Female entrepreneurs are invited to an upcoming conference in Cobourg that’s intended to inspire, empower, and poise area businesswomen for success.
In partnership with Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8) and Northumberland County, the Business and Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN) is presenting “She Owns It,” a women’s entrepreneurship conference on Thursday, November 7 at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre.
While last year was the first She Owns It conference, there have been additional She Owns It events throughout the community dating back to pre-COVID, noted Kailyn Coupland, BECN business development coordinator.
“We’re expanding the She Owns It conference this year, increasing capacity and introducing new, exciting elements to deliver another unforgettable ‘wow’ experience, just like last year,” Coupland told kawarthaNOW.
“The enthusiastic feedback we’ve received from our teaser post on social media shows how much this event resonates with the business community and beyond. We’re thrilled to be partnering with RTO8 again to bring back this highly anticipated, previously sold-out event.”
The half-day conference is intended to motivate local female entrepreneurs and features a host of guest speakers, including Mabel’s Labels co-founder and senior director Julie Cole, The Sorry Girls co-founders Becky Wright and Kelsey MacDermaid, and media host, producer, and writer Pay Chen.
The conference offers the opportunity for attendees to hear “the personal stories, experiences and lessons learned from these successful women in business,” according to a media release.
“We are excited to welcome back Mel Hannah from Peterborough Pure Country 105 as our emcee again this year, as we connect with another remarkable group of business leaders,” Coupland shared.
“This year, we have an impressive lineup of industry experts sharing their valuable knowledge as well as new surprises and takeaways for attendees, including the opportunity to get a free digital professional headshot by Laura Benn of Gooseberry Studios on-site at the conference. This event is a great opportunity for women to come together, share insights amongst each other, grow their network and celebrate their impressive achievements in our community.”
The agenda for the conference includes three presentations.
Julie Cole of Mabel’s Labels will open the conference with humour and practical advice as she shares business lessons she learned throughout her career from starting Mabel’s Labels in a basement to building a multi-million-dollar acquisition.
Cole is an award-winning entrepreneur and a best-selling and award-winning author and media personality. She has appeared on NBC’s The Today Show, CNN, HLN’s Raising America, Breakfast Television, The Marilyn Denis Show, CP24, and CityLine, among many others. Her articles have also appeared in The Huffington Post, The Globe and Mail, Today’s Parent, Profit Magazine, Working Mother Magazine, and numerous websites.
Becky Wright and Kelsey MacDermaid of The Sorry Girls will then dive into the history of their careers, including their pinnacle successes and challenges along the way. With more than 2.2 million YouTube subscribers, more than 15 million monthly views across various platforms, appearances on shows like The Drew Barrymore Show, Good Morning America, Breakfast Television, Global News and Netflix, and 14 years of experience, The Sorry Girls have grown into a full-scale digital media brand, the BECN noted. Their channel focuses on DIY, interior design, sustainability, empowerment and education.
Finally, conference attendees will also learn how to leverage media and influencer marketing to unleash their brand’s potential during a professional development session led by Pay Chen. Chen is a seasoned broadcaster with over 20 years of experience as a producer, writer, host and guest expert. Her career spans across all networks, including the CBC, CTV, Global, CityTV, The Food Network, and other specialty stations.
“As a freelance writer and food expert, (Chen) shares delicious discoveries as well as insight and opinions on industry trends and events,” the media release noted.
Overall, the BECN hopes attendees leave the conference “with useful takeaways, an expanded business network, and the inspiration to fuel their own entrepreneurial pursuits.”
Tickets for the event, which runs from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., are limited and registration is required to attend. Tickets are available to purchase by November 1 or while supplies last for $43 plus tax by visiting Northumberland.ca/SheOwnsIt.
