Networking Events

Listed below are the various networking events available to Women Leaders Convention attendees. All events are included in your general registration, unless otherwise noted with a * below:

Convention Crew

NEW in 2018!
Opt in to join a "Convention Crew" when completing your Convention registration, and we will randomly group you with two to three other Convention attendees before you arrive in Atlanta. We'll introduce you to your crew via email before the event allowing you the opportunity to connect in advance and have immediate connections when you get to Convention. No formal programming will be done with this group—this is simply another opportunity to easily meet and connect with new people! 

Welcome Reception

Kick off Convention, connect with your colleagues, and enjoy the stunning interior of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis atrium. Following the reception, attendees are encouraged to continue their conversations and go out to dinner with friends and colleagues at one of the many nearby dining establishments in downtown Atlanta. Don't have a group to dine with? Check out our Group Dinner offering (see below).

Group Dinners

Looking to make new connections and meet new people? We'll help organize small group dinners among those looking for a group. No pre-registration is necessary—just stop by the Women Leaders table during the Welcome Reception at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis to see what is available. (Note: attendees are responsible for their own dinner.)

Leaders Lounge

Gather in Pulse Loft with fellow attendees for more networking. Offered on both Sunday and Monday nights after Convention programming has concluded.

Get Fit to Lead

Kick-start your day and bond with fellow Convention attendees with a great workout to kick-start your day! Stay tuned for more details on the specific type of workouts offered.

Party for a Purpose

This year, we're hosting a tailgate! Get ready to challenge your friends at Pop-a-Shot, cornhole, ladder toss, and more fun games—while also bidding on silent auction items to benefit the Women Leaders Foundation Fund. There will be no live program or seated dinner—this is time to connect with your colleagues, while helping to raise funds for fellow member scholarships to all Women Leaders' educational programs, including Institutes, National Convention, and other professional development opportunities for women in intercollegiate athletics. The first 300 people at the door will receive an awesome door prize and be sure to stick around to win awesome raffle prizes! Plus, the winner of our Pop-a-Shot tournament will win free registration to the 2019 National Convention in Phoenix!

President/Search Firm Roundtable

Tuesday, October 16, 3-6:15 p.m.
Atlanta Marriott Marquis

As a follow-up to the 2017 NCAA Presidential Pledge and Commitment to Promoting Diversity and Gender Equity in Intercollegiate Athletics, we are excited to be partnering with the NCAA Office of Inclusion to once again host the President/Search Firm Roundtable during the Women Leaders National Convention on Tuesday, October 16 from 3-5:15 p.m., followed by a reception from 5:15-6:15 p.m.

The event will have two main parts:

1. A panel of presidents discussing hiring trends and qualities they look for when hiring athletic directors. 
2. Round-table discussions with a president, search firm representative, and YOU—female candidates looking to advance!

Eligible attendees are those on the Executive Candidate List who are currently ready and willing to advance into athletic director or commissioner positions. If you are interested and not already on the Executive Candidate List, please learn more and sign-up here. The President/Search Firm Roundtable has no additional cost, although you must register for the National Convention. Space is LIMITED; we will send a sign-up form to the Executive Candidate List for the President/Search Firm Roundtable in July. The first 60 people to sign up will be able to attend.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium Tour

Enjoy an opportunity to engage with your fellow Women Leaders in College Sports members while experiencing the signature features of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, including stops at locker rooms, the field, Window to the City, Skybridges, and the 100 Yard Club! This tour is perfect for all die-hard Falcon Fans, Atlanta United supporters, and those interested in exploring the architecture, and technology. Transportation will be provided. *Additional registration ($25) is required and is available to add-on to your regular Women Leaders National Convention registration.*

World of Coca-Cola Tour

Team up with Women Leaders in College Sports members and explore the history of the world's most famous beverage brand at the World of Coca-Cola, the dynamic, multimedia home of Coke's 128-year-old secret formula. Get closer than ever to the vault that holds this illusive recipe! See more than 1,200 rare artifacts and get a behind-the-scenes look at the bottling process. Then take a trip around the world in a thrilling 4-D movie experience before sampling more than 100 different beverages. Transportation will NOT be provided, but the tour is within walking distance of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. *Additional registration ($20) is required and is available to add-on to your regular Women Leaders National Convention registration.*