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impression on the host commu-
nity through volunteerism.
In addition to the philan-
thropic activity, two other groups
of attendees spent the morning
immersed in local culture at their
choice of optional outings—a
tour to the World of Coca Cola, a
museum showcasing the history
of the world-famous beverage, or
a visit to the Margaret Mitchell
House, the turn-of-the-century
former residence of the Pulitzer
Prize-winning
Gone With The
Wind
author.
The conference officially got
under way Monday evening with
an opening session featuring a
presentation on industry change
by PPAI Chair-Elect Mary Jo
Tomasini, MAS, followed by a
networking reception and wel-
come dinner honoring this year’s
Woman of Achievement Award
recipient, Mary Dobsch.
New this year was the addi-
tion of a conference app compat-
ible with Apple and Android
devices that gave attendees
instant access to the agenda, a
speaker list, a hotel map, a roster
of attendees with headshots, and
an event feed where attendees
could interact with each other in
real time.
On Wednesday, Yolanda
White, global group director, The
Coca-Cola Company, presented
a general session on building
brands, calling on her experi-
ences in working for one of the
most recognized and valuable
brands in the world. The confer-
ence wrapped up late
Wednesday with humorist and
motivational speaker Kelly
Swanson, who spoke about find-
ing passion and purpose in life
and work.
Jo-an Lantz, MAS, CEO at
distributor Geiger, has been a
dedicated attendee at WLC since
its start more than 10 years ago,
and she currently serves on the
WLC Work Group. “WLC is a
wonderful opportunity to learn
ideas and new skills,” she says.
“The energy is electric with so
many first-time attendees (over
60) in a sold-out event. The WLC
is the one industry event in which
everyone, from the Millennials to
the seasoned professionals, is
well represented. For me, the
PPAI WLC is the one must-attend
event.”
Frequent attendee Jenny
Straub, director of marketing at
Imagen Brands-Vitronic, says she
picked up a valuable tip while
she was listening to Opening
General Session presenter
Colette Carlson on Tuesday
morning. Carlson talked about
the truths female leaders need to
know—including not downplay-
ing achievements. “The aha
moment for me was when she
said to express your success by
watching your inside job. So
many times I discount my accom-
plishments. What I will do now is
take ownership of those accom-
plishments and share them with
others.”
Among the event’s newbies
was Dawn Hays, CAS, senior
account manager at distributor
Sunrise Identity. “As a first-timer
at WLC I was able to make amaz-
ing connections with women
inside my industry,” says Hays.
“It was also a blast to put names
and faces together with women I
have known for years via phone
and email. This was a great
opportunity for me to hit my
‘reset button,’ coming back to
AUGUST 2016 •
PPB
• 79
INSIDE
PPAI
FROM TOP
Kelli Denes; Christine Marion, MAS+; and Christine Strobl
wear capes provided by supplier Yorkn during WLC’s superhero-themed
networking reception. • Sixteen WLC participants joined local nonprofit
Open Hand on Monday to help prepare meals for low-income families. •
Mary Dobsch (center) received the 2016 PPAI Woman of Achievement
Award at the WLC’s welcome dinner, and was joined on stage by some
of the many friends she’s made during her 39 years in the industry.