In 2024, get ready to be completely captivated by the WBENC National Conference, the premier event for women-owned businesses in the nation. This year, we’re turning up the volume and bringing an electrifying atmosphere with our inspiring theme: AMPLIFY! This conference is not just an event; it’s a movement, a powerful surge that elevates, empowers, and energizes. Brace yourselves for an experience that promises to AMPLFIY your voice, your business, and your impact.
As we gear up for this extraordinary gathering, we’re excited to share invaluable insights and tips directly from the Corporate and WBE Co-Chairs and Host Committee. These seasoned leaders have navigated the terrain of supplier diversity and Women Owned businesses, and they are here to guide you on maximizing your experience at the conference.
Join us on this journey as we explore the keys to success, learn from the challenges overcome, and draw inspiration from the trailblazers who have made significant strides. The 2024 WBENC National Conference is more than an event; it’s an opportunity to learn, connect, and AMPLIFY your potential.
At Bristol Myers Squibb, they believe in the power of science to address some of the most challenging diseases of our time. Their focus on these unmet needs comes during a remarkable time, when unprecedented scientific breakthroughs are advancing the treatment of disease as never before in human history.
Rondu, Executive Director, Global Supplier Diversity & Sustainability at Bristol Myers Squibb shares, “I strongly urge everyone to participate in the National Conference, where we collectively raise our voices to amplify the influence of women in business and entrepreneurship. Join us in Denver, in March 2024, in orchestrating a new chapter in the narrative of women’s entrepreneurship and reshape the future of women innovators. Let’s be part of this movement and make a difference together.”
Learn more about Bristol Myers Squibb
LEO Events was formed in 2012 as part of merger between my former company, a national meeting and event management firm, and a consulting company highly skilled in production, ticketing and large scale outdoor events. I’ve been fortunate to own and operate my own business since 2002. An entrepreneur at heart, I have 51% ownership of LEO Events and 33% ownership in 4 commercial properties in Tennessee, an event venue, and a event technology firm.
Cindy Brewer, Principal of Leo Events, states “The Meet & Greets are an excellent opportunity to showcase your services to corporations in a professional and effective way. Come prepared with your elevator speech and do your homework of who is in the room before you land in Denver, and you’ll be most successful. “
Ernst & Young LLP exists to build a better working world, helping create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets. Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate.
Theresa Harrison, Global ESG & Enablement Leader of EY, suggests, “PREP
Practice your pitch- Ensure your value statement is clear and understood
Research your target list- Ensure you understand the solution your organization can provide to solve the problem
Engage in meaningful conversation that builds relationship, knowledge, and potential opportunities
Prepare for follow-up – Write down a key point stated int the conversation-to ensure you have a way to stand out when you get home as this week you will make many connections – How will they remember you? “
ActOne Group’s mission is to become the business community’s global partner in providing forward-thinking talent and resource-management solutions. By leveraging the expertise of the various companies of the ActOne Group, their clients can access the powerful potential of today’s diverse global workforce.
Janice Bryant Howroyd, Founder & CEO, asks, “Will what got you here get you where you want to be? It’s important for all WBE’s to ask themselves this question as they plan for what’s next – whether it’s growth, downsizing, or a big pivot. The national conference provides women with an opportunity to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and to learn from them, but as you plan to grow your business, make sure that growth aligns with your values and priorities. “
Ampcus is a global business and a technology consulting and a staff augmentation company. Ampcus and Ampcus owned subsidiaries employ over 2300 employees globally. We provide innovative, cost effective, quality and sustainable IT solutions and staffing services to Fortune Corporations , Federal Agencies, State and Local, Non-Profit’s and MSP’s. We are the only Woman and Minority owned company in the nation to have achieved various PCI certification to help the corporates and the government to attain its PCI certification.
Ann Ramakumaran, Founder and CEO, states, “Ampcus has been certified for over 14 plus years. Certification has helped us gain access to members of Corporate America, Agencies, Non-Profits, MSP’s ,WBE’s and other business communities. WBENC programming, conferences and networking events have helped us in making our journey from connections to contacts to contracts a beautiful journey and helped client acquisition, expansion and retention.”
The Midtown Group, founded in 1989, traces its roots to my post-college induction into the staffing realm at a DC-based staffing firm. Captivated by the industry, my passion and vision fueled the desire to establish my own company within just six months. Armed with determination and minimal resources—credit cards, secondhand office furniture, a phone, and a fax machine—Midtown propelled into existence. Initially focused on legal placements, Midtown’s scope expanded organically. Since, Midtown has evolved into a comprehensive service provider, delivering cutting-edge IT and professional services, catering to both public and commercial sectors across 36 states.
Helen Stefan, President and CEO, advises, “Maximize your National Conference experience by diving into every opportunity. Attend as many events as possible to expand your network. Publicize your certification—potential collaborators may be seeking exactly what your WBENC certification represents – you never know when a WBENC-certified firm is needed! Ensure everyone knows about your certification to unlock its full potential when opportunities arise. Active involvement and strategic promotion will amplify the impact of your time at the National Conference.”
Learn more about Midtown Group
ALOM is a supply chain management services provider, serving as a strategic partner to its Fortune 500 clients in the technology, automotive, life sciences, and highly regulated industry sectors. Headquartered in Fremont, CA, its teams operate globally from 19 locations.
Hannah Kain, President and CEO, states, “Focus. Prepare – a lot. Approach relevant targets with relevant information about what you can do for them based on what their needs are. Be professional and polite. Stand out. Also, don’t forget that your best prospects may be other WBEs.
As a WBENC Conference co-chair I look forward to welcoming you to Denver to showcase your accomplishments, write new business, and learn from each other during this important week.”
M. Davis is a 5th generation industrial construction company that is leading the way as a new breed of industrial provider for global corporations, regional leaders and government agencies.
In 2009 Peggy made the decision to pursue certification as a Woman Owned Business by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) to set her company apart from other contractors. Peggy promotes diversity by participating in a wide variety of roles in support of WBENC, most recently as Chair of the Women’s Enterprise Forum for WBENC. She has been recognized on the regional and national level as a leader in the women owned business community.
“WBE’s should plan in advance and stay focused. Review the conference schedule and formalize how you’ll spend your time in advance. Identify what companies you want to connect with and make sure your value proposition is clear. Our team utilizes a spreadsheet listing companies that we want to be sure and connect with to help us stay organized and focused. It’s even color coded!”
Stephanie Leader, the visionary behind Leaderpromos Marketing Agency, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey in 1995. Over the years, Stephanie’s commitment to creating unforgettable marketing experiences through branded merchandise has transformed Leaderpromos into a thriving enterprise. The company’s success is a testament to Stephanie’s strategic leadership, a commitment to purposeful branding, and a strong emphasis on sustainability.
Behind Leaderpromos’ achievements is a dedicated team of 120 professionals spread across the globe, each contributing to the agency’s continued success under Stephanie Leader’s visionary leadership.
Stephanie Leader, CEO, states “I would recommend to all WBE’s to plan the week with educational classes that most relate to focus they want to learn more about. Additionally I would recommend that all who make the investment to attend should do their research on all corporate and WBE’s attendance so you can reach out ahead of time and try to connect to those that you feel would benefit from meeting with you based on the corporation or WBE’S initiatives. Planning ahead of time allows for a more strategic connection and one that could be more likely for a future relationship. “
The Pinnacle Global Network boasts a team of highly accomplished CEO mentors complemented by an exceptional support staff. Together, they share a common dedication to assisting established business owners in refining their strategic vision, optimizing cash flow, nurturing team-managed enterprises, fostering world-class leadership, and streamlining operations with precision. Their unwavering commitment, extensive experience, and unwavering support are exemplified by a proven track record, having successfully guided thousands of companies in scaling their businesses to new heights.
Allison Maslan, CEO, shares “The best advice I can give is to go All In! Participate in as many sessions as you can and meet as many of the amazing attendees as you can, but show up as a Giver. Instead of thinking, ‘what can I get’ from the conference, show up with the generous attitude of ‘what can I give?’ Your experience will be that much richer!”
Learn more about The Pinnacle Global Network
Pinnacle Group is the largest Latina-owned and led global workforce solutions provider. Founded by Nina Vaca in 1996, Pinnacle Group’s core services include talent acquisition and management, managed services (MSP), and employer/agent of record services.
Nina Vaca personifies the American Dream as a trailblazing Latina entrepreneur, a world-changing philanthropist, and a dynamic global leader.
“Attending national conferences presents WBEs with opportunities to network, acquire knowledge, and grow their businesses. It’s important to be intentional. You should plan ahead, utilize the conference app, network, attend learning sessions, and keep an open mind to get the most out of the experience.”
Learn more about The Pinnacle Group
