Schedule at a Glance
Download a pdf of the full agenda.
Wednesday, June 11
Chapter Leadership Training Day: “Igniting Your Leadership: Be a Strong Leader!” hosted by Incoming President Cynthia McClain-Hill
8 – 8:15 a.m.
- Arrival and continental breakfast
- "Igniting Your Leadership" NAWBO orientation
10 – 11:30 a.m.
- Taste the Magic: A 90-Minute Leadership Session provided by the Disney Institute
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Presidents Assembly business meeting
- Networking lunch
1:15 – 2:30 p.m.
- “Igniting Your Leadership” panel presentation
2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
- Chapter roundtable discussions
2:30 – 4 p.m.
- NAWBO 2007-08 Board of Directors meeting
- NAWBO 2008-09 Board of Directors meeting
6 – 8 p.m.
- Presidents reception sponsored by Wachovia (invitation only)
INSIDE NAWBO: Conversations with Chapters
June 12 & 13
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Chapter leaders are encouraged to come by to meet with staff and President Assembly steering committee members to gain an “inside” perspective on NAWBO operations and resources.
Thursday, June 12
8:30 – 10 a.m.
- Opening breakfast sponsored by Office Max
10:15 – 11:30 a.m.
- Advocacy breakouts
- The National Election and Health Care Reform
Take advantage of this opportunity to engage in - or learn more about - the national health care debate. NAWBO Health Policy Working Group Chair, Susan Shargel, will present the results of NAWBO's recent public policy survey; Marjorie Baldwin, the Director of the Arizona State University School of Health Management and Policy will offer her perspective on what the candidates should be saying about health reform; and representatives of the presidential candidates will present their health care proposals. Come speak out about what's important for your business and family. - What You Don't Know About Immigration Law Can Cost You: Complying with Current Federal and State Requirements
Immigration isn't just a policy issue driving political campaigns, it is an economic, legal and business issue that can affect your bottom line. Hear from noted immigration law experts about recent developments in state and federal law and learn what you need to know to be in compliance and to advocate for laws and regulations that make business sense. - The What's Up and How To of Federal Contracting
Join procurement working group chair, Lisa Pierce, Alpha & Omega Couriers, Inc. and Economic Development Forum chair, Diane Sears, Diverse Media, LLC, for a discussion of the current status of the federal Women Owned Small Business set aside program, including recent action by the SBA and responses by members of Congress, Presidential candidates and NAWBO. Also learn key lessons about positioning your company to get federal contracts from procurement expert Judy Bradt, Summit Insight.
- The National Election and Health Care Reform
Noon – 12:30 p.m.
- 2008-2009 Board installation ceremony presented by OPEN from American Express
12:30 – 2 p.m.
- NAWBO/Wells Fargo Trailblazer Awards luncheon sponsored by Wells Fargo with remarks from Rita Davenport, president of Arbonne International and author of Making Time, Making Money
2:15 – 3:30 p.m.
- Education sessions
- Leadership Track
H.R. 5050: 20 Years Rising. The Women’s Business Ownership Act sparked a wave of entrepreneurship. Learn what’s been accomplished since the passing of this landmark legislation and how it continues to impact women business owners today. - Business Planning Track
Be Ready to Sell Your Business When the Time is Right. Selling your business should be a well-considered decision, not an afterthought. Learn how to plan your exit with these vital strategies that will ensure you’ve covered all your bases so that you can achieve a satisfactory sale. - Global Business Development Track
Taking Risks: Making the Decision to Go Global. Expanding internationally is one of the biggest conversations you’ll ever have about your business. Get a clear-eyed look at the risks and rewards...and what it really takes to play on the world stage.
- Leadership Track
2:15 – 3:30 p.m.
- Presidents Assembly Steering Committee meeting
2:15 – 3:30 p.m.
- Past Presidents Roundtable Debriefing
3:30 – 5 p.m.
- Exhibit hall open
- Opening reception hosted by NAWBO Phoenix and sponsored by Arizona Woman, Wells Fargo, Henkel, SRP, and Southwest Gas
- Jones New York fashion show with Lloyd Boston
- Optional NAWBO PAC fundraiser dinner
8:30 – 10 a.m.
- Keynote breakfast sponsored by Office Max
- Remarks from Laura Liswood, Secretary General, Council of Women World Leaders and Senior Advisor, Goldman, Sachs & Co.
- Presentation of NAWBO’s corporate partner awards
- Exhibit Hall and Business Development Pavilion
- Meet with major corporations seeking women-owned vendors
10:15 – 11:30 a.m.
- Education sessions
- Leadership Track
True Confessions: Creating an Exit Plan for Selling My $20 Million Dollar Business. She bootstrapped it, grew it and created a plan for selling it. Learn from this entrepreneur’s firsthand experience on when and how to get the most out of the business you’ve built.
Speaker: Dr. Joel Martin, Triad West, Inc. - Branding and Marketing Track
Business in the Media: Keeping Up with Business and Economic Trends. Every story needs a local or industry angle. Learn how to leverage economic trends by pitching your company’s story to a business editor.
Speakers: Christina Leonard, Arizona Woman; Rebecca Weeks, DivinieCaroline.com; Ivy Hartman, SBTV.com (moderator) - Business Planning Track
Prepare for the Worst, Plan for the Best. Is your business prepared for an emergency? Tap the experience of these crisis experts and create a disaster preparedness plan with tips from this compelling session.
Speakers: Donna Childs, Childs Capital, LLC; Erin Streeter, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Leadership Track
Noon – 2 p.m.
- Keynote luncheon sponsored by Guardian
- Remarks from Nely Galan, Television producer, owner of Galan Entertainment, and cast member of "The Apprentice: Celebrity Addition"
- Presentation of Guardian’s Girls Going Places Awards
- Education sessions
- Global Business Development Track
Reaching Out: How to Utilize Social Networking Basics to Expand Your Business’ Reach. Blogs. MySpace. LinkedIn. The brave new world of prospect and customer interaction is moving online. Learn what you need to know to keep up, join in and log on. - Business Planning Track
The Power of Building the Right Team: Attracting and Keeping Top Talent. The vitality of your business depends on your ability to attract the best. Discover the secrets to finding, hiring, and retaining employees that will strengthen your team and help your business shine. - Branding and Marketing Track
Marketing 24/7 with Easy, Affordable Tools. Marketing isn’t a one-off proposition—it’s a 24/7 state of mind. Discover practical tips for increasing revenue and learn how every interaction is an opportunity to build your brand.
- Global Business Development Track
3:30 – 5 p.m.
- Exhibit Hall and Business Development Pavilion
- Meet with major corporations seeking women-owned vendors
3:30 – 5 p.m.
- Presidents Assembly Steering Committee meeting
- Together: Rising celebration sponsored by Sprint
- Presentation of the NAWBO/Wachovica Woman Business Owner of the Year and NAWBO Member of the Year awards
- Presentation of the NAWBO/Wachovica Woman Business Owner of the Year and NAWBO Member of the Year awards
8:30 – 10 a.m.
- Corporate Partner Appreciation breakfast (invitation only)
9 – 10:15 a.m.
- Education sessions
- Branding and Marketing Track
Does Your Brand Reflect Your Business’ Values? Take a Close Look in the Mirror. Is there a disconnect between who you are as a company and how you’re perceived? Join an expert from the Tom Peters Company to assess whether your company’s external image matches the internal values–and learn how to align them.
Speaker: Valarie Willis, Valarie Willis Consulting - Global Business Development Track
Making Connections: Understanding the "Culture Factor" in the Way You Do Business. Learn about the nuances of cross-cultural communication and how mastering it can open the door to new international opportunities for your company.
Speaker: Christine French, Global Diversity Consulting LLC
- Branding and Marketing Track
- Exhibit hall open
- Education sessions
- Leadership Track
Real Leaders Wear Pink. Do women lead differently? Learn how to harness your innate talents and take advantage of your creative leadership skills to take your company to new heights.
Speaker: Areva Martin, The Areva Martin Companies, Inc. - Global Business Development Track
Technology: Determining if "What's New" is "What's Next" for Your Company. Technology can make or break your ability to scale your business. Find out about the latest emerging technologies and how to use them to grow domestically and compete globally.
Speaker: Dan Gillison, Sprint Nextel - Branding and Marketing Track
Business by the Book: Writing Your Story to Attract New Business. Being a published author can be a boon to new business development. Discover how to tell your story and share your expertise to increase visibility and attract new customers and clients.
Speaker: Sophronia Scott, The Done For You Writing & Publishing Company
- Leadership Track
- Closing keynote luncheon sponsored by General Motors
- Remarks from Oren Harari, Author, competitive advantage expert, and former consultant with The Tom Peters Group
- Free time


