You don't need another networking event. You need the right room.
Connected & Paid Live is an intimate two-day women's business and leadership experience designed to turn visibility into meaningful relationships and real opportunities.
Join us November 6–7, 2026, at Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook, Illinois, for two days of intentional connection, practical business conversations, inspiring speakers and experiences designed to help you move forward.
This isn't a conference where you sit in the audience all day, collect business cards and go home.
We're creating an environment where you can meet women who understand what you're building, share resources, explore collaborations and develop relationships that continue long after the event ends.
Visibility. Relationships. Opportunities.
What if you left with more than inspiration?
Imagine leaving Connected & Paid Live with:
- A new relationship that could lead to a collaboration.
- Someone who understands your business well enough to refer you.
- Practical strategies you can implement immediately.
- A connection to someone who can help you navigate your next opportunity.
- A clearer understanding of how to position yourself and your business.
- Women you genuinely want to stay connected with.
We can't promise a client, contract or partnership. What we can promise is an experience intentionally designed to create space for meaningful conversations and connections.
Two days. One intentional experience.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Relationship Mixer + Women's Impact Awards
Friday evening is about getting to know the room.
Join us for an elevated relationship-building experience featuring:
- An opening keynote from Mary Santana, The Power of One Yes!
- The Connected & Paid Women's Impact Awards
- Who's in Your Room? — a conversation about relationships and opportunity
- Facilitated introductions and connection experiences
- Passed hors d'oeuvres
- Opportunities to meet speakers, partners and fellow attendees
You don't need to know anyone before you arrive.
The evening is designed to make it easier to start conversations and connect with women you might not otherwise meet.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Connected & Paid Live | Approximately 9 AM–5 PM
Saturday brings together practical education, meaningful conversations and opportunities to put what you're learning into action.
We'll explore:
Visibility and positioning: Becoming known for what you do and helping the right people understand your value.
Corporate opportunities: Understanding how to position your expertise for corporate contracts.
Marketing that converts: Building relationships with your audience through email and intentional communication.
Business protection and financial readiness: Understanding important legal, accounting and business considerations as you grow.
Relationships and collaboration: Creating genuine connections that can lead to referrals, partnerships and opportunities.
Leadership and wealth: Building businesses and careers that reflect your goals and values.
Throughout the day, you'll also participate in interactive experiences, connection breaks, a Connected Lunch, and opportunities to share what you need and what you can offer.
Saturday lunch is included.
Meet some of the women joining us
Michelle Thames — Founder, Connected & Paid Live; Visibility Strategist
Mary Santana — Founder & Executive Director, The Miracle Center; Opening Keynote
Taylor Smith — Founder & CEO, The Power Table; Featured Keynote
Kirstyn Allen — Founder, Kirstyn J. Allen Consulting Group; Corporate Contracts Featured Session
Melissa Seideman — Email Marketing Specialist; Featured Session
Lauren J. Buckner, Esq. — Business Attorney and Strategist; Speaker Spotlight
Deja Warner-Coleman, EA — Founder, Warner's Accounting & Tax Services; Spotlight Sponsor and Money Moment Presenter
Plus additional founders, entrepreneurs and leaders bringing their experience and expertise to the room.
Programming and speaker times are subject to change.
Who should attend?
Connected & Paid Live is for women who are building businesses, careers, brands, communities and their next chapters.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, founder, creator, consultant, coach, service provider or professional, this experience is for you if you're ready to be intentional about your visibility and relationships.
You don't need a huge following.
You don't need to have everything figured out.
You do need to be open to connecting, contributing and taking action.
Why the room is intentionally small
Connected & Paid Live is designed for approximately 70 people total, including speakers, partners and our team.
We're keeping the experience intimate so attendees have more opportunities to interact, participate in conversations and get to know the women around them.
Our goal isn't for you to meet everyone.
It's for you to make connections that matter.
Your ticket includes
- Friday Relationship Mixer + Women's Impact Awards
- Friday opening keynote and programming
- Saturday conference admission
- Keynotes, featured sessions and panel conversations
- Interactive connection and implementation experiences
- Saturday lunch
- Opportunities to connect with speakers, partners and fellow attendees
Travel and hotel accommodations are not included.
Event details
Dates: Friday, November 6 – Saturday, November 7, 2026
Location: Hyatt Lodge, Oak Brook, Illinois
Friday: Evening programming
Saturday: Approximately 9 AM–5 PM
Detailed arrival instructions, the final schedule, dress guidance and other event information will be emailed to registered attendees.
About your host
I'm Michelle Thames, a visibility strategist, entrepreneur and founder of Connected & Paid.
After more than 16 years in marketing, I've learned that visibility can get you noticed, but relationships are often what turn that attention into opportunities.
Some of the most meaningful opportunities in my career began with a conversation, an introduction or someone saying my name in a room I wasn't in.
That's why I created Connected & Paid Live.
I want women to leave with more than notes and inspiration.
I want them to leave knowing who they're going to call, who they can help and what they're going to do next.
The right room. The right relationships. The right opportunities.
Join us November 6–7 in Oak Brook.
Reserve your seat for Connected & Paid Live.
Event venue
Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook Chicago, 2815 Jorie Blvd, Oak Brook, IL 60523, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.