The two professional reasons to attend the eWomen Conference are the quality of networking and the ability to forge strategic partnerships and to hear truly exceptional speakers.  Of the speakers, nearly all of them are authors.  Here are my favorite speakers from the conference and my two favorite books.

We got started Thursday night with Judge Glenda Hatchett.  I am the first to tell you that I don’t watch her show.  Thats okay because I am not her audience.  What she does is to provide wisdom and a positive light into the justice system for those who do watch daytime television.  I admire her for her message.  I was very impressed to learn that Glenda Hatchett was a top level executive in the legal department of Delta Airlines who chose to leave that corporate security and recognition to give back and to make a difference, especially for women and children of color. 

Friday morning, we heard from Debbie Meyer, the Home Shopping Genius; inventor of Green Bags and Green Boxes; and so many other inventions that make housework and entertaining smarter.  I must admit I cringed a little when she shared the secret to her success:  she thinks of all of those things as she cleans her own house!  Okay, so my passion will meet my purpose somewhere else…

On Friday and again on Saturday, I was able to attend a breakout session and hear a panel discussion with Mari Smith.  Fast Company dubbed Mari Smith the Pied Piper of the Online World.  Not only is she delightful with her Scottish brogue but her sessions were informative.  I must admit it was a little trying to just sit and listen because I was among the many thousands who were knocked out of Twitter!  I highly recommend her website at www.marismith.com  Or, follow her Twitter @marismith.  She’ll follow you back!

To finish off the day on Friday, Robert Stephens, the CEO of Geek Squad spoke to us on branding.  He was really funny and informative.  Keep it simple.  Understand your audience and use humor that resonates with that audience to get past the blaring noise. Saturday morning, Corny Koehl from Oprah Radio chatted with Sandra Yancey, the CEO of eWomen Network about many things, including the opportunity for women in radio.  She was very insightful. 

I wait all week for the Sunday speakers.  Roxanne Emrich, author of Thank God It’s Monday got things started.  She really got to the heart of why people have such bad attitudes regarding work.  I can’t wait to read Thank God Its Monday.  Find it on my Amazon book list.  Or get started right now by signing up for her Monday Morning newsletter. 

Lisa Nichols touched my heart.  She made me laugh and cry.  But she really made me take a look at my limiting beliefs.  I have already started reading her bestseller, No Matter What.  Find it on my Amazon list. 

To learn more about the eWomen Network conference, visit their website. 

On Friday night of the eWomen Conference, we are the guests of Nordstrom at a special event to benefit the eWomen Network foundation.  We travel from the Hilton Anatole to the Nordstrom at the Galleria for a special night of food, beverage and shopping.  They actually CLOSE the Nordstrom early so that we can converge.  We walk in on a red carpet and are met with fabulous food, drink and special events throughout the evening.  We have access to Nordstrom’s top makeup artists from the region and lots of special goodies throughout the night. 

They always have great appetizers, drinks and a deejay to add a special mood to the shopping experience!  Once our shopping damage is done, the luxury buses are ready to drive us back to the hotel. 

There is no woman’s bonding experience quite like shopping.  Nordstrom understands that better than any other department store!

 This week while I am attending the eWomen conference, I have continued with a modified workout regimen.  In addition to the massive 80,000 square foot gym at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, there is also an outdoor walking track with beautiful landscaping, sculptures and even a coy pond.  I have been utilizing the walking track and swimming pool to get in some movement every day. 

While this in no way compares to my usual routine, it does help me to have more energy.  I don’t feel that sluggishness from sitting in a chair all day.  And the fresh air does me a world of good as I am not accustomed to being in air conditioning all day.  And it does help to work off some of the conference food and drink that just packs on the pounds!