WithIt Announces Industry Speakers Hipple and Belshaw

Furniture World News Desk on 6/4/2024

WithIt (Women in The Home Furnishings Industry Today) has announced its highly anticipated annual professional conference. The event, titled “Transformative Thinking for Dynamic Leadership,” will feature renowned marketing and leadership expert Portia Mount as the keynote speaker. It is set to take place at the Westin Poinsett Hotel in Greenville, South Carolina, from June 10-12, 2024.

Mount, an acclaimed marketer, TEDx speaker, and co-author of “Kick Some Glass: Ten Ways Women Succeed at Work on Their Own Terms,” will energize attendees with interactive discussions and practical exercises that will explore core values, uncover unique strengths and define professional aspirations. Her authentic storytelling style and industry knowledge will inspire and empower attendees to overcome self-doubt and navigate career challenges with confidence.

“This year’s event promises to be an exceptional opportunity for industry professionals to gain valuable insights, refine their skills, and develop meaningful connections within our industry,” said Amy Van Dorp, executive director of WithIt. “Our program offers a unique platform for professionals to learn from top experts, develop critical skills and expand their networks. Portia’s keynote, ‘From Purpose to Impact,’ will offer attendees strategies to align personal values with professional aspirations, fostering growth and empowerment within our industry. The conference is a pivotal opportunity for women to thrive, connect and lead in our ever-changing world of home furnishings.”

The affordable two-day program offers industry professionals at all stages of their careers the opportunity to learn from experts, develop skills and network with industry peers.

Kicking off the event, there will be three preconference workshops: “Transforming Your Business with EOS—Entrepreneurial Operating System,” featuring Brandon Blell, professional EOS implementer; “Getting to the C-Suite—Strategic Decision Making,” featuring Shelia Butler from Jola Interactive; and “Meeting of the Minds” an Emergenetics Workshop, with Shannon Williams from the Home Furnishings Association.

Day one of the conference includes a welcome breakfast followed by Mount’s 75-minute presentation called, “From Purpose to Impact,” where attendees will walk away with actionable strategies to align personal values with professional goals, propelling attendees towards greater success and fulfillment in their career. Mount’s workshop promises to be a transformative experience for participants who will draw upon her extensive expertise as a C-suite executive and executive coach to guide attendees through a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. From identifying core values to unleashing their “superpowers,” participants will gain valuable insights and practical tools to navigate their career paths with clarity and confidence.

After lunch and an opportunity for professional headshots, there will be three workshops including: “Exploring Dynamic Mentorship,” led by Butler; “Sustainability & Transformative Thinking,” led by Jenny Tinsley, Culp, Inc.; and “Tools to Transform the Workplace” with Bree Cassidy, Howard Elliott. A networking reception and dinner will follow.

Day two features Micah Ray, from D4 Concepts titled “The Communication Code: Unlock Every Relationship One Conversation at a Time.” Micah started his career managing the family business before going to Liberty Hardware where he held positions as Director of IT, Director of Supply Chain, Senior Director of Product Development and Innovation Champion on the company’s path to $200 million in revenue. Since starting D4 Concepts, Micah has helped clients improve their communication and leadership skills at every level of their organization.

The WithIt 2024 annual conference is sponsored by leading companies who believe that the education and development of women builds the C-suite pipeline including Tempur + Sealy, Manwah, La-Z-Boy, J.B. Hunt Final Mile, Synchrony, THS Creative, Universal Home, Jola, Kuka Home, Dallas Market Center and Havertys. For additional sponsorship opportunities, contact Cathy Smith, WithIt’s development director at devdirector@withit.org.

About WithIt
Established in 1997, WithIt exists to encourage and develop leadership, mentoring, education and networking opportunities for professional women in the home and furnishings industries. Our membership encompasses innovators, industry influencers, thought leaders and connectors in a wide range of categories across the nation. WithIt is a non-profit supported by national sponsors who recognize the role women play in the home and furnishings industries and who are active partners in growing the organization, including Andmore, Tempur Sealy, J.B. Hunt Final Mile, Myriad Software, Synchrony Bank, and more.