Austin’s Premier Conference for
Communications Professionals- Get Smart 2025
JOIN US
October 17, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
KMFA Classical Radio Studio
41 Navasota Street
Austin, Texas 78702
Check out this video from last year’s conference for a sense of what makes it so special. A huge thank you to the team at Anacacho Productions for putting this together for the WCA!
GET READY
Get Smart is a half-day professional development program featuring expert speakers on a range of Communications topics.
I AM WOMAN is about navigating the art of personal and career growth, embracing leadership without losing your voice, and confronting the realities of mental health with honesty and strength. It’s time to redefine success not just at work, but at home and within ourselves. Join us for a half-day experience designed to inspire, empower, and connect women in our industry as we rise together.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Networking — Speakers — Lunch — Collaboration — Swag — Door Prizes
Registration (through October 13):
$105 Members; $120 Non-Members
Student Registration: $30
Questions? Contact VP of Special Events: Get Smart Vero Sandoval. Investing in Get Smart as a sponsor is a great way to connect with a network of intelligent and forward-thinking professionals. If you’re interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact VP of Sponsorships Kathleen Hackney.
2025 Get Smart Event Agenda
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8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. 10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. 10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. 12:45 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. Please note that the conference agenda is subject to change without prior notice. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the schedule, speakers, topics, and session times may be updated or modified as necessary.
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I AM WOMAN
PROGRAM & SPEAKER LINEUP
TIME TO CONNECT
Morning Coffee & Networking
Come early to check-in and network with fellow WCA members, peers and community leaders! Check-in table opens at 8:00AM with coffee and light breakfast snacks. Programming starts at 9:00AM.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Vanessa Fuentes, Austin City Councilwoman & Mayor Pro Tem
We are honored to welcome Vanessa Fuentes, Austin City Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem, as the keynote speaker at the Get Smart: Women Communicators of Austin Conference. A passionate advocate for equity, wellness, and community empowerment, Vanessa brings a powerful voice to this year’s theme, “The Year of the Woman.” Her leadership and lived experience inspire women across Austin to rise, lead, and thrive.
About Vanessa
PANEL SESSION
HEAL TALK- Mental Health Conversation
Moderated by Victoria Treviño
Victoria will lead a panel of exceptional women for this fireside-style chat. This powerful panel features bold, brilliant women breaking the silence around mental health. Through raw storytelling and lived experience, they share how they’ve overcome personal struggles while rising in their careers. Heal Talk is a celebration of resilience and a reminder that every challenge can fuel purpose and power.
- Maria Brown-Spence, Founder | Heart 2 Heal
- Clarena Tobon, Director of Strategic Advancement | ASHwell
- Dr. Toni Templeton, Research Scientist Faculty | University of Houston
About Victoria
Maria Brown-Spence, Panelist
Founder | Hearts 2 Heal
Clarena Tobon, Panelist
Director of Strategic Advancement | ASHwell
Dr. Toni Templeton, Panelist
Research Scientist Faculty | University of Houston
SPEAKER SESSION
Dr. Shauna Sobers, Doctor, Author & Speaker
Dr. Shauna T. Sobers is a leadership strategist, executive coach, resilience researcher, and TEDx speaker with over 20 years of experience. Through her company, she helps mission-driven organizations grow people-centered leaders, strengthen teams, and build inclusive workplace cultures. Known for her thoughtful presence and practical approach, her coaching is supportive, action-oriented, and grounded in real-world tools.
About Dr. Sobbers
AFTER PARTY
Mix & Mingle
Where: Location to be announced
When: After Get Smart
Note: There is no cost to attend this after party event, but drinks & refreshments are self-pay.
EPIC GIVEAWAYS
We will have some swag and door prizes in store for our guests.
Stay tuned for fun items from our sponsors and the WCA crew.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Putting on Get Smart requires the support of sponsors. Sponsorship is a great way to support your local business community, reach a large audience, and build goodwill. Women Communicators of Austin has over 250 members and over 1,800 newsletter subscribers, over 5,100 followers on Facebook, Instagram, & LinkedIn combined. We expect 75-100 attendees for the event.
Read About Sponsorship Levels Here
Our communicators have reach, authority, buying power, and influence!
We are offering companies the opportunity to be a Get Smart Conference event sponsor for a wide range of benefits:
- A hyperlinked mention on the event website
- A social media shoutout prior to the event
- An intro and thank you at the event
- A logo on shared screen with the next program topic/speaker at beginning and during transitions between sessions
- A mention in the invitation, reminder, and wrap-up email
If you’re interested in becoming a Get Smart sponsor this year, please contact our VP of Sponsorship Kathleen Hackney.
THANKS TO OUR 2025 SPONSORS
If you’re interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact VP of Development Kathleen Hackney .
