The WBEC-West Annual Conference is more than just another business event—it’s a strategic growth platform where certified WBEs, corporate members, and resource partners come together to network, learn, and build lasting business relationships.
In a recent episode of Women in Motion, hosts Lee Kantor and Renita Manley sat down with Angela Garmon, founder of ARG Coaching and Consulting, to discuss why the conference remains one of the most impactful events of the year for women business owners, and how showing up with intention can transform your business
Q: Angela, you’re a familiar face at WBEC-West events. Why do you keep coming back year after year?
Angela Garmon:
I love the opening line of the podcast—“Join forces and succeed together.” That’s exactly what this conference represents. Every time I attend, I’m able to leverage the conference to scale and grow my business. I show up to nurture relationships, build my pipeline, and be in community with other WBEs and corporate resource partners.
This conference gives me the opportunity to invest in my business while also being in the room with decision-makers who can help open doors
Q: What makes the in-person experience different from online events?
Angela:
The energy in the room is contagious. Dr. Pamela keeps the event intimate—around 300 to 500 attendees—which allows for deeper conversations and meaningful relationship building. Being physically present changes the dynamic. You can make eye contact, read the room, and connect in ways that simply don’t happen virtually
Q: Do you have a favorite success story from a past conference?
Angela:
Yes! At the last conference, a corporate supplier diversity professional invited me to respond to an RFP that was a perfect fit for my business. Even though the scope was a bit larger than what we could take on, I asked strategic questions that made it clear what we could deliver. That conversation didn’t lead to immediate work, but it sparked a lasting relationship that later turned into business opportunities.
For me, that’s the power of being in the room—the chance to be seen, heard, and remembered
Q: What advice would you give to first-time attendees who want to get the most value from the conference?
Angela:
The first step is to define your value—what are you coming to get out of this event? It could be education, relationship-building, or revenue generation. Whatever it is, create a strategy around it.
If education is your focus, study the agenda and pick the sessions that align with your business goals. If it’s relationships, research who will be there ahead of time and set up coffee chats. And of course, follow up afterwards. Pre-work and post-work are just as important as showing up on the day
Q: For WBEs who are already certified and attend multiple events each year—why this one? Why Scottsdale in December?
Angela:
Because this conference is curated for you. It’s intimate, uplifting, and designed to help WBEs make immediate, meaningful connections. Dr. Pamela and the team create an intentional space that blends learning, networking, and fun. It’s different from other events—it’s where strategy meets community
Q: You’ve been recognized as WBE of the Year twice and as a WBE Star. What’s your “secret sauce”?
Angela:
It’s simple: Show up. Be present. Volunteer. If you’re going to get certified or be part of an association, you can’t just put it on your website and walk away. Contribute your time, skills, and energy to the community. That’s how you create visibility—not just for yourself, but for your business
Conference Details
📅 December 16–18, 2025
📍 Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort, 11111 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85020
🌐 https://site.eventmatches.com/accelerate
WBEs, women-business owners, corporate members, and resource partners are invited to join this transformative event to build authentic relationships, gain industry insights, and grow strategically in a supportive community environment.
Connect with Angela Garmon
Founder, ARG Coaching and Consulting Group
🌐 argccgroup.com
🌐 AngelaGarmon.com
About WBEC-West
WBEC-West, the Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West, is committed to driving growth, fostering equity, and inspiring innovation among women-owned businesses across the Western United States. Through its comprehensive certification, education, and advocacy efforts, WBEC-West empowers women entrepreneurs to connect with major corporations, government agencies, and organizations looking to diversify their supply chains.
As a proud Regional Partner Organization of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), WBEC-West supports a dynamic network of women-owned businesses in Arizona,
California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Hawaii, and beyond. Its initiatives are designed to remove barriers and create opportunities for women entrepreneurs, offering access to invaluable resources, tailored educational programs, and high-impact networking events.
From certification workshops and leadership development programs to innovative offerings like the virtual Supplier Center of Excellence, WBEC-West is dedicated to equipping women-owned businesses with the tools and strategies needed to scale and succeed in today’s competitive marketplace. For more information about WBEC-West and its initiatives, visit www.wbec-west.org.
