The technical program is now available for the first Women in ASHRAE Leadership Symposium, set on the “Magnificent Mile” in Chicago, Sept. 26-27, 2024. Early bird registration is available through July 31.

“The Women in ASHRAE Leadership Symposium is a platform for attendees to learn from women leaders in HVAC&R, to foster encouragement and connectivity, and to help navigate an industry where we are still, all too often, the only woman in the room,” said Nancy Kohout, symposium chair.

Kohout said that a pivotal way for engineering culture to help close its well-documented gender gap is for more women to emerge as organizational leaders and as mentors for the next generation of engineering professionals.

“This symposium will explore meaningful actions and tangible initiatives we can undertake to expand and grow leadership roles for women in engineering, to improve the experience of women interns and entry-level professionals, to strengthen retention rates over the course of a career, and to provide a needed voice and perspective for how engineers can help drive organizational and cultural change.”

Highlights of the Symposium include:

1. Real Talk: Engage in candid conversations about the challenges and triumphs unique to women in HVACR.
2. Empowerment Toolkit: Gain valuable insights with actionable tools, guidelines, and lessons for success.
3. Mentor Magic: Connect with mentors who can guide your journey and amplify your impact.
4. Allyship in Action: Learn how to be an effective ally and sponsor, turning advocacy into action.
5. Emotional Intelligence: Master strategies for handling tough situations with grace and confidence.
6. Networking: Forge lasting connections that will propel your career to new heights.

The Young Women in ASHRAE EmpowHERment Award will showcase the leadership ability and innovation of emerging female leaders in the HVAC&R industry through a dynamic TEDex style presentation competition for ASHRAE or CIBSE members who are 35 years old or younger. Finalists present responses to a prompt highlighting the importance of women's mentorship and empowerment during the second day of the Symposium. First place winner will receive complimentary registration to attend the 2025 ASHRAE Winter Conference in Orlando, Florida, February 8-12, 2025.

Keynote speakers are as follows:

• Ignite Your Leadership: Engineering a Sustainable Future: Erin McConahey, Principal, ASHRAE, and ARUP Fellow, ARUP, Culver City, California.
• Leadership Dualities: Guiding Professionals and Volunteers in Engineering Environments: Ginger Scoggins, P.E., CEM, CxA, Presidential Member, Fellow ASHRAE, Principal, Engineered Designs, Inc, Cary, North Carolina.

A panel keynote panel will feature a discussion on strategies for success from top women leaders in the industry.

Early bird registration to attend the Symposium is $460 for ASHRAE members ($500 for non-members). Student and one day pricing are also available. Registration includes on-site access to the conference program, interactive conference app access, welcome receptions, an architecture boat tour on the Chicago River, coffee breaks, breakfast and lunch.

For full technical program, registration and additional for the 2024 Women in ASHRAE Leadership Symposium, visit ashrae.org/2024WIAsymposium.