21st Annual Women's Leadership Conference 11-19-26
21st Annual Women's Leadership Conference, Presented by Catawba Valley Health System
November 19, 2026
8:00 am-4:00 pm
Hickory Metro Convention Center
View and download the 2026 Conference Itinerary and 2026 Speaker Lineup
For more than two decades, the Women's Leadership Conference has served as a catalyst for growth, connection, and positive change. Bringing together leaders, emerging professionals, and allies from across the region, the conference creates space for learning, collaboration, and meaningful dialogue.
Attendees gain fresh perspectives, actionable leadership tools, and valuable relationships that extend far beyond the event itself. Through engaging speakers, shared experiences, and authentic conversations, participants are inspired to lead with confidence and create impact within their organizations and communities. Whether you're looking to elevate your career, strengthen your organization, or connect with a community of changemakers, the Women's Leadership Conference offers an experience designed to inspire action, foster opportunity, and drive lasting success.
Join us and be part of a dynamic network committed to advancing leadership, inclusion, and growth throughout our region.
Important Dates:
Registration will open as outlined below or until the event reaches capacity, whichever comes first. Payment by credit card will include a convenience fee.
August 21 - VIP Package availability ends - Chamber Partners only
September 10-18 - Partner Priority online registration - Chamber Partners only, based on availability
September 28-October 9 - General online registration - Based on availability
October 9 - Registration deadline or when event reaches capacity, whichever comes first
October 9 - Cancellation deadline / Names and emails due for all attendees
October 23 - Substitution deadline
Sponsor* Opportunities:
Elevate your brand and position your organization in front of a prestigious audience of business leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs spanning the region. Interested in a sponsorship opportunity? Allow us the privilege of meeting with you one-on-one. During the meeting, our goal is to understand your organization's marketing and community engagement objectives, aligning a sponsorship package to your goals with benefits and privileges. To learn more, reach out to Nathan Cooley, Partner Recruitment & Sponsorship Manager, today. Opportunities are reserved on a first come basis.
Sponsor* Recognition & Appreciation:
Presenting Sponsor: Catawba Valley Health System
Titanium Sponsors: Appalachian State University, Catawba Valley Health System, Corning Optical Communications, LLC, Frye Regional Medical Center, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company, Inc., Richey May North Carolina
Leadership Excellence Sponsors: Appalachian State University, Hickory Crawdads
Leadership Advocate Sponsor: Frye Regional Medical Center
Leadership Impact Sponsor: Lenoir-Rhyne University
Experience Center Sponsor: Trinity Village / Trinity Ridge
Wi-Fi Sponsor: Carolina Caring
Shop Local Marketplace Sponsor: The Greens at Hickory, The Greens at Viewmont, Valley Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Event Signage Sponsor: First Citizens Bank
Stage Sponsor: UNC Health Caldwell
Videography Sponsor: UNC Health Blue Ridge
Photo Wall Sponsor: Strategic Wellness Center
Quiet Room Sponsor: St.Stephens Lutheran Church & School
Breakout Session Sponsors: A Woman's View, Catawba Valley Community College, Catawba Valley Insurance Agency, CommScope, Inc., Nova Credit Union, Patrick, Harper & Dixon, LLP, SYNERGY HomeCare in Conover, Via Health Partners, YMCA of Catawba Valley
Breakout Session Hallway Sponsor: ESP, LLC
VIP Package Sponsors: Brookdale Falling Creek, Fairfield by Marriott, Good's Home Furnishings, Home Instead Hickory, Legacy Homes, Leigh Ashton Aesthetics, Physician's Plan Weight Loss & Wellness, Skyline National Bank, Top Flite Home Loans, Inc., Vitality Anti-Aging Center & Medical Spa
Speaker Gallery Sponsor: Western Carolina University
Mother's Lounge Sponsors: Catawba County Partnership for Children, Catawba County United Way
Exhibitors: AFC Urgent Care, Emerald Health DPC and Aesthetics, Franklin Paul Inspection, Gold & Silver Assay & Jewelry Company, Golden Corral, Hickory Young Professionals, MBA Roofing, Serenity Salt Spa, Primis Mortgage, Walk With Me Healing Steps
Shop Local Vendors: 2 Pink Magnolias, Azalea Design & Craft, Lily Thomas Boutique
*Sponsorship is a privilege of partnership with The Chamber of Catawba County
Date and Time
Thursday Nov 19, 2026
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST
October 9 - Registration deadline or when event reaches capacity, whichever comes first
October 9 - Cancellation deadline / Names and emails due for all attendees
October 23 - Substitution deadline
Location
Hickory Metro Convention Center
1960 13th Ave Dr SE
Hickory NC 28602
Fees/Admission
Registration will be open as outlined below or until the conference reaches capacity, whichever comes first. Payment by credit card includes a convenience fee.
August 21
VIP Package availability ends - Chamber Partners only
$165 Individual Package
$1,650 Reserved Full Table for 10
$825 Reserved Half Table for 5
September 10-18
Partner Priority - Chamber Partners only, based on availability
$130 Chamber Partner
$1,350 Chamber Partner Full Table for 10
$675 Chamber Partner Half Table for 5
September 28-October 9
General Registration, based on availability
$145 Chamber Partner
$1,500 Chamber Partner Full Table for 10
$750 Chamber Partner Half Table for 5
$250 General Public
Contact Information
Kim Dahlsten
Send Email
Printed courtesy of www.catawbachamber.org – Contact the The Chamber of Catawba County for more information.
PO Box 1828, Hickory, NC 28603 – (828) 328-6111 – kmiller@catawbachamber.org