Tickets are now on sale.
Women of Influence Summit
September 17, 2026 | The Park Event Center, Waite Park, MN
Join us for a day to challenge, connect, and be inspired — with dynamic speakers, powerful storytelling, and a community leading with purpose.
Brave Anyway is the courage that comes from within. The kind that shows up when you choose integrity without applause. When you stay steady in rooms where you’re underestimated. When you say yes to growth, even when fear is present.
This is not about pushing through at all costs. It is about choosing care, clarity, and forward movement when bravery is required.
This is leadership grounded in humanity. This is Brave Anyway.
Be in the Room
The Women of Influence Summit is more than an event — it’s an experience designed to move you forward.
Your ticket includes:
- Access to all mainstage sessions
- Curated video storytelling and speaker moments
- Opportunities for connection and community
- A curated vendor marketplace featuring a variety of local women-owned businesses
Whether you’re leading a team, building something new, or navigating your next chapter — this is a space to reconnect with your voice and your direction.
2026 Summit Partners
Thank you for your partnership in bringing the 2026 Women of Influence Summit to life. Your investment advances women’s leadership, deepens community, and helps create connections that drive lasting impact.
Community Partner:
Video Partner:
Presenting Partners:
Engaging Partners:
Event Partner:
Influencing Partners:
Media Partners:
2026 Keynote Speakers
Melody Vachal
Co-Owner and Director, Arise Cares | Speaker, Author, Caregiver Advocate
Jen Matzke
Chief Human Resources Officer, Scipi Companies
Erin Mackbee
Co-Owner of Flour & Flower Bakery, KREWE Restaurant, and Joetown Smashburgers
2026 Video Speakers
Alise Sjostrom
President & CEO, Redhead Creamery
Cherokee Kinzie
Field Engineer, Blattner Energy
Eusebia “Happy Chappy” Rios
Major U.S. Air Force (Retired) | Chaplain, Cuyuna Regional Medical Center
Dr. Amanthi Demuth
Founder, Demuth Spinal Care & Concussion Center
Agenda
A Day Designed for Impact
Every moment is intentional: inspiring content, meaningful connection, and space to reflect. Enjoy prize drawings and vendor shopping throughout the day!
Registration Opens & Vendor Shopping
8-9 a.m.
Welcome & Opening Session + Break & Vendor Shopping
9-10:30 a.m
10:30-11 a.m.
Morning Session
11 a.m.
Noon Lunch
12-12:45 p.m.
Afternoon Session
12:45-2 p.m.
Break & Vendor Shopping + Closing Session
2-2:30 p.m. + 2:30-4 p.m
Questions?
Contact Becky Estby at beckyestby@next-monday.com.
This is what it feels like
To walk into a room full of women who get it.
The Summit is a recalibration.
A day where you’re surrounded by women at every stage of leadership and life: emerging leaders, C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, nonprofit changemakers. All committed to leading boldly and authentically.
You’ll leave inspired. But more importantly, you’ll leave with clarity, connection, and a renewed sense of what’s possible.
“There’s something powerful about being in a room full of women. The energy is different: stronger, safer, more inspiring.” Melody
Why Women Return Year After Year
The Summit isn’t information overload. It’s about how leadership happens—through clarity, connection, and community. Here’s what attendees consistently gain:
- Strategic clarity Leave with actionable frameworks and tools you can put to work immediately. No fluff. Just smart, usable strategy.
- Meaningful connections Build relationships with women making decisions across industries. The person next to you could be your next mentor, client, partner, or friend.
- Fresh perspective Hear from women who’ve been where you are and come away with insight, reassurance, and renewed confidence.
- Renewed energy Combat isolation and burnout. One day surrounded by women who understand the weight of leadership can restore what months of pushing through can quietly drain.
- Career acceleration Past attendees have launched businesses, made career pivots, and found the courage to lead authentically.
- 20 years of proven impact Built from two decades of community-building and empowering women, means every minute is designed to deliver maximum value.
97% of attendees would attend again. Enough said.
Investing in the Summit means investing in retention, engagement, and leadership development. Attendees gain new perspectives and connections that enhance their confidence, strategic thinking, and team leadership.
What Women Say About the Summit
Partners & Tickets
The Summit is proudly supported by organizations investing in the future of women’s leadership.
Join an elite group of Partners who return year after year. Align your brand with the premier women’s leadership event in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who attends the Summit?
A: The Summit brings together women at every stage of leadership—from emerging leaders to C-suite executives. Attendees represent private and public companies as well as nonprofit organizations across sectors, including healthcare, education, small business, and more. What unites them is a shared commitment to leading boldly, authentically, and with impact.
Q: I'm not sure I'm "senior enough" to attend. Is this for me?
A: Absolutely. If you lead people, projects, or initiatives, or aspire to, you belong here. We intentionally mix experience levels because we all learn from each other.
Q: Can I get my company to pay for this?
A: Yes, many attendees do! Partner opportunities are available at a range of investment levels and offer meaningful value in return. Companies benefit from visibility and engagement at the region’s largest gathering of women leaders, while supporting leadership development. Explore Partner opportunities.
Q: What if I don't know anyone?
A: You won’t be alone for long. Many attendees arrive on their own and leave with meaningful new connections. We intentionally design networking into every part of the day, from curated connection activities to facilitated table conversations. You’ll be up, moving, meeting people, exploring our vendor area, and reconnecting with both new and familiar faces throughout the Summit.
Q: Is there parking? What about hotels?
A: The Park Event Center offers onsite parking, with overflow parking in nearby lots, all free of charge. The event center is connected by indoor walkways to two hotels: the Hilton Garden Inn and the Residence Inn by Marriott, both part of the same complex with Maverick’s Steak & Cocktails restaurant also attached. More information on additional hotels in the area is available at visitstcloud.com.
Women of Influence Summit 2026
September 17, 2026 | The Park Event Center, Waite Park, MN
Celebrating 11 years of a powerful one-day experience, built on 20 years of Next Monday leadership and community.
Becky: 612-281-4064
1560 39th St S,
Saint Cloud, MN 56301