EXPANDING THE AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE AT IBBMEC 2003

International Black Buyers & Manufacturers Expo Conference (IBBMEC) will host it's 14th trade show & conference at the new Washington Convention Center from Thursday, July 10th - Sunday, July 13th. Keynote speaker, Monique Greenwood, former Editor-in-Chief of Essence Magazine and a successful entrepreneur and author.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) July, 2003 – Each year more Black businesses realize that coming to IBBMEC (International Black Buyers and Manufacturers Expo Conference) is one of the best decisions they have made in the life of their business. Why? Because at IBBMEC Black business owners have opportunity to link with other business owners with the same challenges they have.

IBBMEC is one of the few institutions that address the full-scale gauntlet of a Black businesss key to success – starting, building, maintaining, satisfying the consumer, and recycling the community dollar.

Some businesses attend the yearly IBBMEC expo conference for the networking. There is a pride and inspiration in seeing and hearing the successes of your own people in business. Some businesses attend IBBMEC for the training. Top Black business executives share the key elements to have a viable business in all economic conditions. Some businesses attend IBBMEC to expand their own business. The 2-day trading expo allows for wholesalers and retailers to gain merchandise from all over the African Diaspora.

Some businesses attend IBBMEC to improve the economy. At IBBMEC 2002 the Alliance of Afrikan Cultural Enterprises (AACE pronounced Ah-Shay) was launched. With the creation of AACE, businesses organize to help take responsibility for a thriving economy. AACE provides strategic planning to heighten the marketing of businesses, raise customer awareness, form priceless networking opportunities, and generate ideas, resources and revenue to empower an Afrocentric economy.

This year IBBMEC is empowering businesses with the theme, Exploring New Possibilities". As a result of that theme IBBMEC has joined with the African American Experience Expo (AAEE) to make this the best event ever.

This will be the largest African American consumer/business trade show in the District of Columbia," announced Lee Barnes, President & CEO of ExperienceOne. Our mission is to connect individuals and families with resources in their community that will empower growth, education, spiritual uplift, and economic self-reliance. Together we can celebrate the achievements of today and plan for the success of tomorrow building bridges to a brighter future."        

This years conference begins on Thursday, July 10th when AACE meets to take care of business 3:00pm – 8:00pm. On Friday, July 11th from 9:00am – 6:00pm is the IBBMEC general conference with daylong sessions on Marketing, Advertising, Finance, Merchandising, Technology, and the Psychology of Success. This years Keynote speaker is Monique Greenwood, former Editor-in-Chief of Essence Magazine and a successful entrepreneur and author. From 8:00pm – 11:00pm on Friday is the International Reception and Fashion Preview.

On Saturday, July 12th (9:00am – 9:00pm) and Sunday, July 13th (9:00am – 7:00pm) IBBMEC welcomes the African American Experience Expo to all-day trading. Local, National, and International Exhibitors have opportunity to display fine craftsmanship and products while connecting face to face with over 50,000 potential customers attending the African American Experience Expo. Visitors can browse, touch, feel and buy some of the most exciting merchandise on the planet.

Each year IBBMEC also encourages economic growth for children. The Youthpreneur Conference allows for students ages 6 and up to learn how to start, manage and operate their own business. These students also have time to participate in trade, which allows for valuable experience for any youth considering life in the business world. Limited scholarships are available. Call (202) 526-5005 for more information about Youthpreneur Conference.

For general information about IBBMEC call (202) 797-9070 or visit www.IBBMEC.com or www.AACENetwork.com. To learn more about the African American Experience Expo call (202) 508-3392 or (301) 736-9700 or visit www.experienceone.com.