The world is starting to thaw, and in-person events have come back to life. Some are excited to see and be seen in the flesh, and some dread the expectations to throw ourselves back into large events that can feel draining after more than a year of mostly isolation. For most, however, it’s a combination of both – and I’m absolutely in the majority.
I’m enjoying seeing friends in groups again and attending events that are important to me – I certainly have missed that! (The summer weather helps, too, I’m sure.) But, I’m being picky about where I’m using my energy being “on”. That being said, the AWC National Conference this fall is one I won’t be missing.
To be clear, I don’t usually love conferences. I’m introverted and can struggle networking, and while I enjoy the quick rush of energy, enthusiasm, and ambition to apply my new insights and learnings from sessions and keynotes, oftentimes I still leave exhausted and lose my notes among my other papers when I get home. I just don’t always maintain the full value of conferences. I hope I’m not the only one!
The AWC National Conference, is a different story. I attended my first conference back in 2013 in Springfield, IL – I was in college and highly encouraged by my mother and AWC member, Molly Hall. I was so taken by the incredible women I met, and the true community of this organization.
When I returned to Illinois State University where I was getting my bachelors, I joined the local professional chapter in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, and reinstated the AWC Illinois State University student chapter on campus and sat on the board as president. I was so proud to bring the value of AWC membership to my school.
At the next conference in Springfield, Missouri in 2015, I was able to bring some students of student chapter executive board with me. By December that year, I was nominated and elected to the National Board as a senior in college – and the youngest-ever AWC Director.
I make a point to attend every AWC National Conference because I look forward to seeing the friends, mentors, and inspiring peers I’ve met – and always look forward to meeting more. I’ve also been led to two fulfilling and career-building jobs through my connections I’ve met at AWC conferences.
And this conference, November 11-13, is going to be unlike any other. Speakers will engage audiences with sessions geared toward embracing ever-changing needs and skills in the communication world. Experts will hail from Google’s social analytics arena, the National Women’s History Museum in Washington, D.C., Broadway talent agency AKA NYC Group, the SilverBox Institute, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and more. Special guests will include keynote speakers U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth and financial strategist Ethel J. Davis. Native America Calling radio host Tara Gatewood will be honored at the International Matrix Award, the youngest honoree to receive the prestigious award.
And, for the first time, the conference will be offered in a hybrid format, allowing participants to attend online or in person at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in charming Uptown Normal. Participants can choose to attend all three days, a single day, or the Matrix/Clarion Award dinner. So, if you aren’t sure about traveling just yet, need to work around a busy schedule, or just aren’t sure if you’ll be ready to attend an in-person conference, you can attend virtually or for just a part of the conference (or both!).
The early bird deadline is fast-approaching, though: July 30! Be sure to register before the deadline to lock in your registration for the lowest price available. Regular registration closes October 8.
The national conference is a reflection of the mission of the AWC: championing leaders, building relations and connecting professionals, and recognizing excellence for communicators. It’s the conference I always look forward to, and always get so much value out of – and I strongly believe you’ll feel the same way. I hope to see you at the Association for Women in Communications National Conference in Normal, Illinois, November 11-13!
About the Author
Allison Buehner is the Public Relations Manager for Burning Soul Press in Chicago, Illinois. Allison is also the Vice Chair of AWC National and interim editor of Trending.
A graduate of Illinois State University, she has a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies: Organization & Leadership and a minor in Business Administration. She is passionate about the mission of AWC and looks forward to continuing the meaningful work of the organization.
