8 reasons to register for Momentum 2022 today—March 16-17

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Momentum Conference
Amanda Stewart Raney leading a session at the 2020 Momentum Conference. Photo via Momentum

Many of us remember Momentum’s Vision 2020 Leadership Conference as Birmingham’s last big event before the pandemic shutdown. Now, almost two years later, Momentum is preparing to bring people from across the state together March 16-17, 2022 at the BJCC for Alabama’s largest leadership conference. Keep reading to find out why you need to be there and how you can register today

1. 2022 marks 20 years of Momentum advancing women leaders

Momentum Conference
Participants at a previous Momentum Conference. Photo via Momentum

What: Momentum 2022—the state’s largest leadership conference, aimed at advancing women’s leadership
Location: Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC), 1 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Dates: March 16-17, 2022
Register now

2. Momentum 2022 matters more than ever—here’s why

women at Momentum
So many opportunities to connect. Photo via Momentum

By now, we all know COVID has taken an unprecedented toll on working women. No matter what your experience has been, it’s time to come together again, and Momentum’s ready. 

Prepare to be reinvigorated, informed and inspired to draw on every ounce of resilience you’ve got. 

Why? Because we need it to be able to LEAD through these difficult times. Our families, our careers and our futures depend on it. 

3. Expect great things

trackbody 8 reasons to register for Momentum 2022 today—March 16-17
Why did nobody ever teach us how to interpret clues from our bodies? Photo via Momentum

If you’ve never been to a large leadership conference like Momentum, you’re in for a treat. Here’s some of what you can expect:

  • Inspiring keynote speakers will help you gain a new perspective.
  • 25 breakout sessions are like mini-workshops, where you take a deeper dive into a specific topic.
  • Men with Momentum track gives the guys in the first and second Men with Momentum cohorts a chance to gather, thanks in part to a grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham.
  • Expo hall showcases women-owned businesses, personal branding services and community organizations from around the state.

4. Past participants have gotten a lot from the conference

women at Momentum Conference
Moments of delight at the Momentum Conference. Photo via Momentum

To learn more about the vision for the 2022 Momentum Conference, we spoke with four women in the know: 

  • Eva Robertson is Executive Director of the Protective Life Foundation. Protective is a Trailblazer Sponsor for the event. 
  • Dana Nolan is Executive VP and Head of Investor Relations at Regions Financial Corporation, which is a Visionary Sponsor for the event.
  • Kathy Boswell is VP for Community Engagement at The World Games 2022 Birmingham. 
  • Monique M. Shorts, MBA, is Manager of Partnerships and Entrepreneurships, Innovation and Economic Opportunity with the City of Birmingham.

Here’s what they said. 

5. Women are a critical part of Alabama’s future workforce

April Benetollo and Eva Robertson
Eva Robertson of Protective Life Foundation (r) with April Benetollo of Momentum (l). Photo via Momentum

“As Alabama works to compete for new industries and to replace our retiring workers, we are faced with an estimated workforce shortage of 500,000 skilled workers by 2025.

Women make up 52% of the state’s adult population. In Protective’s plans to navigate the workforce shortage, we need to make sure we are participating actively in steps to remove barriers, provide support and enable this VERY significant body of talent in our state.

Momentum, especially at this conference that is open to anyone, elevates and explores the issues that are holding women back from attaining their goals—personal or professional. The conference provides roadmaps, feedback and inspiration for women. 

For men AND women leaders—the event provides insights about how to advocate for, sponsor and get the benefit of a more diverse workforce.

When we protect women’s ability to achieve financial security and have equal access to opportunities, families benefit, communities benefit and the outlook for all of Alabama improves.”

Eva Robertson, Protective Life Foundation

6. The conference will provide opportunities to continue learning, growing and advancing

Momentum Conference
Companies often bring tables full of participants to the conference. Photo via Momentum

“Regions is proud to have been partnering with Momentum for almost 20 years since its inception. Our company firmly believes that the commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is a journey that is constantly providing opportunities for associates to continue learning, growing and advancing. 

This philosophy firmly aligns with Momentum’s commitment to the development of equity for women in leadership roles.”

Dana Nolan, Regions Financial Corporation

7. The value of being able to gather is more precious to people now

Momentum Conference
Kathy Boswell is currently serving as Community Outreach Coordinator for The World Games 2022. Photo via Momentum

Kathy Boswell was part of a Momentum’s Executive Leadership Class at a pivotal moment in her life, as her position was being downsized. 

When I asked her about her vision for the 2022 conference, she said the following: 

“Women who come this time will come with a different mindset. The value of being able to gather is more precious to people now. People will have a sense of being more present and won’t just think, ‘oh, I’ve got so much to do at work.’ People will come more thirsty to find that element of peace and balance and to be restored. 

We need to create a movement to not allow the world to dictate that we have to go back to what was not good. I really appreciate that holistic approach Momentum takes for the well being of women in their roles as mom, professional woman or something else.”

Kathy Boswell, The World Games

8. The conference provides a safe space to focus on mental health

Mo at Momentum
Monique “Mo” Shorts (r) and Katie Gilbert (l) at Momentum 2020. Photo via Mo Shorts

Monique Shorts first attended the Momentum Conference in 2016. At the 2020 Conference, her “experience was life-changing, to say the least. I didn’t realize what a blessing it was to be around people, to hug them or see them smile. Things I took for granted were actually a privilege.” 

When I asked her what she was looking forward to about the 2022 Conference, here’s what she said: 

“Personally, I look forward to being in a safe space that allows me to focus on my mental health and understand the power of my resiliency. Professionally, I am looking forward to finding ways to foster creativity, spur innovation and embrace challenges. I am also looking forward to being engaged, empowered and inspired by the sheer resilience of the women of Alabama.”  

Monique M. Shorts, MBA

Ready to save your spot at Momentum 2022? Register today and follow Momentum on their website, Instagram and Facebook.

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Sharron Swain
Sharron Swain

Writer, Interviewer + Adventurer | Telling stories to make a difference

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