Getting the most from NAWIC’s Annual Conference – Pro Tips

Annual Conference is truly the event of the year for many NAWIC members. Held in cities from Portland, Oregon to Atlanta, Georgia it’s not just a place to network and learn, it’s a homecoming.

As this year’s conference in Boston approaches there’s not only excitement, but some questions and even nerves, especially for first-time attendees.

No worries! Three of NAWIC’s past presidents – and one president elect – are here to help. The seasoned attendees all describe an instant sense of belonging in a room filled with hundreds of women passionate about construction, leadership, and mutual support. They also give some specific advice on getting the most out of the conference.

Advice for annual conference first-timers – show up, speak up, be you!

“Don’t be afraid to talk to people,” says Lauline Mitchell, past NAWIC president and longtime conference attendee. “This community loves to talk so stick your hand out and introduce yourself,” she suggests. Newcomers should remember that, “we’re all here for the same reason – to get the most out of this experience,” Mitchell points out.

Chris Wigginton, who also served as NAWIC’s president, describes a more detailed strategy, “Look for someone who looks like they know what they’re doing and ask questions.” Conversations like this might lead to attending a great session, or a new friendship.

Some practical advice was offered by former president, Doreen Bartoldus, “Bring business cards and be ready to connect on LinkedIn.” Bartoldus also says that the First Timers Orientation is well worth attending.

Other gear to bring, given site tours and the opportunity to explore Boston, are work boots, safety glasses and good walking shoes!

Finally, president-elect Rita Brown points out that there’s a “great information desk (and) members will go out of their way to make sure your first-time experience really is all it can be.”

Great seminars, good vibes build a launchpad for personal and professional growth

“The education is off the chain,” Brown says.

The NAWIC Conference has a transformative learning environment. There’s a large variety of speakers presenting on topics that attendees can tailor to their professional needs, or steer towards their personal improvement, according to Mitchell.

“In the 15 years I’ve attended, there are always two or three takeaways that I still remember,” she says.

For Bartoldus, the benefits include, but go beyond, improved skill sets and exposure to new ideas and technologies. “Attendees will go home with connections, learning and tools to put to work – the typical business development opportunities. But, going back…more educated and inspired with new leadership skills is priceless.”

Breakout sessions and construction site visits offer leadership development, insights on local construction practices, and opportunities to build relationships with construction professionals across the industry, and the country. This makes the conference as much about personal development as industry advancement.

Attendees will leave both better equipped for their work, and energized. “There is an enthusiastic spirit at this conference that cannot be denied – you will get fired up!” says Bartoldus.

Seeing the leader in yourself

The power of seeing women in leadership roles can be a game-changer for many NAWIC attendees. From board members to workshop facilitators, the visibility of women at the top helps others imagine their own potential.

“I met and saw other women in leadership, especially those in our NAWIC leadership, and this was inspirational and told me I could be the same.” Bartoldus says, pointing out that she did become a leader, the national president.  “I always hope that women come and see and experience all the leaders in their midst, and see themselves as leaders,” she added.

That inspiration can manifest in multiple ways. “Take a breath and really absorb all that is happening around you. Decide what you want and go for it……whether it is to dive into your local chapter to provide the stepping stones to become a national board member, or by closely observing all the presenters so you can present there next year,” advised Mitchell.

Wigginton recounted the first time she led by speaking from the podium. “My heart was racing, hands a little shaky. But then I looked out into the audience and saw smiles – genuine, encouraging, hopeful smiles. In that moment, I knew they had my back. I wasn’t alone up there. I was standing with the strength of every woman who had come before me – and all those who were dreaming of being there soon.”

Come for the community, return for the humor, heart, and rodeos

Whether it’s an unexpected laugh or a life-changing connection, NAWIC members return year after year for the community and memory making as much as the education.

“There are many backstage laughs in my mind,” says Mitchell…but none that are safe for publication she jokes.

Bartoldus shared a memory of bringing her male boss to her first conference 20 years ago, in Dallas, Texas. “He was totally uncomfortable. I had to take him to a sports bar to get more male companionship. Luckily, he left on the earlier side and I had a day and a better opportunity to just connect and enjoy myself. The final event was a rodeo which hundreds of the women attended. I had so much fun. I’d never experienced that before.” She has only missed a few conferences since.

Wigginton emphasized the importance of the more informal aspects of the conference. “This isn’t a corporate boot camp – it’s your time to learn, laugh, and connect. You don’t have to attend every seminar, especially if one sounds like it might put your hard hat to sleep. Take a break! Grab a coffee (or hey, a glass of wine—no judgment!) with a new colleague or friend. Some of the best takeaways from conference come from those casual conversations that start with, ‘So… what do you actually do?’”

No matter what part of the construction industry members work in, conference is for them. “In Boston there will be so many opportunities to connect and find your tribe. Come at it with good intent and it comes right back to you,” Brown says. Also, remember that, when at conference, “tomorrow’s even better than today.”

Becoming part of the sisterhood of women leading in construction

NAWIC provides support, networking and mentorship, and education in construction leadership and the trades for female construction workers and more than 6,000 members in 120 chapters across the U.S. Want to know more? Contact a chapter near you.