• by Karl Greenberg , October 7, 2014

A number of major consumer brands are traveling to Dana Point, Calif. to sponsor ESPN's annual conference on women in athletics, “espnW: Women + Sports Summit,” of which Toyota serves as presenting sponsor. 

Of the three-day event, starting Wednesday at St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort and focused on how and where women can improve their opportunities in sports, returning sponsors include CoverGirl, Gatorade, JBL and Under Armour. A new sponsor is global professional services and staffing firm EY.

The media company says brand participation at its event includes on-site programs, as well as digital and social activations across espnW’s platforms. Toyota will use its presenting sponsor position for a cause award program, “Everyday Heroes,” that will celebrate three people who have used sports to help women and girls in their communities. 

CoverGirl is activating its sponsorship with a campaign called #GirlsCan across espnW titles. The ads show female athletes who have broken barriers throughout history. At the summit, the brand will give attendees Cover Girl products. 

The summit includes a schedule of athletic activities for attendees, and Gatorade will give out its products at the morning runs, core training, surfing, yoga and cycling events. James Carter from the Gatorade Sports Science Institute will participate in the Summit's performance panel, "Human Potential and Pushing Beyond Our Limits."

Consumer electronics brand JBL, the official sound partner, will give attendees JBL Reflect BT Wireless Sport headphones, whose development the company says was influenced by feedback from 2013 Summit attendees. The company will also present a surf camp. Under Armour, as the Summit’s official training partner, will give attendees apparel, footwear and accessories from their women’s collection and will sponsor yoga and fitness classes run by some well-known instructors. 

The Summit’s newest partner, EY, will be featuring its Women Athletes Business Network, for female athletes after their retirement from sport.