The 2024 WBENC (Women's Business Enterprise National Council) National Conference convened in Aurora, Colorado, March 19-22, attracting many women entrepreneurs, business leaders, and corporate representatives nationwide. This annual event fosters connections, promotes diversity, and empowers women-owned businesses.

The 2024 theme was AMPLIFY: Elevating Women in Business. It featured a diverse array of programming tailored to address the evolving needs and challenges women entrepreneurs face. More than 4,500 attendees enjoyed events and education sessions on topics like AI & Healthcare, ESG, access to capital programs, innovation and sustainability in supply chains, scaling a business, and going global.

A unique offering was the WBENC Collegiate Accelerator Pitch Competition. In two sessions, 29 collegiate female founders in the College Accelerator entrepreneurial programs pitched their businesses to corporations. College Accelerator founders also had an opportunity to highlight their products and services in the Collegiate Accelerator WBE Showcase outside the Expo.

One highlight of the conference was the opportunity for attendees to connect with corporate representatives actively seeking to diversify their supply chains. The Meet & Greet sessions were open to WBENC and WEConnect Certified WBEs. The WBEs selected a table to promote meaningful connections in a structured networking opportunity with a corporate representative. Major corporations participated, including Sysco, Toyota, Discover, and Target. Meetups were open to all conference attendees. Representatives from each of the WBENC Regional Partner Organizations, which serve as local touchpoints for support and resources, were available one afternoon to meet with any woman entrepreneur seeking more information on topics like certification, business growth, and networking.

The Expo was one of the most popular events because it offered more than 300 booths, 1:1 meetings, and hands-on exhibitor demonstrations. Exhibitions featuring cutting-edge products and services showcased the latest industry advancements, with many focused on sustainability, environmental stewardship, and responsible business practices. Women Owned, a collaboration between WBENC and WEConnect International, offered Demo Stations outside the WBENC Expo in the Expo Atrium.

The National Conference served as a platform to celebrate the achievements of women entrepreneurs and honor premier corporations. The last event of the conference recognized the WBE Stars Awards recipients, women business leaders who have excelled at business-building through innovation, reinvention, and resilience.

The 2025 WBENC Conference will be June 23-26, 2025, in New Orleans, LA. If interested, subscribe for updates at wbenc.org/subscribe. It will surely be another exciting and fulfilling conference that should not be missed.