By Beth Brennan and Paris Hull
The Women’s Leadership Forum (WLF) is more than a conference; it’s an opportunity for reflection, growth, connection, and renewed confidence. Arriving prepared can make a meaningful difference in the value that you gain from the experience. The conference is taking place March 3-5, 2026, at the Humphreys Half Moon Inn in San Diego, Calif.
Set Clear Goals
Women often invest in themselves less than they should. Whether it's due to time constraints, competing responsibilities, or hesitation to ask for support, professional development is frequently deprioritized. The Women’s Leadership Forum is a reminder that investing in your growth is not only valuable for you, but it also delivers meaningful return to your organization through stronger leadership, engagement, and retention.
Preparing for WLF starts with setting clear personal goals. Consider what you want to walk away with: greater confidence in your leadership voice, tools to navigate challenging conversations, expanded peer connections, or clarity around your next career step. Identifying one or two priorities in advance will help you focus your time, energy, and conversations during the forum.
Tip for Arriving Prepared
SBN’s virtual education sessions offer an excellent way to begin this preparation. Sessions such as “The Power of Emotional Intelligence” and “How to Overcome and Maneuver Through Imposter Syndrome” encourage self-awareness, confidence, and effective communication, which are core themes reflected throughout the Women’s Leadership Forum. Viewing these sessions in advance can introduce you to SBN’s shared language and deepen engagement during live discussions. Click here to access the recordings.
We’re Here to Support
For those who haven't signed up for the Forum yet but are seeking support to attend, SBN offers a downloadable letter to help start the conversation with a supervisor. The letter outlines the business value of attending WLF and positions participation as a professional development investment that benefits both the individual and the company.
By preparing intentionally and choosing to invest in yourself or team, you can arrive at the Women’s Leadership Forum ready to learn, connect, and leave empowered to apply what you’ve gained long after the event concludes.