Helping Others Win
HOW Conference 2026 is SOLD OUT - but if you get on the waitlist, you’ll be the first one notified if a seat opens up.
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 The HOW Conf 2026
Monday, September 28, 2026 - *Little Black Dress Celebration Event
*9/28/26 Event for VIP+ ticket holders & sponsors“With inspiring speakers, engaged sponsors, and real success stories, this event goes beyond business—it’s about strategic impact and meaningful relationships.”
Our mission is to Help Others Win
Founded in 2017, The HOW Conference has been bringing together an incredible mix of women in business—from entrepreneurs and small business owners to corporate leaders, executives, sales professionals and nonprofit changemakers. This is a room filled with women who want to grow, lead, connect and make things happen. They come from across Minnesota, and beyond—with some flying in and making The HOW Conference part of their professional development for the year.
Our boutique conference experience combines powerful speakers, real-world ideas, Signature Strategic + Structured Networking, meaningful conversations and plenty of energy and fun. You’ll meet women outside your usual circle, hear perspectives from different industries and walk away with new relationships, fresh ideas and opportunities to take action.
And while we're proudly a women’s business conference, a few good dudes join us too. Men who champion women, invest in their success, sponsor, support and believe in Helping Others Win.
Networking: SIGNATURE STRATEGIC + STRUCTURED NETWORKING
Networking at The HOW Conference is intentional. Our Signature Strategic + Structured Networking gets you into the room, into conversations and making connections that matter. You’ll learn our P.S.A. approach—Plan. Scan. Action.and immediately put it into practice, giving you a strategy you can use at every event long after The HOW Conference.
Confidence Building: 8 POWER TALKS. 8 BIG IDEAS.
Eight dynamic speakers take the stage for fast-paced, TED-style Power Talks designed to make you think, challenge you and give you something you can actually use. Each speaker brings a powerful idea, a real story and one word worth remembering.
The HOW Power Panel: Five accomplished leaders. One great conversation. 19-time Emmy Award winner Joe Schmit leads a lively panel designed to go beyond the polished answers. Expect real stories, smart questions, lessons learned and practical ideas you can take back to your business and career.
Breakout Sessions: Go deeper in the afternoon with expert-led breakouts tackling what’s really showing up in business and leadership today—owning your next move with authenticity, breaking the cycle of perfection and unreachable standards, communicating across generations, and using PR and AI to build greater visibility. Choose the conversation that speaks to where you are—and where you want to go next.
You Leave with Momentum: New connections. Fresh ideas. Practical strategies. Greater clarity about what comes next. And don’t forget the most important piece: Action. The real value of a conference often happens after you leave the room. Block your calendar now to follow up with the people you meet, continue the conversations and act on the ideas that sparked something in you. The conference creates the opportunity. Your action creates the momentum.
The Story of The HOW Conference™
The HOW Conference™ started with a rebrand, a room, and a really big network.
In 2017, Kelly Jahner-Byrne was stepping more intentionally into her brand as The HOW GAL™. Rather than simply announcing it, she decided to do what she does best: bring great people together, make introductions, share ideas, create opportunities, and Help Others Win.
What began as a rebranding event quickly became something much bigger.
Year after year, The HOW Conference grew into a community for women looking for something different from the typical business conference — more conversations, more practical ideas, more laughter, and a whole lot more connection.
Speakers became collaborators. Attendees became clients, referral partners, and friends. Businesses were launched, books were written, deals were made, and countless introductions turned into opportunities.
Today, The HOW Conference brings together entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, executives, authors, speakers, and women at every stage of business and career for powerful speakers, real-world conversations, intentional networking, and meaningful connection.
In 2026, we’re celebrating our 10th Anniversary a decade of sold-out events and thousands of connections.
A lot has grown since that first room in 2017, but the heart of her HOW philosophy hasn’t changed:
Bring good people together.
Create opportunities.
Have some fun.
Help Others Win.
Because sometimes one introduction, one conversation, or one moment of courage can change the direction of a business, career, or life.
And that is HOW it all started.
Kelly Jahner-Byrne | The HOW GAL™
Kelly Jahner-Byrne, CSP®, known as The HOW GAL™, is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, executive coach, three-time bestselling author, publisher, podcast host, and lifelong connector who has spent more than three decades helping people turn confidence, clarity, and action into momentum.
When Kelly takes the stage, it’s not just a speech. It’s an experience. There’s energy. There’s laughter. There’s a vibe. But behind it all is real, usable content designed to keep working long after the applause is over.
Kelly has taken the stage thousands of times and delivered more than 3,000 virtual presentations. She speaks across industries and especially loves working with associations, franchise organizations, and sales teams to strengthen relationships, build confidence, and turn ideas into action.
Before becoming The HOW GAL™, Kelly built a successful career in national and global sales, generating hundreds of millions in new business. Today, she is founder and CEO of The HOW Companies, Inc., including The HOW Marketing Company and The HOW Publishing, where she helps experts turn their knowledge, experience, and stories into books. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, she helped 24 authors become bestselling authors.
Kelly is also the creator and host of The HOW Conference™, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, and host of The HOW Show podcast, where she brings together people, ideas, stories, and opportunities that move others forward.
A Certified Speaking Professional® (CSP®) with more than 25 years of professional speaking experience, Kelly’s career has included an award-winning cable television program, numerous business and community honors, including bBusiness of the Year, and yes, once upon a time, a crown as Mrs. Minnesota. There may have been a high kick or two along the way.
But some of the numbers Kelly is proudest of have nothing to do with business. Giving back has been woven throughout her career, and through nonprofit leadership, fundraising, events, and community involvement, she has helped raise more than $8 million for nonprofit organizations and causes. She founded and led her own nonprofit to $1.1 million in charitable giving for cancer research, services and treatment.
Through it all, Kelly has built her career around one simple idea:
People create possibilities. Action creates momentum.
She opens her network, makes the introduction, asks the question, challenges the room, and gets people moving.
Because The HOW GAL™ isn’t about telling people what they should do. It’s about creating an experience that makes them want to do something next.
Confidence. Clarity. Action. Momentum.
That’s The HOW GAL™ experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The HOW Conference is for ambitious women business owners, executives, leaders, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs who want to grow their network, strengthen their confidence, sharpen their communication skills, and create real business momentum. If you're ready to connect with like-minded professionals, gain practical strategies, and take action on your goals, you'll feel right at home at The HOW Conference.
Yes, we are a women’s conference but every year there are a “few good dudes” that join us, support us and benefit from the business referrals and relationships we curate.
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Business casual to business chic—dress in a way that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to connect. The HOW Conference is all about building relationships, learning, and growing your business, so come prepared to make a great impression.
*For VIP+ attendees joining the Little Black Dress Event on September 28, cocktail attire is suggested. While a little black dress is certainly welcome, it's not required. Wear what makes you feel your best and ready for an event full of connection and celebration.
Gents…a sport coat will do it or a suit. There will be photos we’re sure. :)
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By securing a VIP+ ticket to our conference, you’ll unlock a whole new level of fabulousness. Discount room rates for attendees. Plus, as a VIP+, you’ll get exclusive access to the networking breakfast and the little black dress event, where connections will flourish, inspiration will flow, and memories will be made. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be a part of something truly extraordinary. Grab your VIP+ ticket now and prepare to be connected and inspired like never before.
You will receive an invitation to the 2 pre-conference VIRTUAL NETWORKING events held on August 31st from 12PM-1PM CST and again on September 21st rom 12PM-1PM CST. This is an AMAZING opportunity to meet many attendees and build relationships prior to the conference.
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There are several options. All parking is at a fee to the attendee and can be Ramp, Street or if you stay downtown, your hotel. Conference attendees get a special Sept 29th rate.
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Absolutely! Sponsoring The HOW Conference puts your brand in front of ambitious women business owners, leaders, and decision-makers. It's a powerful opportunity to build visibility, make meaningful connections, and align your company with one of the Midwest's premier women's business events.
We love our SPONSORS and when the VIP+ tickets are SOLD OUT that is the only path to a VIP+ experience. (Click here for details)
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New connections. New ideas. New momentum.
Learn from 15+ best-selling authors and expert speakers through Power Talks, one engaging panel discussion, and interactive workshops. You'll gain practical strategies for leadership, sales, communication, technology, confidence, and business growth.
The HOW Conference is also known for its signature Strategic-Structured Networking™ rounds, designed to help you make meaningful connections while learning the art of networking. You'll discover common networking mistakes that can damage confidence and credibility, learn how to make a memorable first impression, and master the follow-up strategies that turn conversations into lasting relationships and opportunities.
You'll leave with actionable ideas, valuable connections, and the momentum to move your business and career forward.
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Absolutely! We’ve struck a deal with 2 hotels that’s so good, it’ll make you want to do a happy dance in your entrepreneur shoes. Elliot Park Hotel or Hyatt Place.
Book your room for The HOW Conference.
To make your reservation, please book through the group booking link provided or call the hotel directly at 612-333-3111. When calling, please reference The HOW Companies and provide the dates of your stay to receive the group rate. Please note that the reservation cut-off date is Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Reservations made after this date are subject to availability and prevailing rates.
Parking:$20 per vehicle, per night.
Cancellation Policy: Reservations may be canceled without penalty until 11:59 PM local hotel time, two (2) days prior to arrival. Cancellations made after this deadline will incur a fee equal to one night's room and tax
To make your reservation, please book through the group booking link provided or call the hotel directly at 612-389-2300. When calling, please reference The HOW Conference and provide the dates of your stay to receive the group rate. Please note that the reservation cut-off date is Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Reservations made after this date are subject to availability and prevailing rates.
Parking: Valet parking is available directly in front of the hotel for $54 per vehicle, per night.
Cancellation Policy: Reservations may be canceled without penalty until 11:59 PM local hotel time, two (2) days prior to arrival. Cancellations made after this deadline will incur a fee equal to one night's room and tax
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Tickets are nonrefundable. You may transfer your ticket to another for a $25 fee 7 days prior to the conference. On site transfers are $50 and must have documentation from the original ticket holder email. No new ticket sales at the door.