8 Key Takeaways from the 2023 WBENC National Conference
The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to helping women-owned businesses thrive. As a Woman Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), The Millennium Group is a proud sponsor and exhibitor of the 2024 WBENC annual conference in Denver, CO from March 19th through March 22nd.
The 2023 WBENC National Conference included three amazing days full of networking, connections, and insights at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, TN. Over 4,000 people and several businesses attended the event to support certified woman-owned businesses. There are so many things to highlight about this important event that promotes diversity and equity in business, but here are our top eight.
1. Collaboration is Key: The conference emphasizes the importance of collaboration and building strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and partners. Attendees learned that by working together and leveraging each other’s strengths, we can achieve more than what we could on our own.
2. Diversity is a Strength: The conference highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in business. Attendees learned that by embracing diversity and creating an inclusive business environment, companies can benefit from a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas.
3. Leadership is About Empowerment: The conference provides a platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase their leadership skills. Attendees learned that true leadership is about empowering others and helping them to reach their full potential.
4. Be Open to Learning: The conference offers a wide range of educational sessions, workshops, and keynote speeches. Attendees learned that to succeed in business, it’s important to be open to learning and continuously improving their skills and knowledge.
5. Promote your attendance. Use social media and other channels to let people know you are going to be there. If people know you’re going to be there, you will facilitate opportunities.
6. Tap into your network. Who do you know who is going to be there? Current clients? Past colleagues? Reach out and offer to help them. You might know someone they want to connect with.
7. Make a good impression. The advantage of in-person is that it’s easier to make a strong impression. Be polite. Listen more than you speak. Ask thoughtful questions. Be ready to discuss the speakers or sessions thoughtfully. Practice and perfect your elevator pitch.
8. Follow-up after the conference. Whether it’s a quick message or a formal reply with information they may have requested, keep in touch while your name is fresh in their mind. You’re building a business relationship, and relationships take time and nurturing.