W2: The Women to Women Conference

Prospera Business Network, Montana Women's Business Center, MSU College of Business and MSU Women's Circle of Excellence present 

W2: The Women to Women Conference

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Janet Hopkins, Vice President, Customer Experience, REI

Thursday, May 19, 2011
Best Western GranTree Inn - Bozeman 

Conference Registration $79

8.5 CPE CPA Credits Available

Exhibitor Booths $100
Exhibitor representatives are required to use the Exhibitor Booth Registration Form to pay for their conference registration and to reserve exhibitor booths. 

Sponsorship Opportunities AVAILABLE! We are looking for additional support for Conference Door Prizes, Mentor Sponsorships and Associate Sponsors. Click here for Sponsor Form.

AGENDA (Schedule is subject to change)

7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Breakfast and Registration

8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Welcome

9:00 - 10:10 a.m. Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Success Story, Tiffany Lach, Sola Cafe

10:10 - 10:30 a.m. Morning Exhibit Break

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Morning Workshops (choose 1 of the 3 workshops below):

Professional Growth with Board Membership, Terry Profota, MSU College of Business
Becoming a vibrant community board member while developing a professional edge and building a powerful network.

Developing a Competitive Advantage, Toni O’Berry, O’Berry Collaborative Brand Strategy Group
Applying competitive research to brand strategy and gaining a competitive advantage to succeed in the market.

Getting Your Financial House in Order, Kara Gallinger, Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co.
Understanding cash inflows/outflows and strategies for improving your cash flow that can result in making your business a financial success. This session will focus on budgeting, cash flow forecasting and essential financial reporting.

12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Keynote Luncheon, Janet Hopkins, Vice President Customer Experience, REI

1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Afternoon Workshops (choose 1 of the 3 workshops below):

Release Your Voice Within. Reclaim You! Ris Higgins, Leadership Outfitters
Does fear stop you from courageous conversations? Learn the four Pearls of Wisdom that will enable you to reclaim and release your personal power and your voice within.

Developing a Stronger Business Model with E-Commerce Solutions, Julie Dennison, PrintingForLess.com
Learn what it takes to create a successful e-commerce business. This session will help you understand the strategy behind e-commerce, the pros and cons of operating online, and how having an e-presence affects a company’s internal operations. Use this session to help you determine if e-commerce is right for your company.

Marketing Hot Seats, with twenty of our area’s finest marketing experts
A one-on-one session designed for questions, brainstorming and strategizing the current marketing challenges within your business. Twenty of the area’s finest marketing experts will be available in the areas of marketing creative, online marketing, marketing strategy, advertising and public relations and communications. This session is limited to 30 attendees. Registration for this workshop will be available at the time of check-in and offered on a first-come first-serve basis.

3:00 - 3:20 p.m. Afternoon Exhibit Break

3:20 - 4:50 p.m. Overcoming Challenges: Surviving and Thriving Through Life’s Obstacles, Robin Bequet, Bequet Confections and Kathy Stark, Starky’s Authentic Americana

4:50 - 5:00 p.m. Mentor Award

5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Networking Reception

ABOUT THE KEYNOTE

Janet Hopkins, Vice President of Customer Experience, REI

Janet has more than 20 years retail experience, and in her current position is responsible for defining the future transformation of REI’s customer experience, from in-store experience, retail operations, visual merchandising and outdoor programming and outreach, to build the experience beyond the transaction. Janet also leads REI’s Diversity & Inclusion initiative with a focus on customers, employees, and partnerships. During Janet’s 18 years at REI she has held a variety of roles from Store Manager, Retail Director, and Regional Vice President of Retail Stores.

Janet has a passion for golf and participates in a variety of volunteer roles for girls, ages 7 to 17, to learn to play golf, experience competition in a fun, supportive environment, and preparing them to meet the challenges of today’s world with confidence. Some of the organizations that she has been affiliated with include LPGA – USGA Girls Golf, Women’s Sports Foundation – GoGirlGo!, and Executive Women’s Golf Association.

Janet received her Bachelor of Arts from UCLA and received a scholarship to play Division I basketball. She enjoys hiking, skiing, cycling and golf. Janet is based in Seattle, WA.

 The Montana WBC is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Reasonable accomidations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact Amanda at 406.587.3113 to make arrangements.