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Connecting with the African American consumer within this uplifting, motivational environment, where the focus is “empowerment”, amplifies your brand’s message and frames it in a most positive way. This is how brand loyalty is formed.”
In 1993, The show, entitled “An Expo for Today’s Black Woman” at that time, was primarily focused on providing an annual event that allowed small businesses and major corporations to showcase their products and services before African American consumers in the Chicagoland area. Today, the Black Women’s Expo, also known as BWe NEXT, has evolved into the largest lifestyle exposition for Black women in the country providing a platform where the societal issues faced cannot only be amplified but tackled!
The weekend exposition on-site is comprised of small and large activations that address the needs of Black women and their families – via topical seminars & general sessions presented by a five-star roster of subject matter experts, themed resource pavilions (health & wellness, food & nutrition, finance & generational wealth, business ownership and much more), a small business exhibitor’s marketplace and corporate exhibitions on the main floor.
BWe has been the nation’s longest running, most-respected, intergenerational exposition targeting Black Women and their families-where women gather to share ideas, search for solutions, grow their businesses and where corporate brands can speak directly to this consumer.
The ultimate opportunity for local small businesses to engage with attendees by joining the BWe Certified Vendor table in the Exhibit Marketplace. Over 100 local Small Businesses have the opportunity to showcase their products and services in a choice of an Aisle or Corner Booth Placement. Not-For-Profit Small Businesses looking to introduce BWe attendees to local resources and services also have an opportunity to vend in the BWe Exhibit Marketplace.
The main attraction on the BWe Exhibit Floor featuring multiple days of exclusive National Musical Artists, Local Favorite Acts, Fashion Shows, Dance & Much More.
BWe attendees have an opportunity to engage with local & national entertainers, lecturers, national leaders and other notables who join BWe weekend to meet and greet with local residents in each market. Many of the BWe Celebrities & Notables take part in Exclusive Pop Up Shops to showcase their products and/or services to the BWe attendee.
BWe tailors multiple conversations for the African American woman, her family, her career and her lifestyle annually. Both local and national speakers in each BWe market have an opportunity to join the conversation and provide their expertise on a group of topics during the weekend to include Healthy Lifestyle, Relationships, Business, Beauty, Wealth & Finance, Arts & Entertainment, Technology and much more!
The BWe Youth Summit targets teens between the ages of 13-19. Annually the Summit programming focuses on self-care, leadership and decision-making skills kicking off with a general session presented by a BWe Corporate Sponsor. Immediately following the youth discussions teens will sit in on a youth town hall meeting focused on an important topic within the youth community featuring a panel of city officials, community leaders, representation of organizations providing resources and much more. BWe Producers prepare an amazing live youth showcase on the BWe Main Stage immediately following the Youth Town Hall discussion, which will feature local and national musical acts! Students will have the opportunity to directly interact with corporate sponsors and a bevy of entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations and small business owners within the BWe Marketplace on Friday in each market.
#ShhhLounge The ultimate adult beverage sampling and Silent Party lounge in the BWe Exhibit Marketplace. You may ask, what is a Silent Party?….This is a party experience like nothing you’ve seen before. Three DJ’s – Red (80’s, 90’s, 2,000’s), Green (Top 40 and EDM), and Blue (Hip Hop), all spin the best while the crowd sing and dance the day and night away. You flip from one channel to the other on your headphones and they change colors from green to red or blue. This turns the event into a silent disco, giving the professional an opportunity to network, engage and have a good time! Strictly for grown folks only at BWe!
The BWe #SheMatters Beauty Lounge is the ultimate destination for all things BEAUTY, featuring exclusive demonstrations by featured hair and cosmetic products all over the globe. BWe attendees can stop by and get complimentary make up & skin consultations, beauty services, hear from beauty experts on the center, receive tons of beauty swag and much more!
Where the hottest natural hair product companies from corporate sponsors to small business exhibitors engage with Black women and have an opportunity to participate in the Natural Hair Show on the BWe Main Stage.
The ultimate health & wellness pavilion where BWe attendees can receive complimentary health screenings, nutritional information, join fitness demonstrations and much more from industry experts.
An exciting space for young ones with interactive games, face painting and just plain ol’ fun!
An exclusive space where male guests will enjoy being pampered and groomed, along with the best in men’s fashions, hair and skincare products!!
Dear BWe family,
From the moment I walked into the Phenomenal Woman Awards reception on Thursday evening, I had a feeling that the 27th Annual Black Women’s Expo in Chicago would be special, and I was right! There aren’t enough words to express my gratitude for the support and encouragement shown by so many throughout this HUGE undertaking that we affectionately call “BWe NEXT!”
Thank you to our sponsors, exhibitors, performers, panelists, my phenomenal team and every single attendee for breathing life into our celebration of the Black woman! Because of you, her legacy indeed continues!
I stole a few moments here and there to check out the vendors, pop in on panel discussions and catch some entertainment on the main stage. All I could say was, “WOW! WE DID THAT!”
There’s no doubt that my sister is smiling down on our earnest effort that manifested into excellent execution. Ruby, we did it!
Again, please accept my heartfelt thanks, and I hope to see you in Atlanta in December!
Submitted with love,
Creator and Executive Producer
Black Women’s Expo