In this issue: 

• Early Bird Registration is Open for the 2023 Leadership Conference; Profiles of Champions Returns
• Mark Your Calendars for Our PAR at Work Webinar, DEI Metrics: How Our Industry Measures Up
• Registration Open for Fall Executive Development Series (EDS) Programs
• Congratulations Betsy Magness Leadership Institute Graduates, Classes 46 & 47!
• BMLI Alumnae: Early Bird Rate Available for the Betsy Magness Graduate Institute (BMGI)
• Applications are Open for Women's TechConnect—a Year-Long Mentoring Program for High-Potential STEM Leaders
• Introducing The WICT Network Member App, Available for Download on All Mobile Devices
• Let's Network! Follow and like us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter

The WICT Network's Leadership Conference is open for early registration, and for a limited time you can save $100 on the registration fee (both in-person and virtual options are available). This year’s theme, Co-Create the Future, will explore collaboration and innovative thinking as we move into a new era of leadership governed by artificial intelligence and a heightened focus on performance. We hope to see you in New York for the conference and all the Diversity Week activities; visit our webpage and read the Diversity Week press release for more details.

Our crowd-favorite Profiles of Champions session returns for the 2023 Leadership Conference, featuring moderator, Laura Gentile, EVP of Marketing at ESPN.

Reserve your room by Friday, August 25, with preferred rates starting at $359/night (plus tax, while supplies last). Guest rooms and rates are subject to availability.

Visit the New York Marriott Marquis website to reserve your room.

Mark Your Calendars for Our PAR at Work

Webinar, DEI Metrics: How Our Industry Measures Up

PAR at Work webinars are a critical by-product of The WICT Network’s PAR Initiative and further promote the business case for diversity and inclusion by sharing examples and data that companies can use to improve their own practices.

Through this series, we help companies strengthen their workplace diversity and inclusion tactics. We know this leads to improved company performance, more innovation and higher profitability, ultimately moving our industry forward for the benefit of all.

Register for our next webinar in this series, DEI Metrics: How Our Industry Measures Up, featuring our moderator, Shebani Patel, Partner at PwC, in addition to our confirmed panelists, Loren Hudson, SVP & Chief Diversity Officer, Comcast; and Aisha Thomas-Petit, Chief People & Diversity Officer, AMC Networks.

In this session, we will cover:

• How our industry compares to national benchmarks. 
• The status of women and women of color with regard to recruitment and retention.
• Strategies to improve results and proven practices that lead to better representation of women at all levels. 

Join us virtually, Thursday, June 22, 11:00 am - 12:15 pm (Eastern). All members are welcome!

The reviews are in—our spring Executive Leadership Presence program was a “highly relevant,” “energizing” and “impactful” event! As we plan for our fall Executive Development Series programs, we look forward to offering more enlightening content for our Executive Leadership Presence (ELP) program (offered twice per year) and our Leading with Power and Authenticity (LWPA) program (offered once per year).

Curious about the two programs in our fall Executive Development Series (EDS)? Let the reviews from the spring session of ELP speak for themselves!

• "Excellent program that I would highly recommend to those who are investing in their career path."
• "This has been the best leadership program I’ve ever had the privilege to attend. I’m walking away being a more confident leader, which not only benefits myself, but also my peers."
• "This is one of the best programs I have participated in. The content was great and instructors phenomenal. The real-life situations which they shared were beneficial and relatable."

Register for our Executive Development Series (EDS) programs today, by choosing either of the programs below:

• Executive Leadership Presence (ELP): October 11-12, San Diego, CA *Registration now open!*
• Leading with Power and Authenticity (LWPA): October 11-13, San Diego, CA *Registration now open!*

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EDS is the leading professional development opportunity for mid-career professional women in the media, entertainment and technology industry. Comprised of two distinct programs, they are designed to compliment one another. The EDS programs have distinct curriculums, providing participants with the practical skills and actionable plans they need to ensure success at the director and VP level—all while forming a powerful peer network.

Register now for ELP or LWPA. We hope to see you there!

Reserve your room today, starting at $259/night (plus tax, while supplies last). Rates expire Friday, September 8. Guest rooms and rates are subject to availability.

Visit the Rancho Bernardo Inn website to reserve your room.

The WICT Network is pleased to announce its Betsy Magness Leadership Institute (BMLI) graduating classes, 46 & 47.

Established in 1994, our BMLI program was created with top-ranking industry executives in mind. Our BMLI participants are immersed in a year-long experience, focused on developing the crucial leadership skills needed for taking their careers to the next level. With the guidance of industry experts and mentors, our graduates were immersed in hands-on learning activities, classroom lectures and research, as well as peer mentoring—to become their best selves—in and out of the workplace.

The graduates convened, May 8 - May 11, in Denver, Colorado, to close out their final sessions as a group. Let's take a moment to celebrate our BMLI graduates and all that they have accomplished this past year!

Interested in learning more about the Betsy Magness Leadership Institute? Click the link below to discover why this program continues to be our premier leadership development opportunity for senior-level women.

Calling all BMLI graduates! It's time to elevate your leadership with the Betsy Magness Graduate Institute (BMGI). Each year, the Betsy Magness Graduate Institute, developed in partnership with the Center for Creative Leadership, presents fresh, eye-opening content to help inspire today’s top industry leaders. The curriculum provides BMLI alumnae with the latest in workplace research and real-world management solutions. Here are some examples of topics covered in past programs:

1. Identifying what human-centered leadership looks like within organizations. 
2. Practicing core behaviors that promote collaboration, trust and human connection. 
3. Learning about the global research focused on future leaders, and how to develop the next generation of young professionals. 

Interested in learning more? Don't miss your chance to reserve your spot for the 2023 program.

DATES AND LOCATION

• November 15 - November 17
• Los Angeles, CA

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a graduate of the Betsy Magness Leadership Institute

Each Sofitel draws inspiration from local culture and tradition while celebrating innovation and the French art de vivre to offer a one-of-a-kind, luxurious hotel experience. From design details to exhibitions and events, discover what makes this LA hotel so unique.

Reserve your room today. Rates start at $229/night (plus tax, while supplies last). Guest rooms and rates are subject to availability. The last day to reserve your room is Monday, October 30.

Visit the Sofitel website to reserve your room; enter the code WICT23 in the “Preferential Code” field to obtain our discounted rates.

Applications are open for our Women's TechConnect program! This year-long mentoring program, designed in partnership with SCTE, is an opportunity for women in the technology field (in the media & entertainment industry) to connect and build relationships, as they overcome workplace challenges and rise through the leadership ranks.

Through this one-of-a-kind opportunity, participants will attend the following:

• Monthly meetings with their mentor via telephone, virtually or in-person.
• Quarterly learning webinars.
• The WICT Network Leadership Conference.
• The kick-off meeting at The WICT Network Leadership Conference.
• Attend the graduation at the SCTE•ISBE Cable-Tec Expo.

(Registration for both The WICT Network Leadership Conference and the SCTE•ISBE Cable-Tec Expo are complimentary for mentees.)

Participants that are accepted will receive a schedule of events, including unique resources to help foster development and discussion for the mentor/mentee relationship. For example, last year, participants discussed the novel, Next Move, Best Move by Kimberly Brown, as an expert guide for professionals seeking to understand how to navigate the world of work.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Work in the technology field in the media and entertainment industry.
• Possess three or more years of managerial experience.
• Exhibit a level of knowledge, skill and professionalism regarding technology.
• Have demonstrated a track record of success.
• Can help create clear goals for mentorship, consistent with workplace excellence.
• Have the ability to dedicate the time required to be a mentee (see above.)

Nominations for The WICT Network’s 2023 Women to Watch and Women of the Year are now being accepted. These awards, our highest individual honors, will be presented at the Touchstones Luncheon on Monday, September 18, during the Leadership Conference.

Woman of the Year

The Woman of the Year Award is bestowed on a woman who has made significant contributions throughout her career to her company and the overall industry. She is a proven leader and asset who shows great resolve to help others along their path. The WICT Network will select one honoree from a programmer and one from an operator.

Attributes:

• Strong and articulate communicator who can rally others into action;
• Serves as a catalyst to advance the industry and its people;
• Inspires others through words and deeds;
• Listens to and connects with her peers;
• Leads fearlessly with a sense of purpose and vision.

Woman to Watch

The Woman to Watch Award honors a woman who shows tremendous success and promise through her professional accomplishments. She demonstrates exemplary leadership skills in her company and a strong dedication to the industry. The WICT Network will select one honoree from a programmer, an operator and a technology company.

Attributes:

• Contributes significantly to transform her organization;
• Serves as a catalyst to help advance others at her organization;
• Serves as a role model and mentor to colleagues and others;
• Listens to and connects with her peers;
• Leads authentically with a commitment to her values.

Current members of The WICT Network Global Board are ineligible for these awards.

The WICT Network recently launched its member app, now available for download on all mobile device operating systems. Developed to fortify the power of our network, the app will allow members across the media, entertainment and technology landscape to forge stronger, more robust connections with industry peers worldwide. 

The app has several features designed to help you easily form connections, and make the most of your member benefits, including access to our Events & Registration, Webinars, Calendar, Groups and other Resources.

Follow @WICTHQ on social media (we’re active on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram) for the latest news on gender diversity in the workplace, leadership development and productivity tips, programming updates, and diversity, equity and inclusion data.

Below are sample posts from LinkedIn. Make sure to follow us online for more valuable tips and updates.