Women in Carwash IV – It’s a wrap!
With the seminal event just wrapping up, organizers realize the conference addresses two very different needs…
The fourth Women in Carwash conference just wrapped up and planning is already underway for conference #5 in January 2022. Like the January 2021 event, this one was going to be live but had to be virtual due to continuing uncertainties and travel restrictions. But if it weren’t for the need to pivot to a virtual conference, the conference hosts never would have discovered that they have two very different audiences.
Says Brenda Johnstone, co-organizer, “We had people join from across the continent with many representing small organizations that, particularly in these times, would have struggled to send people to attend.” According to Andrew Klukas – the other half of the team – “The virtual conference is here to stay to accommodate those that can’t attend the in-person events.”
As for the event, it focused on personal strength, building community and more. Johnstone and Klukas envisioned treating the entire event “…like a single corporation that is striving to help people uncover their driving passion and put their talents together as a big team.”
The roster of presenters was stellar. Jessica Potts kicked off the conference with an uplifting Monday evening keynote on Uncovering Your Strengths and Discovering Your Passion. This talk set participants on a clear path to overcoming those nagging doubts and inhibitions that add nothing useful and just get in the way of a fully satisfying career and life. Potts brought a sparkling energy that perfectly complemented the subject matter and left participants uplifted and ready to dive into day two.
I enjoy being a part of Women In Carwash™ for multiple reasons. As women in the car wash industry, we are a minority in a male dominated industry- but we are on the rise! It’s important to have such a wonderful network of leaders and car wash professionals such as the Women In Carwash™ to support each other. I thoroughly enjoyed this year’s virtual Women in Carwash™ conference- it had many wonderful guest speakers, authors, and gave every participant a chance to share their stories, learn and grow from each other. Thank you, Brenda Johnstone for putting together such a fabulous group of industry professionals- I look forward to supporting WIC and watching their presence grow.
Melissa Pirkey
Vice President Car Wash Division
Assured Partners Insurance
Tuesday morning picked up from the keynote by focusing on what participants haven’t yet done but would do if they were brave enough to try it. Bravery Becomes You set out a new perspective on fear, doubt and worry and focused on how to navigate your obstacles to success, honor your strengths, and enjoy the adventure of discovering powerful, passionate, on-purpose you. This followed with a highly motivational talk on building amazing teams by leading with compassion and grace.
Sandy’s travel journey was remarkable. How many people’s sons would ask their mom to camp for so many weeks? Being asked to consider how we might be brave in different aspects of our lives was a significant question, and challenged me to consider where in my work life I’m not stepping out.
Additional sessions focused on communications skills and empowering yourself to make sure your own needs are met while giving yourself to others.
Many of the sessions incorporated virtual breakouts into small groups that enabled people to exchange experiences in the context of what was learned in the sessions and promoted a cross-pollination of ideas.
Just finished an awesome virtual leadership conference called Women in Carwash.
Margaret Horsfield
This conference had a great speaker line up over three days! I feel like I got a lot of very valuable and informative information. It was also great how they structured the breakout rooms to enable smaller conversation and #networking!
If you are in the industry, you should keep an eye out for the next conference…hopefully in person!
President and CEO at J.E. Adams Industries
One thing that began to emerge after the last conference was a discussion of the need for ongoing education and training and this led to the announcement at the conference of a new academy that will offer micro-credentials and badges to those who successfully complete both in-person and online programs. As a division of Women in Carwash™ , C-Academy will begin September 14, 21 & 28 with three, two-part sessions held virtually, and will move to in-person, lunch-and-learn sessions later this year as part of a pilot program that will eventually result in the availability of program packages that recognize the achievements of individuals striving to build their careers. Courses offered will focus on a variety of topics but will need to meet standards set out by Women in Carwash.
“We know from speaking with many women from within the carwashing market, that there is a need and a desire for education that provides insights into both personal and business growth” states Johnstone.
As North America continues to open up planning is underway for the fifth Women in Carwash™ conference to be held January 17 – 19, 2022 at the beautiful Ocean B Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. www.womenincarwash.com or email bjj@womenincarwash.com or andrew@womenincarwash.com for more information.
