Attendees at NKBA’s second annual event shared experiences, made connections and learned from other successful leaders.
NKBA’s second annual Women2Women (W2W) Conference, held in historic Charleston, SC, from Oct. 10 – 12, brought together women from across the kitchen and bath industry to share experiences, discuss professional challenges and opportunities, receive mentorship and foster meaningful connections. Hosted at the famed Mills House Hotel, the invite-only conference featured over 100 attendees who left the event ready to take on any future challenge.
“Creating this ever-evolving group that lifts us all up, forward and toward success — whether personal or professional — my aim for each of us is to explore each other, discover what we can give and what we can take away,” said Suzie Williford, EVP & Chief Strategy Officer, NKBA, who kicked off the conference with a meet and greet cocktail event in the hotel’s courtyard. The two-day event was sponsored by Fortune Brands, GE Appliances, Poggenpohl and Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery.
The next morning, Williford opened the conference with a “Welcome” video from NKBA’s CEO, Bill Darcy, who urged attendees to: “Enjoy, have fun and, above all, BE INSPIRED to help others on their journey.” This was followed by an inspirational Keynote Address by Rebecca Wesson Darwin, co-founder & CEO of Garden & Gun Magazine, headquartered in Charleston. Darwin talked about being a woman in the publishing industry, how she started in the industry, challenges she overcame and how she looks to lift up those women coming up behind her. She also highlighted her roots as a strong Southern woman, which has helped her – and others like her – be a success.
“Today, in addition to telling you to think big and to go with your gut, I’m also adding: Be strong together,” said Darwin. “Being strong women does not mean that we have to be harsh or uncaring; no, it’s quite the opposite. We can be strong in our conviction to make a difference, to be kind, fair and generous…Be strong, be generous with your time and your money, and most of all, support each other,” said Darwin.
After Darwin’s inspiring presentation, Williford moderated a Leadership Discussion with the following W2W advisors: Chas Daniels, President and Owner of Acero Bella; Cheri Phyfer, CEO of the Global Plumbing Group of Fortune Brands, recently rebranded as the Water Innovations Group; Mary Putman, VP of Marketing and Brand at GE Appliances; Sherry Qualls, Consultant, M2 Consulting, and Marcia Speer, CEO of Poggenpohl US. The seventh advisor, Patty Dominguez, Vice President A&D for Cosentino, could not make the event.
“You can’t just develop yourself all by yourself. In anything you do…you need to do it with others, too…[Coaching from a mentor and listening, being open to it, is] what really helped me get better…We’re all in our careers, all trying to do better, so I think it’s important that we lean in, and that you really feel the belief in you…When somebody…believes in you, that’s the key…People that are [saying], ‘I believe in you, you’re doing great,’ these are the things that really can help you go, ‘Okay, just go one more inch. You can do it,’” said Mary Putman.
During lunch, attendees sat with their specified advisor at tables to discuss in a more intimate setting the challenges facing women in business today. Following lunch, the groups attended two different activities: A Walking Tour, featuring historic sites, architecture and neighborhoods of Charleston; and Sound Therapy, a guided meditation to encourage self-reflection and well-being.
Dinner that night started with a toast by Williford, who thanked all the attendees, advisors and sponsors for their support and engagement. Afterward, she introduced the post-dinner activation: learning how to Charleston! The energetic dance was optional…but encouraged, as it was a fun way to let loose at the end of a busy day.
The last day of the W2W Conference wrapped up with a final networking breakfast, which then moved to an honest and open discussion where the advisors and attendees shared one significant takeaway from the event. Then, there was an in-depth Q&A session with guests and advisors. Afterward, attendees had some time to retrieve their luggage and check out before meeting one last time for lunch — where Williford thanked everyone again and wished them safe travels.
