* Updated May 10, 2012; subject to revisions

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

4:00-5:00 pm

6:00-8:00 pm

National Board Meeting (By Invitation Only)

UPS-Hosted Reception for Board, Corporate Partners and Chapter Leaders (By Invitation Only)

Thursday, October 4, 2012

7:30 am

8:00-9:15 am

9:15 am-12:15 pm

12:30-1:30 pm

1:45-2:45 pm

Registration and Exhibit Hall Open

VIP Breakfast with Corporate Partners and Chapter Leaders
(By Invitation Only; included in Chapter Leadership Training)

Chapter Leadership Training

Opening Kickoff Luncheon

Start a Discussion (sessions hold 60-100 attendees each)

1. Start New Connections to Grow Your Business
Life is fast, and so is this speed networking exercise that will connect you with women entrepreneurs with businesses of all sizes, industries and geographies in a high-energy environment. Have fun while making powerful connections that will last long after the conference closes!

2. Start a Work-Life Integration for a Better YOU
Women entrepreneurs know better than most the challenges of creating work-life integration with all the responsibilities we face with our homes and families plus running a successful business and growing it. Hear expert advice on how to make your busy life work best for you.

3. Start to Be Inspired to Reach Even Higher
Inspiration comes in all forms – including this rare spirit whose attitude and accomplishments encourage inspiration.

4. Start Focusing on Your Health & Wellness
Women are great at putting the needs of others first. But what about our own? When you take care of yourself—your own health and wellness—you’ll be a better mom, wife, daughter, friend and woman business owner.

5. Start Building a Strong Personal Brand
What does your personal brand say about you and your business? Personal branding is a must to set you apart in today’s environment. It raises your profile, establishes you as an expert and increases your value…when done right. Evaluate your personal brand and how you can take it to the next level.

2:45-3:30 pm

3:30-4:30 pm

Networking in the Marketplace/Business Pavilion

Start a Discussion (sessions hold 60-100 attendees each)

1. Start Planning For Your and Your Business’ Future
You had a dream when you started your business, and hopefully, that dream includes one day retiring and leaving the business’ future success to others. Start your financial and retirement planning for the future today if you haven’t already—or take it to the next level—with expert guidance.

2. Start a Mentoring Relationship That Benefits Both
Behind every successful woman is usually a successful mentor – someone who has blazed a similar trail before them who can offer valuable advice and perspective. Discover why and how to find one for yourself or be one to someone, and how to make it a relationship that benefits you both.

3. Start New Connections to Grow Your Business
Life is fast, and so is this speed networking exercise that will connect you with women entrepreneurs with businesses of all different sizes, industries and geographies in a high-energy environment. Have fun while making powerful connections that will last long after the conference closes!

4:30-5:45 pm

5:30-5:45 pm

6:00 pm

Networking in the Marketplace/Business Pavilion

Transportation to Opening Reception

Opening Reception at the Kentucky Derby Museum

Friday, October 5, 2012

7:30-8:30 am

8:30-10:00 am

10:15-11:30 am

Breakfast in the Marketplace/Business Pavilion

General Session with Keynote
Opening Remarks
Introduction of 2012-2013 Board of Directors

AM Breakout Sessions

1. Start Using Social Media to Your Advantage
From increased awareness of your company and more traffic to your website, to a more favorable brand perception, new insights about your target markets and new business, social media marketing has clear advantages. Discover what you can do, and how, with new media tools.

2. Start Furthering Women Entrepreneurs
There are so many great women’s programs and initiatives in today’s economy that are opening doors for women entrepreneurs all over the world, and still a need exists for many more! Hear from several organizations whose focus and dedication is furthering women’s entrepreneurship through increased opportunities.

3. Start Making Public Policy Work for You
NAWBO® was founded to provide a powerful platform for women business owners to come together as one voice to influence decision makers and impact positive change. Learn why advocacy efforts like ours are so important, and what you can do to amplify our voice as women business owners.

4. Start Taking Your Business Global
“There’s a world of opportunity” isn’t just a saying for the women business owners who have successfully extended their reach outside of the U.S. to offer products and services to customers around the globe. Is a global marketing strategy what your company needs to grow? Find out!

11:30 am–12:15 pm

12:15-2:15 pm

2:15-3:15 pm

3:30-5:00 pm

Networking Break

Lunch General Session with Keynote & NAWBO® Hall of Fame Awards

Networking in the Marketplace/Business Pavilion

PM Breakout Sessions

1. Start Benefiting From a Great Company Culture
Companies with great cultures benefit from employees who feel they are valued, are happier, more engaged, motivated and productive and are less likely to leave. What makes a great company culture in today’s business world? Learn from the best to make your business a great place to work!

2. Start Ordering Your Wine Like a Pro
Feel overwhelmed when you’re handed a wine list? Build confidence in ordering wine for any event, but especially for business, by hearing about how wine is made, why it is important and tips and rule of thumbs for successfully ordering. (And, of course—there will be wine tasting, too!)

3. Start Working on Your Business, Not in It
We get so caught up in the day-to-day details of running a business that it’s easy to lose sight of the big picture and strategic planning for the future. Gain practical advice and ideas from top experts and tap into tools for working on your business, not in it to help you grow in the months ahead.

5:00 pm

Closing Reception

For more info on sponsor, exhibitor and advertising opportunities,
download the WBC2012 Sponsorship Prospectus PDF here.

To sign up as an exhibitor online, click here and register as an exhibitor.

For further information, please contact WBC2012@nawbo.org.