12th Annual WISE Symposium to Feature Expert Women Keynote Speakers

Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (WISE) is bringing powerhouse entrepreneurial guest speakers to the 12th annual WISE Symposium on Tuesday, April 8, to inspire an anticipated audience of 1,000 at the Oncenter in Syracuse. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and features a full day of activities, speakers and opportunity for networking.

Jessica Herrin

Jessica Herrin will deliver the afternoon keynote address, “Achieving Success and Balance through a Career You Love,” in which she’ll unveil her entrepreneurial journey designing a career that fit with her family priorities.

Melinda Emerson

Melinda Emerson, known as SmallBizLady, America’s #1 small business expert, CEO of Quintessence Multimedia, and author of “Become Your Own Boss in 12 months; A Month-by-Month Guide to a Business That Works,” is the morning keynote speaker. Emerson’s presentation, “How to Reinvent Your Business and Become a Social Media Ninja,” aims to inspire attendees to achieve their potential by dreaming big and then making it happen through tools, resources and social media.

Another highly anticipated speaker is Entrepreneur magazine editor-in-chief Amy Cosper, who will give a “State of Women in Business” update to kick off the morning of the event.

Additional 2014 WISE Symposium speakers include:

• Jennifer Howland, leader of IBM’s Pathways Program, a worldwide initiative to develop bold actions aimed at increasing the representation of women in STEM-related leadership positions
• Judy Wicks, author of “Good Morning, Beautiful Business” and buy-local advocate
• Karen Hough, founder and CEO of ImprovEdge, and the author of “The Improvisation Edge: Secrets to Building Trust and Radical Collaboration at Work”
• Alicia Marie, CEO of People Biz Inc., a coaching and training company
• Gayle Carson, “Spunky Old Broad” and personal coach
• Renata Mutis Black, founder and executive director of Seven Foundation, which posits a new blueprint for philanthropy away from donor dependency into sustainable business models
• Local women entrepreneurs and business/leadership experts who will be sharing their experiences, challenges and insights on a variety of topics

“It’s a great opportunity for attendees to make new connections and deepen their overall knowledge about cutting-edge business and leadership topics,” says Lindsay Wickham, events and communications manager for the WISE Symposium. “This continues at the WISE Women’s Business Center, which strives all year long to support startups and the growth of successful and passionate entrepreneurs in Central New York.”

Other key opportunities and attractions at the symposium include an Interactive Business Expo; networking with fellow delegates and exhibitors throughout the day; breakout sessions; social media lounge; Connections Café; WISE Reads Library; roundtables for special sessions, such as WISE Latinas and WISE Veterans; and also the post-symposium leadership development training seminar “Coaching Skills for Managers,” offered by People BizInc. Preceding the symposium will be the first annual Be WISE, Buy LOCAL Spring Fling, hosted by WISE and Syracuse First, on Monday, April 7 from 5-7 p.m.

Attendees may register for an all inclusive all-day ticket for $99. Registration for full-time students is $20. Other ticketing options are available. To register, visit https://wisesymposium.eventbrite.com or contact Wickham at lwickham@syr.edu, or 315-443-3550.

The Falcone Center for Entrepreneurship, in the Whitman School of Management, has provided critical support and services for the event since its inception in 2003.