NC MWBE July 2026 Quarterly - Asheville
About this Event
Spend a dynamic day connecting, learning, and collaborating with peers who are advancing supplier diversity and small business growth across North Carolina. The July Quarterly Meeting Agenda brings together practical insights, interactive experiences, and peer-driven idea sharing designed to deliver real-world value you can take back to your organization.
Day 1 of the conference starts with a tour from 2:00 to 4:00 of "The Block," the Historic Black Business District in Asheville, including a stop at the YMI Cultural Center, one of America's oldest Black cultural centers.
Day 2 continues the theme of connectivity, with networking over breakfast, followed by a featured panel—Directors and Donuts—where industry leaders share actionable strategies to better engage small and diverse businesses in your projects and contracts.
Then, put your skills to the test in the Procurement Escape Room, an interactive, team-based experience that simulates real procurement challenges. Work together to solve scenarios around certification, outreach, compliance, and utilization—earning clues along the way as you race to complete the final challenge.
After lunch and MBE Spotlights, gain timely insights during a legislative update before diving into one of the day’s most energizing sessions: “Steal This Idea!” This fast-paced, collaborative exchange invites you to share your most successful training programs while discovering innovative strategies from peers across the state. Leave with practical tools, new connections, and ready-to-implement ideas to strengthen your impact.
Why attend?
- Learn proven strategies to increase MWBE participation
- Engage in hands-on, interactive problem-solving
- Discover innovative training and outreach ideas
- Build meaningful connections with fellow practitioners
Whether you’re looking to refine your approach, spark new ideas, or strengthen your network, this quarterly meeting delivers both insight and inspiration.
Conference Day 1
🕑: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Tour of Downtown Asheville
Info: The conference starts with a tour of downtown Asheville, specifically "The Block," the Historic Black Business District, including a stop at the YMI Cultural Center, one of America's oldest Black cultural centers.
Conference Day 2
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Continental Networking Breakfast & Registration
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:15 AM
Welcome
🕑: 09:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Directors & Donuts
Info: A panel discussion on how to engage small/diverse businesses in procurement.
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Procurement Escape Room
Info: An interactive activity that simulates the challenges of procurement when making a good faith effort.
🕑: 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Lunch
🕑: 12:30 PM - 12:45 PM
MWBE Spotlights
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:15 PM
Legislative Update
🕑: 01:15 PM - 02:30 PM
"Steal This Idea!"
Info: Creative Small Business Event Exchange:
Allow participants to share their most successful small business programs, events, workshops, and outreach strategies while gathering fresh ideas they can take back to their organizations.
🕑: 02:30 PM
Closing
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 188.58
