Women Aware Conference

Nicole Johnson will be the keynote speaker at the annual Women Aware Conference Thursday, Sept. 29, at the Black River Coliseum.

“Johnson (who lives in Santa Monica, Calif.) was chosen because of her understanding of being a woman in today’s society,” said conference director Chris Waite. “She has published eight books and her best-selling debut, Fresh Brewed Life, will be the theme of this year’s conference – Living a Fresh Brewed Life. In an entertaining way, Johnson will give women encouragement in their daily lives including the many roles women portray including their family life, social life, spiritual life, and career.”

Planning for the annual conference started in December 2015, and Waite explained, “Keynote speakers book quickly and we have to get our request on their list. We then have to set a date, confirm date availability with the facility, with our chosen speaker and with our caterer. Then the committee members get busy picking the theme, decorations, fundraising, publicity and curriculum. The committee members volunteer their time to bring this conference to the area and it is a great way to share the day with friends and co-workers learning, building contacts, and visiting the exhibitors.”

The conference committee has been meeting for months not only selecting a keynote speaker, but revamping and refining plans for the annual event. The fundraising committee is calling on past, as well as possible new sponsors, to offer them an opportunity to participate in the event showcasing their services and merchandise to hundreds of conference attendees.

While the curriculum committee is wrapping up its planning meetings selecting breakout session speakers who will deal with health, work, family and fun, the group will soon announce information about each session as well as their titles and presenters.

Anyone interested in financially sponsoring the conference may contact Stephanie Knoppe at sgibson@mossyoakproperties.com. Different levels of sponsorship are available and Knoppe and her committee are busy contacting area businesses and will be happy to bring flyers to you and discuss your opinions.

“Anyone is welcome to attend our annual conference,” Waite said. “It will be a fun-filled day packed with innovative breakout sessions, an inspiring keynote speaker, wonderful local businesses and yummy food.”

Waite said, “The annual Women Aware conference provides women the opportunity to continue to grow and learn through the many breakout sessions offered, the keynote address, and the networking and socializing with friends, co-workers, and business professionals. The conference attendees enjoy visiting the exhibitors and learning of new products and services plus the shopping opportunities at this event. I encourage you to purchase your ticket early and mark the date on your calendar. You will definitely want to be there.”

If paid by Sept. 10, the fee will be $40. The cost will increase to $50 after Sept. 10. To reserve a ticket to attend, register online at Eventbrite.com or send name, address, phone and number of tickets requested along with payment to:

Women Aware Inc.

P.O. Box 1282

Poplar Bluff, MO 63902

For any questions, send an email at pbwomenawareinc@gmail.com.