The 35th annual Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference (BWBC) will take place April 24 at Mechanics Bank Arena, with its inspiring theme: Embody the Royal You. Women of diverse backgrounds will gather for a day-long experience focused on personal and professional growth. This year’s main speaker is entrepreneur, philanthropist and author Lisa Nichols. Additionally, the event includes 27 workshops, with topics ranging from personal finance to technology, offering key takeaways.

Averaging more than 1,400 conference participants in recent years, expected attendance has more than doubled since its founding in 1990. Sure to teach, inspire and help create connections, women continue to find support, resources and opportunities for reflection through the conference.

The opportunity to network is an outstanding aspect of the BWBC. Networking can open doors to new career prospects, provide valuable insights and mentorship. Staying current on industry standards, sharing best practices and expanding circles of influence are just a few benefits networking can facilitate for members of distinct communities. Moreover, the ability to make friends and support each other’s ambitions matters.

Four members of the nonprofit’s board, which is made up of 20 women, including wives and mothers, professionals and others, share about themselves along with their best networking tips below to put into practice for the big day:

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Networking Tip List

Tip #1. Do Your Research to Prepare: Preview the event’s agenda, speakers and attendees. Familiarize yourself with who to connect with; learn about their roles or interests to approach conversations confidently and with purpose.

Angel Cottrell, 2025 Board Chair

Current professional title: CEO, Apollo Consultancy Group Inc-Strategic Consulting and Executive Coaching Firm; Founding Program Manager, Kern High School District Entrepreneurship Resource Centers; Business Adjunct Faculty at California State University, Bakersfield and Taft College

Best career advice: “Don’t be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered.” – Michelle Obama

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Tip #2. Have a Clear Elevator Pitch: Succinctly explain who you are, what you do and what you’re looking to achieve in 30 seconds or less. Be clear and engaging. Tailor info to the audience you’re addressing.

Janelle Capra, Greater Bakersfield Chamber, Marketing Committee

Current professional title: President & CEO, Greater Bakersfield Chamber

Favorite quote: “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” – Audrey Hepburn

Janelle’s sample elevator pitch: “Good day! I’m Janelle Capra, CEO…that’s “Chief Empowerment Officer” and I love to play matchmaker for small businesses, nonprofit organizations and corporations. I believe in the pure power of PR to connect, collaborate and create a culture of positive impressions. How can I help you build your brand in Bakersfield and beyond?

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Tip #3. Bring Your Business Cards: Exchanging business cards makes it easy for new contacts to reach you. Always have a supply of business cards on hand for networking.

Christina Springstead, Treasurer                               

Current Professional Title: Founder & CEO, Springstead Solutions | Master Profit First Professional

Favorite quote: “The voice you believe will determine the future you experience.” – Priscilla Shirer

One central truth to share with women in Bakersfield: Your business is only as strong as the foundation it’s built on. Every decision you make — who you trust, how you manage your time, and what you invest in — shapes your future. Don’t undervalue your own leadership by handing over key areas of your business without due diligence.

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Tip #4. Be Genuine and Listen: Build authentic relationships rather than just pushing your own agenda. Listen actively to the people you speak with and ask thoughtful questions to form meaningful connections and leave a positive impression.

Lizette Gomez Patterson, Vice Chair

Current Professional Title: Founder & CEO, Cazador Consulting Group Inc.

Favorite quote: “I can. I will. Watch me.” - Anonymous

Best Career Advice: Success isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being real. Perfection doesn’t make you successful; persistence, grit, and authenticity do. The most successful people aren’t the ones who never failed; they’re the ones who kept going despite their failures.

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Tip #5. Follow Up: The event’s board members agree: Circle back with the people you meet. Whether through LinkedIn, email, or a specific platform, a personalized message shows genuine interest in maintaining the connection. Refer to specific topics you discussed to make your follow-up more memorable.

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More inspiring quotes from national experts on networking:

• “You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” – Zig Ziglar
• “Networking is more about farming than it is about hunting. It’s about cultivating relationships.” – Ivan Misner
• “Networking is the No.1 unwritten rule of success in business.” – Sallie Krawcheck

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By following these tips and embracing the spirit of collaboration and support, you can make the most of networking opportunities. Building strong, genuine relationships with like-minded professionals will open doors to new opportunities and help you achieve your goals.

Find out more about the BWBC at https://bakersfieldwomen.org/.