The Women’s Industry Network (WIN) has announced details of the 2016 Annual Educational Conference scheduled to take place May 2-4, in Tampa, Florida. The conference venue will be the Tampa Downtown Hilton.

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

The conference program is complete with a diverse offering of messages and speakers for 2016. Olympian Shannon Miller is the featured keynote speaker who will take the main stage on May 3. Her message “The Gold Medalist 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 of 3M; Susan Lombardo, senior vice president of 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 outstanding professional development that will be presented, attendees also will have an opportunity to participate in the annual WIN Scholarship Walk that 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 Tuesday, May 3, 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. 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,” said Denise Caspersen of National Autobody Parts Warehouse Inc., who also serves as WIN”s chair. “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 registering before April 1 will receive a discounted rate of $400. For member registration after April 1, the rate is $450. Non-members may attend at a rate of $650 and attendance for the Most Influential Women Reception is $75 per person.

Visit the organization’s website: womensindustrynetwork.com to register and to learn more information about the WIN 2016. Membership and sponsorship information also can be found on the website.