In the work of the congresses of the World's Columbian Exposition (1893), particularly the women's congressess, Bates was very prominent. She was a member of the Wayne County committee for Woman's Work, and its delegate to the congresses. She read two papers before the World's Congress of Representative Women, one before the Agricultural Congress, and one in the Woman's Building, besides also reading four other papers for writers who could not be present at the congresses. It is probable that her work in connection with these congresses, upon the platform and in committee work, was the most important and far-reaching work that Bates had done. The effect of these congresses, particularly in foreign countries, was compelling. The effect was notable in the United States, but here woman had already attained a much more advanced position than in many of the other countries of the globe. The titles of the papers which Bates read were “Obstacles to Improved Dress," "Ethics of Dress," "The New Municipal Suffrage Law for Woman in Michigan," and "Club Life for Women on a Farm,” the last being read before the Agricultural Congress. In addition to her own papers at the World's Fair congresses, Bates read papers for Belva Ann Lockwood, President Sarah Brown Ingersoll Cooper, of the International Kindergarten Association, and finally one for the Baroness Thorborg Rappe, of Sweden, who was sent to the fair by the Swedish Chamber of Deputies, the king being present at the session. This paper was on "The Progress of the Movement for Women in Sweden.”