Women seek insights at leadership conference
Next week, the MGM Resorts Foundation wants you to take a chance on yourself, to the tune of $350.
Such a ticket will buy admission to the organization's 2012 Women's Leadership Conference on Tuesday and Wednesday at the MGM Grand conference center. The annual event is designed to promote professional development and career advancement among women.
All proceeds from the conference go to a still-undetermined nonprofit that benefits local women and children's. About 500 people are expected to attend.
If the $350 admission, which gives access to the entire convention, is too steep, MGM has options for wannabe attendees. For those interested in attending only a specific keynote luncheon, the cost is $150. Students and MGM Resorts employees with valid ID receive a reduced rate of $100.
The conference is open to all. In the past those making career changes and interested professionals have attended in ages ranging from 16 to 65, said Maria Gatti, director of diversity relations at MGM Resorts International.
"It's about leadership and promoting women. How do we learn to be better?" asked Gatti.
The two-day event centers around daylong educational sessions, keynote speeches and networking opportunities. Session topics include speaking with confidence, gender differences in the workplace and the self-powered career.
"It's important to know that women wear many hats. We're mothers, chauffeurs, team moms, and we also are career women. Sometimes juggling those things, it's not easy. I don't know that corporations have always thought of us as great potential," Gatti said.
The MGM executive said many of the conference speakers will share personal life experiences in an effort to give attendees insight in how they became successful in their respective careers.
"That's the core of the conference, is learning from each other," Gatti said.
Scheduled speakers include Lee Woodruff, author and CBS News contributing reporter; Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman; Paula Eylar, vice president of business and technology for Boyd Gaming; and Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International.
Register online at mgmresorts.com/womensleadershipconference. Same-day registration is available on site. Additional information: 650-7419.
Contact reporter Laura Carroll at lcarroll@review
journal.com or 702-380-4588.
