To get familiar with the WBENC National Conference schedule, follow these tips:

1. Refer to the Schedule-At-A-Glance: This condensed overview provides a quick snapshot of the conference schedule.
2. Read Conference Materials and Stay Updated: Keep an eye out for any pre-conference materials or emails sent by WBENC. We will provide updates on specific events and additional schedule details as the 2026 WBENC National Conference approaches. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date!
3. Engage with your Regional Partner Organization in advance: Your RPO will be sharing valuable information and preparation resources, including networking opportunities so that you can connect with fellow WBEs before you hit the ground in New Orleans.
4. Review Session Descriptions: Look for descriptions of each session or workshop once announced. This will give you an idea of the content and focus of each event, helping you decide which ones are most relevant to you.
5. Prepare to Network and Engage: Take note of any networking events, receptions, or social gatherings. These can be valuable opportunities to connect with fellow attendees.
6. Attend Virtual Conference Orientation sessions! This will be the BEST way to get the latest and greatest on how to best prepare for Conference. Registered attendees will get an email with a link to sign up!
7. Download the WBENC App (COMING MID-MAY’26): Download and install the app on your smartphone or tablet. The app provides access to the full schedule, session details, and networking features, and is only available to registered attendees.
8. Plan Your Sessions: Based on your interests and goals, make a plan for which sessions you want to attend with the Conference mobile app (COMING MID-MAY’26).
9. Set Reminders: If you’re using a digital calendar, set reminders for the sessions you want to attend. This way, you won’t miss any important events.

By staying updated and getting prepped in advance, you’ll be well prepared and familiar with the WBENC National Conference schedule, making the most out of your conference experience!

Meet & Greet is structured roundtable networking that offers WBEs a unique opportunity to engage with procurement representatives of WBENC National Corporate Members. This facilitates meaningful interactions and opens doors for potential business collaborations.

WBENC will host Meet & Greet sessions during the conference on Tuesday, June 16.

Corporate Members host tables and WBEs sit down at a table of their choice. Each round lasts 25 minutes where WBEs and the host Corporate Member introduce themselves and their companies. Subject to availability, WBEs will be able to select a seat at a table of their choice for each round.

This year, Meet and Greet is open to all attendees with a full conference registration.

If you have any questions, please contact matchmakers@wbenc.org.

Tuesday, June 16 | 8:45 am – 5:15 pm 

Transform your morning into an exhilarating journey through eight dynamic industries throughout our Industry Workshops.

More details coming soon!

Step into the heart of excitement and turbocharge your networking game at the WBENC Expo! This is your chance to mix and mingle with the exhibitors you’ve had your sights on. Take your time strolling through the specialized Industry sections, and at every corner, discover a wealth of exhibitors waiting to forge new connections, offer solutions, and open doors to fresh prospects.

It’s not just an expo—it’s a bustling hub of networking and information galore! In addition to discovering a world of expo booths, engage in hands-on exhibitor demonstrations, dive into interactive activities, explore Women Owned Demo Stations, and seize invaluable 1:1 meeting opportunities. Get ready for an experience that’s more than just booths—it’s a dynamic showcase of possibilities!

Open Expo Hours:

• Wednesday, June 17 | 12:00 – 5:00 pm 
• Thursday, June 18 | 8:30 – 11:30 am 

Make a LASTING impression with approximately 4,000+ attendees as an exhibitor at the 2026 WBENC National Conference!

Prepare for an exhilarating week with the WBENC network, where the General Sessions will energize and inspire you as you kick off your week. Get ready to gather invaluable insights about the network and join in the celebration of the remarkable individuals who breathe life into the vibrant WBENC community.

These sessions are not to be missed, offering a unique blend of wisdom, camaraderie, and inspiration that will leave you energized and empowered. Get ready to dive into an event that goes beyond the ordinary – it’s a celebration of innovation, resilience, and the spirit of entrepreneurship.

General Sessions
Monday, June 15
2:00 – 3:00 pm 

Wednesday, June 17
9:00 – 11:00 am

WBENC Regional Partner Organizations (RPOs) are 14 dynamic organizations that serve as local touchpoints, providing invaluable support, resources, and expertise to women-owned businesses. 

At the 2026 WBENC National Conference, these RPOs will be strategically organized into designated rooms, each representing a distinct region. These Meet Ups aim to create powerful connections with each attendee’s local network and create a seamless and enriching experience, allowing them to carry these new relationships with them throughout the rest of conference and beyond.

Whether you’re seeking certification, exploring growth opportunities, or looking to expand your network, the RPOs at the conference will be your trusted guides, ready to propel your business forward. Don’t miss this chance to connect with these pivotal partners and harness the full potential of your business.

RPO Meet Up & Activity
Monday, June 15 3:30 – 5:20 pm

Seize this golden opportunity to rekindle old connections, extend warm greetings, and forge exciting new bonds within your RPO as you embark on an impactful week in Salt Lake City.

WBENC Cafe Lunches

Tuesday, June 16
12:00 – 2:00 pm 

Wednesday, June 17
11:00 – 1:00 pm 

Thursday, June 18
12:00 – 2:00 pm 

This open format buffet style lunch welcomes attendees to come and go as you wish.

One of the most powerful parts about the National Conference is the generous amount of time for casual networking. Have some fun with your dynamic network of powerful women and #Hes4Shes. And let’s not forget the evening events – they’re the golden ticket to uncovering fresh connections and supercharging the ones you already have. Our Salt Lake City events will be filled with opportunity! We’re counting down the days to welcome you there!

Monday Evening Event
Monday, June 15 | 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Kick off the week with an unforgettable evening inspired by the wonder of America’s National Parks. This opening reception invites you to gather, connect, and explore in a relaxed, high-energy atmosphere that sets the tone for the days ahead. Mingle with colleagues while enjoying park-inspired touches, interactive activities, and moments of discovery designed to spark conversation and connection. Whether you’re reconnecting with familiar faces or meeting new ones, this reception is your trailhead—launching a shared journey of business opportunity, collaboration, and growth.

Tuesday Evening Event
Tuesday, June 16 | 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Sneaker Jam is back and bolder than ever! Kick off the WBENC National Conference in style at the Fourth Annual Sneaker Jam, hosted by LEO Events and WBENC. This high-energy reception invites all badged attendees to lace up their boldest sneakers and dive into an evening of music, mingling, and movement.

Celebrate women-owned innovation as you explore curated experiences and products in the vibrant Women’s Marketplace. Snap pics, savor tasty bites, and hit the dance floor with interactive entertainment. Bring your flair—and your footwear—for a chance to win in our sneaker style showdown, with prizes for Best Group Look, Most Unique Sneaker, Flashiest Sneaker, and Audience Favorite.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a Sneaker Jam veteran, this is the party you don’t want to miss. Let’s jam!

Wednesday Evening Event – Offsite

Wednesday, June 17th | 6:00 – 9:00 pm 

Attire: Business Casual

WEConnect International Day is where global business happens. Held on Thursday, June 18, the last day of the WBENC National Conference, International Day brings together growth-focused women-owned businesses from around the world with corporate buyers and thought leaders for a powerful day of networking, 1:1 matchmaking, live pitch opportunities, and expert insights.

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, June 17, 2026
• Location: The Salt Palace Convention Center
• Audience: Women-owned businesses, corporate member buyers, government representatives, and global industry leaders
• Website: weconnectinternational.org/internationalday 
• Contact Information: events@weconnectinternational.org

Women Owned is a dynamic initiative fueled by the powerhouse collaboration between WBENC and WEConnect International. Together, we’re sparking a movement of support for women-led businesses. We’re not just talking about it; we’re taking action! We’re here to back female entrepreneurs and everyone who recognizes their value. Join us in spreading the word about the ‘why,’ ‘where,’ and ‘how’ of buying Women Owned.

In Salt Lake City, Women Owned will activate on the Expo floor with Demo Stations from Women Owned brands, and with themed mini Women Owned Pop Up shops during each evening event.

At the Demo Stations you can expect demos, samples and products available for sale from amazing Women Owned brands.

At the Pop Up Shop you can expect a variety of exciting products just waiting to go home with you. Get ready to invest in women and #BuyWomenOwned!

Women Owned Pop Up Shops will take place throughout the week’s Evening Events. More to come! 

Women Owned Demo Stations will take place during the Expo

• Wednesday, June 17 | 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm MT
• Thursday, June 18 | 8:30 – 11:30 am MT

Questions? Please email womenowned@wbenc.org.

The WBENC Collegiate Accelerator is a cohort-based, multifaceted entrepreneurial program that fosters growth for early-stage collegiate founders and their participating startup ventures. WBENC is proud to invest in the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and women-owned businesses through the support of WBENC Corporate and Government Members.

Collegiate Accelerator Pitch Competition

Thursday, June 18 | 12:00 – 2:00 pm

Come support and get inspired by the WBENC Collegiate Accelerator cohort as they pitch their businesses!

Collegiate Accelerator Interactive Showcase

The 2026 Collegiate Accelerator founders will have the opportunity to highlight their products and services in the Collegiate Accelerator WBE Showcase.

Collegiate Accelerator Interactive Showcase will be held during Open Expo hours.

• Wednesday, June 17 | 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• Thursday, June 18 | 8:30- 11:00 am

Learn more