SMART TALK announces all-star Ohio line-up

SMART TALK Connected Conversations™ is pleased to announce an unprecedented all-star line-up for its 2009 experiential events season at The Aronoff Center (topics and artist bios follow):

JANE PAULEY – Wednesday, January 14th – 7:30 pm
LIZ GILBERT – Wednesday, February 18th – 7:30 pm
BILLIE JEAN KING – Tuesday, March 17th – 7:30 pm
VICTORIA ROWELL – Tuesday, April 14th – 7:30 pm
DIANE KEATON – Tuesday, May 19th – 7:30 pm

“SMART TALK has a rich history in Cincinnati,” said Bob Benia, SMART TALK CEO and Founder. “Since 1999, we’ve been bringing amazing and accomplished women such as these to thrilled audiences at the Aronoff Center for the Arts. With this new line up, premiere venue, as well as our newly-designed Website with added features and functionality, the 2009 season promises to be our most rewarding yet.”

“More than ever before, SMART TALK patrons will experience that rare combination of entertainment and education, through performances that are more than lectures; they are interactive and connected conversations,” Benia added.

Benia also explained why SMART TALK is not offering tickets to individual events in 2009, but selling full subscription packages only. “This Series facilitates important connections – to the other women there and even on some level between the events themselves. SMART TALK is about relationships. It’s a complete experience – one that shouldn’t be missed.”

2008 SMART TALK subscribers will have the first opportunity to renew their same seats, change their seating location or add seats to their order for the 2009 season. Renewal information will be mailed to last year’s subscribers on October 2nd. Subscriptions for remaining seats will go on sale to the general public beginning October 31st. For more Series information visit: http://www.SmartTalkWomen.com The Aronoff Center for the Arts, Procter & Gamble Hall, is located at 650 Walnut Street in Cincinnati, OH.

Sponsorship opportunities may still be available. For more information on sponsorships, contact Diana Deibler (515) 681-2317.

About Smart Talk Media LLC
Smart Talk Media LLC is North America's premiere producer of women's live programming through experiential events featuring well-known and compelling individuals. SMART TALK Connected Conversations(TM) (SMART TALK), a subscription-only speaker series provides its audiences with inspirational, connected conversations -- from renowned entertainers, political figures and other accomplished individuals. Conversing with SMART TALK patrons on a range of highly-relevant and timely topics, the performers share their real, very personal views and life experiences in a way that is intimate, empowering and, above all, connected to the lives of women everywhere. SMART TALK combines its speaker series and other event elements to provide a platform for unparalleled, women-centered experiences that are always one part education, one part entertainment and all parts connected. The series is currently offered at premiere theatres in Des Moines, IA; Cincinnati, OH; Wilmington, DE; New Brunswick, NJ; Milwaukee, WI; as well as Minneapolis, MN. Several more cities are in the planning. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Smart Talk Media LLC, the producers of SMART TALK have been bringing women together since 1992. For more information, please visit http://www.smarttalkwomen.com/

Artist Topics and Bios:
JANE PAULEY
Practical Inspiration – Wednesday, January 14th – 7:30 pm
From pretty and poised to elegant and accomplished, Jane Pauley grew up in the public eye on America’s most highly acclaimed news programs. But it was her best-selling memoir, with its revelations of bipolar disorder and her struggle to balance work and life, which truly exposed her honesty and humanity. Now, Ms. Pauley shares “Practical Inspiration” – stimulating life lessons
from a consummate professional and exemplary individual.

LIZ GILBERT
Eat, Pray, Love – Wednesday, February 18th – 7:30 pm
Elizabeth Gilbert’s explosively popular Eat, Pray,Love swept readers away on a forceful tide of
playfulness, insight, humor and eloquence. In fact, this story of the year she spent in search of personal restoration following a difficult divorce was just a sampling of her prolific work and talents. The irony, honesty and quick wit of her award-winning journalism and other stories make her a captivating speaker and engaging role model.

BILLIE JEAN KING
Pressure Is a Privilege – Tuesday, March 17th – 7:30 pm
The tennis court is only one of the arenas in which Billie Jean King has earned the title of “Champion.” One of the most successful tennis players in history, she applies the determination
and prodigious talent that won her an abundance of titles and pioneering firsts to her ongoing
support of sport, social equality and philanthropy. While some people struggle with challenge or
adversity, Billie Jean acts on the notion that “Pressure Is A Privilege.”

VICTORIA ROWELL
The Women Who Raised Me – Tuesday, April 14th – 7:30 pm
Emmy Award-nominated Victoria Rowell seasoned her natural grace and agility with tenacity and training and flourished as a classical dancer and actor. But her experience as a foster child and the deep conviction that art and philanthropy saved her life are what most deeply motivate this 12-time NAACP Image Award-winner. As in her memoir, The Women Who Raised Me, she speaks compellingly of the transformative power of womanhood, mentoring, art and love.

DIANE KEATON
An Evening With Diane Keaton – Tuesday, May 19th – 7:30 pm
Starring in more than 50 films, Oscar Award winning actor Diane Keaton continues to draw audiences across all ages. In an exclusive SMART TALK appearance, Diane will speak candidly about the balance between her career, her work and her family. She will share the importance of creating that personal sanctuary to achieve inner and outer peace. From her personal insights to Hollywood tales, don’t miss an evening with this extraordinary and real woman.