The countdown to Kayo’s upcoming June Summits is officially underway! Whether you’re attending our Healthcare Private Equity Summit, Real Estate Summit, or Energy & Infrastructure Summit, for the first time or the 10th, I want the women attending to get the most value from their Kayo experience with clear preparation.
From behind the scenes, here are my top recommendations for making the most of your Kayo Summit this June.
1. Participate in Meet the Speakers
One of the most overlooked networking opportunities at a Kayo Summit is the Meet the Speakers transition. Strategically scheduled in between track transitions, Speakers stay at the front of the ballroom to answer 1:1 questions from the audience. Instead of rushing to grab a snack or a coffee, use that strategic transition time to connect with the speakers you want to meet.
The speaker list has been published for weeks now, so spend some time reviewing it carefully. Don’t just look for the biggest names. Look for women whose expertise, career path, company, or perspective aligns with your goals.
Ask yourself:
- Who would I genuinely like to meet?
- Who could provide insight on a challenge I’m facing?
- Who might be a valuable future client, investor, partner, or mentor?
- Who has built a career path I admire?
Then plan to ask them a question during Q&A (last 5 minutes of every segment) or grab them during Meet the Speakers.
2. Remember the Onsite 1:1 Meeting Hall
A new addition to Kayo Summits is our 1:1 Meeting Hall. Unlike a traditional conference where networking often feels rushed between sessions or you’re scrambling to find meeting space in the lobby/café/restaurant next door, the 1:1 Meeting Hall is specifically reserved as a networking space for planned or impromptu conversations.
Tables are first come, first served and meetings are scheduled on your own. You don’t have to stress about a third party platform with a separate login and hidden DM inbox with complicated integration to your Outlook. Simply use the attendee list, sent out mid-June, which includes the email addresses of attendees who chose to opt in to and plan your meetings the way you like to, without clunky constraints.
If there are people you know you want to meet, proactively suggest a time and plan to connect in the 1:1 Meeting Hall.
3. Dress for the Occasion
There’s nothing like experiencing a finance conference where there isn’t a sea of navy. At Kayo events, women show up professionally while still expressing their personal style. In a way, it’s like an unofficial and non-competitive fashion show.
The dress code is business professional with a feminine flair. Kayo is a finance conference, but it’s also one of the few professional environments where you can fully embrace both professionalism and personality. Don’t be afraid to have fun with your wardrobe. It’s part of what makes the atmosphere feel energetic, welcoming, and uniquely Kayo.
Think:
· Classy shirt dresses
· Bold colors & prints
· Statement jewelry
· Classic neutral and tailored suits
· Shoes that make you feel confident
For example, one day you’ll see me in a bold print blouse and matching skirt from Mango.com. The next day, I’ll be in a classic M.M. Lafleur dress with all my signature tortoiseshell accessories.
4. Join the Group Walks
A Summit tradition and one of the best networking options throughout the event is our group walks.
These low-intensity, casual walks create a completely different environment for conversation than traditional networking settings. Without a formal agenda or crowded room, you’ll leave your blazer at the hotel, open up, and build relationships more naturally.
If you’ve attended Kayo before, you know these walks have become somewhat legendary. From the South Beach boardwalk in Miami to the Harbour Walk in Boston to the Monument Walk in D.C., each one is truly enjoyable. And yes, I will be joining every single one in D.C. this June, so you can count on me to be your daily step count accountability partner!
If you’re looking for a natural way to meet people, see a beautiful part of D.C., get some steps and sunshine, this is one of the best opportunities of the entire conference.
5. Immerse Yourself in The Wharf
A hidden advantage of attending this June’s Summits is the location itself: The Wharf District of D.C. This vibrant section of our nation’s capital is more like a modern waterfront oasis than a traditional business conference setting.
The Wharf offers incredible walkability (see recommendation 4 above), beautiful views of the water, outdoor gathering spaces and some of the city’s best restaurants, all within a few minutes’ stroll of the Summit venue.
My advice? Don’t spend every moment after hours in your hotel. Pack some lightweight, breezy clothing (hello June in the Mid-Atlantic region), invite a new connection to grab a coffee with you at the adjacent French bistro. Join one of the sponsor-hosted dinners after the Welcome Reception. Come in a day early or stay over an extra night to enjoy some of the local attractions including paddle boarding, museum tours, monument viewing and more.
6. Show Up Authentically
Last, but most importantly, be vulnerable. Kayo attracts some of the most impressive women in finance, alternative investing, and private equity but what surprises many first-time attendees is how approachable they are. This community is built on generosity. Come prepared to ask for help. Ask for introductions. Ask for advice. Ask questions. Ask about opportunities.
But also come prepared to give. Share lessons learned. Offer connections. Provide perspective. Be willing to help someone else solve a problem. The strongest professional networks are built on mutual generosity, not transactions.
Every year I watch women leave Kayo with new business relationships, mentors, clients, investment opportunities, board connections, and lifelong friendships. It starts with showing up as yourself and knowing that it is going to be a warm and welcoming environment.
Final Thoughts
The women who get the most from Kayo don’t attend passively. They prepare intentionally.
Meet the speakers uniquely. Embrace the venue and proactively schedule meetings. Join the walks. Dress confidently. Be engaged in your surroundings. Be generous.
Most importantly, be yourself. Because while the content may bring you to Kayo, it’s the relationships that will stay with you long after the conference ends.
I’ll see you in June. Happy Networking!
WRITTEN BY HANNAH WYNNYK
President & COO of Kayo Conference Series
