Conference Program


On November 7th, immerse yourself in interactive sessions and panel discussions designed to propel your talent programs and offerings forward, harnessing the unique strengths and perspectives that come with being a woman in the business world.

View Program

Are you a Woman of Work?

Do you have insights on how women can excel in the workplace? Inspire others and nominate yourself and a colleague for Top 100+ Women of Work.  Nominees will be up for 11 awards on Nov 7.

Submit a Nomination

program at-a-glance

Nov 6, 1pm - Nov 7, 10pm+

Welcome!

wednesday 6 nov 2024

Conference + Gala Pass

Wed 6 Nov
1:00-3:00 CT

REGISTRATION

Great Northern

Wed 6 Nov
3:00-5:00 CT

roundtable meetups

Great Northern

Wed 6 Nov
5:00-6:30 CT

welcome reception

The Conservatory

Mix and mingle with peers, partners and clients in the global talent ecosystem

Welcome!

thursday 7 nov 2024

Conference + Gala Pass

Thu 7 Nov
7:00 - 9:00 CT

registration & breakfast

Great Northern

All aboard!

9:00 - 9:45 CT

Keynote panel + Roundtables

Great Northern

Keynote Panel + Small Group Dialogues in Roundtables

10:00 - 10:45 CT

Breakout

Southern Pacific

Panel + Roundtables

Breakout

Zephyr

Panel + Roundtables

Breakout

Great Northern

Panel + Roundtables

10:45 - 11:15 CT

NETWORKING BREAK

Foyer

11:15 - 12:00 CT

Breakout

Southern Pacific

Panel + Roundtables

Breakout

Zephyr

Panel + Roundtables

12:00 - 1:15 CT

LUNCH

Great Northern

1:15 - 2:00 CT

Breakout

Southern Pacific

Panel + Roundtables

Breakout

Zephyr

Panel + Roundtables

2:00 - 2:45 CT

Keynote panel + Roundtables

Great Northern

Keynote Panel + Small Group Dialogues in Roundtables

2:45-3:00 CT

TRANSITION break

Foyer

3:00-4:00 CT

roundtables

Great Northern

Two (2) 30-minute rotations

4:00-5:00 CT

FREE TIME

5:00-10:00 CT+

WoW Gala AwarDS

Depot Pavillion

Cocktail Hour, Dinner, Awards and Dancing

program topics

Nov 6, 5pm - Nov 7, 10pm+

November 6, 2024 @ 5:00 PM

welcome reception

Mix and mingle with peers, partners and clients in the global talent ecosystem

November 6-7, 2024

VISION+WoW GENERAL SESSIONS

Lectures and long boring panels be gone! VISION+WoW brings you 20 minutes of experts on the stage PLUS interactive roundtables to learn from the successes (and failures) of each other.

In a world where the staffing industry and corporate procurement processes continue to evolve, the journeys of female entrepreneurs and leaders within these spaces stand as beacons of innovation, resilience, and success. This session aims to highlight the achievements and insights of these pioneering women, offering attendees a unique opportunity to understand the pathways to success in staffing, procurement, and talent acquisition. Through real-world examples and experiences, the session will showcase the strategies and approaches that have propelled these women to the forefront of their industries.

 

Key Takeaways

Attendees will leave this session with:

  1. Inspirational stories of how female staffing entrepreneurs and procurement/talent acquisition leaders have navigated challenges and opportunities to achieve success.
  2. Practical strategies and methodologies for driving growth and efficiency in contingent workforce programs and staffing ventures.
  3. Insights into the latest trends and innovations in staffing, procurement, and talent acquisition, as led by female pioneers in the field.
  4. Actionable advice on how to implement successful practices in participants’ own businesses and workforce strategies.
  5. An understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusivity in leadership roles within the staffing and procurement sectors.

Audience Interaction:

To ensure that attendees can not only listen but also engage and learn how to apply the insights effectively, the session will include:

  • Panel Discussion: A diverse group of successful female entrepreneurs and enterprise procurement/talent acquisition leaders will share their experiences, followed by a Q&A segment where attendees can seek advice and perspectives.
  • Roundtable Dialogues: Post-panel, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in roundtable discussions, allowing for deeper conversation and networking. Each table will focus on specific aspects of staffing, procurement, or talent acquisition, encouraging participants to share challenges, strategies, and solutions from their own experiences.
  • Interactive Q&A: Throughout the session, we will use interactive tools to allow attendees to submit questions in real time, ensuring that the content remains relevant and directly applicable to the audience’s needs.
  • Action Plan Creation: Towards the conclusion, facilitators will guide attendees in outlining action plans that incorporate the session’s insights, enabling them to leave with concrete steps to apply to their businesses or contingent workforce programs.

This conference session is designed not just to inspire but to provide practical, actionable strategies that attendees can immediately implement. Join us for a dynamic exploration of female leadership and success in the staffing industry and beyond.

This session dives deep into how the distinctive traits commonly associated with women can be harnessed to revolutionize contingent workforce programs. This groundbreaking approach seeks to reshape our understanding of leadership and efficiency in workforce management, promoting a more inclusive and effective model.

 

Key Takeaways

  1. Understanding Female Leadership Traits: Gain insights into the unique leadership qualities often attributed to women – such as empathy, intuition, and collaboration – and how these can significantly impact project outcomes and team dynamics in a contingent workforce setting.
  2. Innovative Management Strategies: Learn about innovative strategies that tap into female leadership traits to manage a diverse and dynamic contingent workforce. This includes fostering an environment that prioritizes communication, nurturing professional growth, and promoting inclusivity.
  3. Tactics for Efficiency Improvement: Discover real-world tactics and strategies that utilize female traits to improve efficiency within contingent workforce programs. This includes examples of successful implementation and measurable outcomes that showcase the effectiveness of these approaches.
  4. Strategies for Implementation: Participants will walk away with a clear understanding of how to implement these strategies within their own organizations, including steps for initial assessment, integration tactics, and ongoing management practices to ensure success.
  5. Case Studies: Explore case studies and real-world examples that demonstrate the positive impact of leveraging female traits in enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of contingent workforce programs across various industries.

By attending this session, participants will be equipped with actionable insights and strategies to transform their approach to contingent workforce management, paving the way for more dynamic, inclusive, and efficient workforce programs.

Following the presentations from our distinguished panel of experts, attendees will have the opportunity to join roundtable discussions, focusing on these subtopics.

  • Recognizing Gendered Language: Learn how subtle language choices can perpetuate stereotypes and how to avoid them.
  • Inclusive Communication Strategies: Strategies for using gender-neutral language that includes and respects all employees.
  • Feedback Without Bias: Tips for giving constructive feedback that is free of gender biases and focuses on performance and behaviors.
  • Language of Empowerment: How to use language that empowers all employees, encouraging equality and contribution from everyone.
  • Handling Microaggressions: Identifying and effectively addressing microaggressions to create a respectful workplace environment.
  • Promoting Gender Equality Through Everyday Conversations: Practical advice on how everyday conversations can be opportunities to promote gender equality and inclusivity.
  • Allyship in Action: How to be an effective ally in the workplace, using language to support and uplift colleagues of all genders.
  • Creating Safe Spaces for Dialogue: Techniques for facilitating open discussions about gender and equality without alienating or offending members of the workforce.
  • Fostering a Culture of Transparency: Recognize the power of open communication and transparency in building trust and morale within your team.
  • Empowering Your Team: Learn effective ways to empower your team members, fostering an environment of growth, innovation, and accountability.
  • Strategic Decision-Making: Enhance your decision-making skills with a focus on long-term vision and the strategic goals of your organization
  • Navigating Workplace Dynamics: Strategies for managing and navigating the complexities of workplace dynamics and politics as a female leader.
  • Developing Leadership Presence: Cultivate a commanding leadership presence that reflects confidence, competence, and empathy.
  • Balancing Assertiveness and Approachability: Master the balance between being assertive in your decisions and approachable to your team members.
  • Mentorship and Sponsorship: The importance of finding and being a mentor or sponsor to support career growth both for yourself and others in your network.
  • Managing Conflict with Grace: Techniques for managing conflicts effectively, ensuring positive outcomes while maintaining professional relationships.
  • Leveraging Emotional Intelligence: Utilize emotional intelligence to lead more effectively, understanding and managing your own emotions and those of your team.
  • Building Resilience in Leadership: Strategies for building resilience to withstand the challenges and stresses inherent in leadership roles.
  • Negotiating as a Woman Leader: Tips for successful negotiation tactics that capitalize on unique strengths women bring to the leadership table.
  • Cultivating a Diverse and Inclusive Team: Practical advice on creating and leading a diverse team that respects and harnesses different perspectives for organizational success.

This session is designed to equip aspiring and established female managers with the tools and insights needed to lead with impact, navigate gender-related challenges, and drive positive change within their organizations.

November 7, 2024 @ 9:00 - 4:00 PM

VISION+WoW breakouts

Each breakout will have 20 minutes of experts sharing on a panel PLUS a plethora of questions and answers from the room.

Join us for a compelling session that brings to the forefront the experiences of female leaders who steer global contingent workforce programs. This discussion will provide a panoramic view of both the hurdles and openings these trailblazers encounter in a diversified market. Attendees will gain insights into:

a) Global Perspectives – Understanding the variances in cultural, legal, and operational challenges across different countries and how these leaders adapt and thrive.

b) Leadership Beyond Borders – Strategies for effective leadership and program management that transcend geographical limitations, with a focus on fostering inclusivity and diversity.

c) Opportunity Identification – Exploring how to leverage global trends and changes in the workforce landscape to identify and seize new opportunities for growth and impact.

This illuminating panel session will feature influential women at the helm of self-managed talent programs, sharing their ground-breaking journeys and the challenges they’ve faced along the way. Insights will focus on:

a) Navigating Challenges – An open dialogue on the hurdles encountered in leading self-managed talent initiatives, from gender biases to operational obstacles, and the strategies employed to overcome them.

b) Strategies for Success – Unveiling the tactics and resilience mechanisms that have propelled these women-led programs to success, despite the odds.

c) Inspiring Change – How these leaders are not just navigating but also altering the landscape for women in the contingent workforce, setting new precedents for empowerment and leadership.

We will explore how women in leadership positions are championing direct sourcing tools to access diverse talent pools, foster inclusivity, and promote equity in the contingent workforce.

This session highlights the influence of female leadership on supplier optimization and supply chain management. It offers insights into creating effective, inclusive negotiation strategies and building strong supplier relationships to achieve a sustainable and responsive supply chain. Featuring expert talks and success stories, participants will learn practical approaches for enhancing supplier collaboration, innovation in procurement, and cost-efficient practices without sacrificing quality or ethics. Discover how a woman’s perspective can drive supply chain efficiency to new heights.
Understand Your Worth: Learn to accurately assess and articulate your value in business dealings.

Strategic Preparation: Discover the importance of preparation and research in strengthening your negotiation stance.

Confident Communication: Master techniques to project confidence and assertiveness while maintaining positive relations.

Negotiate for the Win-Win: Strategies to find common ground and achieve outcomes that benefit all parties involved.

Overcoming Gender Biases: Practical advice on how to identify and navigate potential gender biases in negotiation scenarios.

Building Your Toolkit: Equip yourself with a versatile set of negotiation tools and techniques tailored for women in the business world.
Join us for an engaging and empowering workshop designed specifically for women in the contingent workforce. This session will guide attendees through the art of constructing and sharing their unique empowerment narratives within the business landscape. Participants will:

a) Discover Your Voice – Engage in activities that help identify your distinct strengths and how to assert them in a dominantly competitive field.

b) Storytelling for Impact – Learn the techniques of persuasive storytelling tailored to highlight women’s contributions and leadership in their respective areas.

c) Networking with Purpose – Gain insights into building meaningful connections that support and amplify the presence of female leaders in the business ecosystem.​

Highlighting how women are leading the development and implementation of AI solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in managing the contingent workforce.

Takeaways may include:

– Foster mentorship and sponsorship programs for underrepresented groups within the organization.
– Implement diverse hiring practices and create an inclusive workplace culture.
– Offer equal opportunities for career advancement and development for all employees.
– Engage in community outreach and support initiatives that benefit diverse populations.
– Regularly review and update diversity and inclusion strategies to ensure ongoing improvement

This insightful session zeroes in on the evolving dynamics of hybrid and remote work settings, with a particular focus on the traits that make such workforces successful. In a world where flexibility and digital connectivity have become cornerstones of productivity, understanding the key characteristics of effective hybrid and remote teams is essential.

 

Participants will uncover the critical importance of clear communication, robust digital infrastructure, and strong leadership in fostering a productive and engaged remote workforce.

 

The session will also tackle strategies for building trust and accountability without the physical oversight traditionally present in office environments. Through a combination of an expert-led panel and interactive roundtables featuring leaders who have excelled in creating high-performing remote teams, attendees will gain a comprehensive toolkit for optimizing their workforce in the digital age.

Small groups will dialogue on the following subtopics:

 

  • Actionable steps for maintaining team cohesion
  • Enhancing digital literacy among staff
  • Leveraging technology to bridge the physical distance that can challenge remote teams.
  • Identify risk mitigation strategies for remote workers
  • Learn what jobs can be broken down and distributed to part-time workers
  • View technologies to help manage remote workers

Equip yourself with the foresight and skills needed to lead your hybrid or remote team towards unprecedented success.

Discover key tactics employed by leading female suppliers in the contingent workforce to differentiate themselves and thrive in a competitive landscape.

November 7, 2024 @ 9:00 - 4:00 PM

VISION+WoW CW ROUNDTABLES

Collaborate with peers, clients and partners in the Contingent Workforce (CW)

Women Shaping the Future of Work in STEM: Envisioning how women’s contributions and leadership in STEM fields are shaping the future of work, driving innovation, and redefining success in the contingent workforce industry.

This session provides attendees with practical strategies for success; personal insights on breaking through obstacles; and advice on fostering an environment that supports the development of future female leaders. Discover a roadmap to guide upcoming generations to continue this upward trajectory.

Addressing the importance of gender diversity in management of the extended workforce and how increasing women’s representation can lead to more inclusive and innovative solutions in contingent workforce management.

Join this lively small group to identify the signs of burnout and specific tactics you can implement to set boundaries and vent to the right people 🙂

What does it mean to be authentic as a woman in the workforce?  Come prepared to share examples of working and living with authenticity.

Key Takeaways:

1. **Promoting Gender Equality in Leadership**: Understand the importance of gender diversity in leadership roles and how men can support women’s ascent to these positions through mentorship, advocacy, and equitable opportunities.

2. **Creating Inclusive Work Environments**: Learn strategies for men to help foster a workplace culture that values inclusivity, respects differences, and promotes equal participation for all genders.

3. **Supporting Work-Life Balance**: Discover how men can play a crucial role in advocating for policies and practices that support work-life balance, benefiting all employees and contributing to a more dynamic and productive workforce.

4. **Addressing Unconscious Bias**: Gain insights into identifying and challenging unconscious biases that may hinder women’s career progression, and learn how men can actively participate in creating a more equitable working environment.

5. **Collaborative Leadership Styles**: Explore the benefits of collaborative and empathetic leadership styles, often associated with female leaders, and how men adopting these approaches can enhance team dynamics, creativity, and overall business success.

Attendees will leave with a clear action plan on how men can actively support their female colleagues, helping to break down barriers and pave the way for a more inclusive and successful workplace.

Mentorship and Networking in Contingent Workforce Ecosystem. Discussing the importance of mentorship, networking, and peer support for women within the contingent workforce, fostering growth, and collaboration.

Explore the journey of transitioning from a pioneering “Gen-0” initiative to a fully optimized Extended Workforce Program, with a focus on empowering female leadership within this trajectory.

In today’s fast-evolving workplace, attracting, retaining, and developing female talent has become a critical challenge that organizations must effectively address to ensure diversity and innovation. This session dives deep into strategies for creating an inclusive work environment that not only attracts women but also supports their career advancement and personal growth. Participants will explore best practices for mentorship programs, work-life balance initiatives, and leadership development tailored specifically for women. Through engaging discussions and case studies, leaders will learn how to implement policies and practices that empower women, thereby enhancing their organization’s talent pool and fostering a culture of equality and respect.

Review different work arrangements and their benefits and costs

Setting boundaries, leveraging technology, self-care, effective planning and sometimes just saying no are some examples of how you can optimize your day.

Returning to the workforce after a hiatus can be a daunting transition for many women. This session is dedicated to equipping women with the strategies, confidence, and knowledge needed to make this transition as smooth and empowering as possible. Attendees will learn how to prepare for re-entry into their professional careers, including updating skill sets, leveraging networking for opportunities, and effectively presenting gaps in resumes. Furthermore, the session will provide guidance on what to say and what not to say during interviews and networking events, ensuring that returnees can communicate their value and readiness with confidence.

  • Resume Refresh: Tips on how to update your resume, highlighting new skills and experiences, even those gained during a break, to make it relevant and appealing to today’s employers.
  • Interview Prep: Strategies for handling questions about employment gaps with positivity, focusing on growth and learning during time away from the workforce.
  • Networking Navigations: Advice on how to re-establish and expand your professional network, utilizing both online platforms and in-person opportunities to reconnect with the industry.
  • Skill Set Enhancement: Identifying gaps in your skill set and finding resources for upskilling, whether through online courses, volunteering, or part-time roles.
  • The Dos and Don’ts of Communication: Navigating conversations with potential employers or networks, including how to assert your career goals, the importance of being honest yet strategic about your hiatus, and topics to avoid.
  • Mental Prep for the Workplace: Building mental resilience and confidence, preparing for the cultural shifts in today’s dynamic work environments, and managing work-life balance challenges.

By the end of this session, participants will have a comprehensive plan for their return to work, armed with the necessary tools to communicate their value effectively, overcome common challenges faced by returning women, and seize new opportunities with confidence and clarity.

In today’s fast-evolving workplace, attracting, retaining, and developing female talent has become a critical challenge that organizations must effectively address to ensure diversity and innovation. This session dives deep into strategies for creating an inclusive work environment that not only attracts women but also supports their career advancement and personal growth. Participants will explore best practices for mentorship programs, work-life balance initiatives, and leadership development tailored specifically for women. Through engaging discussions and case studies, leaders will learn how to implement policies and practices that empower women, thereby enhancing their organization’s talent pool and fostering a culture of equality and respect.

Review different work arrangements and their benefits and costs

Whether you are self-managed or with an MSP you are growing by leaps and bounds.

Join us if you are new to MSP/VMS

You are on your 2nd VMS and/or MSP

You are moving on up and have lots to share!

Collaborate with other CW leaders who are acquiring and managing contingent labor in the Asia Pacific region.

Collaborate with other CW leaders who are acquiring and managing contingent labor in the European region.

Collaborate with other CW leaders who are acquiring and managing contingent labor in the UK.

Collaborate with other CW leaders who are acquiring and managing contingent labor in Canada.

Collaborate with other CW leaders who are acquiring and managing contingent labor in the Latin American region.

Collaborate with other CW leaders who are acquiring and managing contingent labor in Africa.

What’s new in legislation on contingent workers?

Rogue spend be gone!

How do we get those pesky hiring managers and execs to take this program seriously?

November 7, 2024 @ 5:00 - 10:00PM+

WoW AWARDS GALA DINNER + DANCING

Celebrate the achievements of your peers, partners and clients

November 7, 2024

tech pavilion showcases + exhibits

View showcases and demos with technology partners in the Contingent Workforce (CW)

direct sourcing

View the latest and greatest in self-sourcing candidates with an all-in-one technology.

LEARN MORE >

next gen vms

What does a next gen VMS actually look like?
LEARN MORE >

verification

Are you candidates who they really claim they are?

LEARN MORE >

ic/compliance

Protect your assets and leverage the best talent there is.

LEARN MORE >
When nominating someone, consider their influence on promoting diversity, innovation, and mentorship as well as their career and personal achievements.
jeannine parise
Founder of ClubVMSA + WoW

Benefits of Being Nominated

Recognition

Build trust & credibility and showcase your achievements

Elevation

Elevate your profile among clients, peers and partners

50% off VIP

Grab a VIP Pass to the Conference + Gala at 1/2 price

35% off Table

Share your good fortune with 9 clients and colleagues

Client Testimonials

“A testimonial from a client who benefited from your product or service. Testimonials can be a highly effective way of establishing credibility and increasing your company's reputation.”
Client Name
“A testimonial from a client who benefited from your product or service. Testimonials can be a highly effective way of establishing credibility and increasing your company's reputation.”
Client Name
“A testimonial from a client who benefited from your product or service. Testimonials can be a highly effective way of establishing credibility and increasing your company's reputation.”
Client Name

Nominate a Woman of Work Today

Do you know a powerful woman?  Someone who has made an impact within the Contingent Workforce space?  An Enterprise?  MSP?  A Woman within the Supplier community or a Technology leader?  If so, now is the time to NOMINATE them for the Top 100+ List and In-person Award ceremony at this year’s Conference + Gala on Nov 7, 2024.

Submit a nomination

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