2025 FAQs

The WBENC National Conference is not just an event – it’s an experience! Picture this: a dynamic gathering in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana, where Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs), top-tier executives from Fortune 500 giants and U.S. Government officials, and representatives from organizations sharing our vision for expanding women’s business opportunities, all come together for four days of unparalleled programming.

Here’s a taste of what awaits you: an Expo bustling with 330+ exhibitors, providing a showcase of innovation and potential collaborations. Engaging Meet & Greets offer a chance to forge meaningful connections, while thought-provoking lectures and presentations from today’s brightest minds will inspire and empower. But that’s not all! Dive into interactive sessions tailored to your interests and wrap up the day with vibrant networking receptions.

This is your moment to be part of a revolution, to connect, learn, and grow. The WBENC National Conference is where opportunities flourish, and where the future of women-led and small businesses takes center stage.

REGISTER NOW

The conference starts with badge pickup, exhibitor move-in, and kicks off with the first general session on Monday, June 23, and ends on Thursday, June 26.See the full schedule here.

Conference events will take place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA.

The address is:

900 Convention Center Blvd,
New Orleans, LA 70130

Absolutely everyone is invited to be a part of this monumental event! The National Conference is a vibrant gathering welcoming all interested in growing women-owned and small businesses. From powerhouse WBENC-Certified Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs) to esteemed WBENC National Corporate and Government Members, as well as the dynamic Regional Partner Organizations (RPOs) and their Corporate and Government Members – the stage is set for collaboration and growth.

But that’s not all! We extend our warm embrace to non-certified business owners who are eager to be part of this movement. For buyers and procurement representatives seeking new avenues of opportunity, this event is your goldmine. Supplier diversity professionals, federal, state, and local government officials – your presence adds depth and perspective to our collective journey.

And let’s not forget our global friends! We’re excited to extend a hearty welcome to international women business owners certified by WEConnect International affiliate.

This is a celebration of innovation and empowerment. Join us and let’s shape the future together!

You will connect with women-owned and small businesses and Fortune 500 companies that are industry leaders in healthcare, travel and logistics, food and beverage, energy, retail, transportation, telecommunications, finance, banking, office supplies, consumer-packaged goods, and more, to name a few, as well as federal, state and local government agencies.

The WBENC National Conference is expected to draw more than 2,500 women-owned and small businesses and corporations, with 4,800 attendees and more than 330 exhibitors.

WBENC does not share or disclose attendee lists to maintain the privacy and security of our network.

NOTE: If you receive a solicitation from an organization claiming to provide or sell the attendee list, it is a scam. Read more about these type of scams here.

The WBENC Expo stands as a dynamic tradeshow uniting esteemed Corporate Member exhibitors with certified WBEs from both WBENC and WEConnect. This premier event provides a distinguished platform for networking within the WBENC network, offering a strategic opportunity to explore potential avenues for business collaboration. Embrace this occasion to cultivate meaningful connections and unlock new prospects for mutual growth and success.

The WBENC Expo will be organized according to industry groups and will feature the following industry clusters:

• Automotive
• Chemical
• Energy
• Financial Services
• Food & Beverage
• Healthcare
• Insurance
• Manufacturing & Construction
• Professional & Technical Services
• Retail
• Technology
• Travel, Arts & Entertainment
• Utilities

Ultimately you will find businesses from every industry across the Expo. The industry clusters will feature:

• Automotive
• Chemical
• Energy
• Financial Services
• Food & Beverage
• Healthcare
• Insurance
• Manufacturing & Construction
• Professional & Technical Services
• Retail
• Technology
• Travel, Arts & Entertainment
• Utilities

If you are exhibiting and do not fit neatly into one of the industries listed, please identify the closest fit for your company.

Full details about each education session — including topics, speakers, and times — will be available in the 2025 WBENC National Conference My Show Planner and app (COMING SOON) for confirmed registered attendees only. 

Yes! Make sure to join us for one of our virtual orientations leading up to the event (dates coming soon!). During the orientation, we’ll take everyone through the event design and answer any questions. It is a must for first-time attendees and is designed to assist all attendees in making the most out of their investment in the conference.

In addition, as the event approaches you will find additional resources available for download from the event website and mobile app.

ADA Accessibility
Throughout the Conference Center all interior and exterior public spaces (each lobby, restaurant, etc.) are accessible to guests with disabilities.

Wheelchairs and Electric Scooters
The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center offers electric scooter rentals for $60 per day. Scooters can be picked up at the UPS Store – Business Center in the Lobby of Hall F or delivered to your hotel. Operators are available 24/7 and can be reached at 1-888-441-7575

If you require mobility assistance it is recommended that you reserve your wheelchair or electric scooter at least one month prior to the event.

Guest Room Accommodations
Guest room accommodations differ with each hotel. Please visit the following websites and scroll to accessibility information.
New Orleans Marriott
JW Marriott
Sheraton New Orleans
Caesars New Orleans

If you have any additional questions, please reach out to wbenccustsvc@wbenc.org. Please be sure to clearly note your requested ADA accomodations when you register for the event.

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 24.

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.

No, there will not be 1:1 MatchMaker meetings. WBENC will continue the powerful approach to facilitating connections throughout the Conference, including Meet & Greet roundtable connections, an enhanced RPO networking opportunity and ample opportunities to connect via the Open Expo and Educational Sessions and panels.

The recommended attire for all conference activities during business hours is business casual.

The dress code changes for the evening events:

• Monday, June 23 Evening Event takes place in Hall J at the Convention Center and is business casual attire with snazzy sneakers.
• Wednesday, June 25 Evening Events at House of Blues and Octavia at Caesar’s is Business Casual Attire
• Thursday, June 26 Evening Event is at River City Venues and the theme is Masquerade on the Bayou. This is your night to dress up a little fancy and come with your masquerade accessories!

Email us at Press@wbenc.org.

Our distinguished lineup of speakers comprises nationally renowned experts in pivotal subjects spanning business, finance, and current industry trends. Alongside them, high-ranking executives from prominent corporations, who deeply appreciate the pivotal role of women in business, will grace the event.  Accomplished women and small business owners, celebrated for their noteworthy achievements, have been extended invitations to not only share their invaluable insights in education sessions and panels but also to lead engaging interactive programming activities. This diverse array of thought leaders promises a rich and insightful conference experience.

WBENC has secured hotel blocks for attendees at four properties on Canal Street nearby the New Orleans Conference Center.

New Orleans Marriott, JW Marriott, New Orleans Sheraton, and Caesars New Orleans!

We accept speaker/instructor proposals on a rolling basis. If you have the experience and subject matter expertise to help women entrepreneurs or the supplier diversity community, we encourage you to apply.

Please note that our events are meticulously planned over six months in advance; we recommend keeping this timeline in mind when applying.  Apply here to be considered for a speaking opportunity.

The National Conference presents an unsurpassed opportunity to showcase your brand, identify potential suppliers or new purchasers, and expand your network. This is THE moment of the year for your business to engage face-to-face with over 4,800 influential women business owners, coveted government agencies, and Fortune 500 powerhouses, all eager to collaborate. Our exhibitor packages not only secure your booth space but also grant you Full Conference Passes, ensuring you don’t miss out on any crucial connections and insights. Don’t just attend, thrive!

• WBENC Corporate or Government Members
• WBENC-Certified Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs)
• WEConnect-Certified Women’s Business Enterprises
• WBENC Government Members and Nonprofits affiliated with WBENC
• Official media sponsors designated by WBENC

Note: WBENC reserves the right to approve exhibitor status for all companies. Organizations that register without meeting the above stipulations will not be allowed to exhibit. Fees will not be refunded.

Only confirmed registrants of the 2025 WBENC National Conference can access the Conference Expo Map in the My Show Planner and Conference app (COMING SOON).

To access the mobile app, you will need to create a login to the Map Your Show Planner. In order to do so you will need your 4-digit attendee ID number which you can find in your registration confirmation email. The My Show Planner tool can be accessed via a browser on your computer or through the event’s mobile app.

Although the impact may vary for each company, the connections forged and potential opportunities uncovered at the conference possess remarkable potential to drive sustained business growth long after the event concludes.

In addition, WBENC leaves no stone unturned in guaranteeing exhibitors robust booth traffic and invaluable access to potential business partners. This commitment is exemplified through our meticulously crafted marketing plan, designed to elevate conference awareness and participation. This plan encompasses:

• Premier Website Exposure: Gain prime visibility starting March 2025, ensuring your presence is showcased to a global audience hungry for innovative partnerships.
• Maximized Outreach Potential: Leverage our extensive reach through WBENC.org and targeted email campaigns, connecting with over 60,000 influential contacts who are primed for collaboration.
• Strategic Mobile App Inclusion: Secure your spot in the WBENC Mobile App and Exhibitor Directory, placing your brand directly in the hands of engaged conference attendees seeking new opportunities.
• Social Media Dominance: Ignite a social media frenzy across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, amplifying your impact and generating buzz around your offerings.
• Powerful Media Collaborations: Benefit from strategic advertising placements and feature articles in collaboration with our esteemed WBENC Media Partners, ensuring your message resonates with a wider audience.
• Tailored Marketing Arsenal: Access a treasure trove of marketing materials and dynamic social media content designed to enhance your visibility and leave a lasting impression on potential partners.

If your WBENC-Certified business has been certified as a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), the marketing opportunities for your business will extend to reach the government representatives present. If you are not WBENC-WOSB-Certified, visit our website to learn more about how you can apply.

Learn more about exhibitor packages available here. There is a 10×10 WBE Exhibitor Package, a 10×10 Corporate Member Exhibitor Package, and a 10×10 Government and Nonprofit Exhibitor Package.

Each exhibitor package will include Full Conference Passes (quantity depends on package type), a 10 x 10 booth, 1 skirted table, 2 chairs, 1 waste basket, 7 x 44” sign with name and booth number on it, grey booth carpeting, and a listing in the online exhibitor directory.

Yes, exhibitors may purchase up to three (3) additional Full Conference Passes at a discounted rate of $649 each. These additional passes are available for purchase only through the online registration process and as available.

NOTE: All exhibitor transactions are final in accordance with the WBENC no refund policy. 

If you register before March 23, you will receive a correspondence about your booth placement during the month of April.

If you purchase a booth after March 23, you will receive a correspondence within 12 business days of the date you registered.

The booth assignment process for general exhibitors will not begin until April 1st. 

Booth position on the Expo floor is determined by preferences indicated during registration.

When registering you will have the opportunity to identify your top 2 preferred industry areas to be located within the Expo. WBENC will work to place exhibitors according to their preferences, however preferred placement is not guaranteed.

Exhibitors also have the opportunity to identify both competitors and collaborators. WBENC will work to respectively place exhibitors according to this input, however specific placement is not guaranteed.

WBENC will strive to place all exhibitors according to their preferences but cannot guarantee placement.

Booth assignments are determined after the exhibitor package has been paid in full.

Booth placements are strategically assigned in advance to optimize the overall layout and attendee experience. As such, WBENC does not accept requests to move expo booths. Upon registering you will have the opportunity to identify your top 2 preferred industry areas to be located within the Expo, however preferred placement is not guaranteed.

When you purchase your booth package you will be able to identify your top 2 industry centers on the floor. The WBENC team will work to place everyone in their preferred centers, but no guarantees can be made.

A WBENC Turnkey Booth Package is a pre-designed booth which will be set-up and ready for you to access beginning Monday, June 23. All you have to do is arrive with your collateral and team and be ready to network. Choose from either a standard graphics package which features your company’s logo and the 2025 WBENC National Conference branding, or for an additional fee, you can secure fully custom graphics.

You can purchase your Turnkey Booth add on through your Exhibitor Dashboard after you purchase your exhibitor package.

NOTE: A Turnkey Booth Package is an additional purchase on top of your Exhibitor Package fees.

Yes, for an additional fee you can work with one of our recommended vendors to design fully custom graphics.

Yes, you are required to staff your booth during the “Open Expo” hours on Wednesday and Thursday.

• Wednesday, June 25 | 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm CT
• Thursday, June 26 | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm CT

No. Only conference Co-Chairs, featured sponsors and reception/meal function sponsors have reserved tables.

Food and beverage catering services are provided by Centerplate at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center through their online portal Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Express Catering (ezplanit.com) Online ordering will become available 3 months away from the expo.

All alcohol sales and consumption in the New Orleans Convention Center are regulated by the Louisiana Alcoholic Beverage Control, and Morial Convention Center New Orleans Food and Beverage (MCCNOFB) is responsible for the administration of these regulations. No alcoholic beverages are allowed to be served by anyone other than a MCCNOFB Department Bartender.

Sampling

• A written description must be submitted in advance to MCCNO Catering that details the product and portion size to be sampled. MCCNO Catering will provide approval of sampling arrangements to the sampling company/organization in writing only.  Items dispensed are limited to products manufactured, processed or distributed by germane to the business of the exhibiting firm.
• General food and beverage items not manufactured, processed, or germane to the business of the exhibiting firm must be purchased from the MCCNO exclusive Food Service Contractor, CENTERPLATE.
• Samples of alcoholic beverages are limited to (1/2) one-half ounce of distilled spirits and (2) two ounces of beer or wine.

Traffic Promotor

“Traffic Promoters” (i.e. coffee, bottled water, candy, popcorn, etc.) that are of a type that competes with products vended by MCCNO Catering, the sampling company/organization must contact MCCNO Catering to arrange an appropriate buy-out fee.

Exhibitor Help Desk/Call Center:
301-306-4627

Hours of Operation:
9:00am – 5:00pm EST, Monday-Friday

Email:
exhibitorservices@hargroveinc.com

Exhibitors can also log into the Hargrove Exhibitor Portal through the Exhibitor Dashboard in MYS. Note: Exhibitors will not be able to order any items until they have received their booth assignment.

Exhibitors must have their booth assignment prior to submitting orders.

Your booth must be completely set-up by 5:00 pm MT on Tuesday, June 24. Please refer to the Exhibitor Kit through the Exhibitor Dashboard for more information.

On Wednesday, June 25, exhibitors will have access to the expo beginning at 11:30 am CT.

On Thursday, June 26, exhibitors will have access beginning at 8:30 am CT.

You can begin to dismantle your booth at 1:00 pm MT on Thursday, June 26.

All exhibits MUST be dismantled, packed and Material Handling Agreements turned in by Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 6:30 pm CT. It is the sole responsibility of each exhibitor to have materials packed, identified, and cleared for shipment by that time.

Note: After 4:30 pm MT overtime rates apply

No, if you require any type of electricity in your booth you must purchase it through Exhibitor Services.

If you still have questions you can read through the Exhibitor Kit for more information. If you have questions, you can also reach out to Exhibitor Services for assistance.

Exhibitor Help Desk/Call Center:
301-306-4627

Hours of Operation:
9:00am – 5:00pm EST, M-F

Email:
exhibitorservices@hargroveinc.com

Unfortunately, there are active scammers. WBENC will not solicit information for exhibitor services or request that you take any other action related to the events unless the message comes directly from WBENC, our hotel management team, Trattativa Meetings & Events or our exhibit services provider, Hargrove, Inc.

Sponsoring is your golden ticket to unprecedented exposure! Picture this: your brand showcased in front of a dynamic audience of over 4,500 individuals. These attendees? They’re not just any crowd. We’re talking women business owners, powerhouse corporate executives, game-changing purchasing decision-makers, and influential representatives from government agencies and advocacy organizations.

Click here to learn how to become a sponsor.

The following entities are eligible to sponsor:

• WBENC National Corporate and Government Members
• WBENC-Certified WBEs
• WBENC Regional Partner Organizations
• WBENC National Strategic Partners, which includes a select group of approved nonprofit organizations and media entities

Note: WBENC reserves the right to approve all entities requesting to be a sponsor.

Absolutely! We’re thrilled to offer an exclusive opportunity for sponsors to enhance their conference experience. They can snag extra Full-Conference Registrations, as available, at an unbeatable price of just $649 each and score three more Day Passes for $325 each. These registrations guarantee access to every exciting event on the conference agenda tailored to their admission category.

Please contact the WBENC Business Development team at  valuedsponsors@wbenc.org.

Vaughn Farris, Vice President, Development & Engagement,
Andrea Marshall, Director, Business Development & Engagement
Jess Lacey, Manager, Business Development & Engagement
Christine Raney, Sr. Manager, Revenue

As a Sponsor Contact there are a few things you should know:

• As a Sponsor Contact, you are responsible for registering your corporation for the event. You’ll receive an email from Map Your Show (MYS) at the beginning of the year, or shortly after you confirm your sponsorship. This email will include a link and login information to the Map Your Show Dashboard. From this dashboard, you will be able to access your booth assignment (once assigned), connect to exhibitor services, and register your individual attendees. This dashboard is your one-stop for conference coordination.
• Once given access to the Map Your Show Dashboard, you will need to update and adjust your Exhibitor Listing through the dashboard.
• When you go to register your individual attendees, you will first confirm yourself as the Sponsor Contact. The Sponsor Contact will then need to register each of the individuals using your Full-Conference Registrations or send the sharable registration invitation link to the additional registrants for them to complete.
• If you are completing your company’s registration, you will need each individual’s full name, company name, and email address as well as demographic information. Please note, if you, the sponsor contact, will also be attending the conference you must register yourself for one of the registrations (you will see two entries within the registration system for this person).
• If you need to make any changes to the registrations you already completed, you can log back in to make the adjustment any time before June 16, 2025 at 11:59 PM
• Within the Dashboard you can add additional contacts for invoicing, marketing, and other roles.

Learn more about the cost to be an attendee here.

You can register to attend here.

Register by May 1 to save on your general attendee ticket!

Companion Passes are available for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights for $150 each.

On the Exhibitor Dashboard, you can click on the Attendee Registration Tile which will take you to the Registration Dashboard. From this dashboard, you have the option to register your team members through the Team Registration link or individually.

If you choose to utilize the Team Registration link, you will be provided a link to share with other attendees on your team that can then fill out their own registration form. You will simply copy the URL, and then distribute it to your colleagues accordingly. If you choose to register someone individually, you will be required to provide their full name, company name, contact and demographic information.

All registration/ticket sales are final; no refunds will be issued. All exhibitor and sponsor package purchases are final and non-refundable.

Paid registrations may be transferred to another individual at your organization if you notify WBENC in writing by June 13, 2025. Please submit transfer requests through the following form: WBENC National Conference Substitution Requests 

Registrations cannot be transferred between events.

You can return to your Registration Dashboard (accessible through the Exhibitor Dashboard) to revise the registration.

Call the Maritz customer service team toll free at (864) 658-5681 for assistance with the online registration platform.

If you have questions about the overall event you can email wbenccustsvc@wbenc.org for assistance.

The registration desk will be open for badge pickup and customer support.

Onsite Badge Pick-up and Registration Support Desk Hours:

• Monday, June 23 | 8:00 am – 7:00 pm CT
• Tuesday June 24 | 8:00 am -5:00 pm CT
• Wednesday, June 25 | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm CT
• Thursday, June 26 | 8:00 am-12:00 pm CT

Your well-being is #1 priority for WBENC. This website will be updated with information about the plans for health and safety protocols for attendees, exhibitors and staff at the National Conference. At this time WBENC is monitoring the ever-changing status of the COVID-19 pandemic and making decisions accordingly. These protocols are subject to change based on a number of factors. WBENC is committed to keeping all attendees informed and updated as changes occur.  We will continue to update the page, so please check back for news and additional guidance as we refine our planning.

The exact hours of the shuttle services will be finalized in Q2. You can expect the shuttles to run throughout the duration of the events each day.

Shuttle stops will be published in Q2.