FAQs

 The conference is open to individuals across all gender identities and stages in their careers.

The conference is designed for a broad audience, including individuals who are sponsors, mentors, professional development directors, and organizational leaders who want to learn how to better support, retain and advance women.

The program is also useful for individuals who want to learn more about gender dynamics in the workplace.

We believe that knowledge is for everyone and that the business community gets better by being more representative.

We understand that it may be financially difficult for some folks to attend the Women's Leadership Conference.

For this reason, we set aside a number of free tickets as part of our scholarship program to make our conference more open and accessible. 

The scholarship program is open for all to apply, and chosen applicants will receive the following: 

• Free ticket to the Women’s Leadership Conference and all coordinated activities
• Free parking
• A student guide (optional) to be a friendly face at the event, helping to make sure you get the most out of your Women’s Leadership Conference experience and there to introduce you to other members of our community
• The scholarship program aims to support individuals from marginalized groups in the business community and those facing economic or social hardship, to have access to the best women’s leadership content and networking opportunities. Tickets will be awarded to people who can show that the knowledge gained will be useful for their ongoing career.

Submissions will be assessed by the conference planning committee and all applicants will be notified by email within four weeks of the closing date. Scholarship tickets can only be given in a limited number and the planning committee’s decision is final and cannot be appealed.

All 2026 scholarships have been awarded. 

 There is no required dress code, but many attendees will be wearing maroon and gold chic, casual, or  business casual attire.

Both W Minneapolis - The Foshay and Hotel Ivy are excellent hotels located near the University of Minnesota campus. 

Parking has been reserved for you at the University Ave. ramp and the Washington Ave. ramp Both ramps are connected via skyway and tunnel to the McNamara Alumni Center.

Note: Even if the sign says “Full” or “Reservation Only,” there are spaces reserved and available for conference attendees.

When you arrive at the ramp, please tell the attendant that you have a reservation to park for the Women’s Leadership Conference, and take a ticket from the machine. You do not need to bring the ticket with you, but when leaving, you will need to use your ticket and a parking voucher you receive at check-in to lift the gate arm.

University Ave. Ramp:

1926 University Ave. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Washington Ave. Ramp:

501 SE Washington Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55455

More detailed parking information and map can be found here.

If you have any issues upon exit, please speak with the attendant or press the “call for help” button on the machine and let the attendant know you were there for the Women’s Leadership Conference, and they will raise the gate arm remotely.

PLEASE NOTE: there is an athletic event happening on campus the evening of the 2024 Women's Leadership Conference, and the garage will turn to event rate at 3:00 p.m. meaning anyone entering after that time will need to pay the event rate at entry. We strongly encourage attendees to arrive before that time, and not plan to leave and come back after 3:00 p.m. 

Registration fills very quickly for this conference, typically in advance of the conference date. All attendees are required to have a completed and confirmed registration to attend the conference. We are unable to accommodate on-site registrations this year. Please email [email protected] with any questions. 

 We can provide a range of accessibility or accommodation arrangements such as lactation, prayer, mobility needs, etc. by request. Please email [email protected] at least one week prior to the conference with your request.

Sponsorship is a great way to showcase your organization and to support the continued development of your employees. Sponsorship also secures a set number of tickets for your organization to attend the conference. Sponsorship opportunities are limited. To inquire about sponsorship for the 2026 conference or more information, please reach out to Stela Center. 

 Absolutely! You can see all other upcoming events at Minnesota Carlson at https://carlsonschool.umn.edu/events. We also highly encourage you to consider learning more about the wide variety of degree programs or continuing executive education (non-degree) offerings at Carlson.

 This conference does not provide CEU or CPE credits. At this time, CPE hours continue to be granted only through the MBT program and CCPS certificate programs at the University of Minnesota. To request a certificate of attendance without the CPE hours listed, please e-mail [email protected].

Thank you for your interest in speaking at the Carlson School Women's Leadership Conference. Our next conference will be held on March 5, 2027. Please complete the Speaker Interest Form to be considered. Our planning committee reviews submissions as we develop programming for upcoming events.