize your marketing investment when targeting the Hispanic market and avoid wasting precious time and money on campaigns that are simply ineffective.
Hispanics control more disposable personal income than any other US minority group; yet the challenges of reaching this market still elude many. The diversity of the Hispanic market will be detailed and target-specific buying habits, interests, needs and preferences will be discussed. This presentation will outline the common mistakes companies make marketing to Hispanics and detail specific assessment criteria you can immediately implement.
Her Turn: Why It's Time for Women to Lead (Hot Topics Track) Room 240
Vicki Donlan, Consultant, Speaker and Author
In Vicki Donlan’s book, Her Turn: Why It's Time for Women to Lead in America, she makes the case that women have the numbers, talents, determination and willingness to lead and they are ready for the challenge. This presentation will delves into the dramatic changes that will result when women take the lead in business, politics, higher education, health care, and philanthropy, and how those changes will benefit generations to come, in America and around the world. Vicki will draw on her extensive business leadership experiences – and those of other woman leaders – to present a clear look at this crucial issue. Additionally, women must wake up to the fact that they are holding themselves back by not using their power and numbers to progress, and that women will only get ahead if they start working together to make it happen.
10:30 - 11:15 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Vendor Sessions
12:30pm - 2:00pm
Champions for Women in Business Awards Program & Luncheon (proceeds benefiting the United Way of Miami-Dade)
Speaker: Lisa Bodell, CEO, futurethink
Champions for Women in Business Awards Luncheon - Igniting Innovation
What makes a winner? Successful businesses all share two winning characteristics – they embrace risk and they invite change. In this presentation, futurethink CEO Lisa Bodell shares fascinating innovation insights and relevant best practices you can use to begin winning in your organization.
2:00pm-2:45pm & 3:00pm-3:45pm
Vendor Sessions Exhibition Floor
3:00pm - 4:30pm
Conference Afternoon Sessions (paid program)
5 Traits for Authentic Leadership: Theoretical & Practical Applications (Corporate Leadership Track) Room 234
Denise Kaigler, Head of Global Corporate Communications & Corporate Citizenship, Reebok and Corporate Communications US, adidas Group, Reebok International Ltd. And
Mazy Gillis, Ph.D., Consultant, RHR International
Moderator: Peter Esseff, Vice President, Technical Director, ESF, Inc.
Authenticity matters because it emboldens both the leader and those being led. This session will give you the theoretical framework from an extensive study of the five traits women need to be successful. A successful executive woman leader:
- Assimilates and accommodates
- Communicates directly, competes effectively, and displays passion
- Has a complex set of systems support
- Takes risks in highly visible stretch roles with the support and vested interest of a champion
- Leads big, bold change, pushing the envelope of organizational norms with influence and credibility
- Additionally, a successful corporate executive will review each of these traits and how they have helped her professional success.
Innovative Marketing Strategies (Corporate Leadership Track) Room 235
Amy Balsam, President/ Partner, In 2 It Media
Rose Gage, CMO & VP of Marketing and Business Development, Schneider Electric Canada
Dr. Barbara Kahn, Dean, University of Miami School of Business
Leslie Reiser, Director, SMB Interactive Marketing, ibm.com
Moderator: Jodi Cross, Executive Director, The Commonwealth Institute, Florida
Effective marketing can never be static; it must follow advances in technology, communications and customer loyalty. It must also, however, continue to advance its primary mission: to create brand awareness and generate interest and qualified leads in order to build the company's long-term growth and prosperity.
In today's ultra-competitive environment, cutting-edge, savvy and innovative marketing is the recipe for success. Come hear top marketing executives discuss what’s new and what’s next so that you can outsell, outsmart and outmarket your competition.
Gaining Career Traction Through Mentoring (Corporate Leadership Track) Room 236
Brigid Moynahan, Founder & President, The Next Level Inc.
Penny Shaffer, Market President, SFL, BlueCross BlueShield of Florida
Moderator: Janna Morrison, SVP, Community and Franchise Engagement, Choice Hotels Int’l
Do you find yourself siloed within your organization? Would you like to find more efficient ways to network and build strong, beneficial relationships? This session will present the tools necessary to offer mentoring and be mentored in return, both within and outside of a formalized mentoring program. Mentoring greatly enhances personal knowledge, skill sets and networks as participants reach out for ideas, insight, advice, and support from the many people around them. Explore new strategies to communicate leadership skills by building a web of alliances that ensure greater influence and exposure and leave with a personal mentoring plan.
Equity Financing (Entrepreneurial Strategies & Business Growth Track) Room 237
Diane Bowers, Executive Director, Florida Angel Network
Barbara Boxer, PDM Bridge, LLC
Kirstie Chadwick, Director & CEO, UCF Venture Lab
Jane Teague, Executive Director, The Enterprise Development Corp. of South Florida
Moderator: Kemila Velan, Senior Correspondent, Ethical Markets Media, LLC
This panel will detail how accredited investors (friends, family, and angel) are excellent sources to fund your business, what they get out of it, and how to structure the Regulation D early round. The next round to be discussed is the Venture Capital level. Lastly, a hybrid financing method known as Convertible Debt will be explored. Other topics discussed will address valuation methods for your company, the executive summary and proforma, as well as presentation techniques under 5 minutes. A lively Q & A session will follow.
Back to Basics: Innovative Direct Mail, PR and Promotional Strategies for Increased Business Growth
(Entrepreneurial Strategies & Business Growth Track)Room 238
Marsha Friedman, President & CEO, Event Management Services, Inc.
Joy Gendusa, CEO, PostcardMania.com
With search engine and web marketing strategies getting more difficult to obtain a positive ROI due to the competitive nature of online marketing, this session will help you to identify direct mail, public relations and promotional strategies that give you the most return for your dollar.
Gain the secret of understanding the “correct estimation of effort” - what it really takes to successfully engage in a marketing campaign that produces results. Learn the tips that will make your business instantly visible in prospective clients’ eyes with 5 easier ways to increase response and how to track the results.
Cultivating a Creative Organization (Entrepreneurial Strategies & Business Growth Track) Room 239
Rebecca Boenigk, CEO & Chairman of the Board, Neutral Posture, Inc.
Gay Gaddis, President and CEO, T3 (The Think Tank)
Maureen Healy, Vice President of Customer Communications, UPS
Moderator: Rebecca Weeks, Director of Business Development, Real Girls Media Network, Inc.
This panel will address actionable advice on how to develop a supportive, open and creative work environment that aligns with your business strategy and can be implemented to drive business results. Topics include:
- Examples of business ideas that at first seemed crazy to others but proved successful?
- How to create a unique company environment to cultivate creative thinking
- How do you attract top talent and retain them?
- How do you communicate to employees that risk-taking is okay?
- Leading by example
- How do you tap the collective creativity of all of your employees?
Getting the Green Light: The Art and Science of Closing The Deal (Hot Topics Track) Room 241
Joy Baldridge, President, Baldridge Seminars International
Moderator: Kate Volman, V.P., Business Development, Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce
Turn your prospects into clients! A deal closes when both parties agree to terms on which they are able to move forward. This session will use the latest techniques of applied positive psychology and teach you how to get more of what you want by ascertaining the critical ways to be a masterful negotiator and developing strategic methods to close the deal. Learn to overcome objections, recognize the signs that it’s time to close and ways to ask; discover the core secrets to increased closing ratios, and stronger client loyalty. You’ll leave understanding the top 35 core phrases necessary for the pre-closing and closing of stages of a negotiation, how to apply and effectively incorporate the “Language of Persuasion” and how to enhance rapport and create win/win relationships with your clients.
Same Words, Different Language: The Power of Understanding Differences(Hot Topics Track) Room 240
Barbara Annis, President, Barbara Annis & Associates, Inc.
Moderator: Wendy Pease, Owner, Rapport International
Do men and women really speak different languages? Barbara Annis, a pioneer in the field of gender differences, uncovers the ways men and women often misinterpret each other or speak in ways that mislead one another. She will reveal the top five challenges men and women experience with the opposite sex at work, the blind spots and different communication styles each gender possesses, and strategies for improving communications. Topics such as conflict resolution and harassment in the workplace will be discussed, and real-life scenarios and practical techniques to turn communication into win-win relationships will be employed.
4:00pm - 5:30pm
Welcome Networking Reception (open to all attendees)
