Registration opens for San Diego Women’s Week

First-time San Diego Women’s Week speakers include “Larry King Live” producer Wendy Walker

The four-day event organized by San Diego North Chamber of Commerce will be March 30 to April 2 at California Center for the Arts in Escondido.

“Women want to have a place to hear stories and want to be inspired and empowered,” said Debra Rosen, SDNCC president and CEO. “This is a great venue for it.”

She said the chamber is building upon the success of last year’s event by tweaking the format — holding it only over four days later in a week, having breakout sessions and not having themes limited to specific nights.

“There will be open topics each night … (mixing) family, business, health, fitness, fashion and beauty (presentations),” Rosen said.

New this year will be a beer-tasting educational session geared toward women, she said. Also new will be a fashion show and luncheon, with proceeds benefiting a yet-to-be announced local charity.

Returning speakers will include former 10News anchor Carol LeBeau talking about the stigma of mental health, Dr. Nick Yphantides talking about making positive changes in one’s life, LPGA golf professional Tina Mickelson and restaurant owner Ingrid Croce.

Among those making a first-time appearance will be Wendy Walker, an author and executive producer of “Larry King Live” formerly on CNN; Tanya Brown, Nicole Brown Simpson’s sister, who will talk about domestic violence; and Ed and Lois Smart, who wrote a book about the abduction and recovery of their then-teenage daughter, Elizabeth.

Other speakers throughout the week include Cathy Anderson, San Diego Film Commission president; Kim Barnouin, author of the New York Times best-seller “Skinny Bitch;” Dr. Ken Druck, from the Jenna Druck Foundation; Lauren Elaine, a professional actress, model and fashion designer; Kathleen Pacurar, CEO of San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine; Susie Walton, founder and president of Indigo Village; and Sam Zien, known for his television show “Sam the Cooking Guy.”

Tanya Brown

Ticket prices through Feb. 15 are $25 for the Wednesday, March 30 or Thursday, March 31 session (each 5:30-9:30 p.m.); $49 for the 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 1 fashion show and luncheon; $35 for the 5:30-9 p.m. Friday, April 1 session that includes runway shows on hair, makeup and fashion; $59 for the 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 2 session (includes lunch); and $149 for an “all inclusive” week pass.

For a schedule of speakers and events for each session and to register, go to www.sdwomensweek.com. For questions, call the chamber at 858-487-1767.