WBENC National Conference Recap

WBENC 2025: A Week of Connection, Celebration, and Community

The 2025 WBENC National Conference in New Orleans was was a powerful and inspiring gathering of Women-Owned Businesses (WBEs), corporate partners and industry leaders. From the moment we arrived to the final farewell, the week was filled with energy, empowerment, and unforgettable moments—both joyful and deeply meaningful.

Celebrating and Honoring a Powerful Leader

While the week overflowed with excitement, an unmistakable reflection of the passion and momentum driving the WBENC community, it was followed by heartbreaking news: the sudden and tragic loss of WBENC President and CEO, Pamela Prince-Eason.

Pam’s presence throughout the week in New Orleans was felt deeply. She led, as she has for decades, with strength, grace, and a commitment that has defined her legacy. A visionary leader, tireless advocate, and unwavering supporter of women-owned businesses, Pam inspired throusands with her dedication to changing the narrative and creating space for women to thrive.

With more than 4,800 conference attendees—including over 2,500 certified women-owned businesses—the conference reflected years of innovation and intentional growth, much of it driven by Pam, her dedicated team, and her incredible network. The programming, connection, and impact of this year’s event were a testament to her leadership.

This unforgettable week served to elevate the voices, visibility, and networks of women entrepreneurs, reinforcing their role as key drivers of economic growth. West Hill is honored to have participated in such a meaningful event, and we remain committed to supporting the vibrant WBENC community.

As we celebrate the success of the 2025 conference, we also remember and honor Pam Prince-Eason–her vision, her leadership, and her enduring legacy. Her impact will be felt for generation, and we are grateful to have been a part of the community she so powerfully built.

Monday, June 23rd, General Session Kick-off and RPO Meet up

The conference was kicked off with an energizing General Session to set the tone for an inspiring week of connection, innovation and empowerment. Louise Kennedy represented West Hill Technology Counsel and welcomed the Center for Women & Enterprise group as a member of the Host Committee. The group joined together to build the Northeast RPO float with the theme: “To Plant a Seed is to Believe in Tomorrow.” The meet-up was followed by the float parade where the group tossed New England themed candy, Boston Baked Beans and Mary Janes, to the crowd.

The West Hill Team Kicked of the WBENC Conference in Style!

The West Hill team laced up their favorite kicks and hit the Sneaker Jam to kick off the 2025 WBENC National Conference with style, sparkle, and serious energy!

This high-vibe evening was the perfect mix of fun and purpose–with dinner, music and a vibrant Women Owned Pop-up Shop featuring so many incredible brands to explore and support. From blingling out our sneakers to connecting with fellow WBEs and corporate partners, Sneaker Jam set the tone for an inspiring week ahead.

Corporate Meet & Greets, Industry Labs and Women Owned Pop-Up Shop

Tuesday included a jam packed day of Corporate Meet & Greets, Industry Labs, expo booth set-up and finished up with an evening event to celebrate the Community Resource Groups.

Wednesday Highlights from the WBENC Confernce

Wednesday kicked off with an energizing General Session, followed by the highly anticipated opening of the Expo floor–and the West Hill team was ready!

We had a blast meeting and connecting with fellow attendees throughout the day. Our booth turned into a hub of friendly competition with our paper airplane toss contest–a fun way to spark conversations and add a little extra excitement to the expo experience.

Many stopped by to chat and give it their best shot at hitting the target…but only a few skilled flyers walked away with the prizes!

It was a day full of meaningful connections, great energy, and of course, a bit of paper airplane fun. We’re so grateful to be a part of this incredible community of women entrepreneurs and supporters.

Thursday Recap: Momentum and Meaningful Conversations

On Thursday, the West Hill booth was buzzing with even more energy, connection, and inspiration. The paper airplane toss kept the fun going, sparking conversations and plenty of laughs, while meaningful business discussion continued to take flight.

We loved seeing familiar faces return and new ones stop by to share ideas, stories, and a little friendly competition. It’s been incredible to watch how a simple activity can open the door to impactful conversations.

Thursday Evening: Masquerade Magic to Close out an Incredible Week

On Thursday evening, the West Hill team donned some masks and joined fellow attendees for a spectacular Masquerade on the Bayou at the Grand Oaks Mansion. The evening was the perfect way to close out an unforgettable week–filled with dinner, music, fun and most importantly, meaningful conversations and lasting connections.

It was a celebration of the vibrant WBENC community and the powerful spirit of women in business. We’re grateful for every moment, and especially the incredible people we met along the way.

2024 WBENC National Conference Recap

On Tuesday, March 21, 2024, Louise Kennedy, West Hill Founding Attorney was honored by WBENC (Women’s Buisness Enterprise National Council) as a 2024 WBE Star in Denver, CO. President & CEO Pamela Prince Eason and WBENC Board Chair Nedra Dickson, kicked-off the conference with an inspiring welcome. Bringing the Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE) President, Gabrielle King Morse , and Louise on stage to be recognized for outstanding business achievement, leadership and impact among women owned businesses. 

Legal Questions? Ask West Hill.

A glimpse at the WBENC Expo and the inside the West Hill booth. The team was asked questions about the complexities of buisness ownership, challenges in executing a Strategic Alliance, entering into contracts with corporates, Saas problems and in-house lawyers did not know anything about Saas. Interestingly, when we asked the business owners about plans for their exit, most people said, “no”.

Evening Receptions at Wings Over Rockies and Gaylord Hotel Colorado Ski Lodge Party

Louise Honored as a 2024 WBE Star at the VIP Brunch