Founded in 2015, the Women’s Conference of Florida offers professional women from across the state a platform to address the most important issues facing women. Annual conferences feature widely respected thought leaders, exhibits, networking, and panel discussions, all designed to empower women to positively influence the world around them. The eighth annual Women’s Conference of Florida will take place on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the Tampa Convention Center.

From entrepreneurship and leadership to relationships, personal finances, pay equity and more, the Women’s Conference of Florida will touch on the most important issues facing women in our state. At the event, women will have the opportunity to:

  • Gain insights from some of our nation's most accomplished women
  • Address timely and relevant issues that impact women, both at work and at home
  • Network with peers at designated social events throughout the conference

The Women’s Conference of Florida convenes the most influential voices to empower and amplify women in today’s world. Through the years, our stage has featured a variety of nationally-recognized speakers, including: Mel Robbins, serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and creator of “The 5 Second Rule”; Academy Award-winning actress Mira Sorvino, one of the earliest and most prominent women in Hollywood to expose Harvey Weinstein and champion the #MeToo movement; Debra Lee, former chief executive officer of BET Entertainment; Abby Wambach, Olympic Gold Medalist and World Cup Champion; Ally Love, founder and CEO of the Love Squad and renowned Peloton instructor; Randi Zuckerberg, former Facebook executive and CEO of Zuckerberg Media; Lori Greiner, star shark on ABC’s “Shark Tank”; Jill Abramson, former executive editor of The New York Times; Cheryl Strayed, author of the #1 New York Times bestselling memoir “Wild”; and Erin Brockovich, 20th Century icon behind the Oscar-winning “Erin Brockovich.”

Parking Options

Tampa Convention Center Parking Garage

333 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602

The closest public parking garage is the Tampa Convention Center Parking Garage, located on the corner of Tampa and Brorein street right next to the Tampa Convention Center.

Tampa Convention Center Valet

S. Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602

Click here for additional parking options.

  • Elisabeth Mitrano
    "The environment overall form the college women on the rise to the women's conference was energetic, empowering, and filled with joy and curiosity from strong women. The Workshops and programs have helped me take what I learned from speed interview and resume building into my daily life in trying to find different media internships. The budgeting has made me more aware of what I spend and what I need or want."
    Elisabeth Mitrano
    2018 College Women on The Rise Participant
  • Nikki Foster
    "I've attended the women's conference of Florida for the last two years and am greatly anticipating the next one. Each year the conference has provided a rich line-up of keynote speakers and informative break-out sessions delivering on topics that are inclusive, relevant and thought-provoking"
    Nikki Foster
    Public Affairs Manager, Mosaic

Women Statistics

Board of Directors

Founder, President & CEO

Arlene DiBenigno, Managing Partner of Conversa

Arlene has been a vital, trusted adviser on political campaigns, policy development, grassroots outreach, and ballot initiatives for more than two decades. She has conducted public outreach for three separate Florida governors and their administrations and has influenced presidential, gubernatorial, and congressional campaigns within Florida, Michigan, Puerto Rico, Texas, and Washington, D.C. Her work transcends beyond the political realm into non-profit, digital media, and traditional media landscapes, with a special talent for organizing and managing high-level events and corporate communications. Throughout her career, Arlene has consistently witnessed women at a standstill: struggling to rise in the ranks of leadership in male-dominated industries; hesitant to accept prestigious roles, such as a governor-appointed seat on a board of directors; wary of their own ability to make a difference. As a result, Arlene’s passion to help break down the barriers to success for women blossomed. By founding the Women’s Conference of Florida, she hopes to inspire and encourage women across the state to unabashedly reach their true potential.

Director

Kathleen Shanahan

CEO, Turtle & Hughes

Secretary

Cristina Recio

Owner, ChEARS To Your Vacation Travel Company

Treasurer

Paula Meckley

Public School Advocate and Community Volunteer

Board Member

Heidi Pukas

Managing Partner, Face North