FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2023
28th Annual Black Women’s Expo to Feature Famed Life Coach Iyanla Vanzant August 5th
Former host of "Iyanla Fix My Life" on the OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) on deck to motivate and inspire Expo-goers
(CHICAGO) – Over the weekend, Black Women’s Expo founder and executive producer Merry Green took to Facebook and Instagram to announce the appearance of famed life coach Iyanla Vanzant at the 28th Annual Black Women’s Expo (BWe NEXT). The show takes place August 4 – 6, 2023 at McCormick Place with Vanzant gracing the main stage Saturday, August 5th.
According to her official bio, “Rev. Dr. Iyanla Vanzant, author and internationally renowned speaker in the fields of personal development and spiritual empowerment, is best known for her riveting work as the host of Iyanla Fix My Life on the OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). Oprah herself has called Iyanla, ‘the most powerful spiritual healer, fixer, teacher, on the planet.’”
“When I received word that our invitation to Ms. Vanzant had been accepted, I could hardly contain my composure,” said Green. “We have been trying to book her over the years, and it has finally come to pass. I am already excited for every individual who plans to come hear her presentation.”
Festivities surrounding BWe NEXT will kick off with an invitation-only “Phenomenal Woman” Awards reception on Thursday, August 3, 2023 (location TBA). As customary, a group of women hailing from Chicago and surrounding areas will be saluted for their career accomplishments and contributions to the communities they serve.
A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place Friday, August 4th at 9:30 a.m. and will feature brief remarks by several city officials, dignitaries and sponsors.
"Once the doors open, attendees can expect three days of Black Girl Magic," added Green.
More than 400 exhibitors will be on the main floor showcasing products and services. Booth space and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Tickets to BWe NEXT will be available for half price at all Chicagoland Walgreens stores starting July 10th.
To secure a booth, become a sponsor and for regular updates on seminars, performances and other event details, visit www.BWeNEXT.com.
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Green is available for media interviews. Please send inquiries to [email protected]. To view the announcement, click here.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2023
Entrepreneurs in Food and Hospitality Industry to Share Secrets to Success
(CHICAGO) - Merry Green, President of MGPG Events and creator of the Black Women's Expo, will host a unique spin-off event titled "Bagels and Bosses" Brunch and Business Panel on Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency, 151 E. Wacker Drive in the Crystal Ballroom.
The event will feature an in-depth panel discussion with Black female entrepreneurs in the food and hospitality industry. Each will chronicle their journey, share lessons learned and offer professional advice with brunch and networking as the backdrop. The “Bagels and Bosses” concept was originally introduced at the Atlanta Black Women's Expo in December 2022 and was met with great interest and enthusiasm by attendees.
"The reaction from the crowd in Atlanta was amazing," said Green, who is celebrating the 28th year of the Black Women's Expo, which is the nation's largest, longest running expo for Black women. "A vibe was created that left them engaged and wanting more, so we figured why not keep this momentum going."
The food and hospitality industry panelists include:
"Participants will receive a wealth of information and resources that encourage them to start their businesses, build their brands and add to their bottom lines," added Green.
Tickets are $40 and can be purchased via Ticket Falcon at www.BWeNEXT.com. Amenities include an official welcome on the pink carpet with live coverage interviews, a succulent brunch complete with mimosas, select exhibitors, giveaways and a post-event networking hour.
Plans are also in the works to duplicate the "Bagels and Bosses" experience in other markets including Washington, DC and a return to Atlanta in the fall.
"Not only will this series provide a creative platform for successful entrepreneurs to share their knowledge, but it sets the stage and builds anticipation for the 28th Annual Black Women's Expo, which will be held in Chicago at McCormick Place August 4-6," said Green.
Sponsorship opportunities for this event are available. For more information about “Bagels and Bosses” and Black Women’s Expo, visit BWeNext.com or call 312-454-6100.
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To schedule media interviews with Green or panelists, send an inquiry to [email protected].
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 29, 2023
Winner to be Announced at “Bagels and Bosses” Brunch and Business Panel
(CHICAGO) - The Black Women's Expo is seeking to make a meaningful impact on a deserving small business related to the food industry through the BWe NEXT PowHer Business Grant, $2500 cash grant, and coaching sessions. Entrepreneurs are invited to apply regardless of whether they have been in the food industry for decades or just getting started.
Merry Green, President of MGPG Events and creator of the Black Women's Expo decided to add the grant as an additional element to her upcoming spin-off event titled "Bagels and Bosses" Brunch and Business Panel on Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency, 151 E. Wacker Drive in the Crystal Ballroom.
"If you have a business or food product that could benefit from this grant, I strongly encourage you to apply," said Green. "Not only is it a chance to sew a seed in your business, but the winner will benefit from a coaching session with a seasoned, successful entrepreneur."
Applicants are invited to pitch their brilliant concept by submitting a 90-second video. The BWe NEXT PowHer Business Grant deadline is Wednesday, April,12, 2023 at 11:59 pm CST.
"We want to help African American women business owners reach one of their 2023 goals by providing financial assistance and resources to utilize in their restaurants and/or assisting companies in the distribution of their food and beverage products," added Green.
The winner must be present at the "Bagels and Bosses" Brunch and Business Panel. Full details can be found at www.BWeNext.com.
The “Bagels and Bosses” event will feature an in-depth panel discussion with Black female entrepreneurs in the food and hospitality industry. Each will chronicle their journey, share lessons learned and offer professional advice with brunch and networking as the backdrop. The “Bagels and Bosses” concept was originally introduced at the Atlanta Black Women's Expo in December 2022 and was met with great interest and enthusiasm by attendees.
"The reaction from the crowd in Atlanta was amazing," said Green, who is celebrating the 28th year of the Black Women's Expo, which is the nation's largest, longest running expo for Black women. "A vibe was created that left them engaged and wanting more, so we figured why not keep this momentum going."
The food and hospitality industry panelists include:
"Participants will receive a wealth of information and resources that encourage them to start their businesses, build their brands and add to their bottom lines," added Green.
Tickets are $40 and can be purchased via Ticket Falcon at www.BWeNEXT.com. Amenities include an official welcome on the pink carpet with live coverage interviews, a succulent brunch complete with mimosas, select exhibitors, giveaways and a post-event networking hour.
Plans are also in the works to duplicate the "Bagels and Bosses" experience in other markets including Washington, DC and a return to Atlanta in the fall.
"Not only will this series provide a creative platform for successful entrepreneurs to share their knowledge, but it sets the stage and builds anticipation for the 28th Annual Black Women's Expo, which will be held in Chicago at McCormick Place August 4-6," said Green.
Sponsorship opportunities for this event are available. For more information about “Bagels and Bosses” and Black Women’s Expo, visit BWeNext.com or call 312-454-6100.
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To schedule media interviews with Green or panelists, send an inquiry to [email protected].
For information on how you can support BWe in Chicago, Dallas or Atlanta, please call (312) 454-6100. Media Applications for The Black Women’s Expo open 30 days prior to the start of the event in each market. Sign up to receive the link to the Media Application via email.
Dear BWe family,
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 Atlanta!”
Thank you to our sponsors (especially Chase Bank, our 2022 Title Sponsor), those small business exhibitors, musical artists, speakers & panelists, my phenomenal team and every single attendee for breathing life into our celebration of the Black woman in all three cities! 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 efforts that manifested into excellent execution. Ruby, we did it!
Again, please accept my heartfelt thanks….and Happy New Year!
Submitted with love,
Creator and Executive Producer
Black Women’s Expo