WithIt—Women in The Home Furnishings Industry Today—will hold its annual professional conference June 10-12 at the Westin Poinsett Hotel in Greenville, South Carolina.
Titled “Transformative Thinking for Dynamic Leadership,” the conference will feature marketing and leadership expert Portia Mount. A TEDx speaker and co-author of “Kick Some Glass: Ten Ways Women Succeed at Work on Their Own Terms,” Mount promises to energize attendees with interactive discussions and practical exercises that will explore core values, uncover unique strengths and define professional aspirations, according to a news release.
“This year’s event promises to be an exceptional opportunity for industry professionals to gain valuable insights, refine their skills, and develop meaningful connections within our industry,” said Amy Van Dorp, executive director of WithIt. “Our program offers a unique platform for professionals to learn from top experts, develop critical skills and expand their networks. Portia’s keynote, ‘From Purpose to Impact,’ will offer attendees strategies to align personal values with professional aspirations, fostering growth and empowerment within our industry. The conference is a pivotal opportunity for women to thrive, connect and lead in our ever-changing world of home furnishings.”
The two-day program offers industry professionals — at all stages of their careers — the opportunity to learn from experts, develop skills and network with industry peers.
The event offers three preconference workshops: “Transforming Your Business with EOS —Entrepreneurial Operating System,” featuring Brandon Blell, professional EOS implementer; “Getting to the C-Suite — Strategic Decision Making,” featuring Shelia Butler from Jola Interactive; and “Meeting of the Minds” an Emergenetics Workshop, with Shannon Williams from the Home Furnishings Association.
Day one of the conference includes a welcome breakfast followed by Mount’s 75-minute presentation which will draw upon her extensive expertise as a C-suite executive and executive coach to guide attendees through a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies to align personal values with professional goals, propelling attendees towards greater success and fulfillment in their career.
After lunch and an opportunity for professional headshots, the conference continues with three workshops including: “Exploring Dynamic Mentorship,” led by Butler; “Sustainability & Transformative Thinking,” led by Jenny Tinsley from Culp Inc.; and “Tools to Transform the Workplace” led by Bree Cassidy from Howard Elliott. A networking reception and dinner will follow.
Day two features Micah Ray from D4 Concepts speaking on “The Communication Code: Unlock Every Relationship One Conversation at a Time.” Ray started his career managing the family business before going to Liberty Hardware where he held positions as director of IT, director of supply chain, senior director of product development and innovation champion on the company’s path to $200 million in revenue. Since starting D4 Concepts, Ray has helped clients improve their communication and leadership skills at every organization level.
The WithIt 2024 annual conference is sponsored by companies that believe that the education and development of women builds the C-suite pipeline, including Tempur Sealy, Manwah, La-Z-Boy, J.B. Hunt Final Mile, Synchrony, THS Creative, Universal Home, Jola, Kuka Home, Dallas Market Center and Havertys. For additional sponsorship opportunities, contact Cathy Smith, WithIt’s development director, at devdirector@withit.org.
Check out last year’s conference at WithIt Hosts Annual Professional Development Conference.
