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2024 Women MAKE Awards Leadership Conference

April 17–19, 2024 Salamander Washington, D.C., 1330 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20024

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Date April 17–19, 2024
Location Salamander Washington, D.C. 1330 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20024
Questions? Awards Team
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Questions or Comments?

Email the Women MAKE Awards team at [email protected].
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Women are the largest talent opportunity to close the skills gap in the manufacturing industry, increase innovation and drive the future of our workforce. #MFGwomen

The 2024 Women MAKE Awards will take place in Washington, D.C.

Accept the Award and Register as a 2024 Honoree/Emerging Leader.

ACCEPT THE AWARD

Accept the Award

About

Recognizing Women Leaders in Manufacturing

The Women MAKE Awards (formerly known as the STEP Ahead Awards) recognize women gamechangers working in the manufacturing industry who exemplify leadership within their companies. This national honor identifies top talent in manufacturing and further encourages award winners to mentor and support the next generation of female talent to pursue modern manufacturing careers. The Women MAKE Awards give women across the country a platform to showcase the incredible opportunities the industry has to offer, whether they are running the company, designing the next big product or testing innovations on the shop floor. 

In 2024, the Manufacturing Institute will recognize 100 women and 30 Emerging Leaders, a category to honor women under the age of 30 who have achieved unique accomplishments at the start of their careers.

Why Recognize Women in Manufacturing?


  • They deserve it. Women today account for less than one-third of manufacturing employees (29%) despite representing about half of all workers (47%). Yet, it was manufacturing that set the stage for a decades-long march of women into the workforce. Women working in our industry bring a strong skillset of problem-solving, collaboration, communication and mindful leadership. They navigate through unconscious bias, balance work and family life responsibilities, overcome imposter syndrome and have learned to lead, often without any female role models to show them the way. It is right and warranted for us to recognize and celebrate women’s contributions and achievements in what continues to be a male-dominated sector. 
  • It’s critical to solving the workforce crisis. Women represent one of the largest pools of untapped talent for manufacturers. Thus, closing manufacturing’s gender gap is key to closing the skills gap, too. Research shows that gender diversity benefits a manufacturing firm by improving its ability to innovate and grow. Women in previous generations showed the country what they could do through manufacturing, and it’s on us to inspire girls in the next generation to dream of what they can accomplish through manufacturing, too.
Agenda

2024 Honoree and Emerging Leader Agenda


  • April 17-18, 2024: Women MAKE Awards Leadership Program (for Honorees and Emerging Leaders only)
  • April 18, 2024: Women MAKE Awards Gala
  • April 19, 2024: Family Breakfast (for Honorees, Emerging Leaders and their families only)

 Wednesday, April 17, 2024

11:15 am  Registration Open | Ballroom Foyer
11:15 am  Welcome Luncheon | Gallery Ballroom BC
12:00 pm Welcome | Grand Ballroom
12:30 pm Breakouts (see the 2024 Honoree and Emerging Leader Guide for more details on these sessions)
2:00 pm Building Your Personal Brand  | Grand Ballroom
3:00 pm Networking Break | Grand Foyer
3:30 pm Increasing Your Negotiating Effectiveness | Grand Ballroom
5:00 pm Women Connect: Rosie Reports  | Grand Ballroom
5:30 pm Honoree and Emerging Leader Welcome Reception | Grand Foyer
6:30 pm Conclusion of Reception


Thursday, April 18, 2024

8:00 am  Breakfast | Gallery Ballroom BC
8:30 am Reciprocity Ring | Grand Ballroom
10:00 am Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace | Grand Ballroom 
11:00 am Networking Break | Grand Foyer
11:30 am Breakouts (see the 2024 Honoree and Emerging Leader Guide for more details on these sessions)
12:30 pm Professional Headshot Photos Begin
12:30 pm Honoree and Emerging Leader Networking Luncheons | Gallery Ballroom BC (Honorees) and Phillips (Emerging Leaders)
1:30 pm Executive Insights: Getting to the C-Suite | Grand Ballroom 
2:30 pm Paying it Forward | Grand Ballroom 
3:00 pm Conclusion of Leadership Program





Awards Ceremony Programming
6:00 pm 2024 Women MAKE Awards Gala | The Anthem
9:00 pm Conclusion of Awards Program
9:30 pm Women MAKE Awards After Party | Salamander Washington D.C.


Friday, April 19, 2024

7:30 am Family Breakfast | Gallery Ballroom
9:00 am Conclusion of Family Breakfast
Location

Hotel Information

The 2024 Women MAKE Awards Honorees and Emerging Leaders, as well as gala guests are welcome to stay at the Salamander Washington, D.C. We are pleased to share that hotel rooms for the special event are available at a discounted rate.

The discounted room rates are as follows:

  • Tuesday, April 16, 2024  |  Room rate $415 + tax
  • Wednesday, April 17, 2024  |  Room rate $415 + tax
  • Thursday, April 18, 2024  |  Room rate $415 + tax

Hotel Information

The Anthem

Explore DC

Code of Conduct

Health & Safety Information







Current CDC and local health guidelines will be followed and enforced, and the NAM/MI reserves the right to update health measures and attendance policies based on evolving health threats and guidance from Federal health agencies and local authorities. While we intend for the event to go forward as planned, the event may be impacted by future guidance from Federal and local authorities and protocols will be adjusted as warranted.


Vaccination Recommended

Full vaccination is recommended to attend the meeting, although proof of vaccination will not be required. All NAM/MI staff onsite are fully vaccinated.








Before Leaving Home


  • Follow relevant guidance provided by the CDC (Center for Diseases Control).
  • Adhere to government issued travel restrictions and guidance issued by the region you will be traveling to and the region you are traveling from.
  •  Stay at home if you feel sick and or if anyone in your household is sick.

On-site During the Event


  • Adhere to guidance from local health authorities as implemented and shared by facility hosts.
  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
  •  If you experience any cold or flu-like symptoms, please DO NOT attend sessions. Please let the WMA Program host know.

Post-Event

Agree to notify the WMA program host at [email protected] if you test positive for COVID-19 up to 5 days after returning home for contact tracing purposes.



Sponsorship

Secure Your 2024 Sponsorship Now!

Sponsorships for the leadership program and gala available: If you are interested in increasing your company presence at the Women MAKE Awards, please contact us for opportunities at [email protected].

Engagement Opportunities

2023 Sponsors

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