About the Summit

The EQBW Summit aims to provide thought-provoking and inspiring speakers talking about timely, relevant topics to help engage, support, and inform equestrian businesswomen. Growth comes through connections and learning from others, which is what the Summit intends to provide. While there are many women working within the industry that can lend insight, there are also women with incredibly successful careers outside of the industry - who know and understand horses - that can contribute to that learning as well.

Day 1 Get Inspired! Day one will feature inspiring speakers and panel discussions with industry leaders.

Day 2 Take Action! Day two will feature professional development workshops and unique networking opportunities.

SEE THE FULL SCHEDULE

What’s Planned

Talks and Panels

Day One: Get Inspired

Equestrian businesswomen from across the industry will come together to talk and share their insight on various topics with a keynote speaker followed by four panels.

PANEL: Creating Your Company Values
Topics: Social Responsibility, Organization identity, CSG, Diversity, Sustainability, Brand Values, Charitable Giving, Core Principles - It’s what’s today’s customers demand.

PANEL: Business in a Social World
Topics: Social Media, Photography and Best Practices, Podcasting, Marketing, and Advertising

PANEL: Money Matters
Topics: Finance, Getting Investors, Money Management, How to Price Goods and Services, Options for Independent Contractors, Savings and Retirement

PANEL: My Business Story
Topics: Panelists Share Their Stories of Starting a Business and What You Need to Know  - personal accounts of how women started their businesses and the challenges they faced getting it off the ground, when to make the leap, and what they experienced.

Networking Lunches and welcome cocktail party

Meet and chat with women from across the equine industry while enjoying the complimentary lunch on both days, plus a welcome cocktail party on day 1. Compare notes, show pictures of your horses (or kids), talk best practices, and share contact information.

Workshops

Day Two: Take Action

Work directly with experts on various topics to learn, follow concrete steps to improve yourself and your business, and achieve goals on such topics as accounting, marketing, resiliency, positive reinforcement, equine business law, and raising capital.

Company Values Panel

Creating Your Company Values

Topics: Social Responsibility, Organization identity, Diversity, Sustainability, Brand Values, Charitable Giving, Core Principles

Mollie Bogardus
Aveterra

Jenna Hahn
KindredBio

Bridgett McIntosh
Mars Equestrian

Meg Krueger
Pepperfox

Media
Panel

Business in a Social World

Topics: Social Media, Photography and Best Practices, Podcasting, Marketing, and Advertising

Shannon Brinkman
Shannon Brinkman Photography

Vicki Lowell
US Equestrian

Kaitlyn Hurst
Finding the Feel

Bonnie Taylor
CCS Innovations®

Dani G. Waldman
Professional Show Jumper, Starwyn Farm

Taryn Young
Merkley + Partners
Warmbloods and Wine

Finance Panel

Money Matters

Topics: Finance, Accounting, Getting Investors, Money Management, Disruptive Strategy

Amy Eisner
AccountingBarn.com

Julie Garella-Williams
Ice Horse

Elizabeth Rhodes
SP Rhodes Equestrian Identity

Moderated by
Christine Rolando
Signet Equine Appraisals

My Business Story Panel

Panelists Share Their Stories of Starting a Business: personal accounts of their challenges and experiences.

Connie DeMaio
Redingote Equestrian

Jessica DiCostanzo
Equivont

Annie Heise
Two Bits Equestrian

Moderated by
Sarah Appel
Horse & Style Magazine

Workshop topics & coaches

Accounting
Coach: Amy Eisner of AccountingBarn.com
Topics: Types of accountants, accounting, systems, funding options, financial reporting, payroll, and taxes

Marketing, presented by The Chronicle of the Horse

Coach: Bonnie Taylor of CCS Innovations®
Topics: Smart marketing practices that lead to business growth and profitability

R+ Positive Reinforcement, presented by Via Nova

Coaches: Shawna Karrasch and Gilly Slayter of Via Nova
Topic: Using positive reinforcement with horses and how to bring into your business or farm

Raising Capital and Growing a Business

Coach: Julie Garella-Williams of Ice Horse
Topic: Having a business vs. what makes a business valuable, understanding the mechanics of how to value a business

Equine Law 101

Coach: Melissa Subjeck of Hodgson Russ LLP
Topic: What you need to know when starting a business and in the event of litigation, including corporate formation, contracts, employment concerns, and risk management

Thanks to our 2020 Summit Partners. We couldn’t do it without you!