More than 400 women gathered at the Lloyd Ex on Feb. 4 for the 14th annual Inspiring Women’s Conference. They came to learn, network, and support one another.
“This event is so important to us because it’s become such a great day for women,” said Terra Weaver, co-owner of KT and Company, who put on the annual event. “We all get together and share a day of learning and community.”
The conference featured speakers from different backgrounds who each shared their experiences and advice. The goal was to encourage women to grow in their personal and professional lives.
Sharing stories and building connections
Weaver said she loves seeing women make connections.
“You see people having a moment of clarity on what they want moving forward,” she said. “How they can plan their goals and dreams.”
Weaver’s business partner, Kelly Sidoryk, said the conference has taken on a life of its own.
“We absolutely love this day,” she said. “We now officially mark it as IWC Day.”
Sidoryk said choosing speakers is easy because of the momentum behind the event.
“We have a survey at the end where we ask for recommendations,” she said. “But it really is a word-of-mouth situation.”
Learning from each other
Motivational speaker Trisha Miltimore talked about work-life wellness. She said the term “balance” is misleading.
“Balance doesn’t exist,” she said. “But when we focus on wellness, we can elevate work, home, and health to work together.”
Miltimore shared an important lesson.
“Life is hard, but often we make it harder than it needs to be,” she said. “Looking at your own life and making small shifts can help reduce pressure.”
She encouraged women to make small daily changes.
“We don’t have to overhaul our lives,” she said. “But subtle shifts in how we think, act, and feel can drive change.”
Singer-songwriter Joydyn Pollard also spoke at the event. She shared her personal experiences and encouraged women to stay hopeful.
“Sometimes it can feel like you are on your own,” she said. “But you just need someone to connect with.”
She hoped attendees would leave with a sense of trust in their journeys.
“Take every experience as a lesson,” she said. “You never know where life will take you, but everything will work out.”
Looking ahead
“The first year, we had maybe 50 to 75 people,” Weaver said. “Probably 50 of our closest friends and moms and sisters.”
This Cenovus Energy-sponsored event featured over 400 attendees with Lakeland College students helping keep costs low through volunteering.
Next year’s conference is already scheduled for Feb. 5, 2026.
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