The Washington Center for Women in Business (WCWB) is proud to announce the return of the INSPIRE Women’s Business Conference in 2026, a dynamic, one-day event designed to equip women entrepreneurs and professionals with the tools, connections and confidence to grow and thrive.
Hosted by the WCWB, INSPIRE 2026 is tailored for women-identifying businesses and leaders across Washington state. Business owners, leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to attend the conference set for May 28, 2026, at the South Puget Sound Community College campus in Lacey. Register now for this event featuring a full day of programming including keynote presentations, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and dedicated networking opportunities with local vendors and exhibitors.
“INSPIRE is more than a conference, it’s a space where women come together to learn, share, and build each other up,” said Ashley Whitley, WCWB program manager. “Our goal is for every attendee to leave with practical strategies, meaningful connections, and renewed confidence in their journey.”
Miss Washington Amber Pike Welcomes Conference Attendees and Wildkind Outdoors/Academy CEO Jessica Caldwell Gives Exciting Keynote
The day-long conference is packed with resourceful speakers. Miss Washington Amber Pike will welcome attendees with remarks sharing her mission and message of impact. Pike, who has a marketing background, was crowned Miss Washington 2025 at the Capital High School Performing Arts Center in Olympia.
Jessica Caldwell, 2026 “Client of the Year” award winner of National Small Business Week at the Washington State Small Business Awards Gala, will deliver the keynote. Caldwell, based in Tenino, founded the Wildkind Outdoors and Wildkind Academy nonprofit. Caldwell’s work bridges wilderness survival, rewilding, leadership, and nature awareness with daily practices that awaken the senses and strengthen our capacity to meet an ever-changing world. Caldwell’s effective and unique approach landed her a contract to teach survival training to the U.S Army’s Special Forces Group stationed at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma. “She is one of my most successful clients,” says Whitley. “She will talk about her journey. It’s exciting to hear her story, it’s unique, and she has helped a lot of other women.”
Sessions Include Women’s Beauty and Self-Care Panel Featuring Olympia-Area Industry Leaders Sharing Personal Journeys and Business Insights
Conference attendees will also benefit from other speakers’ insights, discussions at morning and afternoon breakout sessions, peer networking, access to resources, and the ability to become a vendor. “Every session is built with intention,” says Whitley. “We’re not just talking about success, we’re giving women the tools to achieve it in a way that’s sustainable and aligned with their lives.”
Taylor Nations of Earth-Friendly Products ECOS will speak on “Woman-Owned, Values-Led: Using Your Story to Stand Out.” Another session features a beauty and self-care panel with Olympia-area industry leaders, moderated Spruce Skin & Wax Shop founder Annie Evans. The five panelists will cover several current aspects of the beauty industry, including lash extensions, waxing, aesthetics, injections, licensing and other subjects. “I noticed a huge shift in that type of business in the last year,” says Whitley on the panel topic. “And there are a lot of new license requirements for people in that industry.”
Breakout sessions include “Funding Your Business Needs with SBA Programs,” “You Don’t Need more Content: the Three Levels of Proximity,” “Creating Brand Partnerships,” “From Passion to Profit: How Women Entrepreneurs Build Sustainable Income While Protecting Their GLOW” and more timely topics.
INSPIRE 2026 Awards Celebrate Outstanding Women in Business: Innovation, Leadership and Community Impact
Each year the conference recognizes local women-owned businesses through INSPIRE’s innovation, leadership and community impact awards. Whitley says this year the WCWB awards committee reviewed nominations from the past two years, and Michelle Pope of Lacey MakerSpace will announce the Small Business Award winners at the conference.
The day also includes a time to network with award-winners and all attendees, take photos, and meet with vendors.
Registration is Open for INSPIRE 2026 Conference Hosted By the Washington Center for Women in Business With Local Sponsors’ Support
Organized by WCWB, INSPIRE 2026 is supported by a growing coalition of community partners, including sponsors such as ECOS, the Washington State Employees Credit Union and other organizations and businesses. Approximately 250 conference attendees come together each year to be part of a powerful platform for fostering connections, expanding professional networks, and providing actionable insights to help women grow their businesses.
The INSPIRE Women’s Business Conference is May 28, 2026, and registration is open now. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m., with conference events from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
2026 INSPIRE Women’s Business Conference
May 28, 2026
7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
South Puget Sound Community College, Lacey Campus
4220 6th Avenue SE, Lacey
Sponsored
