The men’s restrooms have been converted to women’s.

There are massage stations outside of meeting rooms.

Everywhere I go there are smiling, friendly people ready to introduce themselves.

The collective intelligence and drive of over 1,500 women is palpable.

I am not in a bizarre, women only universe. I am attending the CREW Convention in Seattle.

When I arrived at the hotel I wasn’t sure what to expect from this convention. Being a seasoned businesswoman I’ve attended dozens of conferences, mostly in my male dominated industry. The norm is big hotels, grand ballrooms, mediocre chicken dishes and a wide range of speakers. This conference has been very different. While I’m not sure I’ve secured any new business, I have met dozens of women from across the country that are like me, driven and talented. More than one speaker has inspired me to a standing ovation. The women I’ve met will be new contacts that I’ll likely have for quite some time.

My takeaways from this week are that this is a very worthwhile group for me to be involved with. That I do like being a businesswoman and mom at the same time and I’d like to not only keep my career going, I’d like to expand it over the next few decades. And I’m going to continue to be involved in this group to hone skills, expand friendships and to be part of something positive.