Women@Sun

California Women's Conference 2006

What an amazing event and accomplishment for California women and beyond. Thirty-six Sun women made it to the conference this year. I worked with the Women's conference team to webcast the entire day live and promote the event through online ads on sfgate.com, latimes.com and sacbee.com.
Here's a few snapshots of the night before as Sun women began to arrive for this big event.

Girl Chat



Sun women arrive in Long Beach and have time for some fun "girl chat".

The Opening Reception

A few of us attended a small reception where sponsors, Minerva award winners and celebrities mingled. This is a fun event where folks visited and finally met people face-to-face. And Maria Shriver and team thanked everyone who worked on this year's event.

 
Piper Cole, Sun VP and the official "Fairy Godmother" of this event, 
and Jillian Manus, Chair of the Conference Board at the opening reception.



Tim Russert, Meet the Press and First Lady Maria Shriver


Eunice Kennedy Shriver and 2006 Minerva award winner, Marilyn Hamilton

Looking radiant, Eunice Kennedy Shriver is determined to attend the Women's conference every year despite reoccurring mishaps like a hip injury last year and a minor injury this year. But she is in good company with Marilyn Hamilton who is in her own wheelchair creation, the "Quickie".



Tim Russert and me, Lisa Arroyo, Sun Marketing

Tim Russert gave a heartfelt speech the next day about how important a role his father and family played in who he his today as well as his life accomplishments. He's a very down-to-earth person and brought his wife to the conference with him. Check out his speech in the video replays getting posted soon on sun.com/events/californiawomen/



Maria Shriver and Lisa Arroyo

I don't know what's more nerve racking, standing next to the First Lady or being in the same room with What Not To Wear's host, Clinton Kelly, and hoping you're not a fashion faux pas!

Day of the Conference

The day began bright and early for all at the Long Beach Convention Center. Thousands of women began to gather for an activity-filled day. Women (and men) from all walks of life attend this conference every year.


Whale mural on the Long Beach Arena. Took this in the back near the satelite truck while we waited for the conference to begin.


Heading towards the arena to find seats for the general session.

Many speculated on what would be the best speech or what would be the best breakout session as they drank their non-fat lattes and mochas and picked up their conference bags.


Not the best shot -- I found a nice little surprise in my conference bag,
courtesy of Sun, an energy bar with a eco-responsibility sticker.


The session kicks off with Suze Orman telling her personal story of challenges she's encountered and overcame.

 
Maria Shriver gives and energetic, humorous and thought provoking  speech.


Taking a break after the morning session.


I was checking the live stream Sun hosted for the event in the Internet Cafe and wanted to get a picture of the web page we're hosting. Looking at this shot later, I realized Schwarzenegger's daughter (far left) was on  the other side with her friends.


Lots of shopping in the exhibit hall like these one of a kind purses.


Massage anyone? There was indeed a line for this section otherwise I would have been all over it.


The bookstore was very popular and had lots of great ideas for book club suggestions. I did buy a few which I can't wait to read.


Suze's signing was extremely popular. I was able to sneak this shot as I made my way around the crowd.


There were even furry, four-legged volunteers in the Volunteer Village.


Lots of volunteer ideas including this mobile children's RV




The finale, His Holiness, the Dalai Lama was a once in a lifetime experience and privilege. Who knew the Dalai Lama has a great sense of humor and captivated the entire audience. You could hear a pin drop during a two-minute meditation among the 11,000 people in the audience.
I hope you will take the time to check out the highlights getting posted to the web event page soon. The speeches are intriguing and something is garanteed to strike a chord with you. I'll update this blog and let all know when the these are posted.
Thanks for reading!  - Lisa

Posted at 02:19PM Oct 01, 2006 by lisa in Of Note  |  Comments[2]