April 3, 2024
WORLD’S PREMIER WOMEN’S CONFERENCE In-person IN BOSTON | Online FROM ANYWHERE | On Demand FOR 90 days
Simmons Leadership Conference
Inspiring Women & Allies for 45 years At the forefront of women’s leadership: The Simmons Leadership Conference • Is America’s first women’s business conference • To date, has been attended by 120,000+ women and allies who want to better themselves, their workplaces, and the world • The 2024 event will welcome 8,500+ for high-impact learning, diverse perspectives, wisdom and inspiration • Supports student scholarships and other Simmons University strategic priorities
“We envision a world where women aren’t just 50% of the world’s population, they are 50% of the world’s leaders.” Susan MacKenty Brady CEO, Institute for Inclusive Leadership
45
years running
120k+ conference alumni
World-Class Thought Leaders & Acclaimed Speakers
“ The Simmons Leadership Conference 2023 was nothing short of phenomenal.”
The conference stage has seen notable keynote speakers such as Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Brené Brown, Gloria Estefan, Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams, Amanda Gorman, Julia Gillard, and many more.
Madeleine Albright
Masih Alinejad
Diplomat and Former U.S. Secretary of State
Iranian-born Activist, Journalist, and Author
Christiane Amanpour British-Iranian Journalist and Television Host
Simone Biles World’s Most Decorated Gymnast
Saidah Grayson Dill, Vice President, Deputy General Counsel - Employment Law, Cisco
“ What an experience! Interacting with such powerhouses and women of impact firsthand was an experience I will never forget.” Fatima Hassan, Senior Product Manager, HPE
97%
plan to attend again
97%
Brené Brown
Juju Chang
Hillary Clinton
Laverne Cox
Researcher & Bestselling Author
Emmy Award-Winning Co-Anchor of ABC News Nightline
Former U.S. Secretary of State, Former First Lady, and Politician
Actress
Gloria Estefan
Julia Gillard
Amanda Gorman
Jameela Jamil
Grammy Award-Winning International Superstar
Former Prime Minister of Australia
America’s First Youth Poet Laureate
Actress and Activist
would recommend
“ I absolutely love that it was a hybrid experience. Due to the excellent technology set-up that was provided, my virtual experience was flawless. It was as if I was there in person! Having a choice to attend in person or virtual was fantastic!” atsamy Visetsin, Manager of Inclusion & Diversity, L The TJX Companies, Inc.
Michelle Obama
Amy Purdy
Serena Williams
Oprah Winfrey
Former First Lady, Attorney, and Author
Survivor, New York Times Bestselling Author, World Class Snowboarder, and Founder of Adaptive Action Sports
World Champion Tennis Player
Talk Show Host, Television Producer, Actress, Author, and Philanthropist
Empower Leadership. Drive Change. Transform Culture. April 3, 2024
Why Join Us? SIMMONS UNIVERSITY IS A GLOBAL AUTHORITY ON WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP Simmons is a women’s university leading the way in education – including the first women-focused MBA – for 125+ years. Powered by research: Topics are grounded in science, academic rigor, and the latest thought leadership. Designed for outcomes: We reverse engineer sessions to include actionable steps to enhance your leadership journey. Delivered by experts: Gain insight from a world-class roster of speakers and executives across a wide range of industries.
3 WAYS TO ATTEND
Live in Boston
This immersive day of professional development offers ensures a huge return on investment.
Online from Anywhere
World-class Speakers: Whether on the mainstage or in the choice of 6 breakout sessions we provide cutting-edge opportunities for hybrid audience engagement.
Video on Demand
MULTIPLE WAYS TO PARTNER BROUGHT TO YOU BY
A STATEGIC INVESTMENT FOR YOU AND YOUR ORGANIZATION
SPONSORSHIP GROUP PASSES VIRTUAL WATCH PARTIES
Relevant: The theme addresses the hottest leadership topics and workplace trends. Practical: Each session offers a range of useful tips and tools you and your team can begin using today. Inspirational: Re-energize, create breakthrough thinking on what is possible, boost performance and collaboration, and retain staff. Full Access: The virtual marketplace allows you to explore and engage with our trusted partners and sponsors.
2024 MAINSTAGE KEYNOTES
Gloria Steinem Writer & Feminist Activist
Trevor Noah Comedian & Bestselling Author
Padma Lakshmi Emmy-Nominated Food Expert, Television Host & New York Times Bestselling Author
Magie Cook CEO, Entrepreneur, Coach, Author & Philanthropist
Jennifer Hymen Co-founder and CEO, Rent the Runway
Cassandra Worthy CEO, Change Enthusiasm® Global, World’s Leading Expert on Change Enthusiasm
“ I am going to leave here today and I am going to translate all this learning to how I approach my work and how I approach relationships. I will bring that back to my job. So this kind of investment is really, really important for any company that is thinking about developing their talent.” Joanna Burleson Managing Director at Monitor Institute, Deloitte
“ I think it is important to put your money where your mouth is and to show you truly embrace and appreciate all of the things that you’re telling your employees that they do – so when I have an opportunity to go to a conference like this, I know that my company is investing in women and our success.” Lisa Meconi Director of Engineering, Talent & Enterprise Services Liberty Mutual Insurance
“ This conference is a best practice in how they shifted to a hybrid event. With an easy to use platform, more globalized content and amazing speakers that motivate attendees, they have made it simple for us to be more inclusive in offering seamless access to our global team members for this event.” Dawn Tiermann Senior Advisory, External Relationships, Dell Technologies
MAXIMIZE YOUR CONFERENCE IMPACT
Become a Conference Sponsor Join the hundreds of organizations whose sponsorship has amplified their brand to more than 120,000 attendees and inspired their team members to become more inclusive leaders.
Why Sponsor? RAISE VISIBILITY • Showcase your commitment to women’s leadership and gender equity •E nhance your diversity, equity, and inclusion programming • Spotlight participation of conference delegates at media events ENHANCE PRODUCTIVITY • I mprove team morale, loyalty, and retention •E quip rising stars with innovative, research-based leadership tools and strategies •G ain insight into current workforce trends and topics RECRUIT TOP TALENT • Prove your commitment to women leaders •N etwork with women leaders from similar organizations around the globe •M eet job-seekers with impeccable educations, career paths, and achievements
A PERFECT WAY TO
Support Future Leaders Support your own leadership journey and also fund future leaders through our educational efforts at Simmons University. Student scholarships: A portion of your conference fee supports students in our Boston Scholars program. Academic programming: You also fund the development of innovative “Everyday Leadership” programs. Inclusive leadership initiatives: You support our mission at the Institute to manifest gender equity and foster cultures of inclusion.
SELECTION of SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONS THESE COMPANIES REPRESENT A SAMPLE OF THE EXTRAORDINARY ORGANIZATIONS THAT CHOOSE SIMMONS UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE FOR INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP.
“ Cisco is a major sponsor of Simmons. This year we sent over 700 people to the conference. It’s changing the lives of not only women but also of the men who are allies for us.” Carmita Bass Solutions Director, Business Critical Services, Cisco
For complete details and sponsor package information please contact Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership at leadershipinstitute@simmons.edu.
APRIL 3, 2024
Agenda
The Simmons Leadership Conference is not responsible for any speaker or program changes that may occur. In the unlikely event of program changes, updates will be posted on our website and/or announced on the day of the event.
9:00 AM
Welcome Remarks Our esteemed co-hosts, Joyce Kulhawik and Kristen Palson, will kick things off and set the stage for the exceptional day of leadership and allyship.
9:15 AM
Uncover Your Inner Change Enthusiast to Maximize Your Impact Cassandra Worthy is the world’s leading expert on Change Enthusiasm®. She will light up the stage with her refreshingly unique take on not just “managing” but also growing through change.
10:00 AM
Business Panel: Creating Impact as a Leader Moderated by Kerry Seitz, the Institute’s VP for Women’s Leadership, our panelists of business leaders will reflect on their personal journeys, offer career-building advice, and engage in a thought-provoking conversation with a focus on how they were able to create an impact and succeed in leadership.
10:35 AM
Networking Break Network with peers from around the world and learn more about sponsor organizations in the Virtual Exhibit Hall.
11:00 AM
How to Have a Big Career AND a Big Life As a founder of a high-growth company, the CEO of a public company, and board member of three public companies, Jennifer Hyman is uniquely positioned to share how she manages both a big career and a big life.
12:00 PM
Signature Sessions: Concurrent Choices Choose from 6 concurrent options.
1:00 PM Lunch Break
2:00 PM Think Like a CEO Magie Cook is a Latina businesswoman who overcame homelessness to become the CEO & founder of Maggie’s Salsa, LLC. Magie will share her incredible story of triumph against impossible odds, and through her story she will reveal what it takes to create a shift in mentality that allows you to achieve your full potential.
2:45 PM Helen G. Drinan Visionary Leader Award Join us as we present this year’s Helen G. Drinan Visionary Leader Award. The annual award is named in honor of the former president of Simmons University and celebrates a woman leader who embodies the values of inclusive leadership in her personal and professional life.
3:00 PM Fireside Chat: Taste the Nation & Impact the World In this inspiring conversation Padma Lakshmi, New York Times bestselling author and Emmy Award-nominated host who currently serves as Executive Producer of Hulu’s Taste the Nation, will join Simmons University President, Dr. Lynn Perry Wooten, to discuss her life and career while showcasing the ways she has used her platform to make a positive impact around the globe.
3:35 PM Networking Break Network with peers from around the world and learn more about sponsor organizations in the Virtual Exhibit Hall.
4:00 PM Inclusion: A Cornerstone of Impactful Leadership with Trevor Noah and Gloria Steinem In an engaging conversation moderated by Susan MacKenty Brady, the Institute’s CEO, Trevor Noah and Gloria Steinem will explore the essence of inclusive leadership and the promotion of equity, regardless of how one identifies. This promises to be a transformative discussion, encouraging us all to rethink how we create inclusion and drive impactful change.
5:00 PM Program Ends
Virtual Sponsorship
ENJOY A BEST-IN-CLASS
Virtual Experience
in Support of Future Women Leaders Reach Beyond Your Network
Extend the Opportunity
Become a Supporter
100
50
25
ONLINE PASSES + BRANDING & NAME PLACEMENT & SOCIAL MEDIA PROMINENCE
ONLINE PASSES + BRANDING & NAME PLACEMENT
ONLINE PASSES + BRANDING & NAME PLACEMENT
Expand your network and foster cultures of inclusion – all while being featured on conference social media channels and on our virtual platform.
Sponsor an amazing day of inspiration and learning. Extend the day seamlessly to your global organization.
Engage and invest in your high-potential leaders and be known as an organization that supports inclusive leadership.
Community $58,000
Champion $25,000
Supporter $12,500
Renew & Connect
Watch Party Package
4+1 Special
20 PASSES
12 PASSES
5 PASSES
Better Together
Build an online group and save!
Join Us Online! We are experts at creating powerful virtual events that engage, inspire, and ignite leaders at all levels.
“ I absolutely love that is was a hybrid experience. Due to the excellent technology – my virtual experience was flawless. It was as if I was there in person! Having a choice to attend in person or virtual was fantastic!” Latsamy Viestsin
Manager of Inclusion & Diversity, The TJX Companies, Inc.
Why JOIN VIRTUALLY? Maximum flexibility & convenience. Enjoy the high-impact day from the comfort of your office — or couch. No need to deal with travel, accommodations, and other expenses.
Build camaraderie.
Gather a group of co-workers or friends and share an amazing day of wisdom and learning. Engage in lively conversations about the inspiring world-class speakers.
Connect far and wide.
Networking made simple! Use our cutting-edge platform to interact with speakers and attendees who share your interests and goals.
$5,999
$3,799
$1,596
For group sales, sponsorships, and bundling options please contact Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership at leadershipinstitute@simmons.edu.
Individual Ticket Pricing
SIMMONS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE IN-PERSON $1,299 ONLINE $399 ONLINE $299 non-profit and Simmons Alumnx ON-DEMAND $349
inclusiveleadership.com leadershipinstitute@simmons.edu Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership 300 The Fenway | Boston, MA 02115-5820
Simmons University was founded in 1899 for one reason: to support women as they develop financial independence. In addition to our rich history in fostering equity for women, the work of understanding inclusion is also foundational for the Institute for Inclusive Leadership. Simmons was founded by male ally and upstander John Simmons well before the words “ally” or “upstander” were in common use. The work that Simmons faculty and administrative leadership has fostered over the 125 years has played a significant role in setting the stage for women’s leadership efforts in the world today. • Simmons is home to 1,750 undergraduates students and 4,500 graduate students • The undergraduate school is a four-year, private, non-profit, non-sectarian university