Annual Belton event celebrates women

By Sara Wiercinski

Belton’s 4th annual Women’s Conference is March 7 at Memorial Station. The one-day gathering has grown since 2022 into a tradition for local women, while attracting newcomers each year.

“It’s a place for women to feel good about themselves, learn about resources and hear funny stories along the way,” said Diane Huckshorn, President/CEO of the Belton Chamber of Commerce and founder of the event.

“Every year, the premise is the same: We get together to inspire, uplift and help women make connections,” said Huckshorn. “It’s also unique because it is not faith-based like many women’s conferences.”

The event combines social opportunities (networking, photo booth and coffee bar), shopping at some 18-20 local vendors– all members of the Belton Chamber of Commerce–live music, speakers and fundraising for Hope Haven, Cass County’s domestic violence shelter and support service center.

This year’s theme is “Focus,” using the camera as a metaphor for life. 

“We are all different, and we all need to work on something, whatever that looks like,” said Huckshorn. “This event invites us to ‘focus’ on what we need to.”

The lineup of speakers features women in different professional roles: Courtney Specht, creative and founder of Belton-based Stag & Bird Photography; Tiffany Mason, Chief Operating Officer of Belton Regional Medical Center; radio host Dana Wright from 98.1 FM KMBZ; Shelby Spencer, Account Executive with the Kansas City Royals; Kathy Feist, Editor/Publisher of the Martin City Telegraph and Jenna Giess, Executive Director of Hope Haven.

The Teresa Deaton Band returns this year for a morning performance. The band leader (and insurance agent by day) has been active in the Chamber and local music scene for years. She formed her own group in January 2024 and shortly after played last year’s Women’s Conference.

“Women face different challenges than men, whether in business or in music” said Deaton. “I’m glad to play at this gathering, because music lifts people up and brings us together.”

Deaton readily shares her feelings for her hometown: “I love Belton. People here go out of their way to create opportunities and help each other. It has a small town feel with a big town heartbeat.”

The Women’s Conference is built on giving back, with raffle proceeds donated to Hope Haven.

Huckshorn estimates the event has generated $6,000 for the nonprofit in the past three years.

Since opening in 1995, Hope Haven has provided shelter and support services for more than 16,000 survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The nonprofit also provides prevention education, including a crisis hotline, for Cass County, along with a pet shelter – all funded by donations and grants.  

“My heart breaks for these women and their stories I have come to know over the years,” said Huckshorn. “If there’s anything we as a society can do to help and break that chain, then morally we need to.”

Community members are invited to donate table centerpieces for the event, which will be raffled off at the end of the conference.

Huckshorn, who moved to Belton at age 12, has led the Belton Chamber of Commerce for 11 years. “It’s just one of those towns. It has everything you need and is still a small hometown feel with a main street.”

Tickets for the Women’s Conference are $60 each and include breakfast and lunch catered by Katie’s Catering, speakers and entertainment. 

Deaton encourages women to attend the conference for the first time and see for themselves. “It’s important to build connections with strong women. We need each other.”

Learn more by calling 816-331-2420.