Executive Women's Network and National Association for Female Executive (NAFE) Announce Lineup for National Women's Conference

New York, NY, December 10, 2006 --(PR.com)-- Executive Women’s Network, (EWN), a division of Digest Trade Show Management, headquartered in Medford, NJ, a leading producer of conference and tradeshow events, today announced the exciting lineup for the Executive Women Leading the Way National Conference scheduled for January 24-26, 2007. Hosted by EWN and presented in collaboration with the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE), the nation’s largest women’s business association, the event will take place at the #1 Ritz Carlton in the country, Laguna Niguel, California.

The event designed for both female entrepreneurs and corporate executives is a collaboration between EWN and NAFE and celebrates NAFE’s 35th anniversary. It is open to the public, but limited to the first 1,000 registrants. To view a complete schedule of events or to register, please visit www.ExecutiveWomensNetwork.org or www.nafe.com or call 888-546-6344, #251.

Sponsors for the 2007 conference include American Airlines, IBM and Mass Mutual.

Rosario Marin, former Treasurer of the United States and current Secretary of State and Consumer Services Agency for the State of California, a featured keynote presenter will discuss small business contracting with the state of California and the important and critical role of women in business today.

Also, Special Guest, Carson Kressley, Celebrity Personality/Stylist and Star of Queer Eye For The Straight Guy—will help attendees “Rev Up their Images” in a fun and interactive session…in true Carson style.

Additional featured speakers include:
• Karen Burgess, Development Specialist, Small Business Administration
• Colette Carlson, M.A., Colette Carlson Communications
• Veronica De La Garza, Editorial Director, LATINA Style Magazine
• Maria de Lourdes Sobrino, CEO, Lulu’s Dessert® Corporation
• Lisa Druxman, Founder and CEO, Stroller Strides
• Carol Evans, Founder and CEO, Working Mother Media
• Joi Gordon, Chief Executive Officer, Dress For Success Worldwide
• Julia Hubbel, President, The Hubbel Group, WBEC Advocate of the Year
• Dianne Legro, Flow Motion Master, Professional Coach and Speaker
• Rieva Lesonsky, Editorial Director, Entrepreneur Magazine
• Nell Merlino, Founder and CEO, Count Me In
• Andrea Nierenberg, President, The Nierenberg Group and Author of Million Dollar Networking
• Bonnie Nijst, President and CEO, Zeesman Communications
• Sue Parks, CEO, WalkStyles, Inc.
• Mona Lisa Placey, Editor at Large, Professional Woman’s Magazine
• Dr. Betty Spence, President, the National Association For Female Executives (NAFE)
• Linda Tischler, Senior Writer, Fast Company Magazine
• Quinn Tran, CEO, GlobAll Connect
• Lisa Shevy, President and CEO, Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (affiliate of WBENC)
• Debra Valle, President, Marketing U, Inc. (WPO Facilitator)

The California launch of EQUAL VOICE kicks off the conference January 24 with a Women for Women Forum: Where the Public and Private Sectors Intersect, where attendees meet four local women leaders—two from the public sector and two business women—and discuss local and national issues critical to business growth, security, health, and families. Speakers include Renee Fraser, Ph.D., President & CEO, Fraser Communications, of Santa Monica, CA, and Marilyn Johnson, Vice President, Market Development at IBM, along with two women from the public sector. EQUAL VOICE is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational organization committed to challenging stereotypes about women leaders with the goal of increasing the female voice in leadership. Sponsored by IBM

Early Bird registration for the three-day conference is $449 per person through January 5 and $549 thereafter. The rate also includes a complimentary one-year membership to NAFE.

Additionally, a special rate of $399 is available for current members in good standing through January 5 for:

• The National Association for Female Executives (NAFE)
• The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
• Women’s National Enterprise Business Council (WBENC) and all affiliates
• Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO)

“We are thrilled to partner with NAFE, a world class women’s business association and the largest in the country, in presenting a premier conference for women in business,” said Kimberly Renee, Executive Vice President of Marketing for EWN and Digest Trade Show Management.

“Through 15 cutting-edge, motivational and content-rich keynote presentations, business sessions, tailored break outs and revolutionary networking sessions, women will acquire the knowledge, tools and education they need to rise to the next level both professionally and personally,” noted Renee.

Five general business sessions for all attendees will be offered and address the following topics of interest to women in business:

• A View From the Top: Successful Female CEOs and How They Made It!
This panel will feature female chief executives who have not only achieved success, but are paving the way for other women. Their real-life advice will help other women to achieve profitability, brand recognition and customer loyalty in today’s global economy.

• Million Dollar Networking: Queen of Networking Shares Her Secrets
Networking is so much more than attending events and handing out business cards. Andrea Nierenberg, known as the “Queen of Networking,” and author of Million Dollar Networking will share lessons on building business through networking.

• Your Brand: Building and Sustaining Your Most Important Asset
Branding your product and yourself are critical to success in business. This panel of successful market-share leaders will offer a hands-on approach to brand creation and brand management.

• This is How We Do it: Balance, Work, Relationships and Family
Work/life balance is no longer an option – it’s a mandate for all women with careers beyond parenting or marriage. Simultaneous multitasking on the home front and in the business arena is the special challenge that women face in the workplace. Hear from a panel of successful women who have achieved all of this – yet understand the importance of maintaining balance in their lives without compromising their businesses or family.

• Women Media Gurus: A Conversation With Leading Journalists
How do you develop a relationship with a journalist – is it who you know, or the story you have to tell? National leading journalists will share their tips and pet peeves on what gets their attention and what story ideas are hot. This panel will teach women in business how to work with the media once you have their ear.

Break out sessions tailored to corporate female executives and entrepreneurs will include:

• “Certifying Your Business: Securing Fortune 500 Clients and Government Business” (Entrepreneur) moderated by the Small Business Administration and the Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West.

• “Giving Back Is Good For Business: Philanthropy and Social Responsibility” (Corporate) featuring panelists from Dress for Success Worldwide and leading companies recognized for their philanthropic programs.

• “Make Mine a $Million Business®” (Entrepreneur) a program spearheaded by Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence and Founding Partner OPEN from American Express. It is the only national initiative committed to the growth needs of post-start-up, women-owned businesses with less than $1 million in annual revenues. The session will be moderated by Count Me In’s Founder and CEO, Nell Merlino. (www.makemineamillion.org)

• “Fast Track Your Career” (Corporate) moderated by Dr. Betty Spence joined by authors Lois Frankel (Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office and soon-to-be-published See Jane Lead), Carol Frohlinger (co-author of Her Place at the Table) ) will teach women how to move their career forward starting today, how to make all the smart moves -- and achieve career success.

In order to support philanthropy and social responsibility that promotes the advancement of women, the conference will feature a silent auction and fashion accessory donations will be accepted including handbags and scarves. The auction will benefit the event’s charitable partner, Dress For Success (www.dressforsuccess.org), which celebrates its 10-year anniversary in 2007.

The conference includes an EXPO with over 40 exhibitor booths that allow vendors to speak one-on-one with attendees, as well as to share various product and service offerings. Also, women will have the opportunity to kick off their shoes, network and experience an “Over The Top” Chocolate Ecstasy event sponsored by Mass Mutual. In addition, every attendee will receive an awards style “SWAG Bag” featuring some of today’s hottest items for women including chocolate, business and skin care products, fashion accessories and much more.

American Airlines, the official airline sponsor, is offering a discounted rate for air travel; the code is A0117AO. Also a special rate of $275 per night is being offered at the Ritz Carlton with limited availability. The group reservation code, DTSDTSA, must be provided at time of reservation online http://www.ritzcarlton.com/resorts/laguna_niguel/reservations/default.asp
or by calling 949-240-2000.

Media sponsors for the event include: Black EOE Journal, Enterprising Women Magazine, LATINA Style Magazine, Hispanic Network Magazine, Professional Woman’s Magazine, and Woman’s Newspapers. Some of the featured SWAG Bag sponsors include Yes To Carrots (www.yes-to-carrots.com) a new skin care and beauty line featured exclusively on www.Walgreens.com; and Sweet Beauty Spa (www.sweetbeautyspa.com) and many more.

Lauren E. Garvey
Executive Women’s Network
609-296-3778/201-566-4972

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