WiF FORUM 2024 was held in Orlando the week of April 15…what a great break from taxes!
And, by all accounts, a wonderfully successful event.

Read what Sheila LaMothe, CCAI VP of Strategic Initiatives, has to say about this year’s event:

When we started the WiF FORUM back in 2019, we hoped it would become a leading resource for women in the finishing industry for professional development, networking, and relevant industry information. Five years later, I think all of us at CCAI agree that it has surpassed our wildest dreams.

Sgeila continues:

The WiF FORUM is unique in the industry and with the ongoing employment challenges our industry faces, it is crucial that we show our women that finishing offers career opportunities worth pursuing and sticking around for. With the combination of our incredible speakers, financial support from our sponsors, and the commitment from finishing companies of all types and sizes that invest in their women giving them the opportunity to experience the WiF FORUM – we are making it happen.

The Women in Finishing FORUM is an annual event for all women who  are pursuing a career in industrial finishing. No matter your current function from the finishing line to executive management, if you’re female, you are invited and encouraged to attend the FORUM.

This year’s topics included Creative Thinking Strategies to Break Through Roadblocks by Chantel Soumis, Head of Marketing at Steelhead Technologies.

Chantel spoke on the art and science of creative problem solving. Through real-world examples and practical insights, attendees [hopefully] gained a deeper understanding of how fostering a creative mindset can surmount challenges and spark new opportunities simply by embracing a fresh perspective on problem-solving.
In addition to Chantel, this year’s FORUM featured several more high powered speakers and panelists from all areas of the finishing industry.

Complementing the general sessions was a finishing facility tour, networking opportunities and team building activities. Through unique programming, participants learned new ways to deal with issues that influence effectiveness, maximize professional impact, build strategies for success, learned about the latest trends in industrial finishing, and much more.

WiF FORUM is the only national Finishing Industry event held specifically for women and features a variety of professional development and industry related sessions geared toward women in our industry.

The annual two-day professional development conference has grown in popularity since its inception in 2019 and welcomes all women involved in the industry, from the finishing line to executive management.

The diversity in job function and experience in the industry is a big part of what makes the FORUM so beneficial. Newcomers learn from the experience of industry veterans, and all participants build their professional networks, states Sheila.

Sponsorship opportunities:

2022 Elizabeth Teska Women in Finishing FORUM Scholarship recipients

Each year the CCAI Finishing Education Foundation Board of Directors selects two recipients of the  Elizabeth Teska Women in Finishing FORUM Scholarship which covers registration fees and hotel accommodations costs.

Sponsorships are available! Support the Women in Finishing FORUM and get noticed.

CLICK HERE to review the WiF FORUM Sponsorship Brochure.

WiF Attendee Comments:

Below are some comments from last year’s FORUM attendees. All feedback is valued greatly and used to improve future events and to offer relevant programming. Check out the praise for the event!

This was one of the most beneficial conferences I have ever been to. I learned so much and felt this was a time of professional development and networking.

A great conference! I have never walked away from a conference feeling happy and satisfied. A wonderful group of people.

Really enjoyed the technical components. I think these are really valuable.

One of the best business forums that I have attended. From the attendees to the speakers, it was informative and fun!

CCAI members get registration discounts. Not a Member?
Join today and save money on your registration fees. An individual CCAI membership is just $125 and includes your Women in Finishing membership.

For more information on Women in Finishing , visit www.womeninfinishing.org

or contact Sheila LaMothe at 859-356-1030 / sheila@goyermgt.com.

Contact:
Sheila LaMothe
sheila@goyermgt.com
859-356-1030