On October 18th, hundreds of communicators will descend upon Springfield for a weekend of professional development, networking, and fun during the 2013 Association for Women in Communications (AWC) National Conference, “Worth Every Penny”, held at the Hilton Springfield. The Springfield (IL) chapter of AWC is hosting this premier professional event for the communications industry and it is open to all communicator specialists.
The conference, themed as, “Worth Every Penny”, reflects the need for communicators to effectively use their personal brand and/or business to charge what they are worth. Women communicators especially must work towards bridging the wage gap to receive equal pay for work of equal value.
“We are very excited to hold the AWC National Conference in Springfield, a city loaded with rich and vibrant historical attractions, to bring together and celebrate communicators while promoting the advancement of women.” says Maria Henneberry, AWC Chair.
One conference highlight is the International Matrix and Clarion Awards Reception and Dinner on Saturday, October 19th. All Clarion Award winners will be honored and presented with their Clarion Awards at this reception and dinner.
Bonnie St. John, dubbed “one of the most inspiring women in America” by NBC Nightly News, will be honored with the 2013 AWC International Matrix award. For over twenty years, Bonnie St. John has circled the globe as a keynote speaker and leadership consultant for over five hundred different companies, non-profits and associations. Bonnie has risen to the highest levels of achievement in a variety of endeavors throughout her life. Despite having her right leg amputated at age five, she became the first African-American ever to win Olympic or Paralympic medals in ski racing, taking home a silver and two bronze medals in downhill events at the 1984 Paralympics in Innsbruck, Austria. Bonnie graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard University and earned a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford, taking an M.Litt. in Economics and was appointed by President Bill Clinton as a Director for Human Capital Policy on the White House National Economic Council. The celebrated author of six books, Bonnie co-authored her most recent #1 bestseller, “How Great Women Lead,” with her teenage daughter.
Bonnie has been featured extensively in both national and international media including: The Today Show, CNN, CBS Morning News, NBC News, PBS, NPR, and The New York Times, as well as People, “O”, and Essence magazines, to name just a few. NBC Nightly News called Bonnie, “One of the five most inspiring women in America.”
Author and media personality Sarah Petty is the opening Keynote Speaker. Sarah Petty is co-author of “Worth Every Penny: Build A Business That Thrills Customers and Still Charge What You’re Worth”, and a highly-acclaimed internationally sought-after speaker, presenting to audiences around the globe on how the boutique business model can strengthen their companies. Petty began her career in the marketing department at the world’s largest brand, Coca-Cola Enterprises, and went on to direct the marketing campaigns of many small businesses at a top regional advertising agency. After earning her MBA, Petty opened her boutique photography studio and was named one of the most profitable photography businesses in the country after just five years in business by the Professional Photographers of America and had grown a multi-million dollar business. Her second company, Joy of Marketing, is where she teaches small business how to compete in any economy without using price. Petty’s practical no-nonsense approach will leave the audience inspired and with clear action steps for getting on the right path.
On Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, various distinguished speakers will present at educational break-outs to share best practices on networking, leadership, and emerging technologies. On Saturday afternoon, conference attendees will be able to “give their two cents worth” by sharing ideas, experiences, and personal triumphs during the Unconference.
“The AWC Unconference is a new and exciting addition to our National Conference offerings,” explains AWC Board member Sheila Scarborough, “It is completely participant driven and any conference attendee can initiate a discussion on a topic they are knowledgeable and passionate about during a set time.”
Sponsorship opportunities for the 2013 AWC Conference are available. Anyone interested in sponsorship opportunities or for registration information, can visit www.womcom.org or call (703) 370-7436.
Founded in 1909, the Association for Women in Communications, with 2,500 members, is the premier professional organization that champions the advancement of women across all communications disciplines by recognizing excellence, promoting leadership and positioning its members at the forefront of the evolving communications era.
3337 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314 USA
Phone: (703) 370-7437 | Fax: 703-342-4311
E-mail: info@womcom.org | Website: www.womcom.org
