Tuesday’s Advertising Women of New York day-long “Stages Summit” in Chicago was a resounding success, attested to by the SRO audience that gave standing ovations to many of the 30 amazing speakers.
The day-long event had quickly sold out to 250 attendees, including those who had been wait-listed for seats in the Ivy Room at the Tree Studios on State St. While women were the primary audience, about 10 admen also showed up.
“The energy and support was incredible. The personal stories being told were all phenomenal and inspiring,” said Chicago’s Cheri Carpenter, who leads communications for AWNY nationally.
“It had a TED-like quality to it; in fact, it was curated by Ronda Carnegie, CEO of Tngle, New York, who previously had worked for TED.”
“This is our moment,” said Lynn Branigan, AWNY’s president/CEO. “And in this moment we are coming to Chicago. We are not bringing AWNY to Chicago, but we are creating your AWNY, with a fresh perspective and a new name that will be announced in late summer.
“Our programs here will be based on what you asked for — a community for women at each career stage who are seeking professional development, networking and mentoring.
“And if we achieve our most audacious GOAL, when the right number of women are at the heads of the right number of tables, we might even make ourselves obsolete. Because in our hoped- for future, great thinking is celebrated and the rewards are gender neutral.”
Check out the many attendees in ReelChicago’s Photo Album here.
