JOIN US AT THE 2026 AWBC LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Denver, CO | September 15-17, 2026

Join us to forge connections, learn from industry leaders, and strengthen your support network in Denver, Colorado.

Education

Hear from expert speakers and industry leaders. Expand your knowledge and develop new skills through engaging, thought-provoking main stage and breakout sessions.

Networking

Connect with other industry leaders and network with sponsors offering valuable resources to streamline your work, and engage with vendors providing innovative solutions.

Collaboration & Connection

Engage with peers who "get it". Walk away feeling encouraged and supported to continue making an impact. Forge meaningful connections that you can rely on year-round for collaboration and growth.

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“This has been the most impactful leadership conference for me. The selection of high-level, relevant topics for WBC leaders. The various opportunities to network and connect with other leaders. This has given me the momentum to continue pressing forward.”

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Learn how you can benefit from the AWBC Leadership Conference!

The Countdown to the 2026 AWBC Leadership Conference is ON!

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Register today before we sell out! Prices increases on August 14th.

Post-Conference Friday Excursion

Join us for a special Friday excursion following the 2026 Conference. This curated off-site experience offers a memorable way to relax, reflect, and close out our time together.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Colorado aboard the world-famous Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the world’s highest and longest cog railway. This scenic 9-mile journey travels from Manitou Springs to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak, offering incredible mountain views and a one-of-a-kind experience.

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

The conference schedule is subject to change. We’re still confirming speakers and topics, so check back soon for the full lineup!

Agenda
8:00 AM

Registration & Networking Breakfast

Headshot Lounge opens

Morning

Welcome to the 2026 AWBC Leadership Conference

Opening Message

Morning

AWBC Annual Membership Meeting

Morning

Marsha Bailey Leadership Awards

Midday

Sponsor Blitz — GrowthWheel

Midday

Business Advisor of the Year Awards

Lunch

Lunch Buffet

Headshot Lounge open

Afternoon

Mary Swenson

World Trade Center Delaware

Afternoon

Government Affairs Update

Novel Strategies

Afternoon

SBA Full-Cohort Compliance SessionAll attendees

6:00 PM

Welcome Reception

8–9 AM

Registration & Networking Breakfast

Session

The Unlearning Advantage: 5 Power Moves That Unlock Entrepreneurial Growth

Carolina Caro, CEO, Conscious Leadership Partners

Session

Meet Them at the Trailhead: Designing Honest Programs for the Real Climb

Lindsey Kay

Lunch

Lunch Buffet

Session

Developing Friends in High Places: Turning Relationships With Leaders Into Impact

Danielle Ruggiero & Brenda Thickett

5:30–6:30 PM

The Champagne CEO Mixer

Terri Eagle

8–9 AM

Registration & Networking Breakfast

Session

Resilience and Reinvention: Leadership Lessons from an Ironman

Lisa Ann Oliveira

Session

AI on Belay: Human-Centered Systems That Support Your Climb

Anamaria Contreras & Gabrielle Hall

Lunch

Lunch Buffet

4:30 PM

Closing: Announce 2027 Conference · Vote 2028 Host City

Conference closes

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“Phenomenal! I felt empowered and a sense of sisterhood.”

 

“Thank you for hosting a fantastic event! This is my first time attending and I'm having a blast and learning new things and meeting new people! 5 Star"

HOTEL DETAILS

Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center

7800 East Tufts Avenue
Denver, CO 80237
Room rates start at $209 per night

Make the most of your conference experience by staying on-site where all conference sessions will take place!

Book with the link below to take advantage of exclusive rates!

*Room(s) must be booked before August 14, 2026 to take advantage of exclusive rates.

REGISTRATION INFO

Ticket prices increase August 14th

GENERAL CONFERENCE
(MEMBERS & SBA)

$ 949
  • September 15-17
  • AWBC members, sponsors, and SBA Resource Partners can take advantage of discounted registration, which includes the full conference experience—sessions, meals, and the Welcome Reception!

GENERAL CONFERENCE
(NON-MEMBER RATE)

$ 1049
  • September 15-17
  • Ticket includes the full conference experience—sessions, meals, and the Welcome Reception!

FRIDAY COG RAILWAY EXPERIENCE

$ 144
  • September 18
  • Registration fee covers your train ticket as well as transportation to and from the railway.

$100 Discount for purchasing 4 or more tickets. Discount only valid when purchasing 4+ tickets in one transaction.

Registration Fee Per Individual Attendee.

Due to constraints of the food and beverage and other logistics, the refund policy is as follows:

60 Days before event: Full Refund

30 Days before event: 50% Refund

Less than 30 Days: Non-Refundable

THANK YOU SPONSORS

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Get Your Brand in Front of Small Business Owners & Resource Providers!

Interested in partnering with us to increase your brand visibility while supporting women in small business?

Consider becoming a sponsor or exhibitor!

Email events@awbc.org for more information and questions.

BECOME A CONFERENCE SPEAKER OR FACILITATOR

Use the form below to send a conference proposal and speaker request for AWBC to consider.
Email events@awbc.org for more information and questions. 

Deadline to submit: June 1, 2026