NWA Business Women Prepare for Conference

Krista Khone, event coordinator for the Northwest Arkansas Business Women’s Conference, is preparing for the fourth annual conference on Sept. 24.

The conference began October 1999 after seeing a growing trend, in larger cities, of gearing conferences toward women, Khone said.

With an initial attendance of 75 women in 1999, last year’s conference saw 250 women — a lower number than originally expected, which Khone attributes to the fact that it followed only a week after 9/11. But this year, Khone said she expects to see an attendance in upward of 400 women.

This year’s theme, “Dare to Dream,” will see featured speakers from Mercy Health Systems of Northwest Arkansas, as well as speaker Claudio Diaz who will kick off the morning’s motivational breakfast.

The smaller, group sessions will focus on achieving business dreams, dealing with different personalities in the workplace and heart disease prevention.

Conference attendees will also take part in a silent auction from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. with all proceeds benefiting the Benton County Women’s Shelter.

The third annual Louise Thaden Woman of the Year award will be given, as well. The award recognizes an outstanding woman within the community who gives her time and talents to make it a better place, Khone said.