Whether you’re looking to learn more about the dance fitness craze known as “Zumba” or how to use LinkedIn for a career search, this year’s Women’s Leadership Conference offers something for everyone — even faculty and staff.

In year’s past, registrants for the conference have typically been students. However, Colleen Riggle, director of the Women’s Resource Center, and Liz Tarpey, chair of the event committee, hope that more faculty and staff will come out and support this year’s conference, planned for October 29-30.

“We would love to see more faculty and staff attend the event,” Riggle said. “Those who have attended in the past have said that our event is as good as other national conferences they go to, in terms of organization, sessions offered and food.”

Held annually since 1998, the conference was organized to bring women on campus together and promote leadership.

This year’s event will open with a reception and dinner at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center where an outstanding faculty and staff member, alumna, and a graduate and an undergraduate student will receive the 2010 Women of Distinction Awards.

Over the course of the weekend, attendees will hear from three keynote speakers, including Tricia Downing, the first female paraplegic to complete an Iron Distance Triathlon.

Riggle thinks that Downing’s story is a great example of this year’s WLC theme, “Rise Above the Ordinary.”

“This theme is why I was attracted to Tricia’s story,” she said. “She is a paraplegic who has completed a triathlon — which is something out of the ordinary.”

In addition to the keynotes, workshops will be offered during the three Saturday sessions that focus on everything from fitness to goal setting.

Volunteers are always needed, whether they are faculty, staff or students, Riggle said. Most volunteer for two hours or more, and in return, receive a discounted registration rate.

And if you don’t have time to volunteer or attend, you can always donate to the cause.

“We rely on the generosity of our sponsors and donations to keep the registration fees low,” Riggle added.