Experience LeadHERship 2026

March 18, 2026 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (EDT)

Description

The Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce and Sentinel Media Company are proud to bring back the Experience LeadHERship Summit for its second year, building on the incredible energy, engagement, and community impact of our inaugural event. After overwhelming interest and powerful feedback from last year’s attendees, it’s clear that our region is eager for spaces that uplift, inspire, and connect women leaders. 

This year’s Experience LeadHERship Summit will once again unite a diverse group of women leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers—while introducing new voices, expanded programming, and even more opportunities to grow and engage. Attendees can look forward to a dynamic keynote speaker, thoughtful panel discussions, inspirational breakout sessions, and an expanded connection hour to close the evening, plus a few more exciting surprises! 

Our vision includes the following: 

• Empower Women: Equip women with the tools, resources, and networks needed to step into leadership roles. 
• Promote Equity: Foster an inclusive environment that elevates the voices of women in business, nonprofit, and community sectors. 
• Strengthen Community Impact: Inspire collective action and collaboration to drive positive change within our community. 

Join us to create a legacy of empowerment and leadership in our community. Together, we can inspire the next generation of women leaders and drive meaningful change! 

We Need YOU: 

Requests for Proposals/Breakout Sessions: We’re excited to open our Call for Breakout Session Proposals for Experience LeadHERship 2026! As we continue to grow this signature event, we’re looking for dynamic women who are passionate about empowering, connecting, and elevating fellow women leaders across our region. If you have expertise, a powerful story, or a topic that can inspire growth and spark action, we invite you to submit a proposal to lead a breakout session. Whether your session focuses on leadership development, career advancement, personal growth, entrepreneurship, wellness, or community impact, we want to hear from you. Please complete all fields. We look forward to reviewing your ideas—and to showcasing incredible women who are ready to share their knowledge and strengthen our LeadHERship community. The form can be accessed here. All proposals are due by COB December 31, 2026.

Remaining Sponsorship Opportunities: 

AmplifyHER Sponsor - $10,000 (1 Remaining) Recognition as the AmplifyHER Panel Sponsor, with your logo featured on slides during the introduction and speaker bios in the program guide. Acknowledgment during the keynote introduction, with the opportunity to moderate a panel designed in collaboration with Experience LeadHERship event staff. Option to provide a branded gift or include company materials in attendee swag bags. Logo featured prominently on all event materials, website, and signage. Recognition in press releases, social media posts, and email campaigns. 16 tickets (2 tables of 8) to the event with premier placement for networking.

EmpowerHER Breakout Panelist Sponsor- $5,000 (4 remaining) The EmpowerHER Sponsor plays a vital role in fostering impactful discussions and thought leadership at our Women’s Leadership Conference. This sponsorship supports our breakout sessions, where expert panelists share their insights, strategies, and stories to inspire and empower attendees on their leadership journeys. As a sponsor, your brand is aligned with meaningful conversations and actionable knowledge, showcasing your commitment to advancing women in leadership. These sessions provide a unique opportunity for attendees to connect, collaborate, and engage with industry leaders on a more personal level. Benefits Include: Recognition as the Breakout Panelist Sponsor in all panel-related materials and promotions. Logo placement in breakout session spaces and on event signage. Introduce the speaker in your sponsored breakout session Opportunity to include branded gifts for session attendees. Acknowledgment in conference communications and social media posts. 8 tickets (1 table) to the event. 

SurpiseHER Sponsor - $5,000 (1 Remaining) Recognition as the exclusive SurpriseHER Sponsor, supporting spontaneous moments of celebration and empowerment throughout the event. Throughout the LeadHERship event, several attendees will be surprised with curated gifts, luxury items, and gift cards purchased from women-owned businesses. These surprise giveaways will highlight joy, generosity, and the power of supporting women entrepreneurs. Benefits Include: Exclusive SurpriseHER Branding on all giveaway moments, slides, and social announcements during the event. Live Recognition each time gifts are distributed, such as: “This moment of surprise and celebration is brought to you by our SurpriseHER Sponsor, [Sponsor Name].” Logo featured on event materials, website, and all digital SurpriseHER announcements. Social media spotlight recognizing your company’s role in supporting women-owned businesses through this activation. Opportunity to include a short message (printed or digital) about your commitment to empowering women, included with each giveaway card or item. Option to send one representative to assist with presenting SurpriseHER moments on stage or during breakout sessions (optional). 8 tickets to the event with priority placement for networking. 8 tickets (1 table) to the event.

CaptureHER Photo Activation Sponsor- $2,000 (1 Remaining) Activate your brand in the PowerHER expo through a fun, interactive brand activation with Polaroid photos. Logo elements incorporated throughout the background with a full logo. Logo included in all event materials, website, and signage. Recognition in press releases, social media posts, and email campaigns. 4 tickets to the event for your team to attend and network.

EntertainHER Sponsor- $1,500 (1 Remaining) As the EntertainHER Sponsor, you help the energy and atmosphere of the event. This sponsorship opportunity highlights your commitment to creating a vibrant, uplifting environment where women leaders can connect, grow, and thrive. Your brand will receive prominent visibility, reinforcing your support for empowering women and fostering leadership. Benefits Include: Recognition as the official Entertainment Sponsor during all relevant conference activities. Logo placement on event materials, promotional content, and stage backdrops during entertainment sessions. 2 tickets to the event Mention in all event communication related to the entertainment program. 

ImpactHER Sponsors - $750 2 tickets to the event for your team to attend and network. Logo featured prominently on event materials, website, and signage. Recognition in press releases, social media posts, and email campaigns. Acknowledgment during the event's opening and closing remarks. Inclusion in a "Wall of Empowerment", showcasing sponsor contributions to women’s leadership.