Agenda

All conference events will take place at Encore at the Wynn Las Vegas unless otherwise noted.


Monday, October 31 

 

9:00 am – 6:00 pm

IWF Registration Desk
Registration 6 - Encore Promenade

 

8:30 am – 9:00 am

IWF Board Breakfast
Chopin 3&4

Closed Meeting (Board Directors only) 

 

9:00 am – 3:30 pm

IWF Board Meeting
Chopin 3&4

Closed Meeting (Board Directors only) 

 

12:00 – 6:00 pm

Pop-up Shops
Strauss, Schubert & Vivaldi

 

6:30 - 9:30 pm

Global Leaders' Reception & Dinner
Beethoven

Closed Event (For registered forum presidents and IWF Global Board Directors only)

 

Tuesday, November 1 

 

8:30 am - 2:30 pm

Presidents' Council Meeting
Beethoven

Attendance at Presidents’ Council Meetings limited to: Forum Presidents, Chapter Presidents, the chosen representative of Forum or Chapter President if she is unable to attend; and, as observers, Forum Executive Directors/ Administrators and IWF Global Board Directors. 

 

9:00 am – 6:00 pm

IWF Registration Desk
Registration 6 - Encore Promenade

 

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Pop-up Shops
Strauss, Schubert & Vivaldi

 

3:30 - 4:30 pm

IWF Advanced Leadership Workshop: Women on Boards  presented by Russell Reynolds Associates
Beethoven

Companies around the world are increasingly focused on creating boards that are diverse, with more women joining the ranks every day. But what experience and skills are most important as these board positions are filled? How do you become an attractive candidate? And, when you are chosen as a non-executive board member, what are the things you need to know to be most effective? Join us, Kimberly Archer of Russell Reynolds (our session partner), and IWF members who serve as non-executive board directors to learn helpful insights as you look to advance your career and broaden your network by joining a corporate board. 

Speakers:

  • Adriane Brown, Independent Board Director and Strategic Director, Flying Fish Partners (IWF Washington State)

  • Margot McShane, Managing Director, Russell Reynolds Associates

  • Sandra Douglass Morgan, President, Las Vegas Raiders and Independent Board Director  (IWF Nevada)

  • Ana Muñoz, Non-Executive Director, Tubos Reunidos, Natra, and Grupo Lantero (IWF Spain)

Moderator:

  • Kimberly Archer, Managing Director, Russell Reynolds Associates (IWF Washington DC) 

 

6:30 - 9:30 pm

Opening Reception
Intrigue Nightclub at the Wynn

We look forward to welcoming you to the entertainment capital of the world! We are excited to begin in true Las Vegas style with ample food, engaging entertainment, and the most important element of our opening receptions:  the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. Please note, per Wynn policy, all attendees must be 21+.

NOTE: 
Intrigue Nightclub is an 8-minute walk from the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas guest rooms. We recommend wearing comfortable footwear for this short walk.

Drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be served at the Opening Reception - we encourage you to take advantage of the incredible dining experiences available at the Wynn and Encore properties. You can view a list of our favorite restaurants here. Reservations can easily be made by contacting the Encore Main Dining Line at 702-770-9966. Please note all resort reservations will open 30 days in advance.   
 

 

Wednesday, November 2 

All sessions take place in the Encore Ballroom unless otherwise noted.

 

7:00 am - 6:30 pm

IWF Registration Desk
Registration 6 - Encore Promenade

 

7:00 - 7:45 am

Rise and Shine Walk 
Meet outside of Espresso Café at 6:30 a.m. 

Kickstart your day by joining your IWF sisters for an early morning walk around the Wynn Golf Club course. 

 

7:30 - 8:30 am

IWF Special Interest Group: Health Care
Beethoven  

 

7:30 am - 2:00 pm

Pop-up Shops
Strauss, Schubert & Vivaldi

 

8:00 - 9:00 am

Continental Breakfast
Encore Promenade

 

9:00 - 9:20 am

Opening Remarks

 

9:20 - 10:05 am

PLENARY 1 - Critical Minerals: A Clean Energy Dilemma 

Rare earth elements and critical minerals are essential for the batteries that power energy efficient technologies like electric vehicles and wind turbines.  But the mining and refining of these materials has a significant environmental impact, and that is creating controversy in many places.   

Another complication is these resources are largely mined in Africa and China, where the Chinese government has a near monopolistic control on the biggest global supply.  Energy independence and national security are top of mind for leaders globally and there is a significant push to diversify the supply chain. 

Nevada has one of the largest lithium deposits in the world and is the perfect place to discuss this particularly difficult dilemma.

Speakers:

  • Dr. Dana Bennett, Interim Executive Director, Kenny C. Guinn Center for Policy Priorities; Former President, Nevada Mining Association (IWF Nevada)
  • Nolitha Fakude, Chairman, Anglo American South Africa Management Board (IWF South Africa) 
  • Melanie Kenderdine, Principal and Executive Vice President, Energy Futures Initiative

Moderator:

  • Cheryl Jennings, Multiple Emmy-award winning Journalist, Moderator, Media strategist (IWF Nevada and Northern California)

 

10:05 - 10:25 am

Coffee Break
Encore Promenade

 

10:25 - 11:00 am

PLENARY 2 - The Economics of Now

Today’s economic reality is something we have never seen before: a war, a pandemic, supply chain disruptions, commodity and labor market shortages, rising inflation and decreased value for both equities and fixed income instruments.   

Are there any bright spots? What can be done to ease the pain? Is there anything we can learn from history to help navigate the now? 

Join us for an important discussion of what do you as leaders need to know to assess this complex set of challenges and their impact on your organization and its work. 

Speaker: 

  • Dr. Elaine Buckberg, Chief Economist, General Motors

Moderator:  

  • Mary Kramer, Vice President and Director of Special Projects, Crain Communications (IWF Michigan)

 

11:00 - 11:45 am

PLENARY 3 - Clean Water:  Increasing Demand, Decreasing Supply  

Mining the critical minerals discussed in our first plenary requires water.  A lot of water.  And in many places, including Nevada, water is in short supply.  

Increased demand is just part of the picture.  Climate change is producing widespread drought, and in many communities, water quality is poor.  All of these factors are contributing to increased competition for water resources.   

The driest state in the US provides a dramatic context to examine the science, possible solutions, and potentially profound global geopolitical implications of a shrinking supply of clean water.  

Speakers:

  • Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, Former Sikyong (President) of the Central Tibetan Administration (2011-2021); Senior Fellow, Harvard Law School
  • Patricia Mulroy, Owner and President, Sustainable Strategies (IWF Nevada)
  • Cheryl Norton, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, American Water

Moderator:

  • Ann Clark, Executive Vice President, Social Impact & Sustainability, Edelman 

 

11:45 am - 12:25 pm

Break
Encore Promenade

 

12:25 - 1:15 pm

Lunch
Encore Ballroom  

 

1:15 - 1:40 pm

Ideas Remaking the World

For six years, IWF members from around the world have shared the evolution of their cutting-edge concepts for building a better and more prosperous world.  IWF’s innovators, instigators and disruptors present a status update of their transformational ideas, business propositions and technologies.

Presenters: 

  • Carmen Best, Director of Global Security Risk Operations Microsoft; Ret. Seattle Police Chief (IWF Washington State)
  • Shari Graydon, CEO & Catalyst, Informed Opinions (IWF Canada) 

Moderator:

  • Dr. Priscilla H. Douglas, Founder and Principal, PHDouglas & Associates;  Ideas Selection Committee Chair (IWF Massachusetts)

 

2:00 pm

Behind the Scenes Bus Departure
Brahms, Patio, Promenade

 

3:00 - 5:00 pm

Behind the Scenes
Scheduled return by 5:00 pm

 

6:30 pm

Dine Around Reception 
Brahms, Patio, Promenade

Grab a drink and connect before Members depart for Dine Arounds.

 

6:45 pm

Dine Around Bus Departure
Brahms, Patio, Promenade

 

7:00 - 9:30 pm

Guest Dinner
Beethoven

If you are joining the conference but are not an IWF Member, we invite you to join us for a special dinner.

 

8:00 - 10:00 pm

Member Dine Arounds

It would not be an IWF conference without our beloved Dine Arounds. You will have the opportunity to meet and connect with your IWF sisters from around the globe in small groups over a shared meal. The dinners will be hosted by Members of IWF Nevada in their private homes around the city. 

 

Thursday, November 3 

All sessions take place in the Encore Ballroom unless otherwise noted.  

 

7:00 am - 4:00 pm

IWF Registration Desk
Registration 6 - Encore Promenade

 

7:00 am - 4:00 pm

Pop-up Shops
Strauss, Schubert & Vivaldi

 

7:00 am - 7:45 am

Rise and Shine Walk
Meet outside of Espresso Café at 6:30 a.m. 

Kickstart your day by joining your IWF sisters for an early morning walk around the Wynn Golf Club course.

 

7:30 - 8:30 am

Continental Breakfast
Encore Promenade

 

8:30 - 9:00 am

The Evolution of Sustainability

The first three Industrial Revolutions made advancements for humanity at the cost of sustainability. How can we transform this Fourth Industrial Revolution into an Evolution instead, one that combines giant leaps in technology with sustainable choices that make the world a better place? This session will explore practical and attainable solutions for your company to incorporate real-world sustainability practices into your strategic plans in the changing world.

Speaker:

  • Missy Young, Chief Information Officer, Switch (IWF Nevada)  

 

9:00 - 9:45 am

PLENARY 4 - Faceoff:  Democracy vs. Autocracy   

There is a global battle underway.  On one side is a bold and aggressive group of authoritarians, unafraid of brandishing their political, economic, and military might.  On the other side are the world’s democracies, many of which have been weakened by political polarization and disinformation.  

Experts say there is an urgent need for the world’s democracies to bolster their institutions, form more effective alliances, and deliver meaningful results to their citizens. 

How can that be done?  What tools would be effective?  Does the US have the credibility to effectively lead such an effort?  If the US doesn’t lead, who will?  

What are the current trends, the reasons behind them, and strategies for strengthening the resilience and reach of democracy?   

Speakers 

  • The Honorable Natalie Jaresko, Former Minister of Finance of Ukraine (2014-2016)
  • Dr. G. John Ikenberry, Albert G. Milbank Professor of Politics and International Affairs; Director, Project on Reimagining World Order, Princeton University 
  • Olivia Troye, Founder and CEO, People’s Courage, Inc.

Moderator: 

  • Jeanne Meserve, Moderator, Facilitator, Emcee, and Host

 

9:45 - 10:05 am

Coffee Break
Encore Promenade

 

10:05 - 10:50 am

PLENARY 5 – Peace of Mind: Addressing the Mental Health Crisis

All over the world, people of all ages, but children and adolescents particularly are increasingly suffering from depression, anxiety, and tragically, suicide. The pandemic has amplified the impact on mental wellbeing, significantly affecting children of color and children who lack access to any kind of help or support. The dual pressures of social media and isolation create a toxic environment that is difficult to escape.  

What can be done to create a healthier world for the next generation?  From public policy to public health to personal action, we explore ways to make systemic changes to address or fix this concurrent pandemic.

Speakers:

  • Dr. Jean Clinton, Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University Canada
  • Dr. Nance Roy, Chief Clinical Officer, The Jed Foundation; Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine
  • Maya Enista Smith, Executive Director, Born This Way Foundation 

Moderator:

  • Tony Waller, Vice President, Constituent Relations & Racial Equity, Walmart 

 

10:50 - 11:10 am

Break
Transition to Breakouts

 

11:10 am - 12:10 pm 

BREAKOUT SESSIONS:

1. Betting on the Future: The Changing World of Gambling  
Brahms 

Gambling has entertained human beings for millennia.  Today’s wagers take place on rapidly changing platforms.  Online sports betting is already established, and further technological innovation is ushering in new ways to place your bets both in casinos and the virtual world.  Cryptocurrency, blockchain and increasingly sophisticated forms of gaming will have an impact on the betting experience and culture.  Our top experts, including IWF Nevada member Stephanie Maddocks, will give us a view of the future of an activity that spans cultures and history. 

Speakers: 

  • Dr. Bo Bernhard, Executive Director ​International Gaming Institute and Vice President of Economic Development, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
  • Stephanie Maddocks, President and CEO, Power Strategies (IWF Nevada) 

Moderator:

  • Dorthy Miller Shore, Co-Founder and CEO, PrimeWomen.com (IWF Dallas)

2. Stong Mind/ Strong Body  
Beethoven 

How does your mind help keep your body strong? How does your physical health impact cognitive health? Improving brain health is pivotal to overall wellbeing and reducing the risk of cognitive decline. Dr. Kate Zhong, a member of IWF Nevada and expert on brain health will share tactics and lifestyle changes that will booster the resiliency of the brain, enhance cognitive capacity, and optimize leadership.   

Speaker:

  • Dr. Kate Zhong, Director of Innovation, Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (IWF Nevada)

3. Masterclass with Harvard Business School Professor Rosabeth Moss Kanter 
Chopin 

IWF Massachusetts founding member Rosabeth Moss Kanter is renowned as an authority on leading major business and social change. She brings her expertise in teaching with the case method to this discussion of stakeholders, leadership and how the climate crisis can be addressed by cities in the face of both possibilities for and barriers to change. Using the example of Miami, this session will examine mitigation, adaptation and the collaboration needed to build resilient communities.

NOTE: the case and background note will be provided to registered participants in advance for pre-reading, as they will be encouraged to participate actively in the discussion. Readings will be sent three weeks prior to the conference.

Speaker:

  • Dr. Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Arbuckle Professor, Harvard Business School; Founding Chair and Director, Harvard University Advanced Leadership Initiative (2005-2018)  (IWF Massachusetts)

 

12:10 - 12:30 pm

Transition to Lunch

 

12:30 - 1:30 pm

Lunch Served
Encore Ballroom

 

1:30 - 2:15 pm

PLENARY 6 - Are We Alone?  

Aliens, once a staple of science fiction, are now a subject of serious government and scientific inquiry.  A 2021 US government report confirmed 144 sightings of unidentified aerial phenomena since 2004, with some showing unusual flight characteristics that could demonstrate advanced technologies.  A number of governments, including the US are establishing initiatives to coordinate reporting and response.    

We are excited to have IWF Northern California member and Time 100 Most Influential People 2004 designee Jill Tarter together with Avi Loeb, Harvard Professor and author of Extraterrestrial:  The First Sign of Intelligent Life on Earth, to talk about extraterrestrial life and what it could mean for security, technology, and health. 

Speakers: 

  • Dr. Avi Loeb, Professor of Science, Harvard University 
  • Dr. Jill Tarter, Co-Founder and Chair Emeritus for SETI Research, SETI Institute (IWF Northern California)

Moderator: 

  • Vanessa E. Wyche, Director, NASA’s Johnson Space Center 

 

2:30 - 3:30 pm

The Surreal World of Elsa Schiaparelli
Chopin

Elsa Schiaparelli was an independent strong woman and a daring creative force who pushed boundaries, building bridges between worlds that were previously not linked and anticipating more than once what would become mainstream culture. Masterful fashion designer, visionary artist and exceptional businesswoman, her story is incredibly inspiring.

Delphine Bellini, CEO of Maison Schiaparelli, will present the fabulous heritage of this revolutionary Parisian Couture House and its unexpected revival. She will share insights about Schiaparelli’s most iconic creations, her relationship with some of the most illustrious artists of the 20th century, and what animate, still today, the creative spirit of the Atelier which, from Marlene Dietrich to Lady Gaga’s outfits, has never stopped innovating.

Speakers: 

  • Delphine Bellini, CEO, Maison Schiaparelli 

 

2:30 - 3:30 pm

IWF Special Interest Group: Philanthropy 
Beethoven

One Smart Hour –An Intimate Conversation Between Two Innovative Philanthropic Leaders

Speakers:

  • Cinny Kennard, Executive Director, Annenberg Foundation
  • Grant Oliphant, CEO, Conrad Prebys Foundation 

 

3:30 - 4:30 pm

Leadership in a Divided World
Brahms

At a time when companies are being judged by values , how should leaders respond when stakeholder values are polarized? A panel of IWF members examine this question in the context of the recent Dobbs decision which overturned Roe versus Wade in the US. 

Speakers:

  • Betsy Fischer Martin, Executive Director of the Women & Politics Institute, American University (IWF Washington DC)
  • Dr. Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Arbuckle Professor, Harvard Business School; Founding Chair and Director, Harvard University Advanced Leadership Initiative (2005-2018)  (IWF Massachusetts)
  • Esther Silver-Parker, President and CEO, The SilverParker Group  (IWF New York) 

Moderator:

  • Teresa Valdes-Fauli Weintraub, Managing Director, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. (IWF Florida)

 

6:30 - 7:30 pm

Pre-reception
Encore Ballroom Promenade

 

7:30 - 8:30 pm

IWF 2022 International Hall of Fame
Encore Ballroom

Since 1985, the IWF Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony has served as the premier annual event for IWF honoring transformative figures whose contributions to society are outsized on a global scale. We also come together to honor the 2022 Women Who Make a Difference Awardees. This award recognizes the remarkable accomplishments and contributions IWF members have made in their communities and the world. 

The festivities will take place in the ballroom with open, theatre-style seating. 
 

Mistress of Ceremonies: 

  • Rose McKinney-James, Managing Principal, Energy Works LLC McKinney-James & Associates (IWF Nevada)

 

8:30 pm - 11:30 pm

Hall of Fame Celebration 
XS Nightclub

Please note, per Wynn policy, all attendees of the Hall of Fame Celebration must be 21+.

Celebrate our honorees and experience the magic of IWF as you enjoy dinner and dance the night away with your IWF sisters.