Emmy Award-winning entertainment and news broadcaster Leeza Gibbons will be the keynote speaker at the 28th annual Central California Women’s Conference.
The event’s theme this year is Ignite Your Body and Mind, and is designed to inspire women and transform them in all aspects of their life.
The Central California Women’s Conference, a nonprofit organization which showcases women’s empowerment, is the largest women’s conference in the Valley and one of the top five largest in the state of California.
The all-day event will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center on Sept. 22.
Women of all ages and backgrounds from the Valley and state will attend the conference. Men are welcomed to attend as well.
Gibbons, a social advocate and best-selling author, is best known for being a correspondent and co-host for “Entertainment Tonight” as well having her own daytime talk show. She is also known for her New York Times Bestseller “Take 2: Your Guide to Creating Happy Endings and New Beginnings.”
“We’re really excited about Leeza,” said Jan Edwards, the director of development and marketing for the conference. “She started a caregiver nonprofit back in the ‘80s or ‘90s when her mother and grandmother battled with Alzheimer’s disease. She will be addressing that and how women typically take on the role as a caregiver. It’s going to be amazing and we’re very excited.”
Betsy Hays, a public relations professor, speaker and public relations coordinator for the conference, said women can gain inspiration, transformation and fun.
“The conference is so energizing,” she said. “Everyone should take time for themselves periodically to have fun, recharge and learn something new. The conference is a gift to the central valley and a fabulous way to do all three.”
This year Hays’ seminar will be called “PR Secrets: How to WIN & WOW Every day!” Hays was a breakout speaker in 2009 and 2011.
Edwards said planning the conference is a year-long process.
“We start planning from when the conference is over till next year,” she said. “It’s a huge puzzle with lots of moving pieces, but it’s worth it. The conference does change your life. It’s very empowering.”
Tickets are on sale for $110 and $75 for students with a valid ID.
