It was a sold out day at a Newark business conference aimed at helping women reach the top of their companies.

The women learned about ways to advance in and take charge of their careers. The conference was sold out with more than 500 attendees, up from 350 last year.

“It’s all about hardcore leadership skills and then getting the decision makers to see those skills so we can…get those women in there,” says New Jersey Business and Industry Association president Michelle Siekerka.

The NJBIA put together the conference. Panels included top-level corporate leaders covering networking and negotiation skills.

News 12’s Katie Kyros hosted a panel on effective communication during difficult conversations. Panelists said communicating and connecting can sometimes mean more than any expertise.

“Knowing that it's OK to have a vision of going higher. They have to share that vision, not only have it in their head. They have to share it with the people that can help them move up,” says author and coach Leslie Grossman.

Attendees said that after the turbulence of the #MeToo movement, the time for women to prepare for new leadership roles is now.