WIPP Business Summit

The Premier Event for Women Business Owners

NOV 12-14, 2024

Washington D.C.

Hosted By

Summit

What You Can Expect

The WIPP Business Summit is held in conjunction with NBIC Unity Week, which serves to unite the nation’s leading business diversity organizations and Government Agencies. NBIC Unity Week is a celebration of diversity, opportunity, equity, inclusion and collaboration. Attendees will receive access to exclusive dayside programming focused on building unprecedented success for diverse communities in the United States and around the globe.

Key Value for Women Business Owners

Our vibrant and committed network convenes at the WIPP Business Summit to fuel opportunities for women owned businesses across the country. We feature dynamic SMEs to deliver game-changing programming and advocacy training to make our collective voices heard on policy that impacts our community.

Advocacy

Equipping women entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources to influence policy and drive positive change for their businesses.

Community

Building strong networks that foster collaboration, support, and growth among women business owners.

Education

Offering essential insights to help women-owned businesses thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

Agenda

Monday, November 11

Evening Reception

Tuesday, November 12 - WIPP Educational Sessions

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM – WIPP Welcome Meet & Greet
Location: Potomac Ballroom Foyer

1:00 - 1:40 pm – Unlocking Financial Resources: A Guide to Accessing Capital

Location: Meeting Room 3

Speaker: Geri Stengel, President, Ventureneer

Discover essential pathways to secure funding and fuel your business growth. This session will provide a comprehensive guide to accessing various forms of capital, from loans and grants to venture funding. Gain valuable insights and practical tips to navigate the financial landscape and unlock the resources needed to reach your business goals.

1:45 - 2:45 pm – Improving Access to WOSB Contracts: Strategies for Success

Location: Meeting Room 3

Speakers:

Calvin Mitchell, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisitions, Grants, and Risk Management, Department of Education
Alisa Sheard, WOSB Federal Contract Program Director, Office of Government Contracting, U.S. Small Business Administration

This session will explore pathways to increase access to Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) contracts, offering strategies to navigate the federal contracting process more effectively. Attendees will learn about current resources, eligibility requirements, and best practices to position their businesses for WOSB opportunities. Ideal for women entrepreneurs aiming to expand their reach in government contracting, this session provides actionable steps to open doors and drive growth in the federal marketplace.

2:50 - 3:30 pm – Pending Health Care Reform and PBM Pharmacy Benefit Managers: Navigating the Future of Pharmacy Benefits

Location: Meeting Room 3
Speaker: Scott Woods, Vice President of Policy, Research and Membership, PhRMA

This session will explore the latest developments in healthcare reform impacting Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and the delivery of pharmacy benefits. Attendees will gain insight into proposed regulatory changes, transparency initiatives, and the evolving role of PBMs in managing costs and access to medications.

3:35 - 4:15 pm – Empowering Small Businesses: Strategies and Support from OSDBU Agencies
Location: Meeting Room 3
Speakers:

Katie Vlietstra Wonnenberg, Principal, Public Prvate Strategies (moderator)
Calvin Mitchell, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisitions, Grants, and Risk Management, Department of Education
Exodie Roe, III, Associate Administrator, OSDBU, General Services Administration (GSA)
Denise Benjamin Sirmons, Director, OSDBU, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Join this session to explore how OSDBU (Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization) agencies support small businesses in accessing federal contracting opportunities. Learn practical strategies, available resources, and key insights directly from OSDBU representatives to help your business thrive in the federal marketplace.

4:20 - 5:00 pm – Leveraging Your Experience and Past Performance to Win More Government Contracts

Location: Meeting Room 3
Speaker: Gloria Larkin, President & CEO, TargetGov

This session focuses on how to effectively showcase your past performance and unique experience to stand out in the government contracting process. Attendees will learn strategic approaches to emphasize relevant achievements, build credibility, and tailor proposals that align with agency goals. Perfect for contractors looking to enhance their competitive edge, this session provides practical insights into leveraging proven success for future contract wins.

5:30-7:30pm Welcome Reception

Location: Potomac Ballroom- Salon 1 and 2

Wednesday, November 13 - WIPP - Inspire Series: Big Ideas for Diverse Leaders and Matchmaker Sessions

11:45 AM - 12:05 PM – From Bid to Big Win: My Success Story and Tips for Your Contracting Journey
Location: Meeting Room 3
Speaker: Lauren Wittenberg Weiner, Strategic Advisor, WWC Global, a Pequot Company

In this inspiring session, Lauren Wittenberg Weiner shares her journey to securing a major government contract, detailing the challenges, strategies, and breakthroughs along the way. GovCon is a highly regulated space, with both very clear written rules and very important unwritten rules that guide “how the game is played” for real. Both are critical to find even baseline success in the industry, but finding your own space within the rules is where you distinguish yourself from all other competitors, which is the secret to breakout success.

12:10 PM - 12:30 PM – Cybersecurity Compliance: Protecting Your Business and Meeting Regulatory Standards
Location: Meeting Room 3

Speakers:

Angela Dingle, CEO and President, Women Impacting Public Policy
Sue Tellier, President, JetCo Federal

Ideal for businesses navigating cybersecurity mandates, this session covers the essential frameworks and regulations for cybersecurity compliance, helping organizations safeguard their data and meet industry standards. Attendees will learn about best practices, compliance requirements, and tools to protect sensitive information, ensuring both legal adherence and robust cybersecurity.

12:35 PM - 12:55 PM – GSA Multiple Award Schedule: Separating the Myths From the Facts
Location: Meeting Room 3
Speaker: Courtney Fairchild, President & CEO, Global Services, Inc.

Navigate the complexities of the GSA Multiple Award Schedule with clarity and confidence. In this session, we’ll debunk common myths, reveal the true benefits, and outline the requirements of GSA schedules. Join us to gain practical insights that will help your business make informed decisions about federal contracting opportunities.

2:15 PM - 2:35 PM – Debunking the Myths of AI: Separating Fact from Fiction
Location: Meeting Room 3
Speaker: Monica Alexander, Transformation Leader, HR Basics, LLC

In this session, we’ll tackle common misconceptions about artificial intelligence, clarifying what AI can and cannot do. You’ll learn the truth about AI capabilities, limitations, and ethical considerations. Perfect for those curious about the impact of AI on business and society, this session aims to demystify AI and empower you to make informed decisions in an increasingly tech-driven world.

2:40 PM - 3:40 PM – After the Votes: Advocacy Trends and Policy Implications
Location: Meeting Room 3
Speaker: Katie Vlietstra Wonnenberg, Principal, Public Private Strategies

Join us for an insightful session as we delve into the latest advocacy and policy news, highlighting key updates and implications following the recent election results. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of emerging trends, critical issues, and the impact of electoral outcomes on current advocacy efforts. Stay informed and engaged as we explore how these developments shape our communities and influence future initiatives.

3:45 PM - 4:25 PM - Brand Mastery: Ignite Your Influence, aka "I'm Kind of a Big Deal"

Location: Meeting Room 3

Speaker: Kim Bode, President & CEO, 8ThirtyFour

Drawing on her experience as the founder of a top PR firm and a leader in women-focused organizations, Kim will share strategies for aligning with values-driven organizations, building an authentic network, and creating a marketing approach with purpose. This session goes beyond typical networking, offering real-world insights and actionable steps to build connections that fuel change and business growth.

4:30-4:50 -Strategies for Success in Federal Subcontracting

Speaker: Cara Wulf, Partner, McCarter & English

Attendees will learn proven approaches for small businesses to thrive as federal subcontractors. This session provides insights into building strong prime contractor relationships, understanding compliance requirements, and leveraging subcontracting opportunities to enhance growth in the federal marketplace.

6-7:30pm- Unity Reception

Location: Rock Creek Ballroom - Ballroom Level

Thursday, November 14

11am-1:30pm Best of the Best Luncheon (by invitation only)

Location: Rock Creek Ballroom - Ballroom Level

7-8:30pm WBENC Reception- Honoring Veterans

Location: Potomac Ballroom- Salon 1 and 2

Venue