2023 WeROC Agenda

Kinect WeROC® 2023 Conference Agenda

The Power Of Her

September 5 & 6, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah

Day 1: Fundraising Pitches and Fueling Her Growth​

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Thomas S. Monson Center, Salt Lake City, Utah

Day one is an immersive encounter with excellence designed to create meaningful connections between capital providers and entrepreneurs. Each CEO takes the spotlight to deliver their concise, impactful 10-minute fundraising introduction pitch to the attending funders. Be a part of this intimate gathering where the venue and experience embody sophistication and the art of meaningful engagement, in a beautiful, historic mansion.

8:30am

Monson Center Main Lobby

Registration opens

Pick up your badge and scan the QR code for the program guide, Monson Center Map, and network with other attendees.

You can mingle in the Exhibitor Hall on the first floor and grab some breakfast too, before the ballroom opens.

9:00am – 9:05am

Ivory Ballroom, Third Floor

Setting Her Intentions

Princesse DesRose, Founder and CEO, Lumiére Wellness

Start your conference engagement through a meditation and intention process that opens up your mind and spirit to the Power Of Her.

9:05am – 9:15am

Ivory Ballroom, Third Floor

Opening Remarks: Fueling Her Growth

Tara Spalding, Interim CEO, Kinect Capital

The future of our innovation and economy is by fueling women leaders who see and pursue success differently. Tara will express why WeROC is important, and how these efforts create a meaningful change.

9:15am – 9:45am

Ivory Ballroom, Third Floor

Keynote: Unleash Her Unicorn

Sunnie Giles, COO Volcanic Retail

Based upon Sunnie’s investment experience and groundbreaking research in leadership for innovation, Sunnie will share her wisdom to all female entrepreneurs who will improve Utah’s future.

10:00am – 11:45am

Ivory Ballroom, Third Floor

10-minute CEO fundraising pitches

WeROC Presenting CEO Graduates

Each CEO from these rising-star companies will provide an introductory fundraising pitch to the capital providers amongst the audience. The order will be announced soon.  These pitches will be broadcasted throughout the mansion so attendees will not miss any presentations if they are outside of the Ivory Ballroom.

10:00am – 10:15am

Ivory Ballroom, Third Floor

Blendyd Studios

Morgan Williams

10:15am – 10:30am

Ivory Ballroom, Third Floor

Reset Your Nest

Tori Horton

10:30am – 10:45am

Ivory Ballroom, Third Floor

ProPlans

Tina Hackwell

10:45am – 11:00am

Ivory Ballroom, Third Floor

Proximity

Becki Wright

11:00am – 11:15am

 

BREAK

11:15am – 11:30am

Ivory Ballroom, Third Floor

SimpleEnding

Jill Coil

11:30am – 11:45am

Ivory Ballroom, Third Floor

NXgenPort

Cathy Skinner

11:45am – 12:45pm

 

LUNCH

Make your lunch from various family-style options from salads to nachos. You can take time to meet the exhibitors surrounding the serving station. 

Enjoy the mansion’s layout and eat food outside or in the Carriage House, located on the other side of the courtyard.

12:50pm – 1:00pm

Ivory Ballroom, Third Floor

Kinect Capital Announcements

Tara Spalding, Kinect Capital

1:00pm – 1:30pm

Ivory Ballroom, Third Floor

Keynote: You can do it—and don’t ask for permission.

Representative Christine Watkins, District 67,
Utah House of Representatives

Christine shares her observations on how Utah has the best women leaders and the positive future ahead.

1:30pm – 4:00pm

Ivory Ballroom, Third Floor

10-minute CEO fundraising pitches

WeROC Presenting CEO Graduates

Each CEO from these rising-star companies will provide an introductory fundraising pitch to the capital providers amongst the audience. The order will be announced soon.  These pitches will be broadcasted throughout the mansion so attendees will not miss any presentations if they are outside of the Ivory Ballroom.

1:30pm – 1:45pm

Ivory Ballroom, Third Floor

Clear Water Distilling

Stephanie Eau Claire

1:45pm – 2:00pm

Ivory Ballroom, Third Floor

Harmonious Capital Administration

Alyssa McEwen

2:00pm – 2:15pm

Ivory Ballroom, Third Floor

Burst Fitness

Allison Roberts, Austin Wright

2:15pm – 2:30pm

Ivory Ballroom, Third Floor

Errand

Claire Larsen

2:30pm – 2:45pm

 

BREAK

2:45pm – 3:00pm

Ivory Ballroom, Third Floor

Galena Innovations

Ashley Crafton

3:00pm – 3:15pm

Ivory Ballroom, Third Floor

Gosia Genomics

Malgorzata Jaremko

3:15pm – 3:30pm

Ivory Ballroom, Third Floor

Light Line Medical

Vicki Farrar

3:30pm – 3:45pm

Ivory Ballroom, Third Floor

Trova Health

Dana Allison

3:45pm – 4:00pm

Ivory Ballroom, Third Floor

Solution Diagnostics

Chiao-ih Hui

4:00pm – 4:15pm

Ivory Ballroom, Third Floor

Imessa

Shoeleh Assemi

4:15pm – 4:25pm

Ivory Ballroom, Third Floor

Closing Remarks: Refueling our Future

Tara Spalding, Interim CEO, Kinect Capital

Recapping the presentations and takeaways from the first day of pitches and intentions.

Day 1 Bonus Programs and Networking Areas

SheMoney x WeAngels Connection Lounge

Parlor and Dining Room, First Floor

New to early-stage investing? Looking for the opportunity to watch pitches, interact with others, discuss, and ask questions? Join SheMoney Founder, and active angel investor, Jacki Zehner and her team in the lounge. WeAngels experts will be popping in to add their insights in this informal setting.

The pitches will be broadcasted into the lounge for attendees to watch and discuss, so feel free to come and go throughout the day.

WeROC Exhibitor Hall

Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Townhall, First Floor

Meet the wonderful sponsors who support the WeROC program and conference. Every Ivory Ballroom presentations will be broadcasted live in the Exhibitor Hall so attendees can mingle and pay attention to the presentations that are occurring.

Beverages and food will be served in this space and attendees can sit and enjoy outside dining and networking during the breaks.

Entrepreneur Showcase

Eccles Board Room, First Floor

Get the opportunity to meet the Presenting CEOs and demo their products and continue investment conversations in this beautiful setting. Beverages and light snacks are provided in this room.

Overflow Pitch Viewing Room

Zions Bank Classroom, First Floor

Since the Ivory Ballroom has limited capacity, we will be hosting a viewing area in the Zions Bank Classroom. It’s a great spot if you want to work on your computer as there’s desks, outlets, and wifi there too. Also this area is great to have conversations during the presentation.

Fundraising Presentations

Ivory Ballroom, Third Floor

Attendees can listen to the CEOs pitch in-person, by sitting in the Ivory Ballroom on the third floor. Because all presentations will be recorded and broadcasted throughout the mansion, we ask that attendees refrain from talking whilst in the ballroom.

Due to the location on the third floor, this space is accessible by staircase or by elevator. Light refreshments and snacks are provided at the back of the room.

Fundraising Landscape and Empowering Her Success

Wednesday, September 6, 2023 

University of Utah Alumni House, Salt Lake City, Utah

Day two is poised to draw a gathering of 300 individuals interested in supporting women-founded and women-led businesses by helping to make capital more accessible. Day two attracts inspiring entrepreneurs, mentors, service providers, students, investors, banks, and other amazing community groups.

8:30am

Main Entry

Registration opens

Check in at the registration desk, and scan the QR code that provides program details, floor plans, and the agenda for the conference. Then mingle with other attendees!

9:00am – 9:05am

Main Ballroom, Second Floor

Setting Her Intentions

Princesse DesRose, Founder and CEO, Lumiére Wellness

Begin your WeROC conference experience with a meditation and intention process allowing you to open up your mind and spirit to the Power of Her.

9:05am – 9:15am

Main Ballroom, Second Floor

Opening Remarks: Empowering Her Success

Tara Spalding, Interim CEO, Kinect Capital

Female leaders often outperform their male counterparts. Hear from Tara about what it will take to empower more women to take on leadership roles to revolutionize capitalism and innovation.

9:15am – 9:45am

Main Ballroom, Second Floor

Keynote: The Power of Her

Kathi Garff, Board Chair, Ken Garff Automotive Group; Board Chair, Success In Education

Rarely, do we get to listen to a female leader who brought growth and balance into a male-dominated industry; who has been very purposeful in creating opportunities and a supportive network for women of all ages throughout society.

We are honored to have Katharine B. Garff keynote. Kathi will tell her story as a female icon, the experiences and virtues that are behind her efforts, and why educating and supporting other women is so important for everyone to do, so we create a brighter tomorrow. 

9:45am – 10:15am

Main Ballroom, Second Floor

CEO Speed Pitches

Meet eight of our WeROC graduating CEOs and learn a bit about their business and outlook in 3 minute introductions.

Solution DX, Chiao-ih Hui

NXgenPort, Cathy Skinner

Light Line Medical, Kristin Taylor

Gosia Genomics, Malgorzata Jaremko

Galena Innovations, Ashley Crafton

Trova Health, Dana Allison

SimpleEnding, Jill Coil

Proximity, Becki Wright

10:15am – 10:50am

Main Ballroom, Second Floor

Panel Discussion: Lessons On Her Fundraising

Expert Panelists
  • Jacqueline Beauchamp, CEO and Founder, Engaged Media Studios
  • Linda Klug, CEO and Founder, Airin
  • Christine Wzorek, CEO, White Label Advisors
  • Maile Keone, CEO of Listen Technologies;
  • Moderated by Sidni Lloyd-Shorter, PsyD, President and CEO, Utah Black Chamber of Commerce

Each of these women have successfully raised capital where many have experienced difficulties. Sidni will guide their storytelling and tip sharing so more women can see the path to empower corporate growth.

10:50am – 11:00am

 

BREAK

11:00am – 11:30am

Main Ballroom, Second Floor

CEO Speed Pitches

Meet the remaining eight of our WeROC graduating CEOs and learn a bit about their business and outlook in 3 minute introductions.

ProPlans, Tina Hackwell

Imessa, Shoeleh Assemi

Harmonious Capital Administration, Alyssa McEwen

Blendyd Studios, Morgan Williams

Reset Your Next, Tori Horton

Clear Water Distillery, Stephanie Eau Claire

Errand, Claire Larson

Burst Fitness, Allison Roberts

11:30am – 11:40am

 

BREAK

11:40am – 12:30pm

Main Ballroom, Second Floor

Insperity presents: Role of Talent in Venture Capital

Expert Panelists
  • Sarah Grimstead, Regional Vice President, Insperity
  • Leslie Goldman Tepper, General Partner & Co-Founder, The Artemis Fund
  • Courtney Andersen, Founder and CEO,Spa Trouve
  • Linda Klug, Founder and CEO, Airin
  • Moderated by Cheryle Caplinger, Executive Director, Utah Tech University

Adding team members as part of organic growth and integrating people effectively into your business can make or break success. If you don’t understand how your people correlate with valuation, a healthy company culture, or your ability to spur future investment activities, you may just find yourself creating new problems for your business. 

Join a group of leaders for a deep dive into the power of people.

11:40am – 12:30pm

Dumke Meeting Room, First Floor

SheMoney presents: Pathways to Capital

Expert Panelists
  • Jacki Zehner, Founder, SheMoney and ShePlace
  • Kimmy Paluch, Managing Partner, BetaBoom
  • Stefanie Fisher-Sample, CEO and Founder, Fundid
  • Rose Maizner, Co-Founder, Womenpreneurs
  • Kirsten Horning, Managing Director, Republic

Whether you’re a solopreneur, small business owner or building the next unicorn, it takes money to build a business! Understanding how to best finance your business is one of the most critical parts of your journey to success. And it can also be one of the most overwhelming and daunting.

Join SheMoney and expert guest speakers for an interactive panel discussion designed to demystify the broad capital landscape. This session will help identify the type of capital that’s most appropriate for your startup or small business at your current state of growth.

We will have a brief overview and tangible next steps of how to pursue the following financing options:

  • Equity Financing
  • Debt Financing
  • Alternative Financing
  • Grants & Non-Dilutive Financing

12:30pm – 1:20pm

Common Area, The Board Room and Terrace, 

Second Floor

LUNCH

Grab a delicious meal and find an area to meet and eat, as the entire building is a beautiful space.

Entrepreneur Mocktails

During lunch, don’t miss sampling various mocktails that each founder has concocted. You will get to cast your vote on which you like the best – be it the person, the drink, or the experience!

Drinks will be served on the Executive Terrace, outside of the Board room, second floor.

1:20pm – 1:30pm

Main Ballroom, Second Floor

Future of Kinect Capital

Tara Spalding, Interim CEO, Kinect Capital

Hear more about Kinect’s programs and how everyone can contribute to change.

1:30pm – 1:50pm

Main Ballroom, Second Floor

Navigating Today’s Venture Capital Market

Sebastian Quintero, Director, Data Science, Aumni

Sebastian will talk about the trends in funding and in term sheets to give female CEOs an advantage on current market conditions.

1:50pm – 2:30pm

Main Ballroom, Second Floor

Power Of Her Fireside Chat

Jesse Draper, General Partner, Halogen Ventures

Moderated by Jacki Zehner, Founder SheMoney

As a fierce advocate for investing in women and the opportunity for using technology, Jesse will speak to how innovation will solve some of the biggest issues facing women and families today.

2:35pm – 3:20pm

Main Ballroom, Second Floor

White Label Advisors Workshop: Purpose to Performance Driven Hiring

Christine Wzorek, CEO, White Label Advisors

Christine is passionate about helping early stage Founders know how to implement performance-driven hiring centered on purpose, aligned to core values, to achieve attracting and empowering the right talent to grow and adapt in a rapid entrepreneurial environment.

Introducing White Label Advisors

Catalysts of Human-Centric Growth and Innovation. Our journey is defined by empowering high-growth enterprises to unearth latent potential within their teams. Founded on a passion for scalability, we bridge gaps with Human Capital Strategy, propelling diverse clients to new heights.

Guided by luminaries like Leonardo DaVinci, we value time mastery and energy optimization, transforming challenges into stepping stones. Unlike traditional firms, WLA disrupts with a companion-like, hands-on approach. Our secret? People. Fostering culture and transparency, we unite individuals around a shared purpose, driving collective innovation to deliver real value. Experience innovation with us. We meld data, human insights, and fractional HR to fuel seamless execution. WLA: Redefining growth, transforming tomorrow.

2:35pm – 3:20pm

Dumke Ballroom, First Floor

Panel: Ask Us Anything

  • Tom Lund, The Grand Poo-Bah Kinect Capital Mentor

  • Chelsey Curtis, Kahlert Foundation

  • Chris Badger, NowCFO

  • David Stahl, Hillcrest Bank

  • Jerry Bregg, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

  • Tyler MacKay, Parsons Behle & Latimer

  • Shane Edwards, Squire

This session is where you can ask ANY QUESTION to some of the nerdiest people who advise startup growth and access to capital. 

Come with questions about your business such as agreements, cap tables, taxes, banking, advisory, hiring, and of course FUNDING.  There will be a mic on the floor so you just walk up to ask your question.

We’ll keep tabs on the number of questions answered in this ad-hoc, rapid fire format.

3:25pm – 4:15pm

Main Ballroom, Second Floor

Panel: Debt, Equity, Non-Dilutive Outlook for 2024

  • Marie Peters, Fund Director, B:Side Capital
  • Susannah Duke, Pelion Ventures
  • Olga Polunina, Head of Private Capital Markets for Capital Connect by JPMorgan
  • Jefferson Moss, Associate Commissioner of Innovation, USHE
  • Moderated by Merry Osborne, Director, Tanner LLC.

These experts understand economics and the capital flow throughout the United States. Listen to their expectations and learn about where capital realization will be leaning towards.

4:15pm – 4:20pm

Main Ballroom, Second Floor

World Trade Center Utah Presents: Trailblazing Award

  • David Carlebach, COO, World Trade Center Utah

Forecastr Top 3 Pick Award

  • Kalvin Richon and Jimmy Ton, Forecastr

4:20pm – 4:30pm

Main Ballroom, Second Floor

Conclusion and Appreciation

Tara Spalding, Interim CEO, Kinect Capital

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