Association for Women in Communications 2013 National Conference, "Worth Every Penny," to be held on October 18-19 in Springfield, IL.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Aug. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 18^th, hundreds of communicators will descend upon Springfield for a weekend of professional development, networking, and fun during the 2013 Association for Women in Communications (AWC) National Conference, "Worth Every Penny," held at the Hilton Springfield. The Springfield (IL) Chapter of AWC is hosting this premier professional event for the communications industry and it is open to all communicator specialists.

The conference, themed as, "Worth Every Penny," reflects the need for communicators to effectively use their personal brand and/or business to charge what they are worth. Women communicators especially must work towards bridging the wage gap to receive equal pay for work of equal value.

"We are very excited to hold the AWC National Conference in Springfield, a city loaded with rich and vibrant historical attractions, to bring together and celebrate communicators while promoting the advancement of women," says Maria Henneberry, AWC Chair.

One conference highlight is the International Matrix and Clarion Awards Reception and Dinner on Saturday, October 19^th. All Clarion Award winners will be honored and presented with their Clarion Awards at this event.

Bonnie St. John, dubbed "one of the most inspiring women in America" by NBC Nightly News, will be honored with the 2013 AWC International Matrix award. For more than 20 years, Bonnie St. John has circled the globe as a keynote speaker and leadership consultant for more than 500 different companies, non-profits and associations. St. John has risen to the highest levels of achievement in a variety of endeavors throughout her life. Despite having her right leg amputated at age five, she became the first African-American ever to win Olympic or Paralympic medals in ski racing, taking home a silver and two bronze medals in downhill events at the 1984 Paralympics in Innsbruck, Austria. The celebrated author of six books, St. John co-authored her most recent #1 bestseller, "How Great Women Lead," with her teenage daughter.

Author and media personality Sarah Petty is the opening Keynote Speaker. Sarah Petty is co-author of "Worth Every Penny: Build A Business That Thrills Customers and Still Charge What You're Worth," and a highly-acclaimed internationally sought-after speaker, presenting to audiences around the globe on how the boutique business model can strengthen their companies. Petty began her career in the marketing department at the world's largest brand, Coca-Cola Enterprises, and went on to direct the marketing campaigns of many small businesses at a top regional advertising agency. Petty's practical no-nonsense approach will leave the audience inspired and with clear action steps for getting on the right path.

The AWC 2013 Headliner is Margery Krevsky, owner and CEO of Michigan-based Productions Plus–The Talent Shop. Krevsky, dubbed "The Queen Bee of the Car Show Models" by Forbes, long ago defied the prevailing trend that had models at auto shows draped against vehicles, dressed sexily in tight ball gowns and short shorts and armed with memorized scripts. She took bold steps and outfitted her talent in sophisticated business attire, first for Pontiac, then Nissan and Toyota. Krevsky is the author of the award-winning book, Sirens of Chrome: The Enduring Allure of Auto Show Models, which most recently was on display at the National Automotive Museum in Reno, Nevada. In 2010 she was awarded the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

On Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, various distinguished speakers will present at educational break-outs to share best practices on networking, leadership, and emerging technologies. On Saturday afternoon, conference attendees will be able to "give their two cents worth" by sharing ideas, experiences, and personal triumphs during the AWC Unconference session.

"The AWC Unconference is a new and exciting addition to our National Conference offerings," explains AWC Board member Sheila Scarborough. "It is completely participant driven and any conference attendee can initiate a discussion on a topic they are knowledgeable and passionate about during a set time."

Sponsorship opportunities for the 2013 AWC Conference are available. Anyone interested in sponsorship opportunities or for registration information, can visit www.womcom.org or call (703) 370-7436.

ABOUT AWC:

Founded in 1909, the Association for Women in Communications, with 2,500 members, is the premier professional organization that champions the advancement of women across all communications disciplines by recognizing excellence, promoting leadership and positioning its members at the forefront of the evolving communications era.

Media Contact: 
Beth Veney, Communications and Programs Manager
Email
703-370-7436

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SOURCE Association for Women in Communications