The Massachusetts Conference for Women celebrates 20 years this year- with a bang. It takes place on December 12, 2024, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center and has officially sold out.
With over 15,000 attendees, including a strong cohort from Western Massachusetts, this annual powerhouse event continues to be a must-attend gathering for women seeking inspiration, connection, and career growth.
A star-studded lineup
This year’s headliners are nothing short of legendary. Media icon, Oprah Winfrey, will hit the stage alongside Gayle King, celebrated journalist and co-anchor of CBS Mornings, and national basketball star Caitlin Clark, who has electrified sports fans with her talent and leadership.
Other keynote speakers are Robin Roberts, co-anchor of Good Morning America and president of Rock’n Robin Productions; Gail Devers, three-time Olympic gold medalist, and thyroid eye disease advocate; Lulu Garcia-Navarro, award-winning journalist and host of The Interview podcast at The New York Times Magazine; and Beverly Johnson, groundbreaking supermodel, actress, and businesswoman.
Massachusetts Governor, Maura Healey, will also speak at the event.
Western Massachusetts Participation
A number of organizations from Western Massachusetts will attend the conference and showcase their services or products. These include Smith College and Feel Good Shop Local.
Smith College will showcase its Executive Education for Women program.
The Feel Good Shop Local group will include local makers and micro enterprises from Western Massachusetts who will showcase their products.
Michelle Wirth, founder of Feel Good Shop Local told Inc413 that she hoped the conference would open doorways for small businesses in the 413.
“For Feel Good Shop Local, this is our first time attending the Massachusetts conference for women. We hope that it makes this top-tier conference more accessible to small businesses from western Massachusetts,” she said. “It is outstanding exposure and a unique selling opportunity.”
She also said that she was looking forward to seeing Oprah. “Personally, I’m a huge fan of Oprah. I hope I brush elbows with her… All joking aside, I’m looking forward to being inspired by the accomplished women participating in this conference.”
Tiffany Chapman, a photographer with a studio in Florence MA, said she was excited to get the chance to hear some of the speakers. “One of the breakout sessions has one of my favorite influencers who has paved a path for women experiencing perimenopause and post-menopause.
“She has helped not only me in this journey but has been so influential and has been on so many high-profile news stations, conferences, and podcasts. Her name is Mary Claire Haver. She is a OBGYN out of Galveston Texas.”
Chapman said she was also looking forward to meeting some colleagues in person for the first time. “I am also a member of the Boston Business Women Facebook membership group. It’s an empowering platform that has allowed me to meet and connect with fellow women entrepreneurs virtually. I’m looking forward to meeting some of them in person at the conference.”
Packed Agenda for 2024
The day begins with breakout discussions on leadership, career development, and navigating the challenges of hybrid work environments.
At 10:15 a.m., the Keynote Session kicks off, spanning the late morning into early afternoon.
After lunch, there are more breakout sessions covering topics like leadership strategies, overcoming imposter syndrome, building inclusive workplaces, managing mental health, navigating career transitions, and advancing DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives.
Throughout the day, the heart of the conference, The Interactive Hall, features booths from different businesses, nonprofits, and community groups. Here, attendees can browse products, learn about services, and connect with representatives from organizations committed to empowering women.
A 2022 WCVB news piece on the Massachusetts from Women.
Highlights of the Interactive Hall include:
- The Career Pavilion: Offering resume reviews, one-on-one career coaching, and professional development resources for attendees looking to advance or transition in their careers.
- The Learning Burst Stage: Quick, impactful sessions where experts present tips and strategies on a variety of topics, from improving workplace communication to building personal resilience.
- Networking Lounges: Designed to encourage connections.
- Shopping Opportunities: Featuring products from women-owned businesses and local artisans.
The day wraps up with the End of Day Party in the Interactive Hall.
The bigger picture: It’s a whole network
Since its inception in 2005, the Massachusetts Conference for Women has grown into a cornerstone of the Conferences for Women Network, which includes sister events in California, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
Together, these regional events contribute to the broader National Conference for Women, a virtual gathering that synthesizes insights and highlights from all four regional conferences.
Attendees of the Massachusetts Conference for Women typically receive complimentary access to the National Conference, allowing them to continue learning and engaging beyond the in-person event.
CONTRIBUTOR
Inc413 News Team
The Inc413 news team compiles business stories from across Western Massachusetts and beyond. Our primary focus is on stories that have an impact on small businesses, entrepreneurs, and the people they employ.
