Photo Gallery: Greater Hartford Women's Conference

Olympic swimmer, model and mother Amanda Beard captivated an audience of about 150 women and a handful of men Wednesday as the keynote speaker for the 4th annual Greater Hartford Women's Conference.

Beard spoke of her experience as a breakout Olympic swimmer at age 14, her cycle of self-destructive behavior and struggles with anger and depression, and her journey back to wellness and excellence. Beard, who broke the world record twice in the 200-meter breaststroke, has participated in four Olympic games and won seven Olympic medals.

The 29-year-old native of Irvine, CA gave much credit to her new role as a mother. Beard gave birth to her son Blaise Ray in 2009, and provided the audience Wednesday with poignant anecdotes about pregnancy, motherhood and how she tries to balance new priorities with her competitive swimming schedule and sports commentating.

The Greater Hartford Women's Conference, presented by the South Windsor Chamber of Commerce at Maneeley's Banquet Facility, was a well-organized affair of speakers, vendors and networking. Breakout sessions throughout the day offered participants information about social networking, healthy eating, mental wellness, good organization, golf and fashion advice.

Exhibitors at the conference included:

• Alison Designs, West Hartford
• , Manchester
• , Enfield
• , Manchester
• , Manchester
• Jewels For Joni, Somers
• , Enfield
• Northeast Air Time Gymnastics, Enfield
• Patient Advocate For You, Windsor
• Peace of Jewelry, Granby
• State Farm Insurance, West Hartford
• Visiting Nurse & Health Services of Connecticut, Vernon
• , West Hartford