Over 900 attendees and exhibitors and approximately 6.2 million reached through Twitter, the 2015 WISE Symposium was a huge success in its 13th year. On the morning of April 21, 2015 women entrepreneurs, students and other business professionals from all over the CNY region made their way to Syracuse University’s Carrier Dome to attend a day of inspiration and networking. The agenda for the day was a busy one with main stage key note speeches and several breakout sessions covering many topics relating to start-ups, growing businesses and leadership. To kick off the morning of the event, attendees were looking forward to the keynote speech by Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet of US Small Business Administration who inspired the audience by sharing her entrepreneurial journey.
This year’s WISE symposium comprised a mix of prolific experts and go-getters setting trends in their own fields. After a terrific start to the keynote speeches in the morning, it was time for some breakout sessions. Farah Jadran, an entrepreneur and digital marketer working with local company Time Warner Cable News, wowed the audience with her expertise in social media and the necessary do’s and don’ts. In an exhibitor booth, Sandra Gault, founder and CEO of True Gault showed innovation with her customized shoes. Ritu Bhasin, a well-known consultant also advised her network of women entrepreneurs with some important tips. “You get brand misalignment because your essence doesn’t match what you’re projecting about yourself,” she said. Among the many winners of various distinguished awards, Laura and Cindy of Laci’s Tapas Bar thanked WISE for its continuous support and generosity from people.
The day ended on a high note with a thought-provoking address from Tory Johnson, a personality on Good Morning America, author and serial entrepreneur. “When you give yourself the luxury of time to make the changes – you can make anything happen. Be one of those people who sees all that is possible. Success doesn’t happen overnight, that is why people often abandon it. Celebrate what went right in your business. The past doesn’t define your future. Anything is possible,” she said truly defining the spirit of entrepreneurship with the Dream, Believe and Pursue mantra.
Thanks for reading and until next time… stay WISE!