What’s New at the 17th Annual Galveston Women’s Conference

Galveston, TX – August 29, 2024 – What began as a small gathering of women at a local restaurant has blossomed into a full-day event filled with inspiration, connection, and empowerment. The 17th Annual Galveston Women’s Conference is set to inspire, connect, and empower women on Friday, Sept. 13, at the Moody Gardens Convention Center in Galveston.

Here’s the skinny on what to expect:

This year’s conference features the expanded Memorial Hermann Vendor Market, showcasing over 150 vendors offering a diverse array of products—from chic boutique clothing and stunning jewelry to luxurious beauty items, unique gifts and more. Plus, vendors offer health screening information and health and wellness products. For those seeking an exclusive shopping experience, VIP ticket holders will enjoy a special VIP Preview on Thursday, Sept. 12, from 6 to 8 PM.

“We’re thrilled to offer an expanded Vendor Market this year,” said Gina Spagnola, President & CEO of the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Attendees will discover a wealth of options, including a wide selection of products from female-owned businesses.”

The Vendor Market will open early at 7 AM on Friday, providing attendees ample opportunity to explore and shop. VIP ticket holders will also have access to the Elitecare Emergency Hospital Luxury Lounge, offering a serene retreat with complimentary dry style hair and touchups from Beauty Bar by Michelle, Vitamin B12 shots courtesy of Elitecare, bites, beverages, and luxurious prizes offered in a private raffle, plus photo opportunities and more.

This year’s conference kicks off earlier than ever before, with doors opening at 7 AM for registration and the opening celebration at 8:30 AM. Attendees can enjoy early access to the Vendor Market at 7 AM, allowing for a leisurely shopping experience before the day’s events begin.

Speakers will present throughout the day, with the highlight being actress Jennifer Grey, who will take the stage at 3 PM. The Vendor Market remains open until 5 PM, providing ample time for last-minute shopping and networking.

This year’s Keynote Speaker is the celebrated actress and Golden Globe nominee Jennifer Grey, best known for her iconic role as Baby in Dirty Dancing. Grey’s memoir, Out of the Corner, became a New York Times Bestseller in 2022. She recently starred in Jesse Eisenberg’s film A Real Pain and is set to star in and executive produce the highly anticipated sequel to Dirty Dancing.

In addition to Grey, the conference will feature two honorary keynote speakers: Kechi Okwuchi, sponsored by Shriners Children’s Texas, and Sarah Shadonix, sponsored by Memorial Hermann.

Kechi Okwuchi, a Nigerian-born singer-songwriter, speaker, and author, is a plane crash survivor whose story of resilience has inspired millions. A two-time finalist on America’s Got Talent, Okwuchi’s memoir More Than My Scars shares her journey as a burn survivor, offering readers hope and inspiration.

Sarah Shadonix, Founder and CEO of Scout & Cellar, is an industry disruptor and visionary leader. Under her guidance, Scout & Cellar has become one of the largest direct-to-consumer wineries in the country and the first B Corp Certified winery in Texas, known for its Clean-Crafted Commitment® to natural, additive-free products.

The EmpowHER Speakers Panel, sponsored by UTMB Health, features an inspiring lineup of women from various industries. This year’s panel includes Natacha Chough, MD, MPH, a Flight Surgeon with NASA Johnson Space Center and Clinical Assistant Professor for Aerospace Medicine; Vicki Hollub, President & CEO of Occidental Oil & Gas Corporation; and Jennifer Provaznik, Texas Game Parks & Wildlife Game Warden, and Maggie Flecknoe, host of CW39’s Houston Happens.

This year’s conference theme, “Roots & Wings: Grounded in Strength, Soaring with Success,” is a tribute to Jennifer Grey and the scenic beauty of Mountain Lake, where Dirty Dancing was filmed. Attendees are encouraged to dress in “earthy elegance,” with colors inspired by the natural mountain setting—forest greens, deep blues, soft browns, and muted grays—with accents of white, gold, or silver symbolizing aspiration and success.

The Galveston Women’s Conference is a premier event celebrating and empowering women from all walks of life. Attendees can look forward to a day of networking, professional development, and personal growth. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from Jennifer Grey and other esteemed speakers.

Tickets for the 17th Annual Galveston Women’s Conference are now available. For more details and to secure your place, please visit GalvestonChamber.Com

About the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce
 The Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting the Galveston region’s economic vitality and quality of life. Through advocacy, education, and community involvement, the Chamber works to support businesses and enhance the overall well-being of the community.

For more information, visit www.galvestonchamber.com or call at (409) 763-5326.