The Women’s Industry Network (WIN) has announced details of the 2016 Annual Educational Conference, scheduled to take place in Tampa, Fla., May 2-4, 2016. The conference venue, the Tampa Downtown Hilton, provides spacious accommodations including elegant guest rooms, state-of-the-art meeting facilities and luscious outdoor gardens.

“Power of the Past – Force of the Future,” the theme for the 10th annual conference, aptly describes the event, as 10 years ago a small group of collision industry professionals invited women to discuss furthering opportunities for their peers in the collision repair industry. At the first conference, held in Phoenix, WIN founders shared their vision of an organization focused on empowering, mentoring, networking and nurturing women in the collision repair industry.

“As I reflect on my tenure with the WIN from that first conference in Phoenix, to our now 500-plus member organization, I am inspired by our forward movement, what I have learned and those that I have met who have helped me professionally in my career,” said Wendy Rogers, formerly of State Farm and co-chair of the WIN Conference Planning Committee. “I am thrilled to have shared in our 10 years of successes and look forward to what the future brings.”

Olympian Shannon Miller is the featured keynote speaker who will take the main stage on May 3rd. Her message, “The Gold Medal Mindset,” will be heard by attendees from all segments of the collision repair industry.

“I was there to see her claim the gold medal, and now we will hear about her incredible journey to that professional accomplishment,” said Yolanda Sandor, BASF, and co-chair of the Conference Planning Committee.

Additional guest speakers will include David Luehr, Elite Body Solutions; Laurie Altman, vice president, 3M; Susan Lombardo, senior vice president, Vehicle Acquisitions – Enterprise Holdings; Collette Bruce, owner, Team Safety, LLC; Karen Fierst, principal, KarenOr Consultants; Jeff Peevy, president, Automotive Management Institute (AMI); Kristen Felder, Engage Target Media; and Mark Claypool, chairman and CEO of Optima Automotive.

“Our speaker committee has been tireless in our efforts to find high-energy, professional presenters covering diverse and relevant topics,” said Sandor.

In addition to the professional development that will be presented, attendees will also have an opportunity to participate in the annual WIN Scholarship Walk which benefits the WIN Scholarship Fund and hear from some of WIN’s founding members during a Q&A panel.

The WIN Gala and Most Influential Women (MIW) Reception will be held on May 3rd, 2016, to celebrate past recipients as well as the 2016 Most Influential Women Award Recipient, Michelle Sullivan, regional vice president of FinishMaster, Inc. The MIW program’s charter aligns with WIN’s mission to “enhance the role of women in the industry.” Since 1999, the program has recognized 88 women for both their professional accomplishments and for going beyond requirements of their positions to give back to their communities.

“2016 marks the 10th anniversary of WIN as an organization engaging women in the collision industry,” said Denise Caspersen of National Autobody Parts Warehouse, Inc., who also serves as WIN’s chair. “As WIN comes together for the Power of the Past – Force of the Future Educational Conference, once again the WIN volunteers have raised the bar of excellence with an outstanding lineup of speakers, networking that reaches within all segments of our industry, and moments to recognize WIN’s founders and WIN’s future. WIN’s strength lies within the hands of our WIN member volunteers and the outstanding support WIN receives from the industry. As WIN reaches the 10-year milestone, WIN’s journey is certainly one made of wins and WINners.”

Registration for the conference is now open. Members registered before April 1st will receive a discounted rate of $400. Member registration after April 1st will cost $450. Nonmembers can attend at a rate of $650, and attendance for the MIW reception is $75 per person.

Visit the organization’s website to register and learn more about the WIN 2016 Annual Educational Conference. Membership and sponsorship information can also be found on the website.