Don Lemon, correspondent and anchor of "CNN Tonight with Don Lemon", will be the opening keynote speaker for the 32nd Annual NAMIC Conference, October 16-17, 2018 at the New York Marriott Marquis. The respected news professional will set the tone for the conference under the theme, "Empower Leaders, Create Superheroes", by sharing his inspiring journey and offering thought-provoking insights.

"The ongoing conversation around diversity and inclusion is more important than ever and I am looking forward to the opportunity of being part of an event that has helped lead the charge in our industry for over 30 years," Lemon offered.

Additional conference highlights include the L. Patrick Mellon Mentorship Program Luncheon, the Annual Awards Luncheon, honoring the recipient of the Mickey Leland Humanitarian Achievement Award, celebrating the 2018 class of Next Generation Leaders and Luminaries, and the Excellence in Multicultural Marketing Awards (EMMA). The conference will continue its tradition of powerful, provocative educational sessions and intentional networking events.

Actor, activist and producer Alyssa Milano joins WICT's powerful line-up for their  2018 Leadership Conference. The theme for the two day event is "The Intersection of Imagination and Activation."

Joining Milano on the panel, "Beyond the Hashtags - Creating a New Normal," will be Susan Chira of the New York Times, Fernanda Merodio of Hemisphere Media Group and Michelle Rice of TV One. The panelist will discuss ways that men and women, working together, can seek solutions and strive for awareness and equity in the wake of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements.

The WICT Leadership Conference is the preeminent leadership and professional development opportunity for cable professionals at all levels of their career journeys. Registration for the conference includes attendance at the WICT Touchstones Luncheon on Monday, October 15. During the luncheon, WICT will recognize the 2018 Women of the Year and Women to Watch honorees. The honorees include:

WICT Announces Honorees
for 2018 "Woman of the Year" and "Woman to Watch"

Woman of the Year - Operator
Italia Commisso Weinand, EVP, Programming and Human Resources
Mediacom Communications Corporation

Woman of the Year - Programmer 
Mary Campbell,Chief Merchandising & Interactive Officer
Qurate Retail Group
 
Woman to Watch - Operator
Kristine Faulkner, SVP, General Manager, Cox Home Security & Smart Home 
Cox Communications

Woman to Watch - Programmer
Izabella Wiley, General Manager, A+E Networks Poland & CEE 
A+E Networks
 
Woman to Watch - Technology
Leslie Miles, VP, Corporate Programs & Indirect Procurement 
ARRIS