The program will take place on Oct 22nd through Oct 24th, 2011 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, just 15 minutes from Washington, DC. This website provides complete information for the Summit & Salute, as well as event registration. Presenting Sponsors Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors: What is WBENC? The Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), founded in 1997, is the nation's leading advocate of women-owned businesses as suppliers to America's corporations. WBENC is the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women in the United States. WBENC works to foster diversity in the world of commerce with programs and policies designed to expand opportunities and eliminate barriers in the marketplace for women business owners. WBENC works with representatives of corporations to encourage the utilization and expansion of supplier/vendor diversity programs. For more information on WBENC, visit www.wbenc.org. What is the Summit & Salute to Women's Business Enterprises? The Summit & Salute to Women's Business Enterprises is one of the "Do not miss" business events of the year. The Summit & Salute is a single program with two important goals. First, the Summit brings together America's leading corporations, government agencies, women business owners and strategic partner organizations. This comprehensive two-day program will focus on the evolution of supply chain diversity in today's economy and the capacity of women business enterprises to meet changing corporate needs. The event will also include information on business forecasts, market trends, best practices, and provide networking environments conducive to business. Second, the Salute honors WBENC's award-winning Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) Stars for their achievements and leadership, and also pays tribute to America's Top Corporations for Women's Business Enterprises. The Opportunity Connection: Why should you attend? The Opportunity Connection theme is based on one of WBENC's three core values: Certification, Opportunity, and Resources. This theme re-emphasizes WBENC's ongoing commitment of connecting major corporations and WBEs to identify and negotiate business opportunities. This year's Summit is focused on the changing Supply Chain and opportunities for capacity building. If you are a WBE, the Summit & Salute offers Opportunities to build your business; Opportunities to informally introduce yourself and your company to corporate and government leaders without an appointment; Opportunities to learn about the latest macro and micro trends and how they'll affect your business; and Opportunities to grow as a business leader. If you are a corporate representative, there are Opportunities to learn about best practices from your peers; Opportunities to speak to WBEs who can supply you with important new products and services to increase your productivity and profitability; and Opportunities to meet a broad range of WBEs who represent a substantial market for your company's products and services.