2026 Women at Work Presented by HBK CPAs & Consultants

Description

Women at Work - Your Secret Weapon

Join us for an elegantly appointed Women at Work luncheon set within the inspiring surroundings of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, on Friday March 27 from 11:00 am - 1:15 pm at. This inspiring gathering brings together professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders for an afternoon where meaningful conversation, gracious hospitality, and intentional connection take center stage.

This afternoon will feature a special keynote presentation by Mary Delia Allen, founder of The Welcoming Edge, offering thoughtful insight on the power of connection in today's professional world. 

At every stage of life and career, women are navigating full plates, fast-paced days, and professional environments that can feel increasingly disconnected. The Welcoming Edge is going to become "Your Secret Weapon"; an uplifting, story-driven keynote that celebrates the natural way women create connection and how practicing it with intention strengthens workplace culture, leadership presence, and community.

Drawing on behind-the-scenes experiences at world-class events with the NFL, MLB, and the Olympic Games, Mary Delia Allen shares memorable stories and practical insights that demonstrate how welcoming is more than a courtesy. These small, intentional moments create meaningful impact shaping inclusion, professional relationships, community engagement, and business outcomes.

Designed for young professionals, working mothers, leaders, and entrepreneurs, this engaging session blends warmth, humor, and actionable ideas. Attendees will leave feeling inspired, affirmed, and equipped with simple ways to elevate everyday interactions.

The Experience:

Guests will be welcomed with champagne on arrival, followed by a plated luncheon in an elegant setting. Throughout the afternoon, attendees will enjoy curated photo opportunities, intentional networking moments, and the chance to win raffle prizes.

This event celebrates the instinctive way women build community offering a polished, welcoming space to connect, reflect, and leave feeling genuinely seen and valued.

About the Speaker: 

Mary Delia Allen is a high-energy keynote speaker and customer experience strategist who brings proven hospitality practices to the business world. Over a 25-year career, she created unforgettable experiences for global icons including the NFL, MLB, the Olympics, Bank of America, and T-Mobile demonstrating how welcoming is a micro-moment with massive impact for your customers. 

Today, as the founder of The Welcoming Edge, she helps organizations turn everyday interactions into business advantages. With wit, warmth, and walk-the-talk credibility, Mary Delia shows leaders and frontline teams how a well-delivered greeting becomes the essential first step of customer service transforming culture, strengthening loyalty, and driving results. A world-class communicator, she doesn’t just speak about customer experience, she delivers it. Every presentation is designed to feel alive, engaging, and memorable. Audiences leave energized, inspired, and ready to act because in a distracted world, the companies that connect win.

Event Details 

Date: March 27, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM – 01:15 PM 

Location: Mote Science Education Aquarium (SEA) at Nathan Benderson Park

Tickets: Member Registration: $95 per person. Non-Member Registration: $110 per person 

Silver Table Sponsorship [includes 5 Seats]: $1000 Gold Table Sponsorship [includes 10 Seats]: $1500

Parking: Complimentary Valet Parking included

Meal:

Plated Lunch: Chicken Marsala- Herb Marinated Chicken, Roasted Wild Mushroom, Charred Sweet peppers, marsala demi-glace

Dessert on tables: Assorted mini royal cheesecakes, vanilla chocolate, strawberry, lemon cream

Vegan/GF option: Roasted Portobella- Sundried tomato risotto, wild thyme & basil, vegan cheese, balsamic

For Event related questions, please contact Celeste Lloyd-Jones at cljones@sarasotachamber.com

Cancellations are refundable up until March 13, 2026