**Deadline to enter the Lifetime Moms Contest is 4:59:59PM ET on 6/2/12. Entries submitted after this will not be accepted.**

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 12, 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

• 8:00 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
• 5:30 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.

BUSINESS BASICS KEYNOTE
Jenny Fulton and Ashlee Furr, founders of Miss Jenny’s Pickles

• Daring decision:  “I walked up to the President of Intel, Paul Otellini, before the Jobs Council meeting and introduced myself just to be able to say I had met the President of Intel. A week later, he ordered a case of Miss Jenny’s Award Winning Habanero Bread & Butter Pickles.”  (Jenny)
• Little known fact: “I was a school bus driver at 16 and drove three years, sophomore, junior & senior years in high school.” (Jenny)

BRANDING
Erin Cohen, founder of Entrees4U

• Almost threw in the towel when…: “My franchise was sold and I realized I had to re-brand and re-market my business that had only been open for one year.”
• Surprise, surprise: “I have no prior cooking or restaurant experience and have learned mostly everything I know about food on the job.”

@entrees4u

Katie Coleman, Durham Spirits Co.
Katie Coleman, a South Carolina native, has spent the last ten years cooking all over the world, including France, Italy, and most recently, Seattle, WA. Katie founded Durham Spirits Co in early 2011 serves the Durham area in the form of culinary and mixology classes, small-scale customized catering and other professional services.

• Almost gave up when…: “My business partner decided to leave the business. Fortunately, I realized that I had a strong support network of friends and family. And I used every ounce of energy to prove to him (and myself), that I could do it without him.”
• When the going gets tough, I: “Eat ice cream! Nothing makes me smile more than an ice cream cone.”

@durhamspiritsco

ENGAGEMENT MARKETING
Anissa Freeman Starnes, Regional Dev. Dir., Constant Contact
Anissa Freeman Starnes brings 18 years of experience in small business and nonprofit management, fund development and sponsorship management to her new role at Constant Contact. Her ability to offer expert council to local small businesses and non-profits is based on her work with several chambers of commerce as well as her personal success in running a successful consulting firm, Chamber Concepts, Inc. and her experience as the Chief Executive Officer of a very successful international non-profit organization, Girls on the Run.

• Almost threw in the towel when: “A manager told me early in my non-profit career that I would never get a promotion to because I didn’t have a 4-year degree and/or a Masters.  He told me to not waste my time applying for an open position and that I would most likely be in administrative support roles for the rest of my career.  I almost didn’t apply because I was so discouraged, but another mentor told me ‘you don’t get what you don’t go after’ — I ended up getting the manager’s position and within a year was promoted to Vice President and ended up being the President and CEO of 3 other non-profits within 10 years of me being told that my goal was unachievable.”
• Daring decision: “I rode a Harley-Davidson across the country in a charity ride for Victory Junction Gang, a camp for children with health challenges.”

@ConstantContact

MUSCLE MARKETING
Krystel Spell, creator of Armywife101.com
*This speaker was selected by Lifetime Moms.
Krystel is the creator of the of the popular blog/community ArmyWife101.com, where she helps military spouses navigate the sometimes challenging military lifestyle. In addition she has founded Randomnista.com and is the co-creator of RealMilitaryWives.TV.

• Ever almost throw in the towel?:  “One day I had nothing to write about and I said I didn’t want to do this anymore. I didn’t realize that it was okay for blogger’s to have writer’s block too!”
• Five fitting words:  “Tolerant , blunt , sincere , candid , eyeroller.”
• Little known fact: “I am extremely shy.”

@ArmyWives101

Saralyn Collins, Magnetic Business Builder
Tired of working so hard with so little to show for it? Business success is rarely random. After almost 30 years experience, Saralyn knows how to turn you into a “Business Magnet, where you attract the very people who want and need what you offer, are willing and able to pay your prices and become your raving fans! As a high energy, passionate speaker and coach, she offers no “fluff” or “hype”. Only hard core, implementable strategies and tips you can use instantly to grow your business. When you hear Saralyn speak, you leave knowing WHAT to do next and HOW to do it!

• Five fitting words: “Persistent – passionate – energetic – determined – loud!”
• When the going gets tough, I: “Dig down deep, gear up and get with it. While at this point in my life I would welcome less of it, “Tough” doesn’t really bother me.”

@magneticbiz

SALES
Karen Caruso, founder of Mind Your Business, Inc. 
Founder and author Karen Caruso started Mind Your Businessfrom the purest strains of the American Dream: from her own basement and with very little money. Her intent initially was simply to screen a nanny who would care for her own children. Finding it tantamount to impossible to hire a company that offered such employee screening services to private individuals, she started her own.

• Daring decision:  “Fire one of my largest clients.”
• Not-so-secret-wish: “I want my own reality show!”

@MYBINCGLOBAL

Rachel Weeks, founder of School House 
In 2007, Rachel Weeks traveled to Sri Lanka as a Fulbright Scholar to build a socially responsible clothing company. Her dream, which started with a college t-shirt and an order from her alma mater at Duke, has transformed into School House, a fashion-forward, ethically sourced collegiate apparel brand. “Made in America” is a first step toward the company’s vision of elevating ethical production and reviving U.S. apparel manufacturing on the East coast. School House strives to design fashion-forward college clothing and accessories that are socially responsible and crafted with care and quality. Its exclusive collections of men’s and women’s college tees, hoodies, dresses, lounge pants and more are available at 100 college bookstores nationwide and counting.

• “Remember that the best things in life are worth fighting for.   I am lucky enough to be pursuing my dream every day in a world where so many people work so hard for so little.   When I really need a mental break, I hit the road to visit my 2 year-old niece in Greensboro.  Nothing takes my mind off work like spending time with her!”
• Daring decision: “Rent a motorcycle in Thailand, which I proceeded to crash!  I think I will stick to cars on future vacations.”
• Teen TV star: “When I was in middle school in High Point, NC, I had a television show called ‘Rachel’s Roundup’ that the entire school had to watch every Friday.”

@schoolhouseinc

ECOMMERCE
Jessica Lesesky is a seasoned ecommerce business development, sales and marketing executive with over 7 years of experience assisting brands such as Nike, PETCO, Eddie Bauer and Lucky Brand Jeans execute profitable online marketing strategies. Most recently Jessica has been managing the sales and marketing efforts for Barnes & Noble’s expansion into new product categories. An entrepreneur at heart, Jessica has self-funded two of her own startups and enjoys helping new businesses develop and implement their sales and marketing efforts.

@jessicalesesky

OVERCOMING FEARS AND BUILDING CONFIDENCE
Krystal Harrell, Miss Business and founder of Create Exposure
FORTUNE named Krystal Harrell the Next-Gen Female Entrepreneur during their annual Most Powerful Women Coverage. She got her start as an entrepreneur over a decade ago with a $20 loan from her mother at the tender age of 13. After selling her mobile boutique, Harrell started Create Exposure, a marketing and communications agency that focuses on helping brands better understand and connect with young consumers through youth marketing programs.

• Almost threw in the towel when…: “At times my age and appearance were more of a concern than my ability to accomplish the task.”
• When the going gets tough: “I Pray.”

@krystalharrell

TABLE HOSTS FOR INFORMAL LUNCH DISCUSSIONS ON SPECIFIC TOPICS:
Forming a Mastermind Group
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

Online Distribution & eCommerce Strategies that yield results: How to establish profitable businesses on eBay, Amazon, Buy.com and other marketplaces

Jessica Lesesky is a seasoned ecommerce business development, sales and marketing executive with over 7 years of experience assisting brands such as Nike, PETCO, Eddie Bauer and Lucky Brand Jeans execute profitable online marketing strategies. Most recently Jessica has been managing the sales and marketing efforts for Barnes & Noble’s expansion into new product categories. An entrepreneur at heart, Jessica has self-funded two of her own startups and enjoys helping new businesses develop and implement their sales and marketing efforts.

@jessicalesesky
 

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: The Raleigh Marriott City Center is located among hotels near NC State University, the NC State Fairgrounds and the Capitol Building. Spark & Hustle will be held in the State Ballroom first floor.

Marriott City Center
500 Fayetteville Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
(919) 833-1120

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View Larger Map

Parking: Parking is available onsite for $12.00 per day.

Partner Hotel: Raleigh Marriott City Center

500 Fayetteville Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 833-1120

Click here to visit the Raleigh Marriott City Center website.

We’ve negotiated super low rates just for you!

Standard Single/Double rooms are available for $159.00 per night.

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

To reserve your room, call Marriott Reservations 1-800-228-9290 or the hotel (919) 833-1120. Don’t forget to mention our group name – SPARK & HUSTLE – to receive the exclusive rate.

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.