In a world where women are underrepresented in leadership roles, attending conferences is a means to network, learn, and grow. But with so many events being marketed at you each day, finding the right event can be overwhelming. If you are looking to fill your calendar with inspiring conferences this year, look no further. Here’s a curated list of must-attend conferences for women in 2024.
Why Women’s Conferences are Essential:
Women’s conferences hold a special place in the professional world, particularly valuable for those in leadership and marketing. These events provide more than just a networking platform; they offer a unique space where women can share specialized knowledge and experiences pertinent to their roles in various industries.
- Tailored Best Practices for Women: These conferences offer a forum to discuss best practices specifically for women in the workplace. Given that women often represent a minority in many fields, these events focus on their unique challenges and experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of their professional journey.
- Support and Empowerment: Data from the Global Gap Index indicated a rise in women’s participation in leadership roles — from 33.3% in 2016 to 36.9% in 2022. Despite this progress, many women still face hurdles in having their potential recognized. Women’s conferences act as a support system, providing a platform for exchanging advice, exclusive interviews, and inspiring conversations that empower women to transform their work environments.
- Year-Round Engagement: Many women’s conferences extend beyond the event itself, offering a continuous network of support and learning through podcasts, interviews, and ongoing discussions.
The best conferences for women in 2024:
iRelaunch Return to Work Conference
The iRelaunch Return to Work Conference serves as a dynamic platform designed to propel individuals through the journey of career relaunching. Offering a wealth of meticulously curated tools and resources, this event empowers attendees at every stage, from navigating obstacles to seizing new opportunities. With the chance to engage directly with employer sponsors, participants gain invaluable insights and connections to fuel their professional resurgence like never before.
- When: May 14–16, 2024
- Location: Virtual
Best for: Anyone who has the desire to get back to work after a multi-year career break
Fairygodboss Inspiration Summit
Designed to educate, uplift, and inspire user communities, the fourth-annual Fairygodboss Inspiration Summit is a one-day event with programming that encompasses strategies for you to advance your career, increase your earning potential, elevate your well-being, and serve as an ally for other women in the workplace. Network with career-minded women in 1:1 speed networking sessions, hear from thought-leading keynotes offering insights from top corporate executives and industry-leading voices, and delve into topics such as combating burnout, returning to work, allyship, financial independence, career pivots, and mentorship.
- Date: May 14, 2024
- Location: Virtual
Best for: Career-minded women spanning all industries
WIN Summit 2024: The Power To, WIN’s eighth annual summit, is a one-of-a-kind negotiation and leadership event. This one-day event offers a premium experience that transcends typical professional development events, blending academia and industry expertise. With a focus on female empowerment and negotiation skills, attendees will gain actionable solutions, important tools, and strategies to accelerate business and professional growth. Through powerful programming, networking opportunities, and diverse perspectives, participants will leave empowered to step into their power and drive meaningful change in the corporate landscape.
- Date: May 30, 2024
- Location: New York, NY
Best for: Women who want to enhance their negotiation skills, or are looking to take their careers to the next level
Ellevate’s Mobilize Women Summit 2024 is a platform for fresh perspectives, diverse voices, and practical strategies to address today’s toughest workplace issues. Be part of the conversation as you shape inclusive workplaces and tap into a global network for support and inspiration. Mobilize Women will include ample opportunity for women+ and allies from all industries to come together, listen with intent, contribute their voice, and map out a plan for a more equitable world.
- Date: June 5, 2024
- Location: Virtual
Best for: Women and allies on a quest to make the workplace and world more equitable and inclusive
The Women Lead Festival provides a platform for attendees to expand their networks, share insights, and gain inspiration from prominent leaders across various sectors. This dynamic event encourages active participation, with attendees contributing their experiences and engaging in discussions with speakers and peers. With a focus on addressing challenges women encounter in their careers, the festival offers engaging keynotes, panels, and workshops led by C-suite women and Fortune 500 trailblazers. Participants can expect to connect, learn, and acquire actionable strategies for success in their professional endeavors.
- Date: June 13–14, 2024
- Location: Brooklyn, NY
Best for: Senior-level women and men who support women’s advancement
The Sistas In Sales Annual Summit is designed to offer unparalleled opportunities to learn, grow and connect with other powerful women of color in sales. With a focus on breaking barriers and celebrating excellence, this event became a sanctuary for Black women, affirming their presence and impact in a predominantly white-male space. From inspiring keynotes to hands-on workshops, the experience is tailored to meet the needs of sales professionals at every stage of their careers. Plus, you can network with top companies and successful start-ups, and build meaningful relationships that will help you succeed in the long term.
- Date: September 19–21, 2024
- Location: Brooklyn, NY
Best for: Women of color in sales
TEDNext is a vibrant three-day exploration of what’s next, propelling the future you to drive change at every level, from personal to global. Expanding on the TEDWomen mission, it broadens the program’s gender lens, embracing new ideas and fresh voices from all communities to engage and inspire the next generation of changemakers, reaching new realms of possibility and inclusion.
- Date: October 22–24, 2024
- Location: Atlanta, GA
Best for: Innovative leaders and creative thinkers
Women Impact Tech New York 2024
The Women Impact Tech conferences are a series of events that align “top women in tech with companies who are committed to inclusion and innovation.” The event gives women in tech, namely women engineers, the chance to network with more than 350 tech companies and have one-on-one meetings with companies at seven national events. There is also a virtual conference for those who can’t attend in person.
- Date: November 7, 2024
- Location: New York City, NY
Best for: Engineers and women in tech
The Women in Leadership Institute™
Elevate your leadership journey with the Women in Leadership Institute™ (WIL) 2024, offering actionable strategies to overcome workplace challenges. This immersive experience accelerates the advancement of women across industries, providing career-changing networking opportunities and impactful insights. Attendees benefit from inspiring keynotes, skill-building sessions, and peer-learning opportunities, making WIL a transformative investment for both individuals and organizations committed to gender equity.
- Date: November 11–14, 2024
- Location: Orlando, FL and Virtual
Best for: Women leaders across all industries
Attending women’s conferences offers unparalleled opportunities for growth and networking. By leveraging the insights and connections gained from these events, women can propel their careers forward and contribute to positive change in their industries and communities. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career journey, these conferences provide a supportive environment to learn, connect, and thrive.
