Agenda

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Sip and Connect - A Mixology Class

4:00 - 6:00 PM

Join an empowering evening designed exclusively for our attendees to connect, collaborate, and unwind. Sip & Connect is an intimate networking event where meaningful conversations flow as smoothly as the craft cocktails.

This event blends professional networking with a dash of delicious fun. Light bites and mocktail options ensure everyone has something to savor. 

Location - Offsite 

Smith Anderson, 150 Fayetteville Street, Suite 2300, Raleigh, NC

Members $65

Non Members $85

Mystery Date Dinners

6:30 - 8:30 PM

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of delicious food, delightful company, and a dash of mystery!

Join us for a Mystery Dinner, where the who, where, and what’s next stay a secret until the very last moment. You’ll share a meal with an unexpected mix of wonderful women at a restaurant you won’t know until you arrive.

Additional Fee – There is no fee to attend; however, you must register.  Attendees will pay for their own dinner and drinks. We have arranged for individual bills with each restaurant.

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Registration and Networking Breakfast

8:30 - 9:00 AM

Opening Remarks and Welcome

9:00 AM

Panel Discussion - M&A In Times of Uncertainty

9:15 - 10:15 AM

In today’s rapidly changing global landscape, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are faced with unprecedented challenges, driven by economic volatility and political shifts. As companies navigate these turbulent waters, executives and investors must grapple with unpredictable factors ranging from inflation and interest rates to changing regulations and geopolitical tensions. This panel will explore how businesses can adapt and thrive in an environment marked by uncertainty, and what strategies can be employed to ensure the long-term success of M&A deals.

Moderator:  TBA

Panelists:  TBA

Keynote Speaker - Kara Ward, Baker Donelson - What Women Need to Know about Federal Policy

10:30 - 11:30 AM

Kara Ward, a regulatory lawyer and registered federal lobbyist (Baker Donelson) will share insights on the latest developments in Washington, D.C. that impact women and your businesses.

Kara concentrates her practice on providing financial institutions, FinTechs, consumer advocacy groups, non-profits, and trade associations with her deep knowledge of complex, inter-governmental matters that intersect financial services laws and public policy to advance clients' objectives on Capitol Hill, within regulatory agencies, and across the Executive Branch.

Lunch Buffet

11:30 AM - 12:15 PM

Lunch Keynote Speaker - Francine Gottsegen, President NC Football Club - Women in Sports

A Durham resident and alumna of Duke University, Gottsegen brings a wealth of business development and sports marketing experience to the club, as well as a valuable perspective on sponsorships and relationship building. Most recently, Gottsegen served as the Chief Executive Officer of Sports Systems, a TicketManager Company, delivering guest management and accreditation solutions to numerous Fortune 500 companies. Prior to working at Sports Systems, Gottsegen served as the Senior Vice President of Sports and Entertainment Marketing at JP Morgan Chase, which followed a similar role at Wells Fargo. Gottsegen has also worked at notable professional sports organizations including the PGA of America, the National Basketball Association, and Major League Soccer.

Break

1:15 - 1:30 PM

Panel Discussion - What I Learned from Selling my Business

1:30 - 2:30 PM

The panel will share their journeys of success, challenges, lessons learned, and the pivotal moments that led to the sale of their businesses.

Moderator:  TBA

Panelists:  TBA

Shannon Cook, 8500 Ventures

Panel Discussion - Find a Mentor, Be a Mentor - Pay it Forward

2:30 - 3:30 PM

The forum wraps up with a powerful call to action for everyone in the room: Find a mentor. Be a mentor. And keep paying it forward. Our panelists discuss the differences between Mentors and Coaches, when each is recommended and remind everyone that mentorship is a tool that can change not just careers, but lives.

Moderator:  TBA

Panelists:  TBA

Networking Wine and Cheese Reception

3:30 - 4:30 PM

As we come to the end of this year's conference, let's take a moment to engage in a vibrant networking session. This is your opportunity to reconnect with the friends you've made throughout the event and deepen those connections. Take the time to seek out that mentor or mentee you've been hoping to find, share your experiences, and explore potential collaborations. It's a chance to forge valuable relationships and make lasting impacts beyond this conference.