Women's Conference ~ Part One

This was in my fortune cookie last night. It seems fitting after the week I had producing the Expand Your Horizons Women's Conference at the Nixon Library. It is the culmination of a five year dream of mine to produce a women's conference. All in all, it was 95% positive and the feedback we have received from people has been heart warming. So many elements go into creating any event, you forget some of the little details that make it, as I like to say, go from good to GREAT!
We were lucky enough to have professional photographers capture the morning and I am so excited to see it all through their creative lens. This is only a small post about the conference with more to follow once the photos are in to help tell the story.

Here's part of my opening speech:

Good Morning! Welcome to the Expand Your Horizons Women’s Conference. We are so glad you are here.

I am Susan Svoboda & this is Elisa Dilabio. We are the producers of today’s event. Looking out at all of you gathered here, in this beautiful setting, on this sunny morning, says to me that dreams DO come true! This conference has been a dream of mine for over 5 years. I have always believed that women are excellent at supporting and helping each other. Last July, I shared this dream with Elisa and she said, “When do we start?” Together, we have worked hard to assure that this day is one you won’t forget. We searched for speakers and topics that would encourage, inspire and teach you. Today, we have some incredible women as your speakers. Some we have known for many years and some we met just recently. Their topics vary, but what they all have in common is a willingness to share some of what they know with others. We’d like to thank them for giving of their time and talents. Ladies, please stand.

It has been said that the only dreams that matter are the ones you have when you are awake. We challenge each of you to ask yourself ~ What is my dream? What can I do to get closer to realizing my dream? Our goal today is to inspire you to reach a little higher, think a little more, and believe in yourself and your dreams.