The 4th Annual Women In Leadership Luncheon. Over 200 in Lincoln Hall. Every word heard in the room.
The Southwestern Vermont Chamber’s fourth annual Women In Leadership Luncheon packed Hildene’s Lincoln Hall with over 200 attendees — the largest gathering this luncheon has had. Keynote speaker Deborah Slaner Larkin — former CEO of the Women’s Sports Foundation and a national Title IX advocate — brought a conversation that deserved a clear room. Lincoln Hall already carries its own gravity. Our job was to support the program without competing with it.
We ran a full audio system with wireless microphones throughout. Larkin’s keynote came from the podium mic. Three award presentations followed — Sarah Al Janabi (Young Woman in Leadership), Erin Kaufman (Woman of the Year), and Janice Corey (Lifetime Achievement) — with each honoree speaking at a mic at the front of the room. A special In Memory tribute to Rita Dee was woven into the program. Every word needed to land clearly in a room that was already paying attention.
Video was part of Deborah Larkin’s presentation and played back cleanly. Transitions between segments were managed live — display content and levels held steady from keynote through awards. Lighting highlighted the speakers and Lincoln Hall’s architecture without turning the afternoon into a light show. Presenting sponsors Berkshire Bank and Project Against Violent Encounters (PAVE) returned. Pangaea provided the meal.
The Chamber calls it a luncheon. It runs with care. The 2026 edition followed on May 13th.
“Equinox understood the heart of our event — celebrating women leaders and creating meaningful connections. Their technical expertise allowed us to focus on the program and our guests, knowing every word and every moment would be captured beautifully.”