In today's newsletter:

• Coffee with a Corporate Features Moffitt Cancer Center April 8
• WBEC Florida Exhibits at Moffitt Small Business Symposium
• Learn Better Mingle-Ability at Next Winning Strategies Session
• Display at WBENC's 2026 National Conference in Salt Lake City
• Register for the Conference and Get Your Hotel Room Today
• Nominate Women Veteran Entrepreneurs for NaVOBA Award

Join Us for Our Virtual Coffee with a Corporate

Corporation: Moffitt Cancer Center

Guest: Desirée Hanson, MCA, Associate Director, Supplier Engagement & Development

Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Time: 10 to 11 a.m. ET

Price: Free for members and nonmembers

Location: Zoom

Coffee with a Corporate is your opportunity to sit down virtually with supplier development and procurement professionals from leading corporations and government agencies.

Each month, we’ll host featured guests who share insights about how their organizations work with suppliers, information on what they look for in new partners, and practical tips to help your business get noticed.

30 minutes of conversation, 30 minutes of Q&A and networking, and one powerful hour of connection.

Moffitt Small Business Symposium

Moffitt Cancer Center hosted a sold-out Small Business Symposium at its Tampa campus March 20 that featured educational sessions and a trade show.

At the WBEC Florida exhibit table, Board Chair Terri Hall of Doubletake Marketing and PR joined Special Projects Director Diane Sears to welcome WBEC members from all over Florida.

Our host was Desirée Hanson, Moffitt Associate Director of Supplier Engagement & Development. The expo featured buyers from numerous departments at the growing healthcare company, as well as prime contractors looking for Tier-2 suppliers. Also present: partners including Duke Energy, Travel + Leisure, Tampa Airport Authority, University of South Florida, University of Florida, Pinellas County, FSMSDC, Go for the Greens Foundation, and others.

Winning Strategies with a WBE - WBEC FL Speaker Series

Mastering Your Mingle-Ability:

5 Ways to Turn Contacts into Contracts

Guest: Jacqueline Whitmore, The Protocol School of Palm Beach

Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Time: Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Price: Free for members and nonmembers

Location: Zoom

In today’s hybrid work environment, effective networking is more crucial than ever. This course empowers professionals to build meaningful connections, both in-person and virtually.

Participants will learn to:

• Navigate conferences, trade shows, and a variety of social events with confidence. That includes the WBENC National Conference!
• Engage in impactful conversations.
• Leave lasting impressions that foster professional growth.

Register today! And bring your sales and marketing leaders, too!

Connect. Collaborate. Shift.

Position your business for greater visibility, opportunity, and impact.

Apply to Display at WBENC Conference

Hurry! Early Bird Pricing for Exhibitors Ends April 1

If you’re WBENC Certified, there are several ways you can showcase your products and services at the WBENC Annual Conference, which takes place June 15-18 in Salt Lake City, Utah:

Exhibit Hall

Put your brand front and center with thousands of decision-makers actively seeking suppliers by purchasing a space in the Exhibit Hall at the Salt Palace Convention Center. Hurry, early bird rates expire on April 1!

Demo Stations

Sign up to be considered for a one-hour demo in a special section of the exhibit hall for Women Owned products. During these one-hour demos, you can demonstrate, sample, and sell your items on the bustling expo floor.

Pop Up Shops

During the evening receptions, you’ll have a two-hour window to show off and sell your products in a fun, high-energy space. Each evening event has its own theme:

• Monday, June 15 – 6 to 8 p.m. – Trailblazers Market, an outdoor-inspired opportunity for active-lifestyle brands and nature-loving makers.
• Tuesday, June 16 – 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. – The Bee State Bazaar, an eclectic marketplace packed with crowd pleasers and sweet surprises.
• Wednesday, June 17 – 6 to 8 p.m. – The Book Nook Marketplace, a library-themed experience filled with smart, stylish, and story-inspired finds.

Meet Us in Salt Lake City June 15-18

The WBENC National Conference is your moment to connect, learn, and grow within the vibrant WBENC Network. Each year offers different experiences and opportunities.

We’re Here to Make Recertification Easy

Thank You to Our Sponsors

WBEC Florida and WBENC Anti-Discrimination Policy

As a community of entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and economic development thought leaders, WBENC and the WBEC Florida Regional Partner Organization are committed to the elimination of discrimination in all areas of business and the provision of equal opportunity when accessing capital, contracts, and contacts. In compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, we do not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status in any of our policies, procedures, or practices. This anti-discrimination policy covers admission and access to, and treatment, in all programs and activities.