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 2025 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’25): 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’25).
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!

Tuesday, June 24 | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm CT

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

More details coming soon!

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.

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

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

Make a LASTING impression with 4800+ attendees as an exhibitor at the 2025 WBENC National Conference! Register to Exhibit! 

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 23
1:00 – 2:00 pm CT
Kick off the week with a short set of welcoming remarks and connecting with fellow WBEs and Corporate Members before breaking out into the RPO Meet Ups.

Wednesday, June 25
9:00 – 11:00 am CT
Join us for a unique experience featuring cooking demos with a special WBE guest. Take home samples of Women Owned Products used in the recipes you can take home with you! This unforgettable experience will be popular – be sure to arrive on time!

WBENC Cafe Lunches

Tuesday, June 24
12:00 – 2:00 pm CT

Wednesday, June 25
11:00 – 1:00 pm CT

Thursday, June 26 
12:00 – 2:00 pm CT

This open format buffet style lunch welcomes attendees to come and go as you wish. There is no onstage programming during the meals.

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 2025 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.

This year during the RPO Meet Ups each RPO will build small scale Mardis Gras floats that will be displayed during the Finale of Floats following the RPO Meetups.

RPO Meet Up & Float Building Activity
Monday, June 23 2:00 – 4:00 pm CT

Seize this golden opportunity to rekindle old connections, extend warm greetings, and forge exciting new bonds within your RPO as you embark on an exhilarating week in the heart of New Orleans.

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 New Orleans events will be filled with opportunity! We’re counting down the days to welcome you there!

Monday Evening Event – Sneaker Jam presented by LEO Events and Women Owned Pop Up Shop

Monday, June 23 | 5:00 – 7:00 pm CT
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

Sneaker Jam is back and bolder than ever! Kick off the WBENC National Conference in style at the Third Annual Sneaker Jam, hosted by LEO Events and WBENC. This high-energy opening night 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 a live band and 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!

Attire: Business Casual + BEST and FUN sneakers!

Tuesday Evening Event – Celebrating Inclusion & Equality

Tuesday, June 24 | 5:00 – 7:00 pm CT
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

After an energizing day making connections and learning about various industries, join for an evening where we’ll celebrate the incredible diversity and strength of the WBENC Network. Throughout the evening make sure to stop by and visit activations from each of our Community Resource Groups:

• Women of Color: Legacy
• Women of Color: Tapestry
• Women of Color: Unidas
• Women & Pride
• …and more to come!

Attire: Be authentically you through your wardrobe for this evening!

Wednesday Evening Event – Choose Your Vibe!
House of Blues: 225 Decatur Street
or
Octavia at Caesars New Orleans Casino

Wednesday, June 25th | 6:00 – 9:00 pm CT

Following the exciting General Session and Expo, get ready to mingle! Keep the palpable energy going at the Wednesday Evening Event where YOU choose your vibe! Become immersed in live music, amazing southern-inspired eats, and one-of-a-kind artwork at the House of Blues New Orleans! Or, if you’re feeling lucky, head over the Octavia room at Caesars Casino and catch your luck streak! 

Don’t miss the Sip & Swag event at Caesars, proudly presented by Bristol Myers Squibb and EY!

Attire: Business Casual

Thursday Evening Event – Masquerade on the Bayou

Thursday, June 26 | 6:00 – 9:00 pm CT
River City Venues

Experience the mysterious allure of the Louisiana Bayou from the indoors at this awe-inspiring venue. Don your most dazzling costume and meander through the breathtaking Louisiana-themed foliage under a sky of stars before exploring everything the Grand Oaks Mansion has to offer. You’ll get lost in the great food, meaningful conversations, unique photo opportunities, delicious food, and authentic music at this famous New Orleans venue. We can’t wait to see you!

Attire: Come dressed in your Masquerade attire.

WEConnect International Day is where global business happens. Held the day before 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: Sunday, June 22, 2025
• Time: 8 AM – 5 PM CT; Reception 6 PM – 7:30 PM CT
• Location: Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
• Audience: Women-owned businesses, corporate member buyers, government representatives, and global industry leaders
• Themes: Leverage the Power of Access + 15th Anniversary Celebration 
• Website: weconnectinternational.org/internationalday 
• Contact Information: events@weconnectinternational.org

Registration Details

• Note: WEConnect International Day registration is separate from WBENC Conference registration. Register for the WBENC Conference at wbenc.org/conference. Register for International Day at weconnectinternational.org/internationalday 
• Ticket Prices:
  • WEConnect International or WBENC-Certified WBE: $210 – $350
  • Registered Women-Owned Business: $270 – $375*
  • WEConnect International Member Buyer: $300 – $500
  • Non-Member Corporate Buyer: $360 – $520
  • Government, Partner, or Other Small Business: $360 – $480

*US-based businesses are not eligible for the WEConnect International Women-Owned Registration option.

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 New Orleans, Women Owned will activate on the Expo floor with Demo Stations from Women Owned brands, and with a Women Owned Pop Up shop during the evening event on Monday.

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 Shop will take place during Monday Evening Event 

• Monday, June 23 | 5:00-7:00pm

Women Owned Demo Stations will take place during the Expo

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

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 26 | 1:30 – 4:30 pm CT

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

Collegiate Accelerator Interactive Showcase

The 2025 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 25 | 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm CT
• Thursday, June 26| 9:00 – 1:00 pm CT

Learn more