Today I attend my first McCombs Women in Business Leadership Conference. It certainly won't be my last.

This event is a annual event with breakout sessions, keynote speakers, and networking, all for the hefty price of $0.  The basic setup is a breakfast with a keynote speaker, two breakout sessions, lunch with another speaker, an afternoon breakout session, and a networking reception.  The breakout sessions feature panelists who each speak briefly then answer questions from the audience.  It's informal, and works very well.

What's really great about this event is that it's planned by students at the UT McCombs School of Business, and through sponsorship, they can offer it free for attendees.  It was well attended, but it's not overly advertised, so it's a bit of a well-kept secret.  Attendees are diverse in age and industry.

While I am still seeking a permanent position as far as a day job goes, I attended this event as a board member of Launchpad, specifically as the marketing director. My goal was to make connections with individuals and organizations for the benefit of LaunchPad, specifically as the Marketing Director.  I came away with new ideas, reminders of important concepts like building relationships, and hopefully a few new friends.  Events like these can really help re-focus one's career goals. 

I met with alum launchpad members, got one current member who starts a new job to promise a testimonial, I may have lined up a future speaker at the evening speaker series, and I may be getting us a table at next year's event as a vendor.  I provided contact information to two organizations that may help some of the vendors who attended.  I've also rejuvenated my commitment to networking and building community. All around a success, I think.  Fitting too, that this year's theme was Unlock  Your Opportunity.

I've also been good at sending emails to folks whose business cards I've obtained.  Tomorrow I'll send notes to some of the speakers that inspired me, like Kirsten King, of FedEx Services, and Sue Young of Get in Front Communications, and Michelle tinsley of Intel. 

All this makes me excited about attending the AWT Austin Women's Business Conference in two weeks.  I attended for the first time last year and it was worth every penny.  This year's theme is Take the Leap.  Also fitting.  And I also (finally) officially joined AWT. It's got some good people in it.