
2026 MI ATHENA: LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Empowered Leadership: Innovate, Inspire, Impact
Oct. 7-9, 2026 | Crystal Mountain Resort | Thompsonville, MI
Recognized as one of North America’s premier family destinations, Crystal Mountain resort and conference center features comfortable meeting spaces, relaxing accommodations and a wide range of recreational activities. Learn more about the Crystal Mountain Resort.
HOTEL ROOM BLOCK FOR ATTENDEES:
To book a room in the official conference block at Crystal Mountain, call 855-520-2974 and reference MI ATHENA. To receive the discounted conference rate, please book your room no later than Friday, Sept. 4. After this date, discounted pricing cannot be guaranteed, and rooms may sell out quickly. Discounted room rates start at: $179.
TENTATIVE AGENDA
Day 1 – Evening Kickoff: Welcome and Warm Connections
4-6 p.m. | Check-In and Resort Relaxation
6-7 p.m. | Welcome Reception – "Fireside First Impressions"
Sip Michigan wines and cider, savor small bites and meet fellow women leaders around cozy fire pits.
Day 2 – Immersion and Growth
7:30-8:15 a.m. | Morning Mindfulness on the Mountain (Optional)
8:30-9:15 a.m. | Breakfast Buffet and Table Networking
9:15-10:15 a.m. | Morning Keynote – OWN THE ROOM: Build Your Leadership Brand with Intention and Impact
You already have a brand. The question is, are you intentionally using it to lead, innovate, and create impact?
In this high-energy, research-grounded keynote, Monica Lloyd invites women leaders to step fully into empowered leadership by taking ownership of the most underleveraged leadership tool they have: their personal brand. Too often, reputation is left to chance. The most effective leaders, however, shape it with clarity, consistency, and intention to inspire others and drive meaningful results.
Drawing on her proprietary Authenticity in Action™ framework, Monica walks audiences through the three dimensions of a powerful personal brand: who you are, how you show up, and the lasting impact you create. She connects the dots between self-awareness and influence, showing how aligned leaders don’t just perform, they elevate the people and environments around them.
This keynote challenges attendees to move beyond passive presence and into active, intentional leadership by actively defining, aligning, and amplifying a leadership brand that drives influence and impact.
Attendees will leave with:
- A clear understanding of their current leadership brand and the gap between perception and intention
- Practical tools to show up with consistency, credibility, and influence in every interaction
- A renewed sense of confidence to own their story and use it to inspire and impact others
- A fresh perspective on how authentic leadership fuels innovation and elevates team performance
This isn’t about personal marketing. It’s about alignment. It’s about leading with intention. And it’s about owning the narrative that not only moves you forward, but creates ripple effects far beyond you.
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Breakout Session Round 1 – Choose Your Track:
- Track A: Leadership Skills
- Track B: Career and Personal Growth
- Track C: Wellness and Sustainability
11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Interactive Experience
12:30-1:45 p.m. | Networking Lunch and ATHENA Impact Stories
2-3 p.m. | Breakout Session Round Two
3:15-4:15 p.m. | Panel Discussion
4:30-5 p.m. | Fireside Chat
Day 3 – Celebration and Sendoff
7:30-8:15 a.m. | Wellness Session (Optional)
8:30-9:15 a.m. | Networking Breakfast
9:15-10:15 a.m. | Morning Breakout Sessions
10:30-11:15 a.m. | Closing Keynote
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | ATHENA Awards Luncheon
Celebrate outstanding Michigan women leaders with the ATHENA Leadership Awards, recognizing excellence in leadership, community service and mentoring.
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