You don’t have to wait around for flowers and chocolate this year … you can invest in yourself instead, by taking part in the Carolina Business Woman Conference.

With expert speakers and workshops on topics from building confidence to managing cash flow and maximizing the use of social media, this first-time event is an offshoot of the Carolina Business Woman newsletter, which features articles written by successful women in business.

“The conference is designed to bring women together, so they can network in person and learn how to move their businesses forward through hands-on workshops,” said conference organizer and communications specialist Pat Fontana of Cary, the founder of WordsWorking.

“It’s directly tied into the work of the Carolina Business Woman newsletter, with both having the specific goal of helping women in business. The conference will help women who are working full time while building a part-time business, and those who are in a business full time but need to take it to the next level.”

Keynote speaker for the conference is Rebecca Cherry, president of Cherry Consulting of the Carolinas Inc., which provides management consulting services to both public and private sector transportation providers.

What else can attendees expect to take away from the conference experience?

“New contacts, knowledge, and the inspiration to move their businesses forward,” Fontana said. “They will learn how to network more effectively, set and reach financial goals, build lists, identify their ideal clients, use their body language appropriately, maintain accurate records, market using social media, and plan for a successful financial future.”

Early registration for the Carolina Business Woman Conference, at $95, runs through Feb. 14. After that date, registration is $135.

The conference will take place on Friday, March 3 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Hyatt House, 10962 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville.

For more details, visit cbwconference.com.