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Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENCl) National Conference is one of the most significant events of its kind! WBENC provides the gold standard certification for women-owned businesses, and the professional development, tools and resources to help them succeed. This year, the annual conference was held in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. Each year, members of the ICONMA team make it out to this incredible event to connect and learn from other WBENC organizations. Here’s what Brigitte Neumayr, and Tracey LaRowe had to share about this year’s event!
What was your favorite thing about attending this year’s WBENC conference?
“[my favorite part of WBENC] Reuniting with WBE’s and Corporations that we hadn’t seen since before COVID and meeting new faces as well. The whole environment is energizing!”
“After a long pause most excited to see friendly familiar faces! It is always like we never missed a beat!”
What experiences or sessions stood out to you this year?
“Obviously, the expo was amazing! I also enjoyed a session hosted by Allison Maslan about scaling business and creating more capacity as a supplier and building a team-managed company.”
“Booth meetings are always a personal highlight; everyone (client) that I did have the opportunity to engage with were just that. Most excited to share all that they could about exploring new opportunities. Did not experience as long of a line as prior events (again, with a long pause was expecting this but did not personally experience this such as days past.”
What are your tips for networking at conferences?
“Wear comfy shoes, drink water, and have your top companies in mind to meet with first. The venue is huge with so many companies to meet with. Be sure you meet with your top targets first! Last but not least, HAVE FUN!.”
“To do ones best to have a plan; this always seems to change directions personally but to at least have a target list. As always, time is most valuable.”
What are your thoughts on the venue this year?
“I loved that the conference was at the hotel. This was very convenient for networking and meeting people organically even when we weren’t at the conference events. It was my first time to Nashville and I was grateful to have an opportunity to see some of the city with my colleagues for our first time together #teambonding!”
“Exciting venue and location! Indeed, a comfortable tennis- shoe required event!”
If you, or someone you know is looking to join the ICONMA team, check out the job portal on ICONMA’s website for new job opportunities posted daily and remember to follow us on social media @ICONMA via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for daily hot jobs postings.
May 5, 2023