2019 is here and as we’re planning our calendar for the year, we thought that you should get a look at what the year looks like and what amazing conferences we have coming up. We’re trying to get you into the best and most coveted conferences for women in 2019, so check them out, get your tickets, and let’s meet there.
We’d like to mention our own conference aptly called THE SEEchange -From Diversity & Equality to Innovation & Prosperity, taking place May 22nd, in Houston, Texas. It’s a conference dedicated to bringing equality and diversity to the executive and decision-making levels within medium to large organizations, because as we already know from so many studies: “Women continue to be vastly underrepresented at every level. For women of color, it’s even worse. Only about one in five senior leaders is a woman, and one in twenty-five is a woman of color.” – LeanIn and McKinsey 2018 Women in the Workplace report.
We also know that:
“Gender diversity is correlated with both profitability and value creation” – McKinsey report*.
“Inclusive cultures result in a 31% increase in responsiveness to customer needs, which allows organizations to better support and attract new markets and consumer segments.” – Blue Wolf Capital Report, 2018
The benefits of diversity are proven: new ideas, better results, and happier employees. Be part of the movement that will bring on the $12 Trillion Dollar increase to our GDP. Stay relevant, gain corporate longevity and increase revenues by simply spending the day with us. Come join us on May 22nd, in Houston for the day that’ll change your life.
JANUARY
Girls’ Lounge from Female Quotient at – CES – Jan. 7 – 9 – Las Vegas, Nevada
The Female Quotient is committed to advancing equality in the workplace through collaboration, activating solutions for change and creating measurements for accountability.
– CES – Jan. 6 – 9 – is the world’s gathering place for all those who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. It has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for 50 years — the global stage where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace.
Girls’ Lounge from Female Quotient at – NRF Big Show – Jan. 13 – 15 – New York, New York
The Female Quotient is committed to advancing equality in the workplace through collaboration, activating solutions for change and creating measurements for accountability.
– NRF Big Show: – National Retail Federation’s Big Show – Jan. 13 – 15 – It’s more than a conference. It’s a community filled with the largest global audience and exhibitor base that could only come from NRF.
4th Industrial Revolution – World Economic Forum – Jan. 22 – 25 – Davos, Switzerland
The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting is the only yearly gathering that brings together leaders of the global society. The heads and members of more than 100 governments, top executives of the 1,000 foremost global companies, leaders of international organizations and relevant non-governmental organizations, the most prominent cultural, societal and thought leaders, and the disruptive voices of the Forum’s Young Global Leaders, Global Shapers and Technology Pioneers come together at the beginning of each year to define priorities and shape global, industry and regional agendas. The first MUST conference for the year! #WEF
The Equality Lounge – by Female Quotient – at WEF – Jan. 22 – 25 – Davos, Switzerland
The Female Quotient is committed to advancing equality in the workplace through collaboration, activating solutions for change and creating measurements for accountability.
For the World Economic Forum conference description, see above.
Women in AI Dinner – Re•Work – Jan. 22 – San Francisco, California
An evening of discussions & networking around the progress and application of artificial intelligence. #reworkAI
RE•WORK Deep Learning Summit – Jan. 24 – 26 – San Francisco, California
Preparing your organization and customer base for a digitally enhanced future #reworkDL
Our readers get 20% off all Re•Work Summits with this code: TBM4W20
#BLOGHER Health – Jan. 24 – 25 – Los Angeles, California
Join us on January 24th and 25th for a day and a half of health and wellness-focused programming and experiences. BlogHer Health will include brand activations, networking opportunities, next-level learnings in digital content creation and marketing, and as always, inspirational keynotes. Join us for this unique wellness experience in the biggest hub for health and wellness, LA.
FEBRUARY
The MAKERS Conference – Feb. 6 – 8 – Southern California
Every year, MAKERS gathers more than 600 innovative leaders for The MAKERS Conference, a three-day global event that sets the agenda for advancing women in the workplace. Past speakers include Gloria Steinem, Octavia Spencer, Natalie Portman, Jill Soloway, Cecile Richards, Priscilla Chan, Eva Longoria, Russell Wilson, America Ferrera, Sheryl Sandberg, Sherrilyn Ifill, astronauts Cady Coleman and Leland Melvin, 97-year-old park ranger Betty Reid Soskin, and Little League’s first girl Maria Pepe, and more.
25 Influential Women In Energy – Women In Energy Luncheon – Feb. 12 – Houston, Texas
Celebrate women who have risen to the top of their professions and achieved outstanding success in the oil and gas industry. Last year’s luncheon brought together over 650 industry professionals, including executives from companies like Statoil, PinkPetro, Occidental Petroleum and Devon Energy.
Startup Grind – Global Conference – Feb. 12 – 13 – Silicon Valley, California
The Startup Grind Global Conference provides an environment unlike anything else – where our community of startups, partners, investors, thought leaders, and worldwide directors come together for 2+ days of invaluable education, connection, and inspiration. We will take over the streets of Redwood City, stamped in the middle of Silicon Valley, surrounded by tech giants and startups alike.
Power Rising 2019 – Feb. 21 – 24 – New Orleans, Louisiana
THE POWER RISING SUMMIT provides a space for Black women, from coast to coast, to come together as one. We will leverage our collective wisdom to develop strategic, actionable ways to build and maximize our economic and political power—for the betterment of ourselves, our families, our communities, and our future.
Watermark Conference for Women– Feb. 22 – Silicon Valley, California
The Watermark Conference for Women offers inspiration, motivation, networking, personal & professional development, and community. Among the featured speakers: Dr. Brené Brown, Serena Williams, Gloria Steinem
Women4Tech – Mobile World Congress – #MWC19 – Feb. 25 – 28 – Barcelona, Spain
Women4Tech offers four days of in-depth analysis and valuable insights transforming industry success through gender diversity. Back for its 3rd year, Women4Tech focuses on the transformational value diversity brings to corporate culture, enhancing the performance of our organizations and improving the lives of the communities we serve.
Great Place To Work FOR ALL – Feb. 26 – 28 – San Francisco, California
The Great Place to Work® For All™ Summit is a three-day gathering where you can discover innovative people practices among a community of more than 1,000 workplace and business leaders from over 500 organizations around the world. Why Attend: Attend because you will learn from Great Place to Work experts and catalysts across nationally-recognized Best Workplaces, including the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For®. You’ll listen first-hand to how these award-winning organizations create and champion high-trust cultures.
MARCH
SXSW – Mar. 8 –17 – Austin, Texas
South By Southwest dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. An essential destination for global professionals, the event features sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together. Join us March 8-17 in Austin, Texas for SXSW 2019 and be a part of one of the most diverse, collaborative, and inventive communities in the world. This is one of the MUST DO conferences for the year!
Women in AI Dinner – Re•Work – Mar. 19 – London, United Kingdom
An evening of discussions & networking around the progress and application of artificial intelligence. #reworkAI
APRIL
Women in the World Summit– Apr. 10 – 12 – New York, New York
Companies are faced with disruption more and more today. From new competitors coming onto the market and starting to carve out a nice chunk of your market share for themselves, to your top talent leaving to the newer, more flexible, nimble, more adaptable and more inclusive companies, to you seeing stagnation in your innovation team, to your, let’s be honest, impending dethronement as the industry leader.
Global Women in Leadership Summit– Apr. 11- 12 – New York, New York
Women in Leadership Summit gives you an opportunity to connect with decision makers from diverse industries around the world. This full 2-day Summit of inspirational speakers, self-discovery and skill-building, group discussions and action planning is a unique opportunity for all Women in Leadership to come together to learn, grow and explore.
Invest in Women– Apr. 29 – May 1 – Atlanta, Georgia
Invest In Women 2019 is the leading forum nationwide to explore, discuss and learn about issues that are meaningful for women financial advisors and female clients. Both male and female advisors are invited to this event that promises insight and networking to help practices grow.
MAY
Circular Summit– May 9 – 10 – Santa Rosa, California
Role Breakers – Change Makers – Join three hundred exceptional women entrepreneurs, investors, members of the media, policymakers, experts and partners in Santa Rosa, California, to share ideas, experiences and knowledge to help grow your business. Imagine two days packed with one-on-ones with women entrepreneurs who have walked in your shoes, round tables with leading investors, and workshops that prepare you to take on the world. Then think bigger.
Yellow Conference – May 10 –Brooklyn, New York
A gathering for entrepreneurial-minded women who are using their gifts, skills and talents to make the world a better place. Join us for our very first East Coast event where we will be exploring what it looks like to “create meaningful work”. We will be diving into the idea of work not being a career, but how we find and create meaning in this world. How can we create meaningful work in the world for good and encourage others around us to use their work for good? How can we use what we have to spread more love, kindness and goodness during these difficult times? We can’t wait to dive in.
Women’s Leadership Conference ICAN ADAPT – May 15 – Omaha, Nebraska
ICAN’s (Institute for Career Advancement Needs) annual Women’s Leadership Conference – Just as quickly as technology changes, you won’t be the same leader at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, as you will be at 4 p.m. that same day. Prepare to adapt at the 26th Annual ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference. We’ll explore how adapting is pivotal to leadership in the digital age and how those who stay human will stay relevant in business and society.
Women in AI Dinner – Re•Work – May. 21 – Boston, Massachusetts
An evening of discussions & networking around the progress and application of artificial intelligence. #reworkAI
The SEEchange – From Diversity & Equality to Innovation & Prosperity – The Business Magazine for Women – May 22 – Houston, Texas
SEE the change. BE the change. LEAD the change – Companies are not prepared to handle the disruption juggernaut led by emerging technologies like electric transport, automation, IoT, AI, and Big Data. They cannot see nor do they have the strategies in place to absorb these new technologies and retain their market leadership. The SEEchange Conference will highlight speakers who have led their organizations through disruptive industry changes. They will discuss strategies that helped them get ahead of the disruption and thrive. At The SEEchange Conference, industry leaders will be able to bring to light a new economic environment where their companies can financially benefit from and thrive past digital disruption, by deploying a diverse workforce. This new economic vision will generate an additional $12 Trillion US Dollars to our GDP. Join us today.
This is our own conference and we’re excited to invite you all to join us. REGISTER HERE
JUNE
CoinsBank Blockchain Cruise – Jun. 9 -13 – Starts in Barcelona, Spain – Cruise
Not your typical women’s conference, but blockchain and the cryptocurrency industry is seeing the emergence of women’s interests and involvement. Last year they’ve had a Women in Blockchain discussion panel with some of the female experts. This year, that’s not on the schedule. Yet.
MJ Biz Con NEXT – Jun. 12 – 14 – New Orleans
This is a #cannabis business conference, and it’s worth checking out. The main reason being that women are the fastest growing segment in this cannabis industry. Women are numerous in this industry, and are successful as they’re starting cannabis businesses all over the country! Yes, this is a must!
NEW! Introducing the Hemp Industry Daily Conference at MJBizConNEXT. This separately ticketed, simultaneous event will also be taking place at the Ernest N Morial Convention Center, June 12-14, 2019.
New Rules Summit – The New York Times – June 12 – 14, Brooklyn, NYC
The New York Times is calling on diverse leaders from across business, politics and culture to create a boldly inclusive vision of the workplace— and transform it into reality. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists at the forefront of the gender and equality conversation, the conference will invite attendees to propose concrete solutions and publish the results in a special section. This year’s speaker lineup includes Prof. Anita Hill, Susan Zirinsky, Pres. CBS News, Glenda Jackson, Actor and former member of the British Parliament.
PeP con – Jun. 12 – 13 – Seattle, Washington
Print + Digital Publishing + the Future of Design – Meet the world’s top publishing experts, Adobe engineers, and developers at the 10th annual PePcon — June 12–13, 2019, in Seattle. This year, rethink your publishing strategy, learn how to bridge the print-to-digital gap, and find answers and valuable insight on PDF, EPUB, Print + Tablet, HTML5, inDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator.
Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity – June 17 – 21 – Cannes, France
Since its first outing in 1954, the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has been bringing the creative communications industry together every year at its one-of-a-kind event in Cannes to learn, network and celebrate. Together with the #WEF and #SXSW, this is the 3rd massively important conference for the year.
Forbes’ Women’s Summit– Jun. 18 -19 – New York, NYC
Forbes Women’s Summit celebrates the doers and the doing; a source of inspiration and support that connects and empowers women around the world, helping them to realize their potential and reach new heights. Featuring keynote conversations, panel discussions, one-on-one interviews and interstitial spotlights, the Forbes Women’s Summit brings together the voices and insights of a diverse range of female luminaries from the worlds of business, entertainment and politics. Among the speakers: U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Elaine L. Chao, Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi, NEST CTO, Yoky Matsouka, and Arianna Huffington, Victoria Beckham, and more.
Women in AI Dinner – Re•Work – Jun. 18 – San Francisco, California
An evening of discussions & networking around the progress and application of artificial intelligence. #reworkAI
AI for Good – Re•Work – Jun. 20 – 21 – San Francisco, California
Applying artificial intelligence to benefit society and tackle global challenges such as the environment, education, healthcare and sustainability. Our readers get 20% off all Re•Work Summits with this code: TBM4W20
Women In Business Expo 2019– Jun. 21 – Birmingham, United Kingdom
The Expo brings together women from all industries, professional, corporate backgrounds, providing a platform to showcase successful women businesses, celebrating achievements and giving out a strong message ‘that anything is possible, achievable in business with the right mindset, access to business experts and working around the challenges within traditional business structures.’
CryptoValley Conference – Jun. 24 – 26 – Zug, Switzerland
If you’re in Switzerland in late June, this a not-to-miss conference. By now, you know that blockchain is not just about cryptocurrency and that it’s becoming a necessity in about all other industries, outside of fintech. Come explore the future, today, especially as a woman in blockchain!
Setting the Foundation for the Future of Blockchain – With speakers from IBM, Dfinity, Bitcoin Core, ChainSecurity, LiquidityNetwork, Bank of England, World Trade Organisation, EU Commission, Stellar, Parity, Binance and many more the Conference will once again bring worldwide attention to the Crypto Valley and the Swiss blockchain ecosystem.
Join us. We’ve secured a discount code for our readers. Please use this code for CVC-TBM4W for a 90 CHF discount.
JULY
N.O.W. Conference– July 19 – Bloomington, MN
National Organization for Women 2019 conference’s theme is Feminist Agenda Rising: Our Time is Now
AUGUST
eWomen Network – Entrepreneur Conference & Expo – Aug. 1 – 3 – Dallas, Texas
We are a network of over 500,000 women connected through 118 chapters across North America. We are dedicated to helping one million fulfilled women achieve one million in annual revenue. CNN recognizes the eWomenNetwork Foundation as an American Hero as a result of our philanthropic outreach to those in need.
Yellow Conference – Aug 22 -23 – Los Angeles, California
A gathering for creative women who are making an impact and using their gifts, skills, and talents to serve the greater good.
SEPTEMBER
Content Marketing World– Sept 3 – 6 – Cleaveland, OH
Content Marketing World is the one event where you can learn and network with the best and the brightest in the content marketing industry. You will leave with all the materials you need to take a content marketing strategy back to your team – and – to implement a content marketing plan that will grow your business and inspire your audience.
Women in AI Dinner – Re•Work – Sept. 3 – New York, New York
An evening of discussions & networking around the progress and application of artificial intelligence. #reworkAI
Women in Digital National Conference – Sept. 18 – 20 – Columbus, OH
Our conference is unlike any other within our industry. Together we aim to change our industry, one woman (and ally) at a time. This will be our 4th year of gathering women from across the country who practice within the digital advertising, creative, marketing or communications fields. Your ticket includes one full day of main stage talks addressing the most pressing trends within the digital industry, delivered by women leading those innovations. We’ll also address where we as a collective stand today as women within our everchanging professional and personal landscape. This is the conference where it all begins.
Leadership Summit– Network of Executive Women – No Dates Announced Yet
The NEW Leadership Summit 2018 is the top women’s leadership event for the retail, consumer goods, financial services and tech industries — and three of the most rewarding days you’ll spend all year. The Summit offers real-world career building, world-class keynotes, our annual awards gala and luncheon, and sessions that will help you amplify your impact and advance gender equality in your organization.
BullCon– No Dates Announced Yet
A career conference for feminists who want to make the world and the workplace better.
Forbes – Under 30 Summit – No Dates Announced Yet
The Under 30 Summit is an open forum for Under 30 listmakers—past, present and future—to take the stage and share their stories.
OCTOBER
Grace Hopper Celebration– Oct. 2 – 4 – Orlando, Florida
The Grace Hopper Celebration is the world’s largest gathering of women technologists. It is produced by AnitaB.org and presented in partnership with ACM. This is a must-go-to conference!
Tech Crunch Disrupt– Oct. 2 – 4 – San Francisco, CA
Disrupt is the original tech startup conference. An authority on game-changing technologies and revolutionary innovation, at Disrupt we’ve kept the old-school scrappy Silicon Valley spirit alive – we never forget where we came from. Whether you’re an industry leader, investor, developer or founder, we’re all startuppers here. Connect, be inspired, discover and create – right here in San Francisco, where startup dreams started.
Pennsylvania Conference for Women– Oct 2, Philadelphia, PA
The Pennsylvania Conference for Women offers inspiration, motivation, networking, personal & professional development, and community. Among this past year’s keynote speakers were Serena Williams, Amal Clooney, Samantha Berry of Glamour, Michael Chamberlain of Men Advocating Real Change community.
Women in AI Dinner – Re•Work – Oct. 22 – Montreal, Canada
An evening of discussions & networking around the progress and application of artificial intelligence. #reworkAI
Fortune’s Most Powerful Women – No Dates Announced Yet
2017 participants included CEOs Mary Barra, Shelley Broader, Michele Buck, Wendy Clark, Mary Dillon, Cathy Engelbert, Adena Friedman, and many other illustrious women.
S.H.E. Summit – No Dates Announced Yet
Some of the featured speakers from last year: Sophia Bush, Tony Porter, Gretchen Carlson, Matt McGorry, Sallie Krawcheck, Dr. Shefali, Kelly Clarkson, Samantha Power. The summit is described as: Personal and professional transformation for change-agents invested in gender equality.
Texas Conference for Women – Oct. 24 – Austin, Texas
The Texas Conference for Women offers inspiration, motivation, networking, personal & professional development, and community. Last year’s keynotes were: Dr. Brené Brown, Reese Witherspoon, Tiffany Aliche, Lauren Smith Brody, Martie Haselton, Sally Helgesen, and so many more amazing women in business, tech, leadership.
NOVEMBER
Microsoft Ignite– Nov. 4 – 8 – Orlando, Florida
Create your ultimate tech conference. Get the latest insights and skills from technology leaders and practitioners shaping the future of cloud, data, business intelligence, teamwork, and productivity. Immerse yourself with the latest tools, tech, and experiences that matter, and hear the latest updates and ideas directly from the experts.
3% Conference – No Dates Announced Yet
Until The 3% Movement came along, only 3% of all U.S. Creative Directors were women. In a world where women influence upwards of 80% of consumer spending and 60% of social media sharing, this is business suicide. Through a mix of content, community and professional development, we’ve helped raise the number of female CDs to 11% while giving agencies a clear road map of ways to champion female creative talent and leadership. Men and women from the worlds of advertising, marketing, PR, tech, nonprofits, and more. who have brought change to their industries are coming together to bring you two days of inspirational keynotes, themed masterclasses, informative panels, and networking.
TED Women – No Dates Announced Yet
The time for silent acceptance of the status quo is over. Women around the world are taking matters into their own hands, showing up for each other and themselves to shape the future we all want to see. TEDWomen brings together a global community of people interested in exploring how change begins: with innovative thinkers who catalyze ideas toward action. Over the past few years, TEDWomen and TEDxWomen have launched some powerful ideas into the world.
DECEMBER
Massachusetts Conference for Women – Dec 11 – 12, Boston, Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Conference for Women provides one full day of connection, motivation, networking, inspiration and skill building for thousands of women each year. Since the first Conference in 2005, this annual event has grown to a sold-out crowd of more than 10,000 attendees and impacts thousands of lives. Dozens of expert speakers lead workshops and seminars on the issues that matter most to women, including personal finance, business and entrepreneurship, health, work/life balance and more. The Conference offers incredible opportunities for business networking, professional development and personal growth. Among the 2018 speakers, check out Elizabeth Gilbert, Maysoon Zayid, Amal Clooney, and Shawn Achor. #masswomen
Art Basel Miami – Dec 5 – 8, Miami Beach, Florida
In our American show, leading galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa show significant work from the masters of Modern and contemporary art, as well as the new generation of emerging stars. Paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, films, and editioned works of the highest quality are on display in the main exhibition hall. We’re very excited to showcase the upcoming and established #femaleartists.
As the year progresses, we’ll keep updating this list with more not to miss conferences for women in 2019. Stay tuned, and sign up for our newsletter for coverage from the events and articles from women in business, women in tech, women in STEM, women in sports, women in politics, women in culture. We’re all one, and we’re all in this together. Have a great 2019!
Feel like we’re missing an important conference that features amazing women? Send us an email at editor@thebusinessmagazineforwomen.com and we’ll add it to this ever-growing list.
This article was first published on January 2nd, 2019.
Latest update: March 6th, 2019.
Resources:
*LeanIn and McKinsey Women in The Workplace report link
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