May 23, 2025

In today's newsletter:

WBENC Conference Virtual Prep Party May 28 on Zoom
Hotel room block extended for WBENC National Conference
Prepare to Pitch in WBEC Florida Regional Pitch Competition
Attend WBENC Pitch Academy for tips on national competition
Event Report: Power Links half-day conference in Tampa
WBENC Forum Series kicks off with session on AI for the CEO
Register to attend: WEConnect International Day 2025
Miami-Dade County Public Schools Resource Fair May 30

Ready, Set, Connect!

Join Our WBENC Conference Virtual Prep Party

11 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2025, on Zoom

Are you registered for the 2025 WBENC National Conference in New Orleans June 23–26? Or still thinking about it?

Either way, you’re invited to our Virtual Prep Session designed to help you show up smart, stylish and seriously ready to shine.

This session will help you:

Maximize every conversation, breakout and booth visit.
Know what to do before, during and after the event.
Navigate the expo hall like a pro.
Make the most of meet-and-greet roundtables
Follow up with purpose (and polish!).
Pack smart — including that pop of orange.

Why orange? That’s our WBEC Florida color! And our mascot? The monarch butterfly. When you wear orange, you’re repping our region — and instantly recognizable as part of the WBEC Florida family.

Bonus: Even if you're not heading to NOLA this time, join us anyway — these tips will help you rock any business event, and you'll still connect with amazing women from our region. Plus it's free!

Let’s get you conference-ready — together.

We can’t wait to see you there. 🧡

WBENC National Conference

Book Your Room and Register Soon!

On-Site Registration Not Available

This Year, So Sign Up By June 18

There is still time to register for the annual conference, but there are some changes this year. The on-site registration will not be available, so only pre-registered guests will be able to geet into the event.

If you're considering attending, WBENC has extended the room blocks for three of the four host hotels, but these are closing soon:

New Orleans Marriott - Book by June 2

Sheraton New Orleans - Book by June 6

Caesars New Orleans - Book by June 6

Learn more about the schedule, the speakers, the after-hours activities, the sponsors, the expo hall and more at the WBENC conference site online:

Learn More About the Conference

June 23-26, 2025

in New Orleans

Book Your Room

NEW: Learn about details of navigating the conference at a virtual orientation session June 3 or June 11. You will be invited to attend orientation after you register for the conference.

We look forward to seeing you in New Orleans!

Prepare to Pitch Your Company

(We're Here to Help You Do Your Best!)

Are you ready to join three other WBEC Florida members who have won the national WBENC Pitch in recent years? There's only one way to do that: Get your pitch ready!

We're holding a "Prepare to Pitch" session for WBEC Florida members to help you get out of your comfort zone and jump in!

Want some more prep?

Participating in the pitch sessions can do more for your business than help you win big prize money. They can also polish your skills for approaching corporations and government organizations as a potential supplier. They're a great way to boost your confidence!

Accelerate Your Impact

May 30 | Virtual | Noon - 2pm ET

Accelerate Your Story

July 25 | Virtual | Noon - 2pm ET

Build Your Impact Statement

Aug. 8 | Virtual | Noon - 2pm ET

Watch the Pitches

The WBEC Florida Regional Pitch Competition will take place on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025.

Dhomonique Murphy of Sarasota (above) won one of the national competitions in 2024.

Who will win the WBEC Florida regional pitch this year, and will she go on to the big stage? Watch the regional event live!

Event Report

Members Gather

in Tampa Bay Area

for Power Links

We’re still riding the wave of excitement from Tuesday, May 13, at the Power Links: Women & Business Connections half-day WBEC Florida conference in Tampa!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at Carrollwood Country Club. The lively discussions, impactful connections, and shared vision for growth made it a morning to remember. It was such a pleasure seeing so many of you face-to-face!

Thank you to our sponsors and partners for hosting roundtable meet-and-greet sessions:

Willie Johnson, VyStar Credit Union
Johanna Bratslavsky, CHEP
Desiree Hanson, Moffitt Cancer Center
Dwan Courtney, University of Florida
Ed Ramos, U.S. Small Business Administration
Yanina Rosario, Florida SBDC
Kosetty Polanco, Bank of America
Carolyn Midkiff, Florida Blue

We look forward to our next in-person event. Stay tuned for details!

WBEC Florida President and CEO Nancy Allen (above) greets the panel of sponsors and partners. Dwan Courtney (below) and member Sandra Leppert say hello.

Opportunities

The WBENC Forum Insight Series Returns for 2025

Join the first session of the 2025 WBENC Forum Insight Series and tap into the power of collective wisdom from the nation's top women business leaders. This dynamic peer-to-peer series starts with a session titled:

AI-Powered CEO: Using AI for Advanced Business Functions

Thursday, May 29 | 3:00 - 4:30 pm ET | Virtual

AI can be a powerful tool for business owners, helping you plan strategically and make business decisions. Hear from a panel of WBE CEOs who are using AI for research, evaluation and education.

Grow Your Global Network

at International Day 2025

Host: WEConnect International

When: June 22, 2025

Where: New Orleans, Louisiana, in conjunction with the WBENC National Conference

Business is global — and International Day 2025 is where women-owned businesses meet opportunity. Held the day before the WBENC Conference on Sunday, June 22, in New Orleans, this event features curated networking, expert insights, and targeted matchmaking with buyers from around the world. It’s also a chance to experience the WEConnect International community and see how global connections can fuel long-term business growth.

NOTE: This is a separate event and registration from the WBENC National Conference, but a powerful way to expand your international reach and connect with fellow women business owners.

Learn More and Register

Host: Miami-Dade County Public Schools

When: Friday, May 30 | 10:30 a.m. to noon

Where: Miami-Dade College, West Campus, Room 1102, 3800 Northwest 115th Ave., Doral, FL 33178

Cost: Free

RSVP for the Event

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.

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