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Get ready to AMPLIFY your excitement for the 2024 WBENC National Conference!
The Meet & Greet session offers a structured, yet highly effective WBE driven networking opportunity for WBEs to connect with Corporate Members. Each participating Corporate Member hosts a table for a series of 25-minute rounds. During each round, the WBEs are able to select a seat at a table of their choice where they will have an opportunity to introduce themselves and their companies to the corporate host. This carefully designed format facilitates meaningful connections and discussions between WBEs and Corporate Members, ensuring a productive exchange of insights and potential business opportunities.
If you have any questions, please contact matchmakers@wbenc.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 Denver, Women Owned will activate in the Expo Atrium, just outside of the WBENC Expo, with Demo Stations from Women Owned brands and with a Women Owned Pop Up shop during the evening event on Thursday.
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 Demo Stations will take place in the Expo Atrium during the Open Expo sessions.
Questions? Please email womenowned@wbenc.org.
Women Owned Demo Stations brought to you by American Express, Exxon Mobile and Southern California Edison.
Women Owned Pop Up Shop brought to you by CBRE, Hilton and Robert Half.
The WBENC Collegiate Accelerator, previously the WBENC Student Entrepreneur Program, is a premier startup program that fosters growth for the next generation of female founders and women-owned businesses. WBENC is proud to invest in the next generation of Women’s Business Enterprises through the support of WBENC Corporate and Government Members.
Come support and get inspired by the WBENC Collegiate Accelerator cohort as they pitch their businesses!
Dates:
DAY 1 CA Pitch Schedule:
DAY 2 CA Pitch Schedule:
Winner Announcement: Thurs, March 21 | 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Crest 345
The 2024 Collegiate Accelerator founders will have the opportunity to highlight their products and services in the Collegiate Accelerator WBE Showcase, sponsored by JP Morgan Chase & Co., outside of the Expo.
Date: Collegiate Accelerator Interactive Showcase will be held during Open Expo hours.
Location: Aurora Exhibit Entrance Hall alongside the Women Owned Demo Stations
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 Denver events will be filled with opportunity! We’re counting down the days to welcome you there!
Tuesday Evening Event
Tuesday, March 19 | 5:00 – 7:30 pm MT
Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center
Sneaker Jam: 1st and 2nd Floor
Kickoff the week with an opening night reception!
Attire: Make sure to wear your coolest sneakers! Attire overall is business casual.
Wednesday Evening Event
Wednesday, March 20 | 7:00 – 10:00 pm MT
Wings over the Rockies
Following education sessions and the Expo, get ready to mingle! Keep the palpable energy going at the Wednesday Evening Event!
Brought to you by Beam Suntory, Creative Resources, Home Depot, Keramida, and ICON.
Entertainment brought to you by Dexcom and Smart Folks Inc.
Transporation brought to you by American Family Insurance, Bishop Wisecarver, CSS Building Services, Bocci Engineering & Construction, Federated Service Solutions, Holman, Kellanova and UPS.
Thursday Evening Event
Thursday, March 21 | 7:00 – 10:00 pm MT
Adams Ballroom
Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center
Continue your week with a true night out as if you’re at a Colorado ski lodge where you’ll sip WBENC-Certified brews, browse the Women Owned pop up shop, sing your heart out at Karaoke, or cozy up by the fire and play games.
Attire: Come dressed in your Aspen Apres Ski gear
Brought to you by Broadleaf Results, Hired by Matrix, General Motors, KNOCK, Inc., Macy’s, Inc., Marriott, and NGLCC.
Karoake Brought to You by Liberty Mutual
Friday Evening Roaring Twenties Soiree
Friday, March 22 | 6:00 – 9:00 pm MT (Invitation Only)
Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center
Join us in for an unforgettable evening inside the WBENC Roaring Twenty Twenties Soiree. Embrace the decadent theme with a speakeasy, live music, casino games, and delicious food while amplifying your new connections! Be sure to dazzle us with your best Roaring Twenty Twenties style – from the original 1920’s or the 2020’s of today! We’re rolling out the red carpet for all you dapper dames and dashing gents, so don your finest flapper dresses, sharp suits, and don’t forget those dapper accessories.
Get ready to make heads turn and hearts race as we celebrate in true Roaring Twenty Twenties fashion!
Brought to you by Ampcus and Technology Concepts Group International
Entertainment brought to you by Dexcom and Smart Folks Inc.
Learn about how to access tickets through the Luck of the Draw process.
Learn More and Register to Attend.
To get familiar with the WBENC National Conference schedule, follow these tips:
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!
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!”
Want to be part of the WBENC Expo Floor? BOOK NOW
Schedule as of 10/10/23
The Meet & Greet session offers a structured, yet highly effective WBE driven networking opportunity for WBEs to connect with Corporate Members. Each participating Corporate Member hosts a table for a series of 25-minute rounds. During each round, the WBEs are able to select a seat at a table of their choice where they will have an opportunity to introduce themselves and their companies to the corporate host. This carefully designed format facilitates meaningful connections and discussions between WBEs and Corporate Members, ensuring a productive exchange of insights and potential business opportunities.
Meet & Greet is only open to WBENC and WEConnect Certified WBEs who have a full conference registration. No pre-registration for Meet & Greet is required for WBEs.
2024 Meet & Greet session: Doors open 30 minutes before the session start time.
If you have any questions, please contact matchmakers@wbenc.org.
Wednesday, March 20 | 8:30 am – 1:30 pm MT
Transform your morning into an exhilarating journey through eight dynamic industries at our Education Sessions. These sessions aren’t just about learning; they’re a hands-on, cutting-edge experience crafted to empower business owners and professionals like you. Discover the tools and resources you need to not just lead, but to blaze new trails and drive change.
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 2024 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
Tuesday, March 19
Group A* | 3:30 – 4:45 pm
Group B* | 2:00 – 3:15 pm
* Groups will be clearly indicated on Conference badges.
GROUP A:
GWBC
WBEA
WBEC East
WBEC Greater DMV
WBEC Metro NY
WBEC Pacific
WBEC West
GROUP B:
CWE
GLWBC
WBCS
WBDC Midwest
WBEC Florida
WBEC ORV
WBEC South
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 Colorado!
Prepare for an exhilarating week with the WBENC network, where the General Sessions energize and inspire you as you kick off your week. Get ready to be inspired by key sponsors, gather invaluable insights about the network, and join in the celebration of the remarkable individuals who breathe life into the vibrant WBENC community.
This session is 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 Session
Tuesday, March 19
Kick off the week with a short set of welcoming remarks after and connecting with fellow WBEs and Corporate Members.
Group A* | 3:30 – 4:45 pm
Group B* | 2:00 – 3:15 pm
* Groups will be assigned on-site
WBENC Cafe Lunches
Wednesday, March 20
Group A* | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm MT
Group B* | 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm MT
Thursday, March 21
Group A* | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm MT
Group B* | 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm MT
Lunch on Wednesday and Thursday will be set up as a buffet for attendees to come to eat at your leisure. Make sure to stop and refuel before continuing your day!
Brunch with America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises (Ticket Required)
Friday, March 22 | 9:00 – 11:00 am MT
As the week wraps up, take a moment to celebrate the incredible WBENC network. The Brunch will honor the corporations who are doing the most to level the playing field for women entrepreneurs.
* Groups will be assigned on-site
10:30 AM – 9:00 PM: Post-Conference Gathering – A Celebration Honoring America’s Premier Corporations & WBEs [Admission by Ticket Only]
Ticket holders will receive detailed information via email.
*Education Workshop Schedule as of 2-27-24. Please note that this Schedule may change! Check back and also use the My Show Planner through Map Your Show for the latest schedule.
