Women Working in Technology 2023

9:00am to 9:30am – Onsite Registration and Coffee Talk

Onsite Registration and informal Networking. Also, a photographer is available for headshots.

9:30am to 10:00am – Networking/Ignite Sessions in breakout rooms

Continue Networking, check out some of the Ignite Sessions, get a photo taken, make some AI art.

10:00am to 11:00pm – Welcome and Opening Keynote Alison Bell

Finding Your Place in the Evolving IT Workforce

As the world becomes even more connected, the need for IT professionals continues to grow to support society’s increased reliance on technology and workplace trends. Whether you work in IT or for a tech company, the landscape is changing – with more opportunities than ever before to grow and evolve in the field. Regional Vice President and Indiana Chancellor for Western Governors University, Alison Bell, will discuss the growth and evolution of the tech industry and find your place within.

11:00am to 11:45pm – Table Talk Activity 

Everyone has problems they are trying to solve. Whether it’s related to how to improve your routine for better habits or how to engage your new board member, an outside perspective can help uncover fresh ideas. In this table talk session, we will do just that. Everyone should bring one problem they are currently facing in their life. No problem is too big or too small. We’ll split up into small groups to get advice on your problem. You will get perspectives from people with different careers, experiences, and ages. Some example problems/questions are below: 

• I have taken a new position and am having trouble with the new board of directors. With the pandemic, I just can’t seem to get them engaged while being virtual. How can I get them to engage during meetings? 

• I have a manager that is allowing me to take ownership of new responsibilities but is focusing too much on the little nitty-gritty things while I need help with the bigger picture. How can I get them to refocus on the bigger picture rather than the colors being used? 

• The move to working from home for the pandemic has been tough. My schedule is out of whack, and I can’t seem to start and stop working at reasonable hours. What can I do to help me get onto a better schedule?

11:45am to 12:30pm – Lunch Buffet opens 

You are welcome to continue networking during this time but do get up, move, and have something to eat. 

12:30pm to 1:15pm – Lunch Keynote – Kate Maxwell

Creativity Unleashed 

Innovation is critical to business growth, and creativity lies at the heart of innovation. What can we do to raise our creativity quotient? This session explores the psychology of creativity and identifies ways in which we can find inspiration for ourselves and for our teams. Participants will learn about the many habits that hold back our creative selves, including fear of judgment, self-doubt, the problem with being too busy, and the many distractions that interrupt the creative thought process.  

Discussion will include methods for overcoming creative pitfalls and how to actively and purposefully foster creativity in our teams. The talk highlights a selection of renowned “original thinkers” and provides examples and short exercises to foster audience engagement. 

1:15pm to 1:30pm – Mini Break and move to breakout rooms  

1:30pm to 3:30pm – Breakout Rooms

You will have the option to attend 2 out of our 3 breakout rooms lasting roughly 45 minutes each. 

Breakout Room #1 - Randi Roger 

BEYOND THE RED OR BLUE PILL: Tips and tricks from the trenches to survive the matrix

In a career that spans three decades, Randi has worked in many different organizations but all as a product manager. She increasingly found herself in roles where she has all the responsibility- yet no authority! In trying to understand why this was the case and how to maneuver in these organizations she started studying the matrixed organization. Her session will explore the rise of the matrixed organization, the benefits, and challenges if you find yourself operating in one as well as tips and tricks for successfully maneuvering and even thriving “within the matrix”

Breakout Room #2 - The AI Revolution Panel 

Exploring the Intersection of Art, Language, and Deepfakes - This panel delves into the exciting advancements in AI, specifically focusing on AI art, ChatGPT, and deepfakes. Discussion topics include how AI is shaping the future of art, the potential, and limitations of language models like ChatGPT, and the latest developments in deepfake technology. Join experts in the field as they explore the innovative ways AI is transforming our world – This description was generated by ChatGPT on 1/29/2023. Wild huh?

Breakout Room #3 - Kortnee Knoble

Confidence in the Workplace 

If you have ever felt less than confident in the workplace, you are not alone. Developing confidence is a process that takes ongoing reflection and practice. By taking the necessary steps to improve your self-confidence, you will also feel more comfortable with facilitating meetings, networking, interviewing and even doing well in your job.

3:30pm to 3:45pm – Mini Break/Networking 

3:45pm to 4:30pm – Closing session 

Interactive session wrapping up an eventful day!