Business of Her: Women's Conference 2026
About this Event
The Business of Her — Where Her Ambition Meets Action.
We’re bringing together powerhouse women from across industries to spark bold conversations, drop real-world wisdom, and inspire the next generation of leaders.
Get ready to learn from some of the most accomplished and impactful voices in business, media, government, and beyond. These women aren’t just leaders, they’re changemakers who are redefining what’s possible.
Who Should Attend:
This event is for ambitious women at every stage of leadership—entrepreneurs, executives, creatives, change-makers, and anyone ready to grow. Whether you're launching something new, scaling what you’ve built, or simply seeking clarity for your next chapter, you’ll find value, connection, and support here.
Come solo or bring your circle—you belong in this room.
What to Bring:
- A notebook (or your favorite note-taking app)
- Business cards (or just your LinkedIn QR—we’re all about connection)
- Comfortable shoes—you’ll be networking, learning, and maybe dancing!
- Your authentic self—because that’s your biggest strength
Whether you're building your brand, leading a team, or navigating your next big move, this day is for you. You’ll walk away with real tools, fresh inspiration, and a circle of women who get it.
Come as you are. Leave ready for what’s next.
Here's what's included:
- Light breakfast with fruit, pastries, and coffee
- A delicious lunch (with gluten-free and vegan options)
- Access to all speaker sessions with leaders, coaches, and influencers
- Interactive workshops focused on leadership, branding, and personal development
- Our signature Saturday Night Prosecco & Pinot Party—an evening of drinks, music, apps, and bold energy before your Vegas night out
Please note that all speakers, sessions, and times are subject to change. Only event tickets purchased directly through SAHARA Las Vegas' official Eventbrite account will be valid. Tickets are non-transferable nor available for resale. Lost or stolen tickets will not be replaced.
Want to know more? Head to businessofher.com
A Day of Inspiration
🕑: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Doors Open - Registration Begins
Info: Please note that all speakers, sessions, and times are subject to change. All guests will receive a goodie bag and program upon checking in. Attire: Guests are encouraged to wear their best, brightest, and boldest power suit or an outfit that makes them feel powerful.
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Breakfast: Coffee & Networking (Powered by Aristocrat Gaming)
Info: Buffet and Coffee Station. Grab breakfast at your leisure, network, and meet the women. Be ready to take a seat at 11am. Located along the Congo Corridor.
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Photo Opportunities
Info: Along the Congo Corridor.
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:05 AM
Welcome: Official Conference Start
Info: Speaker: Alexis Meruelo, Founder of Business of Her with remarks on the Business of Her Community and Official Welcome. Located at the Main Stage (Congo Rooms I, II, III, and IV)
🕑: 11:05 AM - 11:45 AM
The True Power: Money Confidence
Host: Speaker: Sadia Hassan, Vice President, Morgan Stanley
Info: Historically, women have been shut out of money. According to a McKinsey study, women are expected to control $30 trillion in investable assets by the end of the decade. Money is more than numbers: it’s confidence, opportunity, and freedom. Women are building wealth faster than ever before, yet many still struggle to confidently invest, negotiate, and make financial decisions. Join this conversation as our panel shares practical strategies for overcoming money mindsets, building lasting wealth, and creating financial confidence at every stage of your career.
🕑: 11:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Business Founder: Power Hour
Host: Speaker: COMING SOON
Info: What does it really take to build a nationally recognized brand? Hear directly from founders who transformed bold ideas into thriving businesses. From navigating uncertainty and scaling operations to building unforgettable brands and resilient teams, these CEOs will share the honest lessons behind their entrepreneurial journeys and the decisions that shaped their success.
🕑: 12:15 PM - 12:45 PM
From CIA to CEO
Host: Speaker: Emily Hjikade, CEO of Petite Plume Pajamas
Info: From serving in the CIA to leading one of today's fastest-growing luxury brands, Emily Hjikade's career has been anything but traditional. A University of Notre Dame graduate, mother of four, and CEO of Petite Plume, Emily will share how she embraced reinvention, navigated major career transitions, and built a life of purpose while balancing family and leadership. This inspiring conversation will remind you that your path to success doesn't have to be linear, it simply has to be your own.
🕑: 12:45 PM - 02:00 PM
Lunch, Networking, & Resume Review
Info: Sponsorship: Thank You given by Maria Dominguez. Networking Activity: Some of the most valuable conversations happen away from the stage. During lunch, you'll participate in guided networking designed to help you build authentic relationships, expand your professional network, and connect with women who may become future mentors, collaborators, clients, or lifelong friends. We will encourage all guests to get up, and sit at an entirely new table. Resume Review: Professional experts will be available to personally
review your Resume, and assist you with standing out from the crowd. Professional Experts Include: Madeline Zupan, EPM, Apple, Jenna Heath, UNLV, Director of Student and Community Engagement, and Alli Villines, Founder of “She Means Business” Non-Profit.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:45 PM
Breakout #1 GET IN THE ROOM: The Relationships That Change Your Career
Host: Speaker: Kristen Corral, Tacotarian Co-Founder
Info: Speaker: (Room: Albert I) We hear constantly that we need to “network,” but how do you actually build relationships that lead to opportunities? This interactive session teaches you how to build a powerful professional network, turn introductions into genuine relationships, and surround yourself with mentors, sponsors, advocates, and connectors who will champion you when you’re not in the room.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:45 PM
Breakout #2 MAKE YOURSELF PROMOTABLE: Turn Great Work Into Career Growth
Info: (Room: George I) Women often believe that doing excellent work will speak for itself. This session teaches attendees how to document their wins, communicate their impact, seek stretch assignments, build visibility with leadership, understand promotion criteria, and advocate for the next opportunity.
🕑: 02:45 PM - 03:05 PM
$5,000 UNLV Student Pitch Competition
Info: At Business of Her, we don't just celebrate today's leaders—we invest in tomorrow's. Watch three outstanding UNLV students take the stage to share the real-world challenges they hope to solve through their future careers in a live two-minute speaker competition. Audience members will help select the recipient of the $5,000 Business of Her Future Impact Scholarship, while the two runners-up will each receive a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of their leadership and vision.
🕑: 03:05 PM - 03:35 PM
The Business of Becoming
Host: Speaker: Nicole Walters, NYT Best Selling Author
Info: What if the life you're searching for isn't missing, it’s already within you? Join New York Times bestselling author and entrepreneur Nicole Walters for an inspiring fireside chat on embracing your purpose, taking courageous leaps, and redefining success on your own terms. Through stories of entrepreneurship, motherhood, resilience, and personal growth, you'll leave empowered to trust yourself and step boldly into what's next.
🕑: 03:35 PM - 04:00 PM
The Mothership: Wisdom for Life
Host: Speakers: Liset Meruelo, Jericca Gutierrez, Sonya & more
Info: It takes a village to build a leader. Throughout her life, Alexis Meruelo
has been surrounded by an incredible group of mothers, aunts, mentors, and
family friends whose wisdom helped shape her journey. For the first time, she's inviting "The Mothership" to the Business of Her stage to share the life lessons, encouragement, and timeless advice that every woman deserves to hear.
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Women of Many Titles: Business Owners, Mothers, & WWE Champions
Host: Speakers: Nikki and Brie Garcia, WWE Champions
Info: The Garcia Twins have built remarkable careers while embracing the many roles life has given them. In this inspiring closing conversation, they'll share the lessons they've learned navigating business, motherhood, personal growth, reinvention, and life beyond the spotlight. Through honest stories of success, setbacks, and resilience, Nikki and Brie will offer practical wisdom on defining success on your own terms and building a life that is fulfilling both professionally and personally.
🕑: 04:30 PM - 06:00 PM
Prosecco & Pinot Party
Host: Speaker: Welcome Toast to be announced.
Info: (Location: AZILO Ultra Lounge) Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
The UNLV Scholarship winner will be announced at 5:30 p.m. Outdoor access to the pool will be available for networking and photos.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 233.47 to USD 275.71
