Women's Leadership Conference FAQs
Brief History of Conference
The Women's Leadership Conference was founded by Dr. Helen Marmechev, a former Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and the first female vice president at the University of Florida. She saw that there was a void in programming for women on campus and therefore decided to start the conference 19 years ago. The conference began with 4 workshops and 75 participants. Last year there were 30 workshops and 200 registered participants.
What does my registration fee cover?
The fee covers all conference activities including a guest speaker, three educational workshops, an organizational fair, networking activities, cultural entertainment, giveaways, prizes, breakfast, and lunch.
What is the Women's Leadership Conference?
The Women's Leadership Conference is an annual event put on by the Women's Leadership Council that began in 1988 as a way to bring women leaders together and improve their leadership skills. It strives to equip women with the skills necessary to achieve their goals and encourage them to embrace the challenge of leadership, and also to provide women with peer support, role models and educational programs that will help them to develop a sense of self. The conference accomplishes this by offering a variety of workshops, 3 of which participants may choose to attend, a career panel with community professionals, an inspiring keynote speaker, networking activities, and an organization fair with a variety of groups represented.
What workshops are available?
Participants can choose from a variety of topics from three general categories: Calling, Leadership, and Awareness.
Do I have to be a leader to attend?
The conference offers opportunities for both established leaders and aspiring leaders.
What should I wear?
Business casual or professionally appropriate attire is recommended. This includes a blouse and slacks or a skirt.
What if I am coming from out of town?
Below are driving directions to the J. Wayne Reitz Union and a list of local hotel contacts. If you need further information please contact the Women?s Leadership Council.
Driving Directions to the J. Wayne Reitz Union
From I-75, Exit #384 (State Road 24/Archer Road)
East on Archer Road for 2.6 miles to North-South Drive
Turn left onto North-South Drive for 1/2 mile to Museum Road
Turn right on Museum Road for 1 block
Turn left into the Reitz Union's driveway
From US 441 (13th Street)
Turn west on Museum Road for 1/2 mile.
The Reitz Union is on the right, just past Center Drive
From State Road 24 (Waldo Road)
South on SR 24 to University Avenue (SR 26)
Right on University Avenue for 1.7 miles to US 441 (13th Street)
Left on US 441 for 1/2 mile to Museum Road
Right on Museum Road for 1/2 mile
The Reitz Union is on the right, just past Center Drive
From the Gainesville Regional Airport
Exit the airport drive
Right on SR 222 (39th Avenue) for 4 miles to US 441 (13th Street)
Left on US 441 for 3 miles to Museum Road
Right on Museum Road for 1/2 mile
The Reitz Union is on the right, just past Center Drive
Local Hotel Contacts
Best Western Gateway Grand
4200 NW 97th Blvd.
Gainesville, FL 32606
(352) 331-3336
Cabot Lodge
3726 SW 40th Blvd.
Gainesville, FL 32608
(352) 375-2400
Comfort Inn
2435 SW 13th St.
Gainesville, FL 32608
(352) 373-6500
Comfort Inn West
3440 SW 40th Blvd.
Gainesville, FL 32608
(352) 264-1771
Courtyard By Marriott
3700 SW 42nd St.
Gainesville, FL 32608
(352) 335-9100
Fairfield Inn By Marriott
6901 NW 4th Blvd.
Gainesville, FL 32607
(352) 332-8292
Hampton Inn
4225 SW 40th Blvd.
Gainesville, FL 32608
(352) 371-4171
Hilton University of Florida
1714 SW 34th St
Gainesville, FL 32607
(352) 371-3600
Holiday Inn - University Center
1250 W. University Ave.
Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 376-1661
Holiday Inn - West
7417 Newberry Road
Gainesville, FL 32605
(352) 332-7500
Knights Inn
2820 NW 13th St.
Gainesville, FL 32609
(352) 376-1211
La Quinta Inns Inc
920 NW 69th Terr.
Gainesville, FL 32605
(352) 332-6466
Ramada Limited
7413 Newberry Rd
Gainesville, FL 32605
332-8001
Red Roof Inn
3500 SW 42nd St.
Gainesville, FL 32608
336-3311
Reitz Union Hotel
P.O. Box 118505
Gainesville, FL 32611
(352) 392-2151
Residence Inn By Marriott
4001 SW 13th St.
Gainesville, FL 32608
(352) 371-2101