Highlights:

• The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Center for Women have partnered on this successful event for six years, attracting hundreds of attendees each year.
• The event includes speed networking, expert speakers throughout the day with topics that are relevant to women, an exhibitor hall, inspirational stories from successful women and a networking luncheon.
• Opportunity to get your businesses name in front of over 350 women business professionals

Working Women Wanted to Share Story for Inspiring Other Women

For the 4th year, there will be a unique contest to challenge working women to share how they have been able to power up and inspire other women to succeed. The grand prize winner will receive free registration to the conference, a gift and plaque, and will have the opportunity to share their story during lunch at the conference. Stories can be submitted through January 31. Winners must be able to attend the conference. Click here to submit your story.

2012 Sponsors

Title Sponsor

Gold Sponsors:
Kirkman Broadcasting Inc.
Comcast Cable
Cumulus Broadcasting
Apex Broadcasting
Clear Channel Communications
WCIV ABC News 4

Silver Sponsors:
South Carolina Federal Credit Union
The Little Black Book for Every Busy Woman
Morris Financial Concepts

Bronze Sponsors:
Cantey Technology Consulting
Moe's Southwest Grill
Charleston Wedding Studio
AT&T
Laura Olsen Imagery
East Coast AP Marketing

Culinary Showcase:
Fork Fine Gourmet Catering
Dine with Sal Restaurant Group
Laura Alberts Tasteful Options
Giuseppi's Catering Company
Ladles Homemade Soups
Charleston Cookie Company
Verde
All NAT-U-RAL Smoothies and Healthbar
Dish and Design Catering and Events
Gourment Bay Catering
Krispy Kreme
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
Costco
Piggly Wiggly Carolina
Coastal Coffee Roasters

Emceed by Laura Harris, WCIV ABC News 4

Sponsorships and exhibitor space still available MORE

Watch the Women in Business Promo 2011 from Docent~Prodigy on Vimeo:

Hear what women have to say about the conference:

Keynote Session

I'd Rather Be in Charge – a roadmap for achieving pride, power and joy at work
Legendary business leader Charlotte Beers will outline concrete, step-by-step solutions to the serious issues facing working women today based on her new book I’d Rather Be in Charge. Though exceptionally qualified, willing, and ready for the challenge, women are not yet in positions of influence and leadership in many of the industries they represent. Based on wisdom Charlotte has gained on her journey from a brand management position at Uncle Ben's Rice, to Chairman of two worldwide advertising agencies, to Undersecretary of State, she will offer sophisticated guidance from an inside source who has been in the trenches. (Copies of her new book, I’d Rather Be in Charge, will be availabe for purchase and will have the opportunity to be signed)

Speed Networking
You’ll need lots of business cards for this exercise where you are guaranteed to meet at least 50 people. Conducted by the Center for Women, this double speed networking session is always rated as the number one event each year at the conference.

Sessions

Session 1. Emerging Business Opportunities
Opportunity Next, the tri-county region's most comprehensive economic development initiate to date, has identified targeted clusters for our regions growth, Advanced Security & IT, Aerospace, Biomedical and Wind Energy.  Experts in three of these fields will provide an overview of how these industries are positioned to bring long-term prosperity to the region.
Elizabeth Colbert-Busch,  Director of Development, Clemson Restoration Institute;
Dr. Lisa Saladin, Dean, College of Health professions, MUSC;
Rebecca A. Ufkes, President, UEC Electronics, LLC

Session 2. Diversity and Women CEO's
Learn how to release the CEO in You - too often women don't see themselves as the leader, the one who could be in charge, who may have to be in charge. This is a presentation to help women see themselves as the CEO at home, a work and wherever else they may be. Diversity programs are a vehicle used by companies to bring out women CEO’s and how this is achieved will also be discussed.
Catherine Simpson, Diversity Relationship Manager, Prudential

Improvising in Business Exercise
Explore how the basics of comedy improv training apply to business relationships in an interactive session. Learn what effective leaders and improvisers have in common, and discover some activities you can use in your workplace to help improve communication and encourage innovation.  
Jennifer Buddin, Every Busy Woman LLC; Publisher, The Little Black Book for every busy woman

Session 3. Lowcountry Business Resources
Learn how to overcome business challenges and explore all opportunities for your business.
Jennet Alterman, Executive Director, Center for Women; Christie MacConnell, Director, SC Women's Business Center; Pennie Bingham, Sr. Vice President, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce & Executive Director, World Trade Center Charleston; Laura Williams, Small Business Director, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce

Session 4. Digital Revolution
The revolution is underway. The power of digital media lies with the people who use tools like Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Foursquare, and mobile apps. Get the best tips, resources and strategies to guide your success in the new collaboration generation.
Kira Perdue, Trevilino/Keller and Jo Ann Stadtmueller, Principal, BizTechPR