Cutting Edge Events

Cutting Edge Events website http://cutting-edgeevents.com/ is useful to know if you are interested in business and social networking in Chicago. They organize what I would define as "jazzy" or entertaining and fun events and attract younger crowds.

Their events are usually for a fee (price range between 15 to 50 USD on average) but you are bound to get something extra than just networking from more expensive events. For example, a whole evening of pampering for women will be provided at May 6 "Day as a Goddess" event (see details on their website).

Great networking event for all women

"International Opportunities - Women Hold Up Half the Sky"

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

8:00 am – 9:30 am

Mid-America Club

200 E Randolph St, 80th Floor

Chicago

An expert panel discussion moderated by

Noeleen McGrath, McGrath Communications

Featuring:

Catherine Lee: President, CDL & Associates

Pek Lee Choo: Managing Director, Discernen

Cynthia Biggs: Foreign Commercial Service Officer, U.S. Dept of Commerce

"What if everyday could be called International Women's Day? Women have celebrated moderate successes in the 21st century. Still, there are miles to go before we sleep. These experts will discuss obstacles in such areas as education, safety & finances. They will provide insights into methods to overcome roadblocks to economic empowerment locally & globally."

$25.00 until 4/12/100 $35.00 beginning 4/13/10

$20.00 Women of the World Members

Advanced Registration required: www.womenwotw.org/events.php

Social media links:
Linked In: http://www.linkedin.com/in/dgutman2
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=59770322303

Twitter: www.twitter.com/womenwotw

Read about women you know & topics of interest at our blog

http://wotwwomen.blogspot.com/

Women of the World is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization based on purpose and passion to bring awareness that safe healthy educated women are the cornerstone to abundant economic development.

Women Career Fair

Do you think most job fairs are worthless? That you stand in line for hours for your chance to shine—only to have a recruiter direct you to a website? That you leave feeling worse than you did before?

Women For Hire career expos—the only events geared specifically to professional women—are different.

It is a day-long experience for women, a safe haven for you to meet with great recruiters, get four hours of FREE advice, inspiration and services and leave feeling like your chances of success are far better than when you arrived.

You may glean a helpful career tidbit or two. You could end up getting a thorough primer on what it takes these days to launch your career, find another job or reinvent yourself in these tough times. But no matter what reception you get from any recruiter, you'll leave our expo feeling more empowered, optimistic and enthusiastic about your career.

Start your day early on Thursday, April 8 by attending Tory Johnson's popular Early Morning Seminar. In this inspirational 90-minute session, the CEO of Women For Hire discusses her own fired-to-hired story and talks about the latest job trends and tactics that inspire millions of viewers each week on ABC's Good Morning America. More details below.

Once our expo doors open at 10 a.m., there is a variety of FREE services designed to empower you in your job search.

Resume Critiquing: Every resume can use a second set of eyes. Seasoned professionals are here to provide customized feedback to make your resume stand apart from the rest.

Mentor Match: New this season, benefit from mini mentoring sessions with professionals who will listen to your career goals and give you their best, on-the-spot advice.

Power Seminars: Experts offer 20-minute sessions throughout the day covering a wide range of topics and themes quickly but directly, chock-full of information on topics ranging from how to use social media to find a job to what to say in an interview after that first "hello." Look for more details in our upcoming newsletters.

Whether you're currently looking for a job, considering a career change or simply interested in meeting with other smart and savvy professional women, Women For Hire is here for you.

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Women For Hire Chicago Career Expo

Thursday, April 8
Navy Pier
600 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

Free Admission
Free Resume Critiquing
Free Powerful Career Seminars
Free All-new Mentor Match Program

*Registration at the door
*Resumes required for admittance
*Business attire required

Ladies, don't miss this event!

CW-Network's "Spa Pampering & Networking Night Put"

Join CW-Network (Chicago Women Network) & Mario Tricoci Oak Brook on Wednesday, February 24th for an incredible night of mega-networking, pampering, making invaluable business contacts and meeting new friends!

Network while getting your hair cut and styled, your makeup done and your winter-weary spirits lifted! It’s an incredible way to get a jump start on Spring, get a new look, meet prospective clients and employers and expand your networking circle!

This event is limited to the first 75 people who register. (Spa Night networking events have always sold-out within a couple of weeks or earlier so reserve your spot today!) Just $40 in advance for members for and $45 for non-members for mega networking, food, wine and the royal treatment fit for a queen or industry icon at Mario Tricoci Salon! Of course, men need a little pampering too so they are most welcome to attend!

To Register and Prepay go to http://www.cw-network.org/events.asp

In order for your registration to be finalized pre-payment must be made at the time of registration. Registration will close once capacity is reached.

We'll meet in the spa cafe for networking. Services start at 6 pm so be sure to arrive at 5:30 pm to sign up for the following First-Come/First-Serve complimentary services:

• Haircut with Blow Dry or
• Hair Color (single process/significant change only)
• Makeup application
• Mini-facial with skin consultation
• Mini manicure
• Mini massage
• Goody Bags for Everyone!
• Raffle

Decadent Food and Refreshments all included in price of registration.

Event Sponsors: Mario Tricoci Oak Brook, Chicago Women Network and CareerWalk CG (Wine)

Register now for only $40 for members and $45 for non-members and remember...registration is limited to the first 75, so sign up now! Gratuities NOT Included; please remember to tip your service provider as they are offering their services for free.

WHEN
Wednesday, February 24th, 2010
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

WHERE
Mario Tricoci Salon & Day Spa
284 Oak Brook Center
Oak Brook, Illinois

The salon is located in the Oak Brook shopping mall next to Bloomingdale's.

Great event for all women

Dear Ladies,

Please, don't miss the following event: this is not just the opportunity to network but showcase your business too!

Chicago Celebrates International Women's Day

The International Visitors Center of Chicago, the International Trade Club of Chicago and the Union League Club of Chicago cordially invite you to attend the Ninth Annual Chicago Celebrates International Women's Day International Fair and Luncheon.

Monday, March 8, 2010
10:30am- International Fair
Noon- Luncheon featuring Master of Ceremonies: Ms. Dina Bair, Medical Anchor/Reporter, WGN TV

The Union League Club of Chicago
65 W. Jackson Boulevard
Chicago, IL

"The International Epidemic of Antibiotic Resistance: Women are the Key to Protection and Prevention"

Featuring keynote speaker: Ms. Maryn McKenna

Maryn McKenna is an independent journalist and author who specializes in public health, medicine and health policy. She writes features for national magazines and news stories for an infectious-disease website. In addition to her new book, Superbug: The Fatal Menace of MRSA, about the rise of drug-resistant staph around the world, she is working on projects on polio eradication and on emergency room overcrowding.

From 1995-2006, she was a national desk writer at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where she was the only U.S. journalist assigned to full-time coverage of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and embedded with a CDC investigative team during the 2001 anthrax-letter attacks. She has reported from the Indian Ocean tsunami and from Hurricane Katrina, as well as from Southeast Asia, India, Africa and the Arctic. She has covered pandemic influenza since 1997, when she wrote the first story in the American media on the potential threat posed by avian flu H5N1.

Thank you to our Event Partners-
American Association of University Women-Illinois, Consulate General of Canada in Chicago, Fulbright Association-Chicago Chapter, Heartland International, The Musicians Club of Women, National Association of Women Business Owners-Chicago Area, Organization of Women in International Trade-Chicago, Professional Women's Club of Chicago, The Union League Club of Chicago Authors Group, The US National Committee for UNIFEM (United Nations Development Fund for Women) Chicago Chapter

Cost-
$60- Luncheon Cost
$75- Display table at the International Fair (non-profit organizations); includes one lunch ticket
$100- Display table at the International Fair (for-profit organizations); includes one lunch ticket
$650- Display table at the fair and 10-top luncheon table

Sponsorship opportunities available.

For more information and to register by Monday, March 1st, please visit www.chicagowomensday.org, or contact Lexy Sobel, International Visitors Center of Chicago, 312-254-1800 x102 or Lsobel@ivcc.org.

International Women Day Luncheon

Here is an event that I enjoy every year because it is truely international and it gathers a lot of wonderful women:

8th Annual International Women's Day Luncheon
Friday, March 6, 2009
10:30 a.m. International Fair
12:00 p.m. Luncheon

Union League Club
65 West Jackson Blvd Chicago, IL

For more information and registration see
http://www.chicagowomensday.org

It's an excellent opportunity to network in a very friendly environment.

For women only

I prefer events where you not just meet people but learn something as well. Here is an interesting and an unusual one for women: a one time self-defense class!

You will be able to meet some great women from various backgrounds in downtown Chicago and learn importnat (and may be even life-saving) skills - if you are a woman and new in town there is no one to rely upon, just yourself! It's just a one time event so there is no commitment on your side to attend several classes. This class is for all sizes and all levels of strength.

Here is the registration info:
$49 ($45 if registering 5 or more)

Wednesday, January 28th, 6:30-9:00pm

Windy City Fieldhouse (2367 W. Logan Blvd., Chicago, IL 60647)

For more information or to register call (847) 334-6589

Holiday networking event for women

Here is an great event for women: you will enjoy a Holiday Wine Tasting/Reception and the opportunities to learn and connect. There will be a free netwworking session and 4 formal presentations on the following topics:
1. Declutter Your Closet, Find Your Style with Noelle Cellini, Personal Stylist
2. Back to Basics: Living with Greater Meaning with Julia Rahn, Ph.D.
3. Financial Empowerment for Women with Laurie Barry, CFP
4. Wake Up Inspired in 2009 with Marian Baker, Master Certified Coach

WHEN: Tuesday, December 9th, 6:00 – 8:30 pm (Reception from 6-6:30 pm)
WHERE: Flourish Studios, 3020 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago

Price: $25 ($40 for two) Net proceeds will be charitably donated

RSVP: Online at http://www.icanflourish.com/ (Got to the calendar at the TOP and click on Dec. 9th)

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Most helpful Chicago Guide
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Women networking and learning

"Smart Women and Their Money" Networking Event
When: Wednesday, November 12, 2008, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Where: Franklin Center, 222 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois, Second Floor
Sponsor: Jeffrey C. Simon, CFP®, Vice President - Financial Consultant, RBC Wealth Management

Please join Chicago Women Network at the CW-Network Fall Professional Development and Networking Event: "Smart Women and their Money".

Confused about where to invest in today’s shaky economy? With the market as turbulent as it is, many investors are questioning their investment strategy. Or, if you are a first-time investor, you might be unsure as to the different types of investments and the various options available to you – especially in today’s volatile markets. No matter where you are in your financial life, you will leave this event armed with knowledge and financial ammunition.

Join us for a very timely panel discussion on different ways to invest in today’s economic climate and learn innovative concepts that you can use to manage your investments and help you take control of your money and your financial future.

You will learn:
How to balance investment risks and rewards
How to optimize your investments in volatile markets
How to incorporate different investments into your portfolio
How to invest in alternative energy
How to identify your financial personality

And…what does every successful women need besides money smarts? A BlackBerry full of great contacts! Bring plenty of business cards and meet prospective clients and business partners, potential employers and key business contacts and professional connections.
Complimentary appetizers, wine and refreshments are all included in the price of admission.
COST: $30 Member Price/$35 Non-member Price Advance Reservations
This is sure to be a sellout event and early registration is advised. Registration will be closed once capacity is reached.

TO REGISTER: http://www.cw-network.org/event/register-vb.asp

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Most helpful Chicago Guide
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Sheque Chicago

The other day I found an interesting organization for the Ladies - Sheque Chicago http://www.shequechicago.com/
SHEQUE'S MISSION is to make women "Feel Beautiful" and "Look Beautiful" by providing a pampering nightlife experience which is unique and unlike anything else in Chicago.

Sheque was established in May of 2003 to provide women with the ultimate girls night out experience. They offer monthly events at a variety of bars, nightclubs, spas, and lounges throughout the Chicagoland area. Sheque events include 4 signature beauty services (manicures, massages, makeovers, and waxing) and three hours of an open martini bar which means good 3 hours of networking with fellow women in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

They have recently incorporated other events such as boat parties, fashion shows, wine tastings, bellydance lessons, salsa dance lessons, etc. You can contact Sheque at: (312) 638-9033 or email at info@shequechicago.com and visit the Events page on their website - they have several interesting events planned in September, october and November 2008.

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Most helpful Chicago Guide
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Another interesting international event

This event will be of interest especially for women.

International Visitors Center of Chicago organizes a reception honoring the 2008 U.S. State Department Middle East Partnership Initiative Fellows(a/k/a the "MEPI Ladies")

WHEN: Tuesday, August 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: the hospitality suite and rooftop terrace of the MDA City Apartments 63 East Lake Street, Chicago

Join the party and mingle with outstanding business and professional women from the Middle East and North Africa,with a special performance by the SIFA Africa Children's Choir of Ugandaand refreshments by the award-winning chefGloria "The Hat" Hafer

PRICE: $25.00
RSVP by August 15 at the IVCC website: http://www.ivcc.org/

*********************************
Most helpful Chicago Guide
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Russian Women Magazine

Among tons of information for immigrants with Hispanic and Asian background I finally found a great resource for my countrymen - everyone who speaks Russian and lives in the U.S., especially women. It is called Russian Women Magazine http://www.russianwomenmagazine.com/ This website is non-for-profit and has 4 objectives:
1. Exchange of information among Russian women who live abroad
2. Communication
3. Self-expression
4. Sharing of experience
The editor and producer, Olga Sapp, is a Russian herself living in USA. She says that her goal is "to help women to find themselves in a changing world". The Russian version of the site now has 600 pages full of advice and useful information.

The English version of the site was created for American men who either want to help their current Russian wife or are looking for a Russian wife.

I hope everyone can find something useful for oneself on this wonderful website.

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Most helpful Chicago guide
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Access to the Boys Club - career related event for women

Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting is a "national, non-for-profit professional association that creates opportunities, adds value, and builds relationships for its members, the community and its business partners while expanding Latino Leadership in the global workforce". ALPFA organizes various interesting events and here is information about one of them:

Access to the Boys Club

Come join other female professionals at this year's Women of ALPFA events as we explore traditional male characteristics that women can use to advance their careers. The night will consist of intimate table discussions revolving around topics such as taking risks, emphasizing your achievements, and communicating effectively in a male dominated environment.

Date
June 19, 2008 (Thursday)
Time
06:00 P - 09:30 P
Location
University Club of Chicago, 76 E. Monroe Street Chicago IL 60613
Cost
Professional Member
$45.00
Professional Non-Member
$60.00
Student Member
$20.00
Student Non- Member
$30.00

Attire
Business Professional

For tickets and more information go to http://www.myalpfachicago.org/content/pe_woa.php
Contact
info@chicago.alpfa.org

If you don't manage to get to this events check their calendar, this organization is definitely worth keeping in mind even if you are not from Latino background.

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Most helpful Chicago guide
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Network and learn

WHAT: A Workshop for Women Ready to take control of their lives and their finances.

Learn about achieving a healthier balance between work and personal life. This workshop is for women "ready to take control of their lives and their finances". It will also cover:
• Importance of having a life you love
• Making your dream life a reality
• Prioritizing your finances

PRESENTERS:
- Barb Heenan, CEC, ACC and Megan Walls, CEC, ACC of A Fresh Connection Coaching & Consulting
- Jeffrey C. Simon, CFP®, Financial Consultant, RBC Wealth Management

WHEN : Wednesday, April 23rd
Times: 12:00pm to 1pm for lunch
5:30pm-6:30pm for wine & cheese

WHERE: 500 W. Madison, Suite 2500, Chicago, Illinois

This event is FREE OF CHARGE

Please RSVP to Jeff Simon at 312-559-1704. Seating is limited

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Most helpful Chicago guide
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Women. Identity. Purpose.

Another good organization for women:

Women. Identity. Purpose (W.I.P.) http://womenidentitypurpose.org/index.php is focused on empowering working single mothers. By providing financial awards, their goal is to promote career advancement, economic stability and the quality of life for their children. One of W.I.P. core goals is to guide women in obtaining profitable, yet fulfilling employment.

W.I.P currently has in Memphis and in the Chicagoland area, but plan to have sister locations in Atlanta, Cleveland, Seattle and the Washington D.C.

W.I.P. offers 2 main programs:

The Buddy Networking Training Series
They provide personal and professional training in a workshop or seminar setting to assist their members in gaining invaluable information for effective career and life success. These public programs are facilitated by trainers in their Success Network.

"Success Partner Network" Program
For many years there has been a lack of role models, which has been cited as a barrier of success for many women. The Women Identity Purpose Organization's Success Partner Network program will offer mothers the opportunity to foster trusting relationships for networking, coaching, counseling, life lessons and for the best way to share their own knowledge, experience and expertise. Their Success Partner Network program" is made up of volunteer life, career coaches and mentors.

The organization also provides a number of awards and grants.

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Most helpful Chicago guide
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Organization for single working women

Recently I wound an interesting organization for women - SWWAN - uniting "single working women everywhere" (http://www.swwan.com/) It is a membership organization with headquarters in Chicago especially helpful for entrepreneurs. The benefits offered are cntered around discounts and business promotion. They are as follows:

1.SWWAN membership card gives discounts and/or special services at restaurants, mechanics, car dealers, dry cleaners, banks, and hundreds of SWWAN-approved merchants everywhere. e-2. e-Newsletter provides articles and columns to help you work smarter in your job or be more profitable in your business.
3. Connect with
4. Win prizes: each SWWAN of the month wins something like a lunch or dinner for one at a participating SWWAN vendor restaurant. SWWAN of the year wins a luxurious spa.
5. Small business owners can cut down on your cost for developing marketing materials…save 15% on copywriting, editorial or design/layout services when you work with SWWAN-operated vendors. Get 15% off public relations services to promote your business.
6. SWWAN member also get discounts on other essential business services like shipping, for example. .
7. List your services or products for free on SWWAN’s online store
8. Get listed as an expert in your field in the SWWAN Book of Experts.

As far as I understood they don't have networking events as such but they try their best to cover some other needs of single working women.

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Most helpful Chicago guide
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Palatine Business Professional Women

It is often believed that all major networking events happen downtown Chicago, which is not true. For, instance, in my book, "The Legal Alien's Guide", I list more than 30 networking groups which help those in career transition and which get together locally in each Chicago suburb.

The same is true for networking groups for small business owners. The only problem is that it is much easier to find information about a big Chicago based organization than about a small local one. Here is an example of a Palatine group for professional women: Palatine BPW http://www.palatinebpw.org/

The goal of this organization is "To achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education, and information" As it is mentioned on their website, Palatine BPW provides the following opportunities for women:

- The opportunity to stay current on the professional and community issues affecting working women today.
- Development of professional and leadership skills by participating in organization activities and the Individual Development Course offered by locals.
- Networking with other working women in the area, throughout the state and across the country as well as networking with other working women in the community.

Some of the activities that Palatine BPW hold on a regular basis:
- Monthly meeting with guest speaker
- Fundraisers for scholarships
- Career seminars
- Educational seminars for young girls
- Young Careerist competition Outstanding
- Working Woman competition or recognition
- Social outings (plays, ball games, special exhibits and events)

Therefore, this is an example of a "well-rounded" group that offers something for small business owners, those who a looking for a job and those who just want to meet likeminded people at a social event.

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Most helpful Chicago guide
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Network and Educate yourself with other women!

RBC Dain Rauscher organizes an educational and networking event for women:
Women, Wisdom and Wealth, a Seminar for Women Ready to take control of their finances Thursday, November 14th Tuesday, November 27th 12:00 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. 12:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m.
The seminar will take place at 500 W. Madison Street Suite 2500 Chicago, IL 60661

The event is one hour.

The seminar will cover the following topics:
- Importance of having a life you love
- Prioritizing your finances
- Making your dream life a reality

Please RSVP to Jeff Simon at (312) 559-1704 or e-mail a response Seating is limited.

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Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Distinguished Remarkable Women

A new organization for women entrepreneurs has recently formed in Chicago - DRWomen (Distinguished Remarkable Women). The aim of this organization is to encourage women to be entrepreneurs by supporting each other.

WHAT THEY DO: "We are an intergenerational women's group with a passion for women's issues and personal growth. The organization provides a vehicle to spur entrepreneurship among women and a forum where experience and knowledge is shared. Our goal is to enrich all our lives, and challenge ourselves to achieve our dreams. Our programs are one-of-a-kind. We offer value and innovative ways to engage in enterprise and secure opportunities to cultivate effective partnerships. Men are welcome in our organization. Our goal is to provide the opportunity to create effective partnerships." - http://drwomen.org

DRW first big event will take place this month and I believe it is worth checking out:
Face of Chicago Nomination Event
WHERE: DelaCosta465 E. Illinois Street Chicago
WHEN: Thursday, November 15 6-9pm
Dress to Impress. Join the party for the nomination of Women And Men Who Define Chicago.
Dance, Live-Art , Elements of Fashion, Featured Guest Singer Appearance by Element's Contemporary Ballet Dancers
To RSVP and purchase tickets visit: http://drwomenfaceofchicagoevent.eventbrite.com

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Most helpful Chicago guide
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A networking event in Palatine, IL

If you are located close to a Chicago suburb of Paltine, IL here is an interesting event to attend and network: Plalatine Professional Business Women organizes a dinner meeting on Tuesday, November 13 at Vittorio Del Roma, 154 W Northwest Hwy in Palatine.

You will not only have an opportunity to meet people, network, but also listen to a featured presentation from Tomboy Tools (http://www.tomboytools.com/) by Sharon Storbeck. You will learn about another type of "get together" in America which is good for networking - home parties.

RSVP: by Tuesday, November 6th via phone (847-622-4366) via email (http://us.f539.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=rsvp@palatinebpw.org)

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