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Women Who Own
2025 WBEC-East Dessert Showcase
It’s WBEC-East’s 30th Anniversary Celebration!
Be a part of one of the premier annual social events of the Philadelphia entrepreneurship scene. Bakers, caterers, and other food-based businesses are welcome to share the spotlight at our 30th Anniversary Celebration on October 16th, 2025 in Philadelphia! You will have the attention, and tastebuds, of 350+ corporate representatives, small business owners, and community leaders.
Spots are extremely limited – Submit your request by Friday, August 30th!
Thursday, October 16, 2026 – 5:30-9:00 PM Philadelphia, PA
WBEC-East’s annual fundraiser and awards celebration is our biggest event of the year!
As a non-profit organization, your support of our Desserts & More Annual Fundraiser and Awards Celebration allows WBEC-East to continue to provide year-round entrepreneurial and business training throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Southern Jersey.
Join us as we celebrate the amazing entrepreneurs in our network, as well as the corporations committed to supporting small business. A sit-down dinner, open bar, awards, prizes, and a women-owned & baked dessert showcase await you!
About the Showcase
The “Dessert Hour” is the highlight of the night! This year, we’re once again offering local bakers and caterers the chance to host a “showcase station.” You’ll have your own table to decorate as you choose, display marketing materials, and of course share samples of your favorite products.
NEW! To increase your post-event ROI, all showcase participants will be included in our 2025 holiday corporate gifting guide.
Station FAQs
Is there a fee to be featured in the showcase?
No! Showcase stations are offered at no cost. Spots are extremely limited. Please submit your request by the end of August. Formal invitations will be made as submissions are received.
Plus, you’ll receive a bunch of perks: • 2 complimentary tickets to the event, including sit down dinner and open bar (a $500 value) • Inclusion in our 2025 holiday corporate gifting guide • Promotion of your business as part of the event marketing • An in-kind donation letter for the value of your samples and travel time to deduct on your taxes
What kind of dessert samples are you looking for?
Any kind of sweet or savory treat! The dessert hour is known for it‘s creative variety. In the past we have seen pies, cakes, pretzels, popcorn, yogurt, muffins, ice cream, cookies, and more from all cultures and culinary styles. The samples should be served in individual bite-sized portions as guests explore the showcase.
How many samples am I expected to bring?
We are expecting 350+ guests, so we ask that you bring at least 200 samples. These can be mini or bite-sized. We do NOT expect full-sized servings, as there will be a variety of stations. Examples include- a mini brownie, scoop of ice cream, chocolate covered pretzel, petit fours, parfait shooter, etc.
Will I be able to prepare and serve my samples?
Yes. The dessert hour takes place after the sit down dinner and awards presentation- like a reverse cocktail hour. There will be time earlier in the day as well as during the event for you to set up your station. If needed, the venue‘s kitchen can accommodate heating or refrigerating your products until the dessert hour begins. During the dessert hour, you‘ll be able to directly interact with and serve guests from your station.
Can I promote my business at my station?
Absolutely! The station is yours to decorate with a branded table cloth and signage. You are welcome to share handouts and coupons. We will also happily promote your business as part of this event! Due to space and wifi limitations, we cannot accommodate onsite product sales.
Are only women allowed to participate?
No! While WBEC-East is a women-focused organization, we are proud to have supported many local small businesses owned by men and genderqueer individuals over the years. If you have benefited from WBEC-East’s support services, we would love to feature you.
As a community of entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and economic development thought-leaders, WBEC-East is committed to the elimination of discrimination in all areas of business and the provision of equal opportunity when accessing capital, contracts, and contacts. In compliance with state and federal laws and regulation, we do not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status in any of our policies, procedures, or practices. This non-discrimination policy covers admission and access to, and treatment, in all programs and activities.
