One of my favorite events of the year is the Women's Conference in Long Beach. It takes place every year in October, and is organized by the first lady of our state, Maria Shriver. I have Christa to thank for introducing me to this extraordinary event. For the past several years I have gone with her and a group of about 10 women, but this year we unfortunately we unable to secure tickets. In the past we would hire a limo, leave very early on the day of the conference, eat bagels and drink coffee on our way to Long Beach, then have a full day at the conference, then return by limo and drink wine and munch on wonderful appetizers all the way home.
I just read about the conference that took place last week in the L.A. Times, and I wanted to tell you a little about it. It's that good. My understanding is that the conference began in the days when Gray Davis was governor, and his wife was in charge of the conference. Since Arnold took over, Maria has made this her special project, and the results are amazing. This year they had over 80 dignitaries at the conference, some speaking to the entire group, some on panels in break out sessions. Maria has the star power to attract the best and brightest people from every industry, including politics, business, entertainment, medicine and journalism. The conference this year became a two day event for the first time. I was sorry to miss it, as it's an opportunity to hear some of the great leaders in business and industry, government and entertainment talk about women's role in the world and the great opportunities that are out there for us.
The list of speakers is like a who's who. Just a brief list of the 80 speakers will give you an idea of the depth and breath and quality of participants. Madeleine Albright, Katie Couric, Jane Goodall, Captain Sullenberger, Greg Moartenson Mehmet Oz, Arianna Huffington Arnold Schwartenegger, Elizabeth Edwards, David Gregory, Caroline Kennedy, Alicia Keys, Valerie Jarrett, Paula Deen, Linda Ellerbee. That's a pretty impressive list in itself, but that's just a small sampling of the many speakers.
You arrive there at 8:00am, and get seated in this huge convention center. They have about 18,000 people in attendance, most of them women. There are several excellent speakers in the morning, before a break out session of specific topics, from women's health, to starting your own business, to current event topics. In the past I heard Tom Brokow, Warren Buffett, Sandra Day O'Connor and Condolessa Rice speak, just to name a few. Then it's lunch, and a visit to the Village, where they have everything from free medical clinics to booths discussing women's topics, clothing to buy, mini massages, you name it, they have it. Then it's back to the conference for more speakers, another special topic break out session in the afternoon, and finally, the Minerva awards.
The Minerva awards is one of my favorite parts. Maria and her committee search California for ordinary women doing extraordinary things, and honor them. This was a very moving part of the day. Most of these women we just ordinary women who took up a cause and we really making a difference.
Did I tell you how great Maria Shriver is? She is the most wonderful hostess. She shares personal stories about her life with Arnold, the Repulican/Democratic thing they have going on, and how she handles it. You feel like she is your friend and she's talking directly to you. I was so impressed. She's also running all over the place like a chicken with her head cut off, introducing people and chatting with the audience. She wears sneakers with her beautiful outfit, but it doesn't matter. She's a hands on person, and you can see the love she has for what she does.
I hope to attend the conference again next year. It is well worth looking into. I guarantee it will be one of the most stimulating days you've had in a long time.
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