Agenda Speakers Hotel Give Back Reviews
Conference Overview
Ready for what’s next? Join MHEDA, MHI and WERC for the 2024 Women in Industry Conference at the Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel and gain tools to prepare yourself for all the future has in store for YOU! Learn how to increase your status, build your network, connect through life’s pivot points and uncover the new rules of influence with AI. This interactive conference is designed to inspire you to lead the way in evolving and preparing for the business landscape of tomorrow.
Whether you’re looking to advance your career, start a new role, or simply gain inspiration, this conference is designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge to be future-ready. Register now and be part of a community of women who are shaping the future!
Registration Fee
$795 Early Bird MHEDA/MHI/WERC Member Rate – by October 4, 2024
$895 Regular MHEDA/MHI/WERC Member Rate – after October 4, 2024
$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.
Register Now
Event Highlights
- Connect with like-minded women and expand your professional network.
- Gain practical skills and insights on leadership, technology, and personal development.
- Unpack the science of status and learn how to gain respect, power and influence.
- Develop a networking strategy that turns strangers into acquaintances and acquaintances into allies.
- Participate in roundtable discussions with other women with similar job responsibilities.
- Enjoy several interactive networking activities and engage with fellow attendees.
- Learn practical AI hacks that will dramatically increase your productivity.
- And more!
Conference Location and Hotel Accommodations
Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel
5300 N River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
Room Rate: $229 Single/Double – available until October 16th or until room block fills up.
If you would like to stay at the host hotel, we strongly recommend making your reservations as soon as possible. Use the link below to make your reservation or call (877)-868-9134.
The Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel is 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.
Detailed Agenda
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6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Welcome Reception: A Real Treat
Come meet fellow attendees at a relaxing welcome reception! Enjoy drinks, casual dinner and a special interactive experience designed by you, for you. You will also have the opportunity to create treat bags that will be donated to Soldiers’ Angels, a non-profit organization that provides aid, comfort, and resources to the military and veteran community. This reception is included in your registration. RSVP required on the registration form. -
7:30 am - 8:30 am
Breakfast Buffet
Stop by the reg desk for your name badge, then enjoy a hot and healthy breakfast giving you the energy you need to fuel your day! Thank you Principal® for sponsoring this breakfast. -
8:30 am - 8:45 am
Welcome & Introductions
Conference Facilitator Shari Altergott helps you break the ice with fellow attendees. -
8:45 am - 9:30 am
The Science of Winning the Status Game
Presented by Alison Fragale, Research Psychologist, Award-Winning Professor, International Keynote Speaker
Status, how respected we are by others, is critical for both life satisfaction and career success. However, because most people don’t understand status, they fail to manage theirs effectively. Reframing women’s age-old struggles through a new lens, Alison explains why women have less status than men, on average, how it holds us back from achieving the power we deserve, and — most importantly — what we can do about it. Sharing easy, proven strategies to build status, you will learn how to get the respect, power, and influence you deserve.
Takeaways- Uncover how to self-promote effectively and authentically.
- Learn the two mistakes women make that diminish their status.
- Explore the value of “other-promoters” and how to get more of them.
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9:30 am - 9:45 am
Break
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9:45 am - 10:45 am
Building a Powerhouse Network: How to Create, Sustain and Leverage Relationships
Presented by Alison Fragale, Research Psychologist, Award-Winning Professor, International Keynote Speaker
Strategic relationship building is particularly important for women, but it can also be more challenging. For many the idea of networking is unappealing. Sharing science and strategies, Alison explains how you can cultivate the professional relationships you want in ways that are both authentic and efficient. Come learn how to develop a networking strategy that turns strangers to acquaintances and acquaintances to allies.Takeaways
- Learn how to stay top of mind in existing relationships.
- Discover how to use LinkedIn to deepen professional relationships.
- Gain insights on how to cultivate daily networking habits.
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10:45 am - 11:00 am
Break
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11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Roundtables by Role
Participate in roundtable discussions with your industry peers. Tables will be organized by different roles/careers in the industry. You will have the opportunity to select the type of table you would like to sit at, volunteer to be a table leader and also submit potential discussion questions. Sales • Marketing • HR • Management • Finance/Accounting • Operations • Admin • Other -
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Lunch
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1:00 pm - 1:15 pm
Maximize Your Membership, MHEDA, MHI & WERC
Learn about Member programs, resources and more during this information packed presentation. -
1:15 pm - 2:15 pm
Pivot Paths
Facilitated by Brittany Neish, Career Strategist
Join us for Pivot Paths, an interactive networking session designed specifically for women navigating key career inflection points, or Pivot Points. Whether you’re stepping into a new role, leveling up your leadership, or seeking a more balanced approach to achieving great results at work, Pivot Paths is your chance to connect with like-minded women who get it.We will dive into those pivotal moments that shape our careers, offering a supportive space to share experiences, gain practical insights, and find sustainable ways to thrive without burning out. Together, we’ll explore the intentional actions we can take that drive real change in our careers.
Takeaways
- Develop a clear, purpose-driven action plan as you navigate your career.
- Learn how to move challenges into opportunities for growth.
- Discover ways to achieve great results without burning out.
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2:15 pm - 2:30 pm
Break
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2:30 pm - 3:15 pm
Material Handling Business Trends Roundtables
Discuss the 2025 trends and how they are impacting you and your business. -
3:15 pm - 3:30 pm
Break
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3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
The New Rules of Influence: How to Compete and Win in the Age of AI
Presented by Shama Hyder, CEO of Zen Media, bestselling author and web and TV personality.
Imagine if you’d understood the true implications of the internet when AOL had just launched or if you had foreseen how social media would change the trajectory of communications forever. Today, we stand at a similar precipice with AI. As leaders, you’re uniquely positioned to harness this technology, not as another task on your to-do list, but as a powerful ally in achieving your goals.This session is the answer to the most pressing question every leader must answer today: How do we leverage AI as a strategic secret weapon to accomplish our individual and team goals? Through real-world case studies, captivating stories and industry research, Shama reveals how AI can be a game-changer and will provide you with the tools and strategies needed for the future.
Takeaways
- Understand the concept of AI as a strategic collaborator and thinking partner, not just another technology to learn.
- Discover how strengths in empathy, listening, and emotional intelligence will be more valuable than ever in the AI era, and how AI can enhance these human skills rather than replace them.
- Explore practical AI hacks that will dramatically increase personal and team productivity, freeing up time for high-value, creative work.
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4:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Closing Remarks
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5:00 pm -
Conference Ends
Wednesday, November 6
Thursday, November 7
Conference Facilitator
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.
Speakers
Alison Fragale
Alison Fragale is a tenured professor of Organizational Behavior and the Mary Farley Ames Lee Fellow at the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School. Her academic research on negotiation, and the determinants and consequences of power, status, and hierarchy, have been published in her field’s top academic journals. She is also the author of Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve, which was published by Penguin Random House in September 2024. Prior to her academic career, Alison worked as a consultant for McKinsey and Company, Inc.
Shama Hyder
Shama Hyder is a visionary strategist for the digital age, a web and TV personality, a bestselling author, and the award-winning CEO of Zen Media – a global marketing and digital PR firm. She has been named the “Zen Master of Marketing” by Entrepreneur Magazine and the “Millennial Master of the Universe” by FastCompany.com. Shama has also been honored at both the White House and The United Nations as one of the top 100 young entrepreneurs in the country. Shama is the bestselling author of The Zen of Social Media Marketing, now in its 4th edition and Momentum: How to Propel Your Marketing and Transform Your Brand in the Digital Age.
Brittany Neish
Brittany Neish is the Founder of What You Do Matters, a company on a mission to make career growth and team development exciting and impactful. With 15 years in Marketing and Advertising, Brittany didn’t just drive campaigns—she built up people and teams, turning potential into performance. Now, she’s taken that passion and expertise to help professionals make confident career moves and leaders create what she calls “Team Magic.” Armed with a Master’s in Positive Organizational Development & Change and credentials in change management, emotional intelligence, and team effectiveness, Brittany’s approach is all about energy, action, and real results.
Give Back Opportunity – Treats for Troops
It’s that time of the year when we all enjoy lots of candy and treats! Help bring joy to American troops by assembly bags of candy to donate to Soldiers’ Angels, a non-profit organization that provides aid, comfort, and resources to the military and veteran community. The candy you assemble will be included in care packages that are shipped to deployed service members around the world, shared with veterans in VA Hospitals and/or distributed at various events for the military and veteran community.
Bag of treats are a simple and sweet way to share gratitude with service members, veterans, and military families. This activity will take place on Wednesday, November 6th during the Welcome Reception.
“Truly an amazing opportunity to have industry women in one space.”
“This conference was so empowering and gave me the courage to be more open, network, and get out of my comfort zone.”
“It was thought provoking, and I came out learning something and feeling empowered. The speakers were great. Can’t wait for next year!”
“The speakers were wonderful, and getting to spend time with other leaders in the industry was very valuable. An overall fantastic conference!”
“Love, love, love this event! Just amazing.”
“Energetic and full of content.”
“Speakers and networking! Loved the addition of the networking event.”
“Positive energy with the speakers!”
“Meeting such amazing women.”
“Networking with other women in the industry. Great topics discussed.”
Another Opportunity for Women In Industry!
Women in Industry Virtual Series: The Business of YOU (November 14 & 21)
Want even more learning and networking in 2024? Here is another great opportunity for Women in Industry! Join us November 14 and 21 for a new virtual series, “The Business of YOU.” This two-part event is designed to help you strengthen your leadership skills and gain strategies to prevent burnout. This program will be presented via Zoom by Brittany Neish, Career Strategist (who is also presenting at the Women in Industry Conference!) Special discount available for Women in Industry Conference attendees!