Excitement is building for the ninth annual Texas Conference for Women, a powerful day of connection, information, and motivation that you won't want to miss! The Conference will be held October 16, 2008 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. Register Now!

Whether you want to take your career to the next level, hear from world-renowned speakers, strengthen your network, diversify your skills, or find motivation for your personal or professional growth, the Texas Conference for Women has what you need!

The one-day, non-partisan Conference, hosted by Governor Rick Perry and First Lady Anita Perry, features more than 80 dynamic speakers, presenters, and panelists who are nationally recognized leaders in business, media, health, personal development, and finance. Past keynote speakers include former HP CEO Carly Fiorina, poet and activist Maya Angelou, former Texas Governor Ann Richards, philanthropist Melinda Gates and U.S. Secretary of State Condeleeza Rice. Learn more about the Conference at our website.

We've had eight wonderful years in Austin, and our move to Houston brings with it enormous opportunities to expand our reach and connect with new colleagues as well as old friends.

So mark your calendars and save a day for yourself, because the 2008 Texas Conference for Women will be an incredible opportunity to share, listen, explore, and learn!

Early Bird Registration Discounts!

Register now to take advantage of early bird registration discounts! Individual ticket prices will be $90 during the month of April, $100 May through September, and $125 in October. Table prices will be $900, $1000, and $1250 during the same time period.

eBAY CEO MEG WHITMAN JOINS AS KEYNOTE SPEAKER

We are thrilled to announce that Meg Whitman, the trailblazing president and CEO of eBay for the past ten years, will join the Texas Conference for Women as a keynote speaker.  Ms. Whitman, one of only seven women repeatedly ranked among the world's most influential people by Time magazine, stepped down from eBay as of March 31, 2008. She will share her experiences as top executive of the world's pioneering online marketplace.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE: DEADLINE JUNE 1

Do you know an outstanding college female who excels in academics and is committed to improving her community? Encourage her to apply for a Texas Conference for Women scholarship.

The Conference annually awards six $5,000 scholarships (in the areas of Education, Math & Science, Public Service, Business, The Arts, and Nursing) to Texas women who combine academics, leadership, and service. The applications are now available online and must be postmarked on or before June 1st, so don't let this opportunity to help a college student pass you by!

DONATE TO THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Want to help exceptional young women further their education? Then please make a donation to the 2008 Texas Conference for Women Scholarship Program! You may mail a donation check to:

Texas Conference for Women
Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 12944
Austin, TX 78711

SUPPORTING ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT:
The Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce

One of the most important goals of the Texas Conference for Women is to help our attendees connect with community involvement opportunities such as those offered by our supporting organizations, which are nonprofit, membership-based organizations. Learn more about how your group can become a supporting organization! 

The Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit business organization of highly influential and diverse women and men dedicated to the advancement and empowerment of women through avenues of leadership, education, advocacy, and mentoring. 

Volunteer!  The Chamber provides exciting volunteer opportunities through their committee program of work.  Committees include:
Governmental Affairs—The proactive voice of business on key issues and legislation, particularly affecting women.
Education/Mentoring—Mentoring to the next generation of professional women; educating and providing opportunities for older women re-entering the workforce.
Leadership—Help women prepare for leadership roles in business and social arenas.
Health and Wellness—Educate women about health and wellness issues.
International—Introduce traditions and customs of other countries to our membership.
Live After Five—Host Business After Hours receptions for networking opportunities.
Membership—Recruit new members and volunteers.
Publicity—Increase the visibility of the Chamber and its members.

For more information, please call 832-379-1600, or e-mail sdeison@greaterhoustonwomenschamber.org

Take a Day for Yourself: The Power of Retreats by Renée Trudeau Lately, do you feel hurried, out of synch or overcommitted? Do you feel unsettled and yearn to experience more peace in your life? Do you feel as though you're being called to explore "what's next" for you—but unable to find the time or energy to devote to doing so?  If yes, you're in good company. More than ever, many of us are feeling overwhelmed, overscheduled, and overtired. It's a great time to hit the pause button and consider taking a retreat. [more]

Congratulations to Our Raffle Winner! Congratulations to Cathy Mullis, Retail Data Architect with Shell Downstream Inc. in Houston, who completed our recent online survey and won a pass to the 2008 Conference! Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your thoughts—you help us make future Conferences even better.