First-Time Attendee Orientation
Monday, June 18, 1:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

This session is designed for first-time conference attendees, new Corporate and Government Members, new WBENC-Certified WBEs, or anyone looking to maximize their understanding of how to best connect while at the WBENC National Conference & Business Fair. With an eye towards how WBENC programs support your company and your business goals, this session will cover the strategies, tools and tactics to make your experience a success. Finally, as a WBENC-Certified WBE or woman business owner, you'll have the opportunity to participate in a session and role-play on perfecting your elevator pitch.

WBENCLink Training for WBEs
Tuesday, June 19, 2:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

WBENCLink, our Internet database, is a critical source of information for WBEs. This demonstration drills down into the details of this fundamental tool and highlights the WBE benefits of using the database.

WBENClink Training for Corporate and Government Members
Tuesday, June 19, 2:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

WBENCLink, our Internet database, is a critical procurement tool for Corporate and Government Members. This demonstration is tailor made for procurement representatives interested in learning how to navigate our powerful database filled with WBENC-Certified WBEs.

Trends Influencing Supplier Diversity

Tuesday, June 19, 2:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

This session is designed to share best practices and next practices with supplier diversity professionals on the trends and issues that may influence their supplier diversity programs. This workshop will offer a forum to discuss trends, methods and techniques that add value. Presentations will focus on the development in their businesses, notably on the development and enhancement of new programs focused on sustainability, innovation, data management and global supply chain.

Social Media Panel

Thursday, June 21, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

The term social media refers to the use of web-based and mobile technologies to turn communication into an interactive dialogue. Today, the traditional method of communicating to your customer, capturing new customers, promoting your business through print, static websites, television, or radio is not enough to secure your next sale, bid, or promote your brand. This workshop will provide details from top social media leaders on what works, what doesn't work and future trends.

Next Practices Roundtable
(Corporate and Government Members only)

Thursday, June 21, 2:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Join us for a facilitated roundtable session for Corporate Members only that will include the following topics:

• Sustainability - Going green is not only a trend it is a corporate and social responsibility. How are we changing our businesses to be more sustainable? What do corporations look for in WBEs?
• Innovation - How do we capitalize on the innovation of our suppliers to increase growth and shareholder value?
• Data Management - Data is the lifeblood of any business. Turning data into valuable information and insights is a competitive advantage. Learn about the trends and the challenges.
• Global Supply Chain - The global supply chain is complex. What are some of the best practices and solutions that can maximize and strengthen global supply chain operations?

Building Your Opportunities

Tuesday, June 19, 2:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

WBEs will learn how to create an industry niche, begin to develop contracts with lower tier companies and develop opportunities over time with larger corporations. This is specifically for smaller, startup, and first-time WBEs who are entering the WBE community and who don't know how to get started. This program will offer strategies and ideas on where to go, who to meet, what to do and how to get noticed in an industry, how to start getting contracts, build visibility and viability, especially in crowded fields.

Developing Multi-Tier Relationships

Thursday, June 21, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

The profitability of WBEs is challenged by shrinking corporate supply chains. However, multi-tier supplier diversity- the utilization of MWBEs and multi-tier programs (2nd and 3rd Tier programs) that enhance, and do not replace services-can be as important as 1st Tier when it comes to providing opportunities for women-owned businesses. Learn how to leverage and develop multi-tier relationships and discover how prime suppliers who use WBEs are beginning to understand that the supply chain with diversity inclusion wins.

Take a Walk in Your Customers' Shoes

Thursday, June 21, 2:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Insights into your customers' mindset are more important than ever. Increasingly, companies realize that good products alone do not provide sustainable advantage in the marketplace. To be successful, companies must acquire a deep understanding of the customer, built on insights that capture important and prevalent consumption needs. From product innovation to brand management and customer relationship management, the customer has become the driving force behind critical business processes. This session will address the importance of customer insights, and how to apply such knowledge when creating a total customer experience.

Do You Want To Win A Government Contract?
The Market Entry Decision

Tuesday, June 19, 2:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

It is likely that Federal buyers are already purchasing services or products like the ones you provide. While you may team or subcontract on a project, there are ways for you to be a prime on your first contract. First, you must determine whether you want to sell to this market. To decide, come hear the latest on the time investment, effort and approaches other business owners have taken to win government work.

• The time and money winners invest for that first win
• The biggest mistake, and how to avoid it
• When certification counts (and doesn't)
• Necessary first steps: Regulations
• Fast tracks to your first contract
• Resources that save you time and money
• And why you'll want to sign up for one of two on-site Learning Labs.

Standing Out From Your Competitors: Keys To Federal Contract Success

Thursday, June 21, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Registrations and certifications are just the beginning and with hundreds of companies competing for the same business, government contracting is more than a "me too" game. Join us to learn how to get from "in" to "WIN" and discover simple ways to set yourself apart from the competition and become top-of-mind for federal buyers, primes and partners.

Leveraging Government Representatives: Creating Advocates

Thursday, June 21, 2:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Hear from top federal agency small business specialists who are eager to meet with you, tell you what their agency is buying, and guide you to success. They will tell you how to work with them and how they can help. Even better, they will explain how doing your homework can turn federal agency small business specialists into champions for your business.