2026 Annual Business Conference
The Business Conference is the council’s primary in-person event for connecting certified MBEs with the corporations and public agencies who want to do business with them, while delivering high-quality training for MBEs to support their growth and development. Every conference is different, which means that attendees can look forward to new insights and information to keep their business growing.
Conference Overview
📅 July 8, 2026 | 📍 U.S. Bank Centre, Seattle, WA
AI is growing, and it’s reshaping how businesses operate, compete, and grow. The question is no longer if AI will affect your business. It’s whether you’ll be ready.
Join us on July 8th, 2026 at the U.S. Bank Centre in Seattle for a full day designed to help business owners and leaders at every stage cut through the noise and get clear on what AI means for them.
This year’s conference features a keynote, an expert panel, a pitch competition, and brand-new business matchmaking — all under one roof, hosted with the support of U.S. Bank.
Whether you’re running a team of two or two hundred, there’s a seat here for you.
Register to attend below!
Agenda
8:30 AM – Registration & Networking Breakfast
9:00 AM – Council Leadership Welcome
9:15 AM – Keynote Presentation: James Jackson
10:20 AM – AI-Focused Panel Discussion
11:15 AM – Presentation by US Bank
12:00 PM – Networking Luncheon
1:05 PM – Pitch Competition led by Katrina Scott, WWT & Brooklyn Dicent, Chief Happiness Officer
2:35 PM – Structured Networking & Matchmaking One-on-Ones
4:00 PM – Adjourn
Conference Logistics
Parking Recommendations (near U.S. Bank Centre, 1420 5th Ave, Seattle)
- U.S. Bank Centre Garage — on-site garage with entrances on Union St and 6th Ave
- Union Square Garage — 601 Union St, about a block and a half away
- 1200 Fifth Avenue Garage — 501 University St, one block south
Restroom Information
- Restrooms are available within the conference area; no pass required.
- Exterior restrooms require a pass, available at the registration table.
Speakers
James Jackson III
Keynote Speaker
Community builder, author, speaker, and strategic advisor
Panelists – Business is Human
Moderator: Ricardo Ibarra, Trio Group
- Christopher Carpenter, WWT
- Tanya Popova, Google
- Rohit Mahajan, BigRio
- Dei’Marlon Scisney, The Data Guys
Pitch Contestants
About the Business Conference
Our Annual Business Conference offers a diverse array of activities such as keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive breakout sessions. Partnering with corporate members like US Bank, Microsoft, and more, we provide ample networking opportunities for our MBEs. Dive deep into the urgent challenges and opportunities minority businesses face today and gain practical insights on the latest technological innovations and strategies for supplier diversity and inclusion.
This conference is designed to rejuvenate your sense of purpose and equip you with actionable knowledge to drive your business forward. Join us for an enriching experience that fosters growth, collaboration, and a stronger, more inclusive business community.
2025 Business Conference Highlights
See the photos below for a recap of last year’s conference!
