Celebrating
2+ Decades
& 15,000+
Women Leaders

Linkage’s Women in Leadership Institute™ (WIL) is a four-day learning experience designed to equip women leaders with actionable strategies to overcome the hurdles women often face in the workplace. This isn’t your typical women’s conference. This is an immersive leadership development experience designed to drive results and accelerate the advancement of women. Looking for this year’s conference? Check out the 2022 Women in Leadership Institute.

A conference designed for right now. Women leaders need options and flexibility – which is why WIL returns in 2021 as both an in-person and virtual conference! Choose the format that best fits your needs: Join us in-person in Orlando, Florida, or through an abbreviated virtual experience. Whether you choose to attend from the comfort of your own home or through our on-site experience that puts safety first, you will experience the transformational impact of WIL. Check out the latest COVID-19 policy here.

Why WIL in 2021? The hurdles to advancement in the workplace for women have never been higher, with burnout at an all-time high. Women leaders need support at this critical moment. WIL is designed to empower women with the community and insights they need to thrive.

Designed for individual women leaders or groups of women leaders from an organization, the Women in Leadership Institute is the experience of a lifetime.

Get a Glimpse!

Watch this prerecorded webinar session and hear directly from a current Premier Partner and some of the women who have experienced WIL.

Why Attend
  1. Choose format: Virtual or In-Person
  2. 4 days of immersive learning
  3. Expert keynote speakers
  4. Skill-building sessions and workshops
  5. Assessments designed specially for women
  6. Peer-learning small-group sessions (In Person)

Looking to learn more about health and safety at the in-person experience?

We put the health and safety of our attendees first by adhering to the latest CDC guidelines.

Women who have attended WIL experience incredible results.

89% take more time to define their strengths & talents as a leader
89% take more time to define their strengths & talents as a leader
86% have gained more self-confidence
86% have gained more self-confidence
94% received a
6-12% increase
in compensation
94% received a
6-12% increase
in compensation
76% are more often recognized for their contributions
76% are more often recognized for their contributions

And, their organizations experience transformational impact.

82% say they & their team are outperforming the company average
82% say they & their team are outperforming the company average
75% are more engaged with their work
75% are more engaged with their work
69% have more personal satisfaction with work
69% have more personal satisfaction with work
67% are more likely to stay with their company
67% are more likely to stay with their company

Your leadership journey starts now.

Join us face-to-face in Orlando, Florida, or tune in virtually for an abbreviated experience! Choose from three pass options designed to meet your goals:

In-Person
All-Access

Virtual
Keynotes
PLUS

Virtual
Keynotes

All-access
in-person pass.
31+ hours
of leadership
development.

Combine access to
virtual Keynotes with
virtual Master Classes.
12 hours of leadership
development.

Gain access to
virtual Keynotes.
8 hours of leadership
development.

$3,695

$1,595

$995

ACCESS TO CONTENT FOR 90 DAYS POST-INSTITUTE – FOR ALL TICKET TYPES

1. Pre-Institute: Setting Yourself Up for Success

In-Person
All-Access

Virtual
Keynotes PLUS

Virtual
Keynotes

360° Assessment
(*Self-Assessment after 10/2)

Self-Assessment

Self-Assessment

On-Demand Webinar:
Preparing for WIL

On-Demand Webinar:
Preparing for WIL

On-Demand Webinar:
Preparing for WIL

On-Demand Webinar:
Explore Your Assessment
Results

On-Demand Webinar:
Explore Your Assessment
Results

On-Demand Webinar:
Explore Your Assessment
Results

On-Demand Webinar:
Create Your Personal
Networking Plan

On-Demand Webinar:
Create Your Personal
Networking Plan

2. Institute Learning Experience

In-Person
All-Access

Virtual
Keynotes PLUS

Virtual
Keynotes

Keynote Access

Keynote Access

Keynote Access

Learning Guide

Learning Guide

Learning Guide

Panel: Intersectionality &
Advancement in the Workplace

Panel: Intersectionality &
Advancement in the Workplace

Panel: Intersectionality &
Advancement in the Workplace

Networking

Networking

Networking

2 On-Demand
Virtual Master Classes

2 On-Demand
Virtual Master Classes

2 Live Master Classes

Deep Dive: Unlocking
Your Assessment

Assigned On-Site Learning Team

Post-Institute: Extended Learning
Leader for Life Guide

Registration for the live experience is now closed.

FEATURED:

Panel: Intersectionality & Advancement in the Workplace

Every woman is different in how they experience the world. Factors like race, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, cultural differences, and differing abilities “intersect” and overlap with one another. For women, the discrimination that stems from this intersectionality profoundly impacts their ability to professionally advance. Our panelists will share their experiences in corporate America and outline how leaders can model better allyship in the workplace.

  • Join us for this critical conversation! All ticket types have access to this special session.

The Experience

 

Four days of immersive learning for women leaders, filled with keynotes, Master Classes, small group learning, networking and more.

*All Times EST

Day 1 Tuesday, November 2

Duration Agenda
1:30 PM –1:45 PM Opening Remarks
1:45 PM – 2:45 PM Keynote: Shannon Bayer on Aware
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM Break
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Assessment Review: Unlocking Your Best Insights
4:00 PM – 4:15 PM Break
4:15 PM – 6:15 PM Learning Teams
6:15 PM – 7:15 PM Welcome Reception

Day 2 Wednesday, November 3

Duration Agenda
9:15 AM – 10:00 AM Breakfast
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM Keynote: Magic Johnson on Bold
11:15 AM – 11:30 AM Break
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Panel: Intersectionality & Advancement
in the Workplace
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Master Class
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM Networking Social
3:15 PM – 4:15 PM Keynote: Sheila Marcelo on Clear
4:15 PM – 4:30 PM Break
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM Learning Teams

Day 3 Thursday, November 4

Duration Agenda
9:15 AM – 10:00 AM Breakfast
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM Keynote: Erica Dhawan on Connected
11:15 AM – 11:30 AM Break
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Keynote: Molly Fletcher on Influential
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Master Class
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM Break
2:45 PM – 3:15 PM Legends in Leadership Award
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM Break
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM Learning Teams

Day 4 Friday, November 5

Duration Agenda
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Learning Teams
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM Break
11:15 AM – 12:30 PM Keynote: Carla Harris on Inspire

Recognizing Excellence at the 2021 Institute

Linkage’s Women in Leadership Executive Impact Award celebrates visionaries who are committed to the advancement of women leaders. The 2021 recipients will be recognized virtually at Linkage’s Women in Leadership Institute this November.

MASTER CLASSES

Take a deep dive into the topics covered by our keynote speakers during in-depth, hands-on sessions. Master Classes empower women with the competencies and applied experiences they need to scale the hurdles faced by women in the workplace.

AWARE: Mastering Your Inner Critic

Our Inner Critic is that voice inside our head that is critical of ourselves and others. We need to understand why intrinsic worthiness is essential to overcoming the Inner Critic, and furthermore, that confidence and worthiness are not the same thing. In this session, experience exercises designed to help you identify your Inner Critic in action and learn how to coach your Inner Critic by unpacking best practices to return to your compassionate center. This Master Class aligns with the foundational Hurdle, the Inner Critic, which will be introduced in our opening Keynote.

  • In-Person All-Access: Available Live
  • Virtual Keynotes PLUS: Available On-Demand

INFLUENTIAL: Game Changer Negotiation

Negotiation is a critical leadership skill. A good negotiator, just like a good leader, builds relationships, generates consensus, navigates tough conversations, and achieves goals. During this hands-on session, you will explore the best practices that skilled negotiators use to close the deal and build long-term, meaningful relationships. This Master Class aligns with the Influential Competency, associated with the Making the Ask Hurdle.

  • In-Person All-Access: Available Live

BOLD: Building Personal Brand & Presence

Women leaders need to manage themselves consistently, develop organizational savvy, build brand and present a respected public presence, and inspire confidence in others regarding their ability as a leader. Master Class leaders will help you expand your comfort zone of communication, including voice, body language, and message. You will practice the behavioral signals of Leadership Presence and learn how to paint a memorable picture for audiences through communication and gravitas. This Master Class aligns with the Bold Competency, associated with the Branding & Presence Hurdle.

  • In-Person All-Access: Available On-Demand
  • Virtual Keynotes PLUS: Available On-Demand

CLEAR: Unlocking the Mind-Body Connection for Clarity

When it comes to creating a clear vision and goals for our advancement, we must start from a place of compassion for ourselves and our own well-being. We arrive at true clarity through the process of going inward. Only then can we connect to our deepest values and authentic goals. During this session, we will unlock the power of aligning the mind and the body to expand our capacity for presence, centering, and self-awareness as a leader. Experience a guided meditation experience designed to allow you to become in-tune with your body and mind and unlock mindfulness best practices that you can begin to apply in your daily life to help you ascend to new levels through clarity of your purpose. This Master Class aligns with the Clear Competency, associated with the Clarity Hurdle.

  • In-Person All-Access: Available On-Demand

More of What Makes WIL So Unique


Not your average women’s conference! As a WIL participant, you will discover a once-in-a-lifetime leadership development experience. The special combination of inspiration, skill-building and reflection means that rich learnings go beyond awareness to ensure attendees work differently post-experience.

Gain insights from an Advancing Women Leaders Assessment

Your personal growth starts with data. Every attendee of Linkage’s Women in Leadership Institute will gain access to key insights from an assessment designed specifically for women leaders. Taken in the weeks ahead of the Institute, the assessment lays the groundwork for the learning experiences during the conference and empowers women leaders to take charge of their leadership journeys. In-Person All-Access passholders gain insight from their peers for a 360° view of their leadership. Virtual Keynotes PLUS and Virtual Keynotes passholders see how they measure up via a self-assessment.

Experience incredible Keynotes

Access to the most in-demand leadership speakers. You will gain insights from keynote faculty who are thought leaders, practitioners and world-renowned educators, including: Magic Johnson, Carla Harris and Molly Fletcher. More speakers will continue to be added—so stay tuned!

Gain inspiration and motivation while focusing on specific leadership competencies designed to accelerate the leadership readiness of women.

Unlock deep learning in small teams

Capitalize on the power of collective learning. With an In-Person All-Access pass, gather each day with an expert facilitator and a preselected team of 12–18 peers to reflect on and discuss insights from the Institute. This is a unique opportunity for you to contribute your own thinking and collaborate in small groups about how to best apply your learning to benefit your own development, taking into account your assessment results, team, and within the context of your organization.

Gain access to meaningful networking opportunities

Connect with other women leaders, who are on the same leadership journey you are. Over its 20+ year history, Linkage’s Women in Leadership Institute has brought together thousands of women leaders in a true spirit of support and collaboration.

Unlock more through a learning guide

It’s all about guided learning. Take your experience at the Women in Leadership Institute one step further by gaining access to additional insights in Linkage’s “Keynote Learning Guide.” Every attendee gains access to this exclusive guide ahead of the conference, allowing you to extend your learnings through self-reflection, critical thinking and actionable next steps.

Extend learning beyond the Institute

Your leadership learning journey continues. The learning experience doesn’t end when the Institute does! Extend your learning with a “Leader for Life” guide to use throughout the year to reinforce the rich learnings gained at the Institute and go beyond awareness to ensure you work differently post-experience.

The Venue

Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate

1500 Masters Boulevard
ChampionsGate, FL 33896
Phone: +1.407.390.6664

Hotel charges are not included in the Institute registration fee.

Make a Case to Attend WIL 2021


The development of women leaders is more important than ever in these unprecedented times. Use our easy-to-customize ROI letter to help you make the case for attending the Women in Leadership Institute in 2021.

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Enrollment Policy

Note: This Enrollment Policy applies to each participant in Linkage’s Women in Leadership 2021 Institute as well as the organization that such participant represents (referred to in this Enrollment Policy as “Client”). If you are enrolling a group of leaders to attend WIL, please note that many of the provisions in this Enrollment Policy can also be found (in whole or in substantial part) in the underlying agreement and/or statement of work (SOW) that Linkage may have entered into with Client.

Overview

Linkage’s Women in Leadership 2021 Institute (“the Institute”) is a four-day immersive learning experience designed to empower women to scale the hurdles to advancement in the workplace. The curriculum includes expert keynote speakers, skill-building leadership sessions and workshops, and strategic networking opportunities with 2,600 women hailing from organizations throughout the world.

Health and Safety

Linkage prioritizes the health and safety of everyone connected to the Women in Leadership Institute (attendees, clients, partners, staff, etc.).  To that end, we continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation vigilantly, making sure that we are complying with the latest guidance on best practices for health and safety as provided by relevant government and health agencies as well as tracking relevant public health data, including but not limited to vaccination rates/metrics.  We will continue to update attendees as more information becomes available. For more information about the health and safety precautions we are taking for our in-person 2021 event, visit the FAQ.

WIL Policy re: COVID-19

Linkage will require all attendees, presenters, facilitators, staff, and everyone else taking part in the Institute on-site in Orlando (collectively, “Participants”) to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival at the Institute. In lieu of proof of a negative PCR test, Participants may voluntarily provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (with the final dose having been received at least 2 weeks prior to arrival at the Institute).

Per CDC recommendations, face masks will be required in all indoor event areas. Participants should maintain social distancing, and practice good personal hygiene such as frequent hand washing.

If you are planning to take part in the Institute on-site and have any questions or concerns relating to any of these guidelines, please contact us at CustomerService@linkageinc.com.

Assessments

Attendees of the Women in Leadership Institute are given access to Linkage’s Advancing Women Leaders Assessments. In-person attendees gain access to the Advancing Women Leaders 360° Assessment, and virtual attendees gain access to the Advancing Women Leaders Self-Assessment. The Institute’s assessment solution includes standard electronic reports. The assessment results produced as a result thereof are not designed to serve as the sole basis for any employment decision (promotion, termination, etc.) on the part of Client with respect to any of the individuals assessed.

Participants can be changed with written notice at least 7 days before the Assessment launch date. Assessments must be completed by participants within the launch window indicated in the accompanying email. Assessments will not be relaunched to participants who failed to complete their assessment during the agreed-upon time frame. Once launched, an Assessment may not be transferred to another individual. Linkage will not regenerate reports that have already been distributed.

Any participant who purchases an in-person ticket or is added to an in-person group less than thirty (30) days before the opening date of the Institute will receive the Self-Assessment rather than the 360° Assessment, where applicable. Any participant who purchases a ticket or is added to a group fourteen (14) days or less before the opening date of the Institute will not receive an assessment.

Consent to Sharing of Data

By participating in the Institute, each participant in the Institute hereby consents to Linkage contacting such participant directly on multiple occasions before, during, and after the Institute.

By participating in the Institute, each participant in the Institute further hereby consents to Linkage sharing information that identifies such participant individually and makes it possible for other parties (namely, sponsors, partners, and affiliates in the Institute) to contact such participant directly. Such contact may occur on multiple occasions before, during, or after the Institute, with Linkage ensuring that each such sponsor, partner, or affiliate in the Institute provide the participant with the ability to “opt out” from receiving such communications from any such sponsor, partner, or affiliate at any time and for any reason.

Cancellation, Substitutions, and Fees

Cancellations:

  • For Individual or Team: If Client wishes to cancel the participation in the Institute for the Individual or the Team (whatever the case might be), then Client may do so only by providing written notice sent to Linkage. In such instance, Client shall be liable for a cancellation fee that equals (i) 25% of the total tuition fee if Linkage receives written notice at least ninety (90) days prior to the opening date of the Institute, or (ii) 100% of the total tuition fee if Linkage receives written notice less than ninety (90) days prior to the opening date of the Institute. Client shall pay such cancellation fee within thirty (30) days of the date of cancellation.
  • For Premier Partner or Institute Partner: If Client wishes to cancel the participation in the Institute as a Premier Partner or Institute Partner, then Client may do so only by providing written notice sent to Linkage. In such instance, Client shall be liable for a cancellation fee that equals (i) 50% of the total Partner fee if Linkage receives written notice at least one hundred fifty (150) days prior to the opening date of the Institute, or (ii) 100% of the total Partner fee if Linkage receives written notice less than one hundred fifty (150) days prior to the opening date of the Institute. Client shall pay such cancellation fee within thirty (30) days of the date of cancellation.

Participation Roster: Client shall send Linkage a participant roster if Client is participating with a Team or multiple Individuals. Participant rosters sent less than sixty (60) days before the opening date of the Institute will be subject to a $200 administrative fee per individual on the participant roster.

Substitutions: Client may substitute one participant for another at no charge with written notice sixty (60) days or more before the opening date of the Institute. Substitutions made less than sixty (60) days before the opening date of the Institute will be subject to a $200 administrative fee per substitution made. Substitutes made less than thirty (30) days before the opening date of the Institute will receive the Self-Assessment rather than the 360° Assessment, where applicable. Substitutions made fourteen (14) days or less will not receive an assessment.

Virtual Transfer: If Client wishes to transfer its participation in the Institute for the Individual or the Team (whatever the case might be) from in-person participation to virtual participation, then Client may do so once at no cost only by providing written notice sent to Linkage at least ninety (90) days prior to the opening date of the Institute. If such written notice is not provided within the requisite time frame (at least 90 days prior to the opening date of the Institute), then transfer fees may apply. If Linkage is unable to hold the in-person component of the Institute due to COVID-19 or other related reasons, then in-person participation in the Institute shall automatically transfer to virtual participation in the Institute at no additional charge to Client.

Virtual Access: Virtual access to the Institute is intended for individual device viewing and Individual use only. Any group viewing or sharing of virtual access among multiple individuals is strictly prohibited.

Additional Fees: Changes to Client’s participation level in the Institute shall be subject to mutual agreement and may be subject to changes in pricing in light of Linkage’s pricing structure and other considerations.

Exclusions: The registration fee does not include all costs of travel and hotel costs to the Institute, Board meetings, and other Institute-related events. All travel-related costs will be the sole responsibility of Client and not Linkage.

Carla Harris on stage with WIL 2020 Executive Impact Award Winners

WIL allowed me to explore the internal areas holding me back from being a stronger, more powerful leader. It was eye-opening and impactful. WIL changes the mindset, career opportunities, and lives of all leaders everywhere!

[WIL] brought forward transparent conversations around what it means to be a female leader and bring your authentic self to work. Hearing these insights and the power of building, maintaining and leveraging personal networks was inspiring.

Dana Valentine

Senior Vice President, Global Talent, Eaton

I'm really excited to have the opportunity to work on my own professional development.

Naomi Mercer

SVP, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, American Bankers Association & 2020 Registrant

Not only do you get to spend time with the people in your learning cohort each evening, but you get an opportunity to network with people from around the world.

Jill Wipfli

Executive Leadership Development Specialist, American Family Insurance & 2020 Registrant

Anytime we can bring a group of women together to share their experiences with the different things we are facing, it's an amazing thing.

Michelle Web

Executive Director, Employee Experience at TEKsystems & 2020 Registrant

1 / 5

Long-standing Relationships

Learn more about WIL Partnership Opportunities

Become a Partner

2021 Premier Partners

Parexel International

Corning Inc.

Oracle

McKesson

First American

Kaiser Permanente

TEKsystems

American Family

FedEx Ground

2021 Institute Partners

Eaton

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

Synchrony

Constellation Brands, Inc.

LPL Financial

Branding & Sponsorship

Learn more about WIL Sponsorship Opportunities

Become a Sponsor

2021 Gold Sponsors

NYU Stern Executive MBA Program

2021 Supporting Sponsors

MIT Sloan School of Management

Professional WOMAN'S Magazine

The Flawless Bar

The Boston College MBA

Questus

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