Ticketmaster Responds to Confusion Over Canceled Women’s Empowerment Event

Raleigh, NC – Attendees arriving at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Saturday expecting to participate in the Women’s Empowerment Expo found themselves facing confusion and disappointment after discovering the event had been canceled, despite ongoing performances by the R&B Lovers Tour.

The discrepancy stemmed from a change in the event’s structure, according to Lenovo Center management. While the concert portion, featuring artists like Keith Sweat, JOE, Dru Hill, Ginuwine, and Kut Klose, proceeded as scheduled, the Women’s Empowerment conference component was canceled in January. Ticketmaster stated that email notifications regarding the event update and refund process were sent to all purchasers on January 16th.

However, several attendees reported not receiving adequate notification of the cancellation. Alice Johnson, who had planned to attend the Women’s Empowerment portion, stated, “I received emails from Ticketmaster every day…and no one notified me indicating that this was canceled and that there was a window to…you know, request a refund.” Brenda Hinton and other attendees echoed this sentiment, noting that many had attended the event for years and felt more proactive communication was warranted.

The Women’s Empowerment Expo was founded in March 1994, with the stated goal of “enhancing the lives of African-American women by addressing issues that specifically impact their health, relationship and overall lifestyle.”

Ticketmaster confirmed that all ticket holders who purchased through their platform were notified of the changes in January. A spokesperson for the Lenovo Center added that a reminder email was sent on March 20th, detailing event information, including door times and the concert start time, and outlining a 30-day window for refunds at the original point of purchase.

WRAL News has reached out to Radio One, the presenter of Women’s Empowerment, for further clarification on the cancellation and the communication process with ticket holders. As of Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Radio One has not responded to requests for comment.