Innovation Women Newsletter #584

October 9, 2026

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WORKING THE HALLWAY TRACK

Hi ala,

Fall is conference and event high season, and I’ve been spending time at more than my fair share. Likely your fair share too. 

We collectively spend an enormous amount of time planning events. Agendas. Speakers. Panels. Breakouts. Networking sessions. Morning keynote. Lunch time keynote. Even the coffee breaks get scheduled.

But some of the high points of the events I attended this season were not on the agenda. 

• One was meeting up with an old friend and getting an update on her kids…who are no longer kids.
• Another was making a new friend in line for coffee and having a great discussion on what that speaker really meant on our way back to the sessions.
• Then there was someone seeing me from the across the room (I’m tall…it helps), and them making their way over to tell me about a speaking engagement she got through Innovation Women. (WOOOO!)

One of our clients calls it The Hallway Track…those important conversations that happen in the hallway. 

What’s the best thing that happened for you during the Hallway Track?

Bobbie and the Innovation Women Team

EVENT MANAGER OR EXPERT?

SPEAKER FRIEND FRIDAYS

Join us every Friday at 8:45 am ET for Speaker Friends Friday on Zoom. We have discussions with speakers, authors, event managers, business owners, podcasters and other professionals.

You can also join us for West Coast Speaker Friends at noon ET/9:00 am PT on the first and third Friday each month. 

All are welcome.

SPEAKER FRIENDS LIVE, PORTLAND, ME

Do you need a demo video of yourself speaking on a real live stage? Join us on October 22, 2026 for one of two sessions in Portland, Maine. We're taking over a professional production studio and partnering with the professionals to get video done for our speakers at a tiny fraction of the cost of most programs. No running up credit card debt, mortgaging the house or raiding your retirement fund. Learn more and sign up today. Our other Speaker Friend Live events have sold out quickly.

FIND MORE SPEAKING LEADS

What is My Speaker Leads? My Speaker Leads saves professional speakers time and effort by providing a weekly list of leads most likely to convert to paid public speaking opportunities. Sign up today for 200-400 speaking leads every month. 

UPCOMING INNOVATION WOMEN WEBINARS

Speaking That Builds Businesses: October 13 2026 at 1 p.m. ET

Featuring Bobbie Carlton

Speaking isn't just about sharing your ideas or expertise. It's one of the most effective ways to build credibility, attract clients, open doors to partnerships, and become the person people think of when they need a product or service. 

The most successful speakers go beyond giving a great presentation. They have a strategy that starts long before they step on stage and continues long after the applause dies down. 

In this webinar, you'll learn how to use every speaking engagement as a business development opportunity without sounding salesy, smarmy or turning your presentation into a pitch. Most speaker training focuses on giving a better presentation. This webinar is about getting better business results from the presentations you're already giving. 

Brand Clarity That Opens Doors: Attract the Right Customers, Partners, and Opportunities

Featuring Terry Beltran

Wednesday, November 4, 12:00 - 1:00 pm

Many founders believe they need more visibility, more social media, or more marketing when the real problem is often a lack of clarity. If people can't quickly understand who you help, what makes you different, and why your business matters, even great marketing struggles to turn attention into opportunity. In this interactive session, I help business owners strengthen the foundation of their brand so the right customers understand their value, partners recognize the fit, and opportunities become easier to pursue.

LIONESS MAGAZINE FEATURES

Lioness for the Female Entrepreneur is our digital magazine for women who are starting (or thinking about starting) companies. Get the latest news, tools and resources to launch and scale startups. This week you can read great articles like:

• Meet the 2026 Woman-Led Top Workplaces
• The Myth of the Woman Behind the Title: Are You Leading Your Business or Losing Yourself to It?