If you listen to Todd Whitthorne (co-emcee at this year’s Awards Gala), Round-Up is a western rodeo where the Council’s board members participate in bull riding contests! Well, as funny as this description was during the Gala program, it’s not entirely true. In fact, the only part that is true is that our board members do participate in the entire event, but there is no bull involved!

What you will find at the Round-Up on April 21-22 is a well-organized, well-attended WBE procurement event in a central location with close, cheap and abundant parking. The Arlington Convention Center will be the site again this year and they have promised that no tornadoes will crash the kick off party this year.

The Suppliers to Buyers function, one-on-one appointments between WBEs and corporate buyers, will take place during the morning of the trade fair instead of the day before as in past years. This change will facilitate buyers meeting all of our WBEs, not just the ones with which they have appointments. In addition, the trade show floor will be sectioned by industry to facilitate buyers finding the WBEs they need. When you’re not manning your booth, you can check out the silent auction which will feature “Lunch with a CEO or CPO” for WBEs only to bid upon.

A variety of workshops will be held on April 21st to meet the needs of our WBE and Sustaining Members. Click here for more details on the workshops, speakers and to register for the 8th Annual Women’s Business Round-Up Trade Fair.