WBENCs National Conference & Business Fair 2020

Event Dates
2020-11-15 - 2020-11-18
Exhibitors
350
Floor Size
0
Attendees
4700
Event contact title
Senior Manager, Marketing, Programs & Business Development
Event contact first name
LINDSEY
Event contact last name
ALL
Email
lall@wbenc.org
Event contact telephone number
202-872-5516
Description

2020 WBENC National Conference & Business Fair Update

June Event Canceled; WBENC to Host Hybrid Event in November

WBENC has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts on our network and business community.

As this health crisis has evolved, we have been carefully considering our options for the 2020 WBENC National Conference & Business Fair. There are many unknowns about the trajectory of this pandemic, and it’s unclear when our economy and businesses will be able to get back on track.

But it has become clear that hosting this event in June would not be in the best interests of our network, both for the protection of your health and safety but also to respect the financial burdens and restrictions many of you are facing as a result of this economic slowdown.

Thus, we have made the extremely difficult decision to call off the 2020 National Conference & Business Fair in Atlanta.

We are deeply disappointed we will not be able to bring our network together for our largest event of the year, but your health, safety, well-being and livelihood come first.



  • First and foremost, we are not backing down on our mission to fuel opportunities for women-owned businesses. That work continues every day. We are working with our Corporate & Government Members and Regional Partner Organizations across the country to develop creative and innovative solutions to facilitate connections within our network and support businesses during this extremely difficult economic environment.
  • We are cautiously optimistic that we will collectively weather this storm and are currently planning to host a hybrid WBENC event in November, combining elements of both Summit & Salute and the National Conference & Business Fair. Save the date: November 15 – 18, 2020. We will keep you updated on our progress in planning for November.
Attendee information

Who should attend:

WBENC-Certified Women Business Enterprises (WBEs), WBENC Corporate and Government Members, Regional Partner Organizations (RPOs), Corporate and Government Members, business owners (female and male), buyers and procurement representatives, supplier diversity professionals, and federal, state, and local government officials. We also look forward to welcoming international women business owners Certified by WEConnect International affiliates from around the world.

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact