Location: coming soon!
NAWBO Greater DC invites you to a very special reception to welcome you to Washington, DC and give you the opportunity to connect with this year’s Advocacy Day attendees.
Location: Empire Ballroom
Location: Empire Ballroom
Location: Hotel Lobby
Location: Near U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, First Street SE, Washington, DC 20515
We are excited to continue one of our most popular traditions of taking a group photo on Capitol Hill!
Location: Capitol Hill
Location: Capitol Hill
Location: coming soon!
Get ready for 90 minutes of powerful insights and candid conversations with NAWBO’s top national and chapter leaders! Connect with inspiring women who’ve navigated the same challenges —balancing NAWBO leadership with running a business, energizing board members, and maximizing member engagement—and gain their strategies to lead with confidence. Join high-impact roundtables to swap ideas, tackle real-world scenarios, and leave with practical solutions and a network of allies you can rely on. Don’t miss this chance to shape your journey alongside leaders who truly get it.
Participants will:
• Connect with National and local leaders to build a support network and gain valuable insights.
• Discuss practical solutions to common leadership challenges in focused small groups.
Location: Hotel Lobby - to walk to Rock Creek Park
Meet in the lobby to join us for a walk around the area to start your day and meet fellow attendees. Let’s enjoy the weather and location together. In case of inclement weather, join us on the Empire Ballroom Patio for a wellness/yoga session.
Location: Congressional Room
Location: Empire Ballroom
Opening Remarks & Treasurer's Report
Location: Empire Ballroom
A great author once said, “There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots; the other, wings.” Learn from a panel of past NAWBO National leaders how NAWBO gave them the “roots” and “wings” that led to tremendous positive impacts for women business owners today.
Location: Empire Ballroom
Join us as we install the 2025-2026 NAWBO National Board and its Chair, Megan Patton along with the 2025-2026 NAWBO Institute Board and its Chair, Deanna Novak.
In a world defined by rapid change and constant adaptation, success is no longer an individual pursuit. Who we surround ourselves with isn’t just important—it’s everything, and true networking is about the transfer of humanity. When done right, it creates meaningful connections, mutual support and the shared exchange of value. It’s a ripple effect that drives transformation for individuals, teams and communities. Get ready to redefine networking and learn actionable strategies to unlock its full potential!
Key Takeaways:
Janine Garner
Location: Empire Ballroom
Location: Empire Ballroom
Let’s recognize our top chapters for their amazing work over this last year followed by our pinning ceremony. Past presidents and new presidents will take part in the pinning ceremony as the new presidents recite their pledge.
Location: Regency Ballroom
You don’t know what you don’t know! Get ready to unlock the secrets: who to call (or where to click!) when you have a question, what your legal responsibilities are as a board member, and how to cut your board meeting prep time down. We're here to simplify it for you—walk away with the top NAWBO facts every chapter leader needs to know.
Participants will:
• Discover who to contact and where to find answers fast, so you’re never left guessing.
• Walk away with essential NAWBO facts every chapter leader needs to succeed.
Location: Diplomat Ballroom
Scaling your business means you are able to control your time, have an amazing work-life balance, operate with great cash flow and have a reliable sales and marketing engine—all while having tech-enabled guardrails to keep you and your team rowing in the same direction. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work on it. You’ll get into a scaling mindset and then work through your business with peers to focus in on what matters most to get your business scaling to the next level. Key takeaways: You’ll leave with your growth levers identified, a roadmap to develop scalable systems and a methodology to take back to your team as you embark on creating additional scale in your organization.
Location: Palladian Ballroom
Learn how to effectively engage with the next generation of buyers on social media through authentic and relatable content that reflects your brand values. Discover which platforms resonate most with younger audiences and explore how to leverage influencer marketing to amplify your message.
Location: Empire Ballroom
See how successful Amazon selling partners got their start and are using the online retailer’s newest tools and innovations to grow their sales and success. Go behind their latest strategies and learn how they’re balancing their Amazon business with brick-and-mortar and other e-commerce pursuits.
Location: Executive Room
Whether it’s corporate supplier diversity programs or federal procurement opportunities, master how certification as woman-owned, minority woman-owned and more can open the door and help you win your share. Get ready to validate your business and leverage certification to grow.
Location: International Spy Museum
Location: Regency Ballroom
You don’t know what you don’t know! Get ready to unlock the secrets: who to call (or where to click!) when you have a question, what your legal responsibilities are as a board member, and how to cut your board meeting prep time down. We're here to simplify it for you—walk away with the top NAWBO facts every chapter leader needs to know.
Participants will:
• Discover who to contact and where to find answers fast, so you’re never left guessing.
• Walk away with essential NAWBO facts every chapter leader needs to succeed.
Location: Diplomat Ballroom
Continued Session
Scaling your business means you are able to control your time, have an amazing work-life balance, operate with great cash flow and have a reliable sales and marketing engine—all while having tech-enabled guardrails to keep you and your team rowing in the same direction. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work on it. You’ll get into a scaling mindset and then work through your business with peers to focus in on what matters most to get your business scaling to the next level. Key takeaways: You’ll leave with your growth levers identified, a roadmap to develop scalable systems and a methodology to take back to your team as you embark on creating additional scale in your organization.
Location: Palladian Ballroom
Location: Empire Ballroom
Most business owners sell only one business in their lives and don’t know what they don’t know. We will explore the practical and emotional side of selling from the lens of three stages - Before, During and After.
Location: Executive Room
Location: Regency Ballroom
Kick off your first 90 days with a powerful roadmap and insider strategies from National leaders and HQ staff who know your role inside out! In exclusive, role-specific peer groups, you’ll dive into real challenges, get clear on the Chapter of Excellence criteria, and walk away with a step-by-step plan to drive immediate impact. Don’t miss this chance to build your support network and start strong, armed with the insights and connections to make your mark from day one!
Participants will:
• Receive a 90-day roadmap with actionable steps to make an immediate impact in your role
• Engage in role-specific peer groups to tackle real challenges and share winning strategies.
Location: Empire Ballroom Patio
Get your morning started with a wonderful yoga class. Appropriate for most fitness levels. You may want to bring water and a towel!
Location: Executive Room
New to NAWBO or WBC? Take the time to introduce yourself and meet other NAWBO members. Plus find out how to get the most out of the conference and your NAWBO membership!
Location: Congressional Room
A panel of NAWBO Circle members will share their entrepreneurial journeys with NextGen attendees.
Ashley Judd
Vera Jones, Emcee
Location: Regency Ballroom
Ashley Judd knows what it’s like to want to make the world a better place—and more importantly, to use her voice, even when at times it felt like she was the only one, to help make small yet meaningful changes that amount to significant change over time. For Ashley, her advocacy passions are the rights and health of girls and women worldwide. For NAWBO, it’s bipartisan issues impacting women and small business owners. Grab a seat for this inspiring chat about what’s possible when you use your voice for good. Ashley’s efforts have indeed made the world a better place and earned her recognitions like Time magazine’s 2017 Person of the Year and the United Nations 2019 Global Advocate of the Year.
Location: Regency Ballroom
Topics include: Mental Health, AI Platforms, Social Media, Being an Influencer and International
Catherine Curry Williams
Vicky Pasche
Vera Jones, Emcee
Location: Diplomat Ballroom
Women, particularly women of color, face significant barriers in accessing capital for launching and scaling their businesses, despite evidence showing they often exceed growth expectations. Several founders share their journey, including actionable insights and resources to help bridge the funding gap.
Location: Palladian Ballroom
Navigating the complexities of taxes can feel overwhelming. Several experts demystify tax strategies to help you plan for the future and minimize liabilities. Gain insights on tax credits and deductions specific to women-owned businesses, plus, tips for organizing financial records and working with CPAs.
Melissa Richards
Location: Empire Ballroom
Launching products and services in new markets is a crucial part of every woman business owner’s success story. Explore effective go-to-market strategies, including how to identify target audiences, craft compelling messages, build strategic partnerships and leverage digital marketing tools and artificial intelligence to maximize reach.
Location: Congressional Room
Lei Wang
Location: Diplomat Ballroom
Success in business often mirrors the dynamics of sports, where strategy, teamwork and resilience are all key. Be inspired by leadership lessons from top female athletes on how to build winning teams, cultivate a competitive mindset, navigate challenges and setbacks and more on your own journey to victory.
Location: Palladian Ballroom
Attracting and retaining top talent is crucial for women business owners of all sizes. Learn innovative recruitment and retention strategies, including crafting compelling job descriptions, leveraging modern tools, implementing advanced techniques and fostering an inclusive culture that keeps employees engaged and motivated.
Location: Empire Ballroom
In today’s fast-paced and dynamic work environment, effective leadership is more than just technical expertise and strategic vision. It calls for the ability to navigate the complex terrain of human interactions and high-stakes conversations. In this keynote, conflict strategist Ryan Dunlap equips attendees with proven strategies to communicate effectively in challenging environments, even when faced with disagreement, opposition, or attempts to discredit their perspective. With insights drawn from the world of hostage negotiation, Ryan demonstrates how to build trust, maintain composure, and foster collaboration with resistant audiences. This talk addresses the nuanced dynamics of power, perception, culture, and authenticity. Ryan provides practical tools for navigating resistance, balancing self-expression with strategic influence, and leveraging communication as a catalyst for meaningful outcomes.
Location: Regency Ballroom
Location: Empire Ballroom & Patio
Location: Empire Ballroom Patio
Get your morning started with a wonderful yoga class. Appropriate for most fitness levels. You may want to bring water and a towel!
Location: Regency Ballroom
Location: Regency Ballroom
Join us for lunch, followed by an amazing international panel and roundtables.
Limitless Economy: Making Your Mark on the World Stage
When women business owners rise, the world rises with them. Their success sparks innovation, generates jobs and creates a ripple effect of growth and stability that strengthens families, communities and economies everywhere. This session brings together leaders from top women’s business organizations around the globe alongside experts from organizations that empower businesses to compete internationally through loans, guarantees and insurance. Discover how today’s limitless economy is creating unprecedented opportunities for women entrepreneurs to make their mark on the world stage—and how you can be part of this transformative movement.
Luly B. Carreras
Location: Diplomat Ballroom
Tired of the relentless pursuit of work/life balance and trying to be everything to everyone all the time? Challenge the myth of balance and redefine success on your own terms by exploring the hard truths behind the struggle, learning practical strategies to overcome guilt, accept support and prioritize what matters and creating the life you deserve.
Location: Palladian Ballroom
Navigating the landscape of funding options can be daunting. Understand your various avenues so that you can feel empowered to make informed decisions, including venture capital, community development financial institutions (CDFIs), certifications, banks, grants, crowdfunding and leveraging credit, and the benefits and challenges of each.
Location: Empire Ballroom
Location: Congressional Room
Location: Regency Ballroom
Location: Regency Ballroom
Location: Regency Ballroom
Location: Regency Ballroom
Location: Regency Ballroom
Location: coming soon!
NAWBO Greater DC invites you to a very special reception to welcome you to Washington, DC and give you the opportunity to connect with this year’s Advocacy Day attendees.
Location: Empire Ballroom
Location: Empire Ballroom
Location: Hotel Lobby
Location: Near U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, First Street SE, Washington, DC 20515
We are excited to continue one of our most popular traditions of taking a group photo on Capitol Hill!
Location: Capitol Hill
Location: Capitol Hill
Location: coming soon!
Get ready for 90 minutes of powerful insights and candid conversations with NAWBO’s top national and chapter leaders! Connect with inspiring women who’ve navigated the same challenges —balancing NAWBO leadership with running a business, energizing board members, and maximizing member engagement—and gain their strategies to lead with confidence. Join high-impact roundtables to swap ideas, tackle real-world scenarios, and leave with practical solutions and a network of allies you can rely on. Don’t miss this chance to shape your journey alongside leaders who truly get it.
Participants will:
• Connect with National and local leaders to build a support network and gain valuable insights.
• Discuss practical solutions to common leadership challenges in focused small groups.
Location: Hotel Lobby - to walk to Rock Creek Park
Meet in the lobby to join us for a walk around the area to start your day and meet fellow attendees. Let’s enjoy the weather and location together. In case of inclement weather, join us on the Empire Ballroom Patio for a wellness/yoga session.
Location: Congressional Room
Location: Empire Ballroom
Opening Remarks & Treasurer's Report
Location: Empire Ballroom
A great author once said, “There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots; the other, wings.” Learn from a panel of past NAWBO National leaders how NAWBO gave them the “roots” and “wings” that led to tremendous positive impacts for women business owners today.
Location: Empire Ballroom
Join us as we install the 2025-2026 NAWBO National Board and its Chair, Megan Patton along with the 2025-2026 NAWBO Institute Board and its Chair, Deanna Novak.
In a world defined by rapid change and constant adaptation, success is no longer an individual pursuit. Who we surround ourselves with isn’t just important—it’s everything, and true networking is about the transfer of humanity. When done right, it creates meaningful connections, mutual support and the shared exchange of value. It’s a ripple effect that drives transformation for individuals, teams and communities. Get ready to redefine networking and learn actionable strategies to unlock its full potential!
Key Takeaways:
Janine Garner
Location: Empire Ballroom
Location: Empire Ballroom
Let’s recognize our top chapters for their amazing work over this last year followed by our pinning ceremony. Past presidents and new presidents will take part in the pinning ceremony as the new presidents recite their pledge.
Location: Regency Ballroom
You don’t know what you don’t know! Get ready to unlock the secrets: who to call (or where to click!) when you have a question, what your legal responsibilities are as a board member, and how to cut your board meeting prep time down. We're here to simplify it for you—walk away with the top NAWBO facts every chapter leader needs to know.
Participants will:
• Discover who to contact and where to find answers fast, so you’re never left guessing.
• Walk away with essential NAWBO facts every chapter leader needs to succeed.
Location: Diplomat Ballroom
Scaling your business means you are able to control your time, have an amazing work-life balance, operate with great cash flow and have a reliable sales and marketing engine—all while having tech-enabled guardrails to keep you and your team rowing in the same direction. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work on it. You’ll get into a scaling mindset and then work through your business with peers to focus in on what matters most to get your business scaling to the next level. Key takeaways: You’ll leave with your growth levers identified, a roadmap to develop scalable systems and a methodology to take back to your team as you embark on creating additional scale in your organization.
Location: Palladian Ballroom
Learn how to effectively engage with the next generation of buyers on social media through authentic and relatable content that reflects your brand values. Discover which platforms resonate most with younger audiences and explore how to leverage influencer marketing to amplify your message.
Location: Empire Ballroom
See how successful Amazon selling partners got their start and are using the online retailer’s newest tools and innovations to grow their sales and success. Go behind their latest strategies and learn how they’re balancing their Amazon business with brick-and-mortar and other e-commerce pursuits.
Location: Executive Room
Whether it’s corporate supplier diversity programs or federal procurement opportunities, master how certification as woman-owned, minority woman-owned and more can open the door and help you win your share. Get ready to validate your business and leverage certification to grow.
Location: International Spy Museum
Location: Regency Ballroom
You don’t know what you don’t know! Get ready to unlock the secrets: who to call (or where to click!) when you have a question, what your legal responsibilities are as a board member, and how to cut your board meeting prep time down. We're here to simplify it for you—walk away with the top NAWBO facts every chapter leader needs to know.
Participants will:
• Discover who to contact and where to find answers fast, so you’re never left guessing.
• Walk away with essential NAWBO facts every chapter leader needs to succeed.
Location: Diplomat Ballroom
Continued Session
Scaling your business means you are able to control your time, have an amazing work-life balance, operate with great cash flow and have a reliable sales and marketing engine—all while having tech-enabled guardrails to keep you and your team rowing in the same direction. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work on it. You’ll get into a scaling mindset and then work through your business with peers to focus in on what matters most to get your business scaling to the next level. Key takeaways: You’ll leave with your growth levers identified, a roadmap to develop scalable systems and a methodology to take back to your team as you embark on creating additional scale in your organization.
Location: Palladian Ballroom
Location: Empire Ballroom
Most business owners sell only one business in their lives and don’t know what they don’t know. We will explore the practical and emotional side of selling from the lens of three stages - Before, During and After.
Location: Executive Room
Location: Regency Ballroom
Kick off your first 90 days with a powerful roadmap and insider strategies from National leaders and HQ staff who know your role inside out! In exclusive, role-specific peer groups, you’ll dive into real challenges, get clear on the Chapter of Excellence criteria, and walk away with a step-by-step plan to drive immediate impact. Don’t miss this chance to build your support network and start strong, armed with the insights and connections to make your mark from day one!
Participants will:
• Receive a 90-day roadmap with actionable steps to make an immediate impact in your role
• Engage in role-specific peer groups to tackle real challenges and share winning strategies.
Location: Empire Ballroom Patio
Get your morning started with a wonderful yoga class. Appropriate for most fitness levels. You may want to bring water and a towel!
Location: Executive Room
New to NAWBO or WBC? Take the time to introduce yourself and meet other NAWBO members. Plus find out how to get the most out of the conference and your NAWBO membership!
Location: Congressional Room
A panel of NAWBO Circle members will share their entrepreneurial journeys with NextGen attendees.
Ashley Judd
Vera Jones, Emcee
Location: Regency Ballroom
Ashley Judd knows what it’s like to want to make the world a better place—and more importantly, to use her voice, even when at times it felt like she was the only one, to help make small yet meaningful changes that amount to significant change over time. For Ashley, her advocacy passions are the rights and health of girls and women worldwide. For NAWBO, it’s bipartisan issues impacting women and small business owners. Grab a seat for this inspiring chat about what’s possible when you use your voice for good. Ashley’s efforts have indeed made the world a better place and earned her recognitions like Time magazine’s 2017 Person of the Year and the United Nations 2019 Global Advocate of the Year.
Location: Regency Ballroom
Topics include: Mental Health, AI Platforms, Social Media, Being an Influencer and International
Catherine Curry Williams
Vicky Pasche
Vera Jones, Emcee
Location: Diplomat Ballroom
Women, particularly women of color, face significant barriers in accessing capital for launching and scaling their businesses, despite evidence showing they often exceed growth expectations. Several founders share their journey, including actionable insights and resources to help bridge the funding gap.
Location: Palladian Ballroom
Navigating the complexities of taxes can feel overwhelming. Several experts demystify tax strategies to help you plan for the future and minimize liabilities. Gain insights on tax credits and deductions specific to women-owned businesses, plus, tips for organizing financial records and working with CPAs.
Melissa Richards
Location: Empire Ballroom
Launching products and services in new markets is a crucial part of every woman business owner’s success story. Explore effective go-to-market strategies, including how to identify target audiences, craft compelling messages, build strategic partnerships and leverage digital marketing tools and artificial intelligence to maximize reach.
Location: Congressional Room
Lei Wang
Location: Diplomat Ballroom
Success in business often mirrors the dynamics of sports, where strategy, teamwork and resilience are all key. Be inspired by leadership lessons from top female athletes on how to build winning teams, cultivate a competitive mindset, navigate challenges and setbacks and more on your own journey to victory.
Location: Palladian Ballroom
Attracting and retaining top talent is crucial for women business owners of all sizes. Learn innovative recruitment and retention strategies, including crafting compelling job descriptions, leveraging modern tools, implementing advanced techniques and fostering an inclusive culture that keeps employees engaged and motivated.
Location: Empire Ballroom
In today’s fast-paced and dynamic work environment, effective leadership is more than just technical expertise and strategic vision. It calls for the ability to navigate the complex terrain of human interactions and high-stakes conversations. In this keynote, conflict strategist Ryan Dunlap equips attendees with proven strategies to communicate effectively in challenging environments, even when faced with disagreement, opposition, or attempts to discredit their perspective. With insights drawn from the world of hostage negotiation, Ryan demonstrates how to build trust, maintain composure, and foster collaboration with resistant audiences. This talk addresses the nuanced dynamics of power, perception, culture, and authenticity. Ryan provides practical tools for navigating resistance, balancing self-expression with strategic influence, and leveraging communication as a catalyst for meaningful outcomes.
Location: Regency Ballroom
Location: Empire Ballroom & Patio
Location: Empire Ballroom Patio
Get your morning started with a wonderful yoga class. Appropriate for most fitness levels. You may want to bring water and a towel!
Location: Regency Ballroom
Location: Regency Ballroom
Join us for lunch, followed by an amazing international panel and roundtables.
Limitless Economy: Making Your Mark on the World Stage
When women business owners rise, the world rises with them. Their success sparks innovation, generates jobs and creates a ripple effect of growth and stability that strengthens families, communities and economies everywhere. This session brings together leaders from top women’s business organizations around the globe alongside experts from organizations that empower businesses to compete internationally through loans, guarantees and insurance. Discover how today’s limitless economy is creating unprecedented opportunities for women entrepreneurs to make their mark on the world stage—and how you can be part of this transformative movement.
Luly B. Carreras
Location: Diplomat Ballroom
Tired of the relentless pursuit of work/life balance and trying to be everything to everyone all the time? Challenge the myth of balance and redefine success on your own terms by exploring the hard truths behind the struggle, learning practical strategies to overcome guilt, accept support and prioritize what matters and creating the life you deserve.
Location: Palladian Ballroom
Navigating the landscape of funding options can be daunting. Understand your various avenues so that you can feel empowered to make informed decisions, including venture capital, community development financial institutions (CDFIs), certifications, banks, grants, crowdfunding and leveraging credit, and the benefits and challenges of each.
Location: Empire Ballroom
Location: Congressional Room
Location: Regency Ballroom
Location: Regency Ballroom
Location: Regency Ballroom
Location: Regency Ballroom
Location: Regency Ballroom