Know Before You Go: Women in Business Conference

The countdown is on for the inaugural 2026 McLean County Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Conference, presented by Beam Philanthropy Partners. Taking place Thursday, June 25th at the Parke Regency Hotel & Conference Center, this full-day experience is designed to bring together professionals from across industries for a day of networking, professional development, inspiration, and connection. This year’s conference theme is “Navigating Change," and tickets can be purchased here.

Whether you’re attending to grow your career, expand your network, gain fresh perspective, or simply spend the day surrounded by motivated professionals in business, here’s everything you need to know before you go.

When is it? Thursday, June 25th

What time is it? 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Is a detailed conference schedule available? Yes! See image on the right or details below.

7:00 AM – Rise & Connect Networking
9:30 AM – Welcome Address
9:35 AM – Keynote Address
10:45 AM – Breakout Session 1
12:00 PM – Lunch Break
1:00 PM – Movement Break
1:30 PM – Breakout Session 2
2:45 PM – Navigating What’s Next Q&A Panel
3:45 PM – Cheers To Change Cocktail Hour

Where is it? Parke Regency Hotel & Conference Center | 1413 Leslie Dr. Bloomington, IL 61704

Where do I park? Parking is available on-site at the Parke Regency Hotel & Conference Center. Attendees may use the main event parking lot located directly outside the venue entrance on the southside.

What do I wear? Business casual attire is recommended (ie: slacks, dresses, collared shirts, blazers). Dress in layers. The temperature can vary dramatically from outside to inside the conference center.

What do I bring?

Business cards to place in prize drawings during the exhibitor showcase and utilize during networking
Cash for shopping at the exhibitor booths
Note taking supplies of your choice
Portable charging device as power outlets are limited

Is Wi-Fi available? Yes. You can access Wi-Fi using the following login information.

Network: Parke Hotelguest
Password: Hotelguest

What should I expect?

This thoughtfully curated conference will feature:

A keynote speaker focused on navigating change and growth
Breakout sessions led by industry professionals
A cross-industry leadership panel discussion
High-level networking opportunities
An exhibitor showcase featuring products and services benefitting women
Breakfast, lunch, and cocktail hour refreshments
Welcome bags, drawings, and more

The conference was created to help attendees build meaningful connections while gaining practical tools and insights they can bring back to their careers and businesses.

Conference registration includes an invite to the Women Elevate Women Social on June 22nd from 4:30pm-6:30pm at BloNo Pizza Co. for early check-in, networking, golf, & refreshments. Bring a friend, meet new people, learn more about Women Elevate Women, and kick off conference week with us in the best way possible.

When will I get a program? Programs will be provided at the check-in table the day of the conference. An electronic version will be available by scanning the QR codes around the room as well.

Will presentation slides be shared at the conference? Yes! All conference materials will be provided in the survey email at the end of the conference.

When is the exhibitor showcase open?

The Exhibitor Showcase will be open between sessions and during designated networking times throughout the day. The showcase will not be open during the keynote presentation or breakout sessions to help ensure attendees can fully participate in conference programming while also having dedicated time to connect with exhibitors.

What businesses will be exhibiting? Click here to view our amazing exhibitors!

I am not a Chamber Member. Can I still attend this event? Yes! This event is open to members and the community.

Do I have to live in Bloomington-Normal to attend this event? No. The Women in Business Conference welcomes attendees from across Central Illinois and surrounding communities. This event was designed to bring together professionals from a variety of backgrounds, industries, and career stages, and we believe everyone can gain valuable insights, connections, and inspiration from the experience.

How much does it cost to attend this event?

$150 | Chamber Member Standard Registration

$250 | Non-Member Standard Registration

Are dietary options available? Yes! Please update your registration with dietary restrictions or email them to Lily Hoops at lily@mcleancochamber.org.

My organization would like to bring multiple people. Is there a group discount? Yes! Enjoy 10% off standard member registration when you purchase four or more tickets

I would like to attend as an exhibitor. Can I sign up to do this? Yes! Businesses are welcome to both attend the conference and participate in the Exhibitor Showcase. See ticket + exhibitor pricing below.

$200 | Chamber Member Standard Registration Ticket + Exhibitor Booth

$350 | Non-Member Standard Registration Ticket + Exhibitor Booth

I am passionate about supporting women in business. Are there any sponsorships opportunities available for my business? Yes! All available sponsorships can be found here on the website.

Who is speaking at this event? See our complete speaker line up listed to the right. Click here to meet our keynote speaker, Jessica Maren.

Who should attend this event? This conference is designed for professionals across all industries and career stages, including emerging professionals, entrepreneurs, managers, executives, and business owners looking to grow professionally and build meaningful connections.

Can I change my breakout selections the day of the conference? Yes! Please let us know during check-in if you would like to update your breakout selections.

Where are the sessions located? Please see the list of session locations below. A map of the Conference Center is available here.

Keynote Address
- Jessica Maren, "Bouncing Forward: How to Propel Forward Through Failure" | Hawthorne, Denali & Glacier Room
Breakout Sessions
- Liz Walsh, "Take Messy Action: From Overthinking to Action" | Redwood Room
- Jen Weaver, "Find the Courage to Take the Leap" | Yellowstone Room
- Rose Ruholl, "From Burnout to Breakthrough: Reinventing Yourself at Any Age" | Yosemite Room
- Sheri Shannon & Liz Welch, "Her Financial Journey" | Sierra Room
Q&A Panel | Hawthorne, Denali & Glacier Room
- Moderator, Aimee Beam
- Panelist, Denise Moore
- Panelist, Dr. Jeri Beggs
- Panelist, Jessica Maren
- Panelist, Rachel Simon

Why should I attend this event?
The Women in Business Conference is an opportunity to invest in your professional growth while connecting with professionals across industries and career stages. Attendees will gain practical insights, hear real experiences from business leaders, build valuable connections, and leave feeling inspired, empowered, and equipped with new ideas and resources.

When is the deadline to register? Wednesday, June 24th.

Where do I register? Click here to visit our Women in Business Conference registration page.

I have additional questions about this event. Who do I contact? Lily Hoops, Sr. Events & Programs Manager at lily@mcleancochamber.org