**Deadline to Enter the Lifetime Moms Contest 5/26/12**

Register today to take advantage of the EARLY BIRD rate – $77.00 for the one-day event (regularly $97.00).

PURCHASE EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW

Or try our PERFECT PAIR. Save money and purchase two tickets to bring a friend, family member, partner, client, collaborator—or someone you’d like to thank or honor. Just $134.00 for two tickets (regularly $174.00).

PURCHASE A PERFECT PAIR OF TICKETS NOW

Here’s what you can expect:

• Ideas are a dime a dozen, so we’ll assess your action steps and execution plans so you know when to pause and when to pounce to make big things happen.
• There’s no time to get tripped up, so we’ll reveal powerful time management techniques and we’ll bust the real fears that may be preventing you from tackling all you want.
• Standing out among the cluttered masses is key, so we’ll plot branding, social media, marketing and traditional PR strategies that actually work to get you noticed by the right people.
• This isn’t a hobby, so we’ll talk openly about money—from readily available funding sources to pricing for profit to sales techniques that are anything but sleazy.
• Going it alone sucks, so we’ll introduce you to the best group of BBFs—business best friends—the people who’ll hold you accountable and fuel your success.

Date: Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Time: Doors open at 8:15 AM for registration and the program will begin promptly at 9:00 AM. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis so make sure to be on time! The day will conclude at approximately 5:00 PM.

Event Schedule

• 8:15 AM – Registration Begins
• 9:00 AM – Welcome
• 10:00 AM – Morning Programs Begin
• 12:00 PM – Lunch and Activities
• 1:00 PM – Afternoon Programs Begin
• 5:00 PM – Event Ends

Want to Volunteer? At each event, we have a limited number of spots for volunteers to assist our staff. If you’re interested, you must be willing to arrive by 7am and stay until as late as 7pm. You will enjoy bits and pieces of the event, but you’ll also be assigned a designated role with various tasks that will prevent you from experiencing the program like a registered attendee. It’s a fast-paced day with lots to juggle. If you’ve worked in client-facing roles and aren’t afraid to roll up your sleeves to help execute an amazing event, send us an email to info@sparkandhustle.com telling us about yourself in 200 words or less. Explain why you’d be the perfect volunteer. Include your contact details too. Thanks!

Tory Johnson will moderate the full day, share her expertise and introduce attendees to our all-star line-up of experts who are running successful businesses and will explain how you can do it too.

KEYNOTE

Katherine Kallinis and Sophie LaMontagne, founders of Georgetown Cupcake
Katherine and Sophie traded careers in fashion and private equity to pursue something a little sweeter – their passion for artful cupcakes. Both lifelong bakers inspired by their grandmothers, Katherine and Sophie opened Georgetown Cupcake in 2008 as D.C.’s first and only cupcakery, attracting many tourists, locals, and even celebrities. While their recipe is kept secret, it is no secret to the rest of the world how deliciously fresh and chic these cupcakes are.

• Almost threw in the towel when: “We hadn’t slept in 5 days straight during our first month in business.”
• Daring decision:  “Quit the stability and comfort of our corporate jobs to start Georgetown Cupcake.”
• Shhh…it’s a secret: “We love working in the middle of the night – we’re most productive between the hours of midnight and 6am!”

@GTownCupcake  @KatherineSophie

IT’S YOUR TIME TO SHINE

Deborah Tillman, “America’s SuperNanny” on Lifetime Network Television

“Labeled “A Force for Good” by the Washington Post, Deborah Tillman took seven horrific child care provider experiences, and turned them into her life’s mission of leading the next generation in education, morals, values, self-esteem and self-determination! She is an organizational consultant, teacher, CEO of three Happy Home Child Learning Centers, Inc. located in Northern Virginia, and appears as America’s SuperNanny on Lifetime Television. She travels across the country speaking, training, and educating on building community relationships, customer service, and entrepreneurship. She is also very active in the community working with social barriers affecting children and families.”

• When the going gets tough, I: “Pray for strength to keep moving toward my divine destiny.”
• Little known fact: “I tap dance to relax.”

@DeborahLTillman

BUSINESS BASICS

Nell Merlino, founder of Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence
Nell Merlino is runs Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence, the leading national not-for-profit provider of resources for women to grow their micro businesses into million $ enterprises. Through Count Me In, she is now leading a national movement to empower women entrepreneurs to grow their businesses by providing coaching, community and confidence.

• Almost threw in the towel when: “Count Me In lost half its funding in early 2009 at the height of the financial meltdown.”
• Five fitting words: “Inspirational, direct, smart, funny, strategic.”
• When the going gets tough I: “Jump on my bicycle and take a beautiful ride.”
• Little known fact: “I like to be alone.”

@nellmerlino

GUEST SPEAKER
Angel Rutsch, founder of Rock-a-hoola Hoops
*This speaker was selected by Intuit GoPayment.

When Angel Rutsch picked up a hula-hoop in 2009 as a personal birthday gift to herself, she developed a passion that she now shares with her students in her capacity of a certified and licensed Hoop Instructor. In 2010, she started Rock-a-Hoola Hoops, a business that combines her natural gifts as a teacher with a love of “hooping.” In addition to fun, interactive exercise classes, she is a skilled custom hoop maker.

• Almost gave up when: “I was trying to juggle a full-time career in the field of Human Resources, teach a class at University of Maryland’s Smith Business School, be a wife and a mom.  I never had any time to do anything for myself, let alone maintain a sprouting business!  It took a lot of conversation with my husband and a deep introspection for me to realize what was important to myself and my family.  So I let go of the one thing I had worked so hard to have, my career in HR, and I grabbed my hoop and took a leap of faith!”

• Don’t tell!: “I am not as confidant as I tend to come across.  I am a big believer in fake it till you make it and as a business owner it’s important that one comes across as fully confident in order to sell others on your products and/or services.”

@Angel_Rutsch

BRANDING

Sam Horn, America’s Intrigue Expert
Sam Horn is the Intrigue Expert. She get’s people interested in your products, services and ventures. She has a 20 year track record with Fortune 500 companies like HP, KPMG and Boeing and is often featured in major media outlets like the New York Times, Fast Company and MSNBC.

• Almost threw in the towel when: “An editor at a major publisher read a portion of my POP! manuscript that talked about how an up-until-then, little-known politician had scaled his career in 15 minutes with a stirring presentation at the Democratic National Convention.  My point was that Barack Obama had POP’d out of the pack of thousands of politicians and established himself as a future presidential candidate with his compelling communication. The editor put a Post-It note on the page that said, ‘I read a lot and I’ve never heard of this guy.  Before you use someone as an example of your techniques, you should make sure he or she is someone readers know and respect.’ Arrggh. I was so devastated by this editor’s criticisms of my book, I went to bed and pulled the covers over my head for the rest of the day.”
• When the going gets tough I: “Do two things: 1) I put on ‘Secret o’ Life’ by James Taylor. Those lyrics and melodies .. ‘It’s a lovely ride … just enjoy the passage of time’… put a smile on my face and in my heart. 2) Go for a walk/run with my dog around our lake.  Getting on my feet and out in nature always gives me fresh perspective. I have NEVER gone for a walk/run where I didn’t come up with new ideas or new ways to approach a topic or situation.”

@ SamHorn_dot_com

ENGAGEMENT MARKETING
Gina Watkins, Regional Dev. Dir., Constant Contact
Gina Watkins brings more than two decades of sales, business development and marketing experience in helping businesses to create powerful lines of communication with their customers, members, constituents and partners. As a small business owner, consultant and an advocate of technology tools, Gina aims to serve as a resource to help small and medium-sized businesses and associations throughout the Washington, DC to region maximize the power of relationship marketing.

@ConstantContact

MUSCLE MARKETING
Amy Rutherford, founder of Red Barn Mercantile
Amy Rutherford is the owner of Red Barn Mercantile.  Amy is a third generation antique collector and avid flea-marketer.

• I almost threw in the towel when: “Yesterday.  And the day before that and the day before that and the day before that.  But I won’t.  I can’t.  It’s too important to me and too much fun.”
• Most daring decision: “Opening the doors of my store for the first time.  Laying yourself bare for the world to judge you is downright terrifying!”

@redbarnmerc

Cinnamon Bowser, founder of Nail Taxi
Nail Taxiwas conceived when Cinnamon Bowser tried to find an outcall nail technician to service her then nine-months pregnant girlfriend (and mother of two small children) who wanted a pedicure before she delivered her new baby. She had no luck finding such a service and knew there were many people who could benefit from a nail salon coming to them. Opened in 2005, Nail Taxi provides professional nail care for clients in their homes, offices, hospital rooms, nursing homes, hotels or wherever they desire.

• Almost gave up when…: “My staff had dwindled to only one dependable nail technician.”
• Little known detail:  “I played NCAA Division-I volleyball in college and was an all-conference performer.”

@nailtaxi

SALES AND SCALE
Adrien Cotton, founder of Fitness On The Run
Adrien Cotton started Fitness on the Runin 2004 to help people achieve a healthy lifestyle, fitness and total wellness.  She pushes her clients as hard as they are able and works to set an example for them with her own training and lifestyle.  Adrien is certified in personal training and nutrition and when not at FOR, she chases after twin 4 year olds.

• Turnaround moment: “I found my self allowing the 80% to be heard rather than the 20%. Our business closely follows the Pareto Principle of management.”
• Daring decision:  “Walking away from signing the back of a corporate paycheck to signing the front of business license.”

@FitnessOnThRun

Rochelle Behrens, creator of The Shirt by Rochelle Behrens
The Shirt all started with something Rochelle Behrens calls “the gape.” Any woman who has ever worn a button-down shirt knows exactly what she means. That see-straight-through-to-the-bra phenomenon that occurs between the buttons on so many women’s shirts? That’s the gape. Rochelle began to fixate on this gape, quickly realizing that it was a prevalent issue affecting women of all shapes and sizes. She knew she could design a better button-up built for a woman’s body. And so she did!

• Never give in: “I have always believed The Shirt would be a success, mostly because the idea is one that resonates with so many women and solves a problem, but also because in order for something to work, you have to relentlessly believe it is going to work.  Vision is a very powerful entrepreneurial tool.”

@theshirtbyrb

OVERCOMING FEARS AND BUILDING CONFIDENCE
Cris Bourelly, co-founder of LunchSkins by 3GreenMoms
While sitting around a kitchen table in 2008, Cris Bourelly and Kirsten Quigley heard a staggering statistic: every day, more than 20 million sandwich bags from school lunches go into landfills in the US.  They knew that many families were looking for easy, convenient ways to be green and avoid this kind of waste.  So they put their passion and energy together and 3greenmomswas born.  Their mission: to design a colorful, fresh alternative to the plastic baggie.

• Almost threw in the towel when…:  “After visiting five states in one day, we realized that we didn’t have a viable manufacturer and had already sold LunchSkins to a number of people.  We’d sold a product that we couldn’t produce!”
• Secret passion: “I go crazy on the dance floor.”

@3greenmoms

MIND FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS
Kristina Bouweiri, president and CEO of Reston Limousine
Kristina Bouweiri is President and CEO of award-winning Reston Limousine, the largest luxury and shuttle transportation company in the Washington, DC metro area and among the nation’s largest fleet operators. Named one of the most powerful and influential women in Washington by The Washington Business Journal, Kristina is a successful business leader in demand as a speaker and mentor to other entrepreneurs. A savvy executive, she employs a wide array of marketing techniques, including networking and social media to grow her business.

• When the going gets tough…: “I turn the problem or issue into an opportunity.”
• Daring decision: “Leaving Mozambique in the middle of the night during a revolution.”
• Little known fact: “I was born in Japan to parents working in the Foreign Service.”

@RestonLimo

TABLE HOSTS FOR INFORMAL LUNCH DISCUSSIONS ON SPECIFIC TOPICS:
 
Strategically Stalking With Excellence On Social Media
Cindy Morrison, Social Media Strategist
Emmy-winning journalist Cindy Morrison teaches everyone from network TV journalists to corporate CEOs how to strategically use social media to build brand loyalty, raving fans and their bottom line. Her social media savvy has been highlighted on national media like CBS’s “The Talk” & The Washington Post and she’s even helped create social media buzz at star-studded Hollywood fundraisers.
@CindyWMorrison
 
Sole of the Goal: Step Up, Step Out and Achieve Your Goals!
Eileen Caroscio, Founder Passageways Coaching, LLC.
Eileen Caroscio, The Goal2Gal helps individuals define their goals and move decisively toward the life they really want!
During a successful 26-year career in hospital nursing, Eileen listened to way too many patients express regret about failing to take the risks necessary to achieve what they really wanted in life. She made it her personal mission to actively help people achieve their life goals. Eileen walked her talk, took risks, reinvented herself, and became a Certified Life Coach, opening Passageways Coaching in 2007. She has been helping others put the “go” in goals ever since!
@YourLifePart2
 
BONUS EXPERTS: Benefit from the expertise of lunchtime table hosts who will share deep knowledge on specific topics with attendees. You’ll have the option to choose the table of your choice.

Meet directly with our sponsors and vendors at this event!

National Sponsors:

 

Local Sponsors:

Vendors:

 

If you’d like to become a sponsor or vendor, contact us today.

Partners:

Location: Waterford Receptions at Springfield is conveniently located near the intersection of the Washington Beltway, I-395 and I-95, just 15 minutes from the heart of downtown Washington, DC. Spark & Hustle will be held in the Singleton Ballroom on the first floor.

Waterford Receptions at Springfield
6715 Commerce Street
Springfield, VA 22150
(703) 719-5700

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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Parking: There is ample complimentary parking on site.

Partner Hotel: Hilton Springfield

6550 Loisdale Road
Springfield, VA 22150
(703) 971-8900

Click here to visit the Hilton Springfield website.

We’ve negotiated super low rates just for you!

Standard King room is available for $189.00 per night.
Standard Double Queen room is available for $189.00 per night.

These rates are available until May 14, 2012 or until all rooms are filled.

To reserve your room go online HERE.

Register today to reserve your room. Space is limited.

Spark & Hustle draws on community and builds camaraderie unlike any other conference series. The attendees Tory Johnson attracts to her events are a rare breed. Yes, they’re serious about small business and they’re eager to expand their influence and boost their bottom line. But there’s a whole lot more. These are kind, curious, nice, fun, quirky, candid, determined, loyal, big-hearted, really good women—plus a handful of great men. They’re the people you want to hang out with and do business with. You don’t find that everywhere.

If this describes people you know, then we’d love for you to join the Spark & Hustle Host Committee and become one of Tory’s Top 20 at the event in your area.

It’s pretty simple: register yourself for at least one event and then refer registrants by reaching out to the people you know and believe would benefit from attending. (We’ll gladly send you tips on how to easily accomplish this.)

As a token of our appreciation, we’ve created a sensational benefits package to honor your support.

If you’re interested and ready to rock, please send an email to host@sparkandhustle.com letting us know which event(s) you’ve registered for and include your name, email, phone, location, a bit about you personally and professionally. Also tell us why you’re an ideal Spark & Hustle host to join Tory’s Top 20. You’ll hear back within 24 hours tops.

Customer Service
Call: 212-290-2600
Email: info@sparkandhustle.com

How long will tickets be available?
Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and space is limited in each location. We cannot guarantee that tickets will be available until a certain date.

Will food be provided?
Lunch, light snacks and beverages will be provided. Be sure to have breakfast prior to arriving to the conference as it will not be served.

What should I wear?
Our event is business casual. No sweats, sneakers or sloppy attire! Check Accuweather.com the night before you pack.

What should I bring?
We suggest you bring business cards and/or any other marketing materials that might be helpful when networking with the other attendees. You never know who you’ll meet, but we know incredible connections are always made. If you have a laptop, you’re welcome to bring it, but it’s by no means necessary.

Is early check-in available?
No, registration will open at 8:15 AM. Entry is not permitted prior to that time.

What if I’m late?
The conference will begin promptly at 9:00 AM and we strongly recommend that you arrive on time so as not to miss any of the sessions! However, if you do arrive late, (these things happen!) don’t worry, registration will remain open from 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM.

Will the conference be available on DVD?
No, the conference will not be available on DVD. Designed to be highly interactive, Spark & Hustle conferences are in-person events only. We’ve selected 20 cities around the country to make it easy for everyone to experience the Spark & Hustle energy!

Will I be able to re-enter the event if I need to step out for a moment?
Yes, just make sure your name badge is visible. This will allow conference staff to confirm that you are a registered attendee of the event.

Are cameras allowed?
Yes, but we have one rule around here about cameras – and we’re pretty strict about it. You may only post photos of us that look good! No half-closed eyes, no double-chins, you get the idea. And we’ll do the same for you. Our staff will share photos of you looking your absolute best. Deal? Deal.

Are cell phones allowed?
Yes, but we ask that you kindly turn your phone to silent before entering the event out of respect for our speakers and for your fellow attendees.

Are laptops allowed?
Yes, but we cannot guarantee that the venue will have wireless internet. Please contact a Spark & Hustle team member at (212) 290-2600 for questions on internet availability in a specific location.

Can men attend?
Men are welcome and encouraged to attend Spark & Hustle!

Will the event have wheelchair access?
Yes, all event spaces have wheelchair access. For questions about accommodations for the impaired, contact the Spark & Hustle team at (212) 290-2600.

Can I cancel my ticket if I’ve already paid?
Since space is limited at each of our events, we do not offer refunds if you opt not to attend. You may transfer your fully paid ticket to another person as long as it’s prior to five days before the event start.To make any kind of transfer, you must notify the Spark & Hustle event management team by phone at 212.290.2600 or email at info@sparkandhustle.com. Your request is not confirmed until you receive an acknowledgment of receipt from our staff. By registering for an event, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to these terms.

Can I purchase tickets on site?
No, tickets must be purchased online.