WITI Smart Partnering Event:
Access to Experts, Strategies and Technology
at the
ITEC's Massachusetts Technology Showcase
John B. Hynes Veteran Memorial Convention Center
Boston, Massachusetts
October 9 - 10, 2002

Wednesday, October 9, 2002

[ PROGRAM TRACKS ]

Access to Professional Development
Advancement is an intricate combination of who you know, what you know, what you're capable of and how you can sell it, combined with passion, desire and talent. Identify what you love to do, what you want to do, and what you're willing to sacrifice for it. Connect with the processes and strategies to achieve your professional goals and overcome the barriers that stand in the way of getting what you want.

Access to Technology Trends
Keeping up with the how-to, hands-on convergence of cutting-edge technology and practical applications is essential in your professional and personal life. We will journey from BioTech to Nanotech, from the corporate quest for the best storage solution management to wireless technology as it relates to productivity gains. The goal of this track is techno-literacy in a volatile economy as it relates to all aspects of your life.

Access to Smart Partnering
Today, strategic alliances and partnerships play a major role in professional and business development. However, it is not always easy to recognize and take advantage of good partnering opportunities when they arise. Learn to identify and target those alliances and gain access to the cooperative entities that are willing to get involved in successful partnerships.

Access to Business Development
Women-owned businesses are growing at a faster rate than the national business growth average and yet there are numerous business opportunities with substantial revenue streams, for women business owners, that continue to go untapped. In business, knowledge is power and timing is almost everything - but to increase your bottom line profit is to know precisely how, what and where to seek opportunities. The afternoon track is dedicated to winning Government contracts and what to do once you've won it!

[ PROGRAM GUIDE ]
9:00 - 10:15a.m	Personal Stories of Successful Professional Women
	Moderator: Sarah Bullard Steck Speaker: Kirk Arnold, Dr. Estelle Tsevdos, Zara F. Larsen, Vicki White This is a one of a kind opportunity to dialogue with top-tier professional women who are tremendously successful in either the corporate environment or in their own businesses. These extraordinary women will share their knowledge and lessons learned, as well as openly discuss a variety of topics: how they effectively achieve balance between their professional and personal life; how they maintain a successful business during a down economy; how they have overcome obstacles and barriers on their path to success.
10:30 - 11:45a.m	Technology Trends After the Shakeout
	Moderator: Elizabeth "Betty" Black Speaker: Maria Luisa Palmese, Candice Floyd, Sarah Kim, Ellen Daley, Joe Romano The "Market" finally hit bottom at the end of 2001 and continues to dip in 2002 but is there an end in sight to this recession? Can corporations and women-owned businesses survive this roller coaster economy? Did technology innovation come to a screeching halt? Have entrepreneurs returned to corporate day jobs? Are layoffs and VC funding stalling technological research and advancements? We believe that the technology market is quickly intensifying in several directions and we want to share these exciting developments with you.
11:45p - 1:00p.m.	Keynote Lunch (Tbd)
1:15p - 2:30p.m.	Smart Partnering: Strategic Alliances and Strategies
	Moderator: Dr. Esther Pearson Speaker: Dorothy Langer, Anne-Marie Keane, Ellen Kokos, Sarah George, Cheryl Salatino Join us for an in-depth look at the roll that smart partnering plays in your firm and how it contributes to a successful bottom line. We will focus on the definitions and entities that comprise strategic alliances, corporate strategies and best practices for forming and maintaining partnerships and how successful alliance evolve.
2:45p.m.- 4:15p.m	Government Contracting - Access to RFPs, Developing a Winning Proposal & Outstanding Subcontracting Opportunities
	Moderator: Mary Grace Duffy, Robert Clayman Presenter: Diana L. Waite, Austin Yerks The US Government frequently sends out Request for Proposals (RFPs) which include technical contracts. Washington mandates that 5% of these contracts are granted to women-owned businesses. Yet, currently, only 2% find their way to women business owners. According to a study by the Center for Women�s Business Research (2001), women-owned businesses received only 4% (or only $2.9 of $71.5 billion) of Federal Subcontracts. The first part of this workshop offers key information to access this powerful client. Learn how to get on the government�s list to receive RFPs�, how to respond and how to develop the winning proposal. The second part discusses the factors to consider after you have been awarded the contract, emphasizing quality, communication and control. We will focus on building quality control measures; the importance of re-examination; the impact of time on deliverables and subcontractors; and positive long-term client relationship. The third part features top Government Contractors discussing their approach to Government Contract Compliance and what they look for when considering subcontracting companies. Gain insight on how to market to this select group of Government Contractors.
4:15p.m.- 6:00p.m	Taste Of Technology Reception