Registration Open for 2017 Women Leaders National Convention in Dallas

PRESS RELEASE

July 12, 2017
Contact: Rachel DeSchepper
Women Leaders in College Sports
[email protected]
816.389.8208


Kansas City, Mo. – Women Leaders in College Sports (formerly NACWAA), the nation’s premier women’s athletic leadership association, has opened registration for the 2017 Women Leaders National Convention, #WomenLeaders17, which will be held Sunday through Tuesday, October 8-10, 2017, at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel.

The Women Leaders National Convention is the premier conference for women working in intercollegiate athletics. Attended by athletics directors, conference commissioners, coaches, administrators, and staff from all divisions of intercollegiate athletics, plus industry executives and area women business leaders, this annual gathering provides three days of unparalleled education, leadership training, networking, and opportunities to #RaiseYourGame!

This year’s Convention will include three general sessions, multiple breakout sessions and small group round-table discussions, along with numerous opportunities for networking: a Welcome Reception, held at Klyde Warren Park; pre-organized small group dinners to help attendees meet new members; a daily Leaders Lounge offered after Convention programming to give attendees the opportunity to connect and socialize “after hours” (new this year!); daily Fit to Lead workouts; a Party for a Purpose, during which members can bid on silent auction items to benefit the Women Leaders Foundation Fund; a Personal Branding Center that offers resource services to attendees ranging from resume review, interview coaching, professional head shots, and more. Plus, attendees can choose to participate in an exclusive tour of the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium or the Sixth Floor Museum.

Applauded for hosting best-in-class speakers, this year’s National Convention is no exception. Keynotes and speakers of note for this year’s event include:

  • Lisa Borders, president of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), the world's longest running women's professional sports league.
  • Cindy DiPietrantonio, president of Alex and Ani, a “meaning-based company,” whose mission is empower and connect people through eco-conscious jewelry and accessories.
  • Jill Ellis, head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team and a development director of the United States Soccer Federation.
  • Sally Hogshead, author and creator of The Fascination Advantage, the first communication assessment that measures how others perceive you.
  • Lindsey Pollak, widely recognized as the leading voice on millennials and the multigenerational workplace.

New in 2017 is the Revenue Generation Track. As the world of collegiate athletics continues to evolve, it remains critical for athletic administrators to fundraise and have a general understanding of all sources of revenue. One session during each of the five breakout time blocks will be dedicated to Revenue Generation.

Offered again this year is the Executive Leadership Track, a one-day, executive-level program on Monday, October 9, that is designed for women at top leadership levels in athletics, business, or entrepreneurship. Women Leaders members may add the Executive Leadership Track to their Convention registration for an additional $150. Non-members and members alike may choose to attend this track exclusively for a $500 registration fee.

To honor the achievements and successes of Women Leaders members, the organization will honor 16 award winners at the National Convention, including the Rising Star Award, Commitment Award, Administrator of the Year Award, Honor Award, Award of Distinction, and Lifetime Achievement Award. Winners of these awards will be announced in early August. 

Visit here to see the full National Convention agenda, which is still being updated with breakout sessions, TedX-style talks, small group round-table discussions, and more.

To register for the National Convention, visit here. You must be a current member to take advantage of discounted pricing. Early-bird pricing ends August 11, 2017. More than 25 scholarship opportunities are also available.

To register for the Executive Leadership Track ONLY, visit here.

We would like to thank our 2017 National Convention Sponsors

  • Nike
  • Learfield Sports
  • Daktronics
  • JumpForward
  • Global Diversity Logistics
  • Eastman
  • Paciolan
  • IMG
  • Kendra Scott
  • Ice Miller
  • Dallas Tourism
  • Big XII Conference
  • adidas
  • Ticketmaster
  • Ascension
  • Mutual of Omaha
  • Teamworks

About Women Leaders in College Sports

Founded in 1979, Women Leaders in College Sports (formerly NACWAA; www.womenleadersincollgesports.org) is the only nationally recognized collegiate professional membership organization whose mission is to develop, connect, and advance women leaders working in intercollegiate athletics. More than 3,500 members strong, Women Leaders promotes the growth, leadership, and success of women as athletics administrators, conference commissioners, professional staff, coaches, and student-athletes.