This event is SOLD OUT!
Detailed Schedule Speaker Lineup Hotel Location Registration FeesConference Overview
More and more is expected from you every day. Whether it’s your job responsibilities, your family demands, or the unrelenting pace of modern living, you are always giving and doing more. But what if you did something more for you? Professional development is key to sharpening your leadership skills and recharging your battery.
Join MHEDA, MHI and WERC on November 1-2 for the 2023 Women in Industry Conference. This event is designed to help you energize, learn and build connections with women who work in the Material Handling industry.
The Women in Industry Conference is a day dedicated to giving you MORE.
- More Time. Welcome Reception and kickoff session on your arrival night to maximize your time and begin to cultivate connections.
- More Experts. Learn from six presenters, more than we have ever featured at the WII Conference!
- More Networking. Several networking opportunities throughout the event, including two roundtable discussions.
- More Career Growth. The Business of Networking: Cultivating Authentic Connections.
- More Energy. Better Together: How to Grow a Career and Life You Love.
- More Communication Strategies. Superpowers for Leadership – Self Awareness, Connection and Success.
- More Perspective. The Power of Vision and how it helps with goal-setting.
- More Specific. Roundtable Discussions by Roles. Meet with other women who share similar careers.
- More Instincts. Learn How to Read the Body Language of Deception.
- More Purpose. Creating a Culture of Vision, Adventure and Purpose. Learn about women all over the world and gain a broader perspective of how resilient women are helping others within their community.
- More Giving Back. You will have the opportunity to vote on which organization you want to donate to.
We promise you a day of big ideas, new industry friends lots of laughs with smart, engaging women. Take a moment to explore the agenda, then be sure to register early to secure your spot. We look forward to meeting you and giving you so much MORE!
Registration Fee
This event is sold out! If you would like to be added to the waitlist, email connect@mheda.org with your name, company and number of registrants that wish to attend.
$795 Early Bird MHEDA/MHI/WERC Member Rate – by October 6, 2023
$895 Regular MHEDA/MHI/WERC Member Rate – after October 6, 2023
$1095 Non-Member Rate
Registration Includes: All sessions, Welcome Reception, breakfast, lunch, and refreshment breaks. Also includes networking with other women who are material handling professionals and face similar career challenges as you. Travel and lodging not included.
Cancellation Policy: The full amount will be refunded if you cancel no later than October 20, 2023. Cancellations received after that date but before the start of the conference will be charged a $300 administration fee per person. No refunds given for “no shows.”
Agenda
- 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
MORE Time
Welcome Reception
New in 2023, we will begin the program with a Welcome Reception the evening of your arrival and an interactive networking session, helping you build connections with other attendees faster. Enjoy drinks and reception style dinner in a welcoming and relaxing environment. This reception is included in your registration. - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
MORE Career Growth
The Business of Networking: Cultivating Authentic Connections
Presented by Alexis Gladstone, Principal, InteleadHow do you network? Do you do it with forethought and intention? Though we don’t always think about it, networking is as critical a skill as other essential skills such as teamwork and problem solving. We want to show up as ourselves and be able to share who we are. That is how we build authentic connections and reach our career goals. Join us as we talk about why you should be building your network no matter what your role is, and how to do it with intention and authenticity.
Key Takeaways:
- Define what networking is and why it’s important.
- Learn how to be clear on who we are and the value we bring,
- Gain insight on how to network and develop authentic relationships both internally and externally.
- Discuss how developing connections can turn into mentoring relationships.
- 7:30 am - 8:30 am
Breakfast Buffet
- 8:30 am - 9:00 am
Welcome & Ice Breaker
Conference Facilitator Shari Altergott helps you break the ice with fellow attendees. - 9:00 am - 9:45 am
MORE Energy
Better Together: How to Grow a Career and Life You Love
Presented by Rachel Sheerin, award winning speaker, author and Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst.The keys to enjoying life’s journey, uncovering happiness and increasing your positive influence on everyone you meet are shared in this fun, interactive keynote from Rachel Sheerin. Based on real-life experiences, case studies and backed with psychology, this keynote will have you thinking, laughing and opening your mind to new strategies for success through boundaries, confidence and joy!
Key Takeaways:
- Learn how to set boundaries for successful relationships;
- Uncover your voice and quiet your inner critic;
- Gain tools to connect with others to achieve your shared biggest goals.
- 9:45 am - 10:00 am
Break
- 10:00 am - 10:45 am
MORE Communication Strategies
Superpowers for Leaders – Self Awareness, Connection and Success
Presented by Rachel Sheerin, award winning speaker, author and Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst.Based in behavioral profiling with easy-to-use strategies, this fast-paced workshop builds leaders that want to succeed in professional, financial and personal ways. We will look at human behaviors and the power we have to influence, understand and react to them. This eye-opening session is bursting with personal introspection and awareness of others.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand ourselves and others’ behaviors;
- Learn how to convert your understanding of your own and others’ behavior into trusting relationships.
- Gain insights to improve communications in and out of the workplace.
- 10:45 am - 11:00 am
Break
- 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
MORE Specific
Roundtables by Roles
Participate in roundtable discussions with your industry peers. New in 2023: Tables will be organized by different roles/careers in the industry. - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Lunch
- 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
MORE Instincts
How to Read the Body Language of Deception
Presented by Fraud Busting Body Language Expert Traci BrownIn this fast-paced keynote, you’ll discover how to use Traci’s 9-Point Fraud Spotting System to separate the lies from the truth, so you don’t innocently step into a business, life, or reputation-destroying event. You’ll quit second-guessing your instincts and immediately tell fact from fiction.
Key Takeaways:
- Discover how to win the game of “two truths and a lie” that you play every day with your clients, your boss, your team and prospects.
- Protect your hard-earned profits and catch would-be fraudsters before they can take away everything you’ve worked for.
- Learn how to read fraudsters like a book.
- 2:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Break
- 2:15 pm - 2:45 pm
MORE Perspective
The Power of Vision
Presented by Karli Howe, Senior Manager, Value Chain Transformation, Grupo BimboThrough personal stories and insights, we’ll uncover the transformative impact of envisioning your goals. This visionary thinking isn’t just about setting objectives; it’s about understanding the often-overlooked mental aspect of goal-setting and how it can lead to remarkable accomplishments in the ever-evolving realm of the Supply Chain.
Key Takeaways:
- Uncovering the transformative power of the mind in pursuing and achieving one’s goals.
- Participate in an exercise where you can begin your own goal visualization.
- Hear from a Senior Leader of Value Chain Innovation on how this has helped her career.
- 2:45 pm - 3:00 pm
Break
- 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm
MORE Discussions
Material Handling Business Trends – Roundtable Discussions
Discuss the 2024 trends and how they are impacting you and your business.
- 3:45 pm - 4:00 pm
Break
- 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm
MORE Purpose
One Step Further: Creating a Culture of Vision, Adventure and Purpose
Presented by Adventure traveler and documentary filmmaker Mallory BrownMallory Brown takes audiences on a journey around the world. After traveling to over 60 countries documenting real-life stories of human connection, Mallory has discovered unique mindsets that cultivate a culture of vision and purpose. As a female entrepreneur, Mallory is passionate about empowering women to live to their fullest potential. She advocates for the equality and inclusion of women both at home and abroad. In her current documentary series, Mallory is walking a marathon around the world to raise money and awareness for women’s empowerment.
In this session, you’ll hear incredible stories of women around the globe that are overcoming extreme challenges. Through these heartwarming examples of strength and resilience, you’ll tap into your own feminine power. Be prepared to open your heart, challenge your soul, and take your work one step further.
Key Takeaways:
- Set goals that push YOU out of your comfort zone.
- Learn to overcome fear and challenges with humility and kindness;
- Build a culture of openness and connection.
MORE Giving Back
New in 2023! This session is also a Give Back opportunity. We will be making a donation to one of the organizations featured in Mallory’s presentation. YOU will have the opportunity to vote on which organization you want the donation to go. You will also have the opportunity to make an additional donation on site if you choose.
- 4:45 pm - 5:00 pm
Closing Remarks. Conference Ends at 5:00 pm
Wednesday November 01
Thursday November 02
Thank you Principal® for Sponsoring Breakfast at the Conference
Principal® – Plan Protect Invest Retire – Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Co (except in NY) and Principal Life Insurance Company®. Plan admin services offered by Principal Life. Principal Funds, Inc. is distributed by Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. Securities offered through Principal Securities, Inc., member SIPC and/or independent broker/dealers. Referenced companies are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392. ©2022 Principal Financial Services.
Interested in sponsorship opportunities at this event? Contact Kathy Cotter at kcotter@mheda.org.
Speakers
Shari Altergott
Shari Altergott has over 20 years of experience within the Material Handling Industry. During her career she has held several positions within Marketing, Sales, Business Development and Executive Leadership. Today she leads a Customer Experience Consulting Firm focused specifically on the material handling industry. Over her time, she has developed full scope marketing functions that manage corporate initiatives related to Customer Experience, CRM, Social Networking, Brand Development, Advertising and Lead Generation. Shari also formally serves as the host of the MHEDA Talks Podcast.
Mallory Brown
Mallory Brown is a filmmaker, humanitarian, and speaker. She travels the world to tell real-life stories of human connection. At the age of 36, Mallory has traveled to 60+ countries to encourage a more compassionate, connected world. Mallory speaks to audiences about expand their work to be more meaningful and impactful. She teaches tools to set bigger goals, make deeper connections, and create more impact. Mallory’s nonprofit films have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations for causes she cares about. Her efforts have been featured by the Today Show, The New York Times, the Huffington Post, and Cosmopolitan Magazine. Mallory’s story inspires others to live bold and meaningful lives.
Traci Brown
What do Lance Armstrong, Chris Christie and Vladimir Putin have in common? Answer: Traci Brown’s revealed their secrets to the world She’s uncovered what they’re not saying. NBC, CBS and Fox have asked this body language expert to reveal secrets hidden in plain sight. And she can help your team reveal the secrets your clients are keeping from you that are impacting your bottom line. She’s trained in the body language of deception detection right alongside our country’s top law enforcement. She is a past president of the National Speaker’s Association Colorado Chapter and the author of four books including her latest, How to Detect Lies, Fraud and Identity Theft.
Alexis Gladstone
Alexis Gladstone is the founder of Intelead. Through consulting, training, speaking, and executive coaching, she works with clients in the areas of leadership, sales, and organizational change to maximize individual and company results. Alexis has worked across industries from financial services to oil & gas, and everything in between. While the leadership problems most businesses face are the same, she believes the solutions are unique to its culture. Her passion is helping women succeed. She works with women individually through coaching and mentoring, and with organizations and leaders who want to recruit, retain, develop and champion women.
Karli Howe
Karli Howe is a woman who wears many hats, including being a mother, wife, daughter, sister, and dedicated professional. In her professional journey, she has navigated the ever-evolving landscape of the Supply Chain industry for more than a decade. Her journey began as a Systems Supervisor, overseeing Warehouse and Labor Management Systems at 3M in Southern California. Today, she proudly serve as a Senior Leader within the Value Chain Innovation Team at Bimbo Bakeries USA. She constantly strive for excellence and look for creative advantages in the field.
Rachel Sheerin
Rachel Sheerin is an award-winning keynote speaker and emcee who has been described as “The Brene Brown of Burnout” who energizes and engages audiences with her signature blend of humor and authenticity. Named Speaker of the Year by NACE, Rachel shares her insights as a professional behavioral analyst to help attendees achieve success they love. With her viral TEDx talk entitled “How to Burnout and Be Successful”, Rachel’s served audiences from Spain to Seattle to 160+ Zoom rooms and takes her margaritas on the rocks. You can learn more about Rachel, her podcast and her very cute dog at www.rachelsheerin.com
Accommodations
Loews Chicago O’Hare
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
5300 N River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018Room Rate:
$219 Single/Double – Click on the button below to make your reservations online or call (877)-868-9134. The reservation number group code is WIINO1.Located just two-miles from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, this award-winning hotel offers a stylish new design that reflects trellised gardens and lawns found in Chicago. Warm wood, garden greens and touches of cool concrete honor the city’s parks and architecture and, most importantly, provide a soothing, residential-style oasis for your stay. Enjoy an onsite art gallery features a revolving lineup of works by local Chicago artists; 24-hour fitness center and convenient location just minutes away from the Fashion Outlets of Chicago, home to more than 100 luxury outlet stores.
Surrounding Hotel Options
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago O’Hare – Rosemont
5500 N. River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
www.oharerosemont.embassysuites.comDoubleTree by Hilton Chicago O’Hare – Rosemont
5460 N. River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
www.chicagoohareairportrosemont.doubletree.com
Reviews from Past Women in Industry Conferences
“I’m so grateful that I work for a company that empowers women and gives me the opportunity to surround myself with some amazing women in our industry.”
“I learned a TON of valuable takeaways and was able to network with likeminded ladies.”
“My first women’s conference in the material handling world. Took so many good notes and met even more amazing female leaders in the industry.”
“What an absolutely amazing day spent with women from all over our industry. It was a reminder of how far women have come in our industry.”
“Incredibly grateful to have attended this year’s Women in Industry Conference. Thank you for an amazing event.”
“Thank you for a wonderful conference jam-packed with great information, fantastic speakers and wonderful women.”
“I absolutely loved it, I came out of it with more self-confidence, new friends and a network to turn to utilize and assist others.”
“Thank you for bringing in such incredible speakers.”
“Thank you for continuing this conference, our industry is better for it.”
“I got to meet and connect with several women who can help me move forward in this industry.”
“Roundtable discussions gave different opportunities to discuss and share.”
“I learned new skills to accomplish my goals in my career.”
“Great information on being a woman in the workforce.”