PPAI News: Women’s Leadership Conference Dished Up Wit And Wisdom


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PPAI News: Women’s Leadership Conference Dished Up Wit And Wisdom

Issue: 2009jul

PPAI’s Women’s Leadership Conference wrapped up Friday following three-and-a-half days of education and camaraderie at the DeSoto Hilton in Savannah, Georgia. For the fifth year, the conference brought together industry women at all levels of experience from companies across North America to expand their knowledge, build their confidence and broaden their professional networks.

Of the nearly 150 women in attendance, nearly a quarter were first-time attendees and almost half had attended four or more years. “For every event, I want it to be better than last year—more education, more networking, more everything and I think we succeeded,” says Margie Price, MAS, chair of the 2009 WLC Advisory Committee and owner/president of distributor Premiums Plus, Inc. (UPIC: PREMPLUS). “Look, we’re in tough times. I wanted people to walk out refueled and refreshed with the tools and the energy they need to move through the second half of the year and feel good about it.”

The event kicked off with a city trolley tour followed by the opening reception featuring returning humorist speaker and author Deb Gauldin. The event’s highlight took place during the first morning session with presentation of the first PPB Woman of Achievement award.

Throughout the week, workshops and general sessions led by professional speakers, members and staff focused on creativity, marketing, communications, success, negotiations, leadership, achieving balance, legislation, collections, generational issues and ways to make an impact on clients. Thursday afternoon’s panel discussion featuring Price, Sherri Lennarson, MAS, senior vice president of business development for distributor Bankers Advertising (UPIC: BANKERS) and Joy Smith, MAS, owner of distributor The Joy of Advertising (UPIC: JOYOFAD) shared ideas and experiences on making a difference through volunteerism. The interactive session was facilitated by Anne Lardner, PPAI senior manager of public affairs.

“This was a high-energy group and being with them gives me great hope for America,” says Jo-an Lantz, MAS, vice president of sales and marketing for distributor Geiger (UPIC: GEIGER) and a member of the WLC Advisory Committee.

Karen Cohen, MAS, vice president of supplier All In One (UPIC: ALLINONE) says she “learned it’s okay to ask for help, input and opinions from others.”

Stacy Schalk, CAS, owner of distributor Zingify (UPIC: zingi108) was surprised how quickly the women became friends at this conference. “It’s all about the relationships. It’s great being around people who appreciate the professionalism and want to enhance their own business acumen.”

“There was a lot of camaraderie,” agrees Jessica Koronka, regional sales manager for The Magnet Group (UPIC: MAGNET), adding that the standalone design of the conference was a big plus. “We could just focus on us and the training and not have to work a tradeshow too.”

Fran Silverman, MAS, regional sales manager for FS Associates, says her main rewards of the conference were “new friends and new energy to face the second half of the year with a new outlook.”

Watch for more photos and feedback on this event in the September issue of PPB. Planning is already underway for the 2010 Women’s Leadership Conference and dates and the location will be announced soon.

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