Chicago’s Premier Event for Emerging Women Leaders
The Most Valuable 8 Hours of the Year
What if the next eight hours mattered more than the next eight months?
Launchpad is designed as an intensive leadership experience where every conversation, connection and insight is intentional.
In one concentrated day, participants gain:
• Executive-level perspectives
• Career acceleration strategies
• Peer networks
• Professional visibility
• Inspiration to take the next leadership leap
The intensity isn’t measured by time spent. It’s measured by opportunities created.
Give her eight hours. Watch what she does with the next eight years.
- Monday, September 14, 2026
- 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Hyatt Regency Hotel, Chicago
- Includes networking luncheon and reception following the program.
2026 Sessions:
Session One: Enterprise Leadership
Jodi Blackwood, Managing Director, Practice Leader, ZRG Consulting.
Description: This session enhances participants’ ability to think and act as enterprise leaders. Participants gain a clearer understanding of what it means to operate from an enterprise leadership lens and what they need to do to adopt an enterprise leadership approach. Participants reflect on the shifts they can make in their mindset, behaviors, actions, and capabilities to show up as enterprise leaders and develop a plan for making those shifts.
Session Two: A Seat at the Table: Mastering Your Keynote & Communication Skills
Meridith Elliott Powell a prominent business strategist, keynote speaker, and author who specializes in leadership, sales, and business growth, will lead the Public Speaking Session. Past Chair: She served as the Chair of the National Speakers Association (beginning January 2024).
More sessions and speakers to be announced!
What People are Saying About Launchpad:
Great mix of soft skills that are vital for strong leadership and genuine discussions and connections fostering networking.
Speakers were outstanding. The topics were related to my career and the people I work with. I was able to take something away from each session.
It is great to have dedicated time focusing on leadership and discussion with other leaders. It’s brainstorming and reflection that helps center you in the kind of professional you want to be, among the chaos of day- to-day work.
2026 Universe Sponsors
2026 Rocket Sponsors
