LIMA — Girl Scouts from across western Ohio will attend G.I.R.L. 2017, the largest girl-led event in the world, hosted by Girl Scouts of the USA.

The conference will be Oct. 6–8 in Columbus,at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, where more than 10,000 girls, women, leaders and influencers are expected to attend. Girl Scouts of Western Ohio will join other girls in grades K–12 from all over the United States for this one-of-a-kind event featuring fun, educational experiences; live entertainment; and daily celebrations and breakout sessions designed for and by girls. Attendees do not need to be Girl Scouts to attend. This event is open to all girls, allowing everyone to benefit from the more than 100-year-old leadership development organization.

In line with the theme, “Experience the Power of a G.I.R.L.,” the event will provide every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader) from Girl Scouts of Western Ohio with opportunities to celebrate achievements, get inspired and gain the tools they need to empower themselves and create change in the their communities.

At the heart of G.I.R.L. 2017 is the Hall of Experiences, where girls will participate in hands-on activities to explore a variety of topics. Attendees can also take part in networking and educational experiences that focus on the Girl Scout pillars of science, technology, engineering and math; entrepreneurship; life skills and the outdoors.

Speakers will include Barbara Pierce Bush, Chelsea Clinton, Gabby Douglas, Caly Bevier, Marley Dias, Angelica Hale, Gabby Frost, Katie Willcox and Arthel Neville.

Parents and all those who support girls are also invited to accompany their girls and join in adult-targeted activities and workshops focused on helping their girls succeed.

“We are thrilled for our girls to have this invaluable opportunity to build on their skills to become leaders in today’s society. G.I.R.L 2017 will bring them face-to-face with inspirational women who are transforming the world,” said Roni Luckenbill, CEO of Girl Scouts of Western Ohio. “We’re confident that after attending, our girls will have a new energy and excitement to bring change and make a difference throughout western Ohio and beyond, more so than ever before.”

Registration for G.I.R.L. 2017 is open, and girlscouts.org/girl2017 is being updated frequently with the latest information. To register, visit http://www.girlscouts.org/en/about-girl-scouts/GIRL-2017.html. For news, updates or to share support for girls, follow #GIRL2017 on Twitter.