Put your mask on first! Now, more than ever, our minds and our bodies need attention. Mental health and physical well-being affect how we think, feel and act, and are important at every stage of life. The day will be filled with candid conversations and tools, normalizing women’s mental health discussions, increasing the awareness and importance of physical health, and encouraging attendees to build a strong support system, seeking guidance when needed.

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1 - 1:15pm Summit Kick-Off and Recognition

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1:20 - 2:10pm Courageous Conversation: Managing Your Mind and Body

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Through expertise and experiences, this roundtable will provide attendees with the opportunity to increase their awareness of mental and physical health, and their potential incidence and impact in the workplace, challenge existing stereotypes of mental illness and explore how they might better support their teams while evaluating their current strategy towards putting their mask on first.

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2:15 - 3:05pm Inclusion, Resiliency and Leading Through Times of Change: A Conversation with Jennifer Brown

Resilience is the capacity to prepare for, recover from and adapt in the face of stress, challenge, and adversity. Inclusion and our efforts to foster a culture of belonging is core to our resiliency and our ability to pivot our organizations and ready them for the future when that future remains uncertain and ever-changing. The most effective leaders are cultivating new traits, including empathy, self-awareness, vulnerability, cultural competence, emotional intelligence, and risk-taking. They are personally committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), purpose and sustainability - and are willing to hold themselves and others publicly accountable for results. Jennifer Brown shares actionable insights for leading in today's changing and uncertain environment, creating workplaces that are equitable and inclusive for all members, and becoming a purpose-driven organization.

3:05 - 3:15pm Closing Remarks

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6:45 - 6:55pm Guided Meditation

Meet us on the mat as we close the day, centering and recalibrating ourselves. 

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As the organization that represents the more than 12.9 million women-owned businesses across the country, the road to 20 years has been paved by many twists, turns, triumphs, and individuals who are dedicated to each other’s success. The day will include conversations with leaders who are fiercely committed to WIPP, who have played a critical role in the sustainability of this great organization, and who leave a lasting legacy of supporting women in business. The day will culminate with a great message from a dynamic speaker.

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1 - 1:15pm Welcome Remarks and Recognition

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1:20 - 2:05pm Pass the Gavel: Women in the Board Room

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As WIPP celebrates its 20th Anniversary, it has long been the norm for women to have a seat at the table. This intimate conversation will include stories from past and current WIPP Board Chairs of their favorite WIPP moments, the leadership skills needed to get through their term, how WIPP positively impacted their business, how they managed a thriving company while serving on the Board, and what it takes for women to successfully serve on corporate and non-profit Boards.

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2:10 - 3:00pm Growth through Acquisition for Women-Owned Businesses

In this presentation Debbie Warwick, EVP of Women Owned Business Lending, and Erin Andrew, SVP of Inclusive Small Business Lending at Live Oak Bank, will discuss how women can utilize acquisition as a business growth tactic and an exit strategy. They will cover topics from the benefits of business acquisition, how to finance an acquisition and whether you should sell your company as an exit. Women are fundamental to shaping the future of business and Live Oak’s Inclusive Small Business Team is dedicated to providing women-owned businesses with the tools they need to thrive.

3:00 - 3:10pm Closing Remarks

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Connections in business are key! WIPP Matchmaker Meetings are designed to help connect attendees with not only contracting officers at government agencies but also decision-makers at prime suppliers, including corporations, who offer additional subcontracting opportunities. 

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You must be registered by October 29th to be eligible. Sign up for Matchmaker Meetings by emailing your one-page capability statement to matchmaker@wipp.org in pdf format along with any requested agencies/primes you are interested in being matched with.

*MatchMaker meeting application is closed at 10/29 5PM EDT*

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12 - 12:15pm Welcome Remarks and Recognition

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12:15 - 12:45pm The Future of Procurement

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Government agencies and corporations are experiencing extraordinary change and disruption that are impacting their future viability. Expanding regulatory requirements, industry changes, and shifts in the market are all affecting the future of procurement and supply chain opportunities for small businesses across the country. Hear from experts as they talk about both public and private sector approaches, policies, procedures, and the use of automation and analytics to drive more procurement opportunities.

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1:00 - 3:00pm Summit Networking

We invite you to join the networking room any time after the Procurement panel to engage with fellow attendees. If you find someone to connect with, there is a great interactive option available to use, so that you can have a private conversation.

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1:00 - 4:00pm Matchmaker Madness

Agency and Corporate Partner hosts meet with eligible attendees to discuss procurement opportunities.

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The Women- Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program was created to help provide a level playing field for women business owners. WIPP has been there since day one, with more than a decade of relentless advocating. This day is dedicated to this very important program and you will hear from leaders at the U.S. Small Business Administration who will discuss the current state of the program and provide information on resources to help you succeed in this environment. In addition, subject matter experts will share valuable information on business financing, trends in HR and how to build a business ecosystem of success.

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1 - 1:15pm Welcome Remarks and Recognition

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1:20 - 2:35pm Game Changers: Real Talk with the U.S. SBA

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The SBA has elevated its support of small businesses across the country with new game-changing leadership, and to say they are busy would be an understatement. 

This candid discussion will cover the state of women-owned businesses, the WOSB Federal Contracting Program, the expanded assistance of women’s entrepreneurship, and their support of Small Business Saturday.

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2:35 - 3:10pm COVID Safety Protocol Compliance for Federal Contractors

Are you confused about the recent COVID 19 Safety Protocol Requirements for Federal Contractors? You are not alone. In this session, experienced government contracting attorney Maria Panichelli will unpack and discuss the implications the Executive Order, related Task Force Guidance, and COVID Deviation Clauses as they relate to, the vaccine mandate, masking/distancing requirements, monitoring requirements, and subcontract flow-down requirements.

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3:10 - 3:15pm Closing Remarks

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Let’s look towards the future together in this festive environment! We will be entertained by a great musical guest, hear the latest information from Capitol Hill, recognize those who are dedicated to the women’s business community, unveil a few surprises, and toast the future! Bring your favorite beverage and join us for this fun Happy Hour!

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5 - 5:30pm Welcome Remarks and Recognition

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5:30 - 5:40pm Musical Guest

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5:40 - 6:00pm Capitol Hill Update with the WIPP Advocacy Team

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6:00 - 6:10pm Musical Guest

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6:10 - 6:30pm Closing Remarks