NEWS RELEASE
HIGH POINT, NC (July 29, 2026) – WithIt has announced that it will again offer a virtual streaming ticket option for its annual professional conference being held August 13 and 14th. There is still time for industry professionals to register for the in-person conference. WithIt’s streaming ticket is sponsored by Serta Simmons Bedding, which recognizes the benefit of leadership development for women.
“WithIt’s mission to provide educational opportunities to women in the home furnishings industry is able to reach a broader audience through virtual programs,” says WithIt’s Executive Director, Amy Van Dorp. “We know that companies are being very careful about travel expenditures and not everyone can come to Kansas City. Our virtual ticket allows women to still have access to quality professional development.”
WithIt’s annual professional conference is known as the home and furnishings industry’s best forum for professional development to build today’s leaders. This year’s conference, entitled “Forging Strong Leaders” is being held at the Intercontinental Hotel Kansas City at the Plaza in Kansas City, MO. The two-day program offers industry professionals at all stages of their careers the opportunity to learn from top-notch speakers, develop skills, and network with industry peers. Membership is not required to attend.
The virtual ticket offers live streaming of the four keynote speakers and two panels on the main stage both Thursday and Friday morning, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm eastern standard time. Speakers include Mary Messner, Clarence Smith, Lorri Kelley and Velera Wilson along with panels moderated by Mary Helen Rogers and Nora Gomez.
The cost for virtual tickets is $100 for non-members and can be purchased at withit.org. Links to recordings will be available to ticket holders for a limited time following the event.
This year’s conference theme of “Forging Strong Leaders” focuses on people, performance and purpose. Topics are focused on change management, creativity, culture and emotional intelligence for a leadership pipeline ready to take on the challenges confronting our industry.
WithIt, is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1997 on the core belief that women should play a major role in the growth and development of the retail and home furnishings industries. Expanding on the values and their initial mission, WithIt has grown to include international membership, whose supporters encompass innovators, influencers, thought leaders and senior executives for leading retailers, home and furnishings brands. WithIt works to uplift and help women to see the value in forging relationships, networking, encouraging and developing education, mentoring, and leadership opportunities. To create and build space for women leaders and to empower young females entering our industry, WithIt is supported by national sponsors who are active partners in growing the organization, including Andmore, Tempur Sealy, Myriad Software, FurnitureDealer.net, Serta Simmons Mattress, Synchrony Bank and more. https://withit.org/
