Diversity Business Exhibit
Friday, September 11, 2026 - Saturday, September 12, 2026
Join us on September 11th and 12th, 2026, for the Diversity Business Exhibit! Prepare for two dynamic days filled with networking opportunities, inspiring guest speakers, engaging exhibitors, informative workshops, and so much more! This is the premier conference, trade show, and networking event designed specifically for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and nonprofit professionals.
2026 Exhibit Agenda
Friday, September 11th
9:00 AM – All Day
- Check-In & Registration
Exhibit Hall C & D Foyer
9:30 AM – 10:45 AM
- Welcome & Kick Off
Featuring remarks from government, business, nonprofit, media, and community leaders.
Main Stage #1
10 AM – 10:20 AM
- YOUR FUTURE IS OUR BUSINESS: FROM FIRST JOB TO FUTURE LEADER
Discover the wide range of career opportunities at Amica, learn about the benefits of working here, and hear how you can grow from your first role into a rewarding long-term career.
Amica Exhibitor Booth
11 AM – 12:00 PM
- RESILIENT LEADERSHIP: ENERGY & BALANCE FOR THE LONG GAME
A conversation exploring how leaders can sustain energy, well-being, resilience, and balance while navigating the demands of leadership and long-term success.
Main Stage #2
11 AM – 11:30 PM
- Supplier Diversity: Certification Workshop
Small Business Certiciactions Workshop (8(a), WOSB, VOSB, SDVOSB, and HUBZone) facilitated by the U.S Small Business Administration
Main Stage #1
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- SUPPLIER DIVERSITY IN 2026: ACCESS, OPPORTUNITY & THE FUTURE OF PROCUREMENT
Supplier Diversity panel of private and public sector anchors & buyers
Main Stage #1
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- BUILDING EQUITY: OPENING DOORS & EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES IN REAL ESTATE & HOUSING
Panel discussion exploring pathways to ownership, development, investment, and opportunity in housing and real estate.
Main Stage #2
12 PM – 1 PM
- DEIB COLLABORATIVE
City of Providence Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Department September Meeting
Main Stage #2 Concession Pavillion
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
- INSIDE THE HIRING ROOM: WHAT EMPLOYERS REALLY LOOK FOR
Employers share what it takes to stand out, get hired, and grow your career.
Main Stage #1
1 PM – 2 PM
- DIASPORA WEALTH BUILDING & INVESTING: BUILDING WEALTH ACROSS BORDERS & INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
Panel discussion exploring strategies to build, invest, and grow wealth across borders and global markets.
Main Stage #2
1 PM – 2 PM
- WORKSHOP: MORE THAN SKIN DEEP: A HOLISTIC & HANDS-ON WELLNESS EXPERIENCE
Facilitator: Kofo Olowookere-Masengere, Owner of Major Essence
Main Stage #2 Concession Pavilion
1 PM – 3 PM
- FREE LEGAL CLINIC FOR SMALL BUSINESS, NONPROFIT, EXPUNGEMENT AND IMMIGRATION MATTERS
In collaboration with the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association and local attorneys. One on One Sessions with diverse attorneys to assist with your legal issues.
Main Stage #1: Side Corral
1:30 PM – 3 PM
- BUSINESS BLUEPRINT: YOUR GUIDE TO GETTING STARTED & ENTREPRENEUR ESSENTIALS WORKSHOP
Workshop led by Rhode Island Secretary of State Business Services, Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston
Main Stage #1
2 PM – 3 PM
- CULTURE & INFLUENCE: BUILDING PLATFORMS THAT MOVE COMMUNITIES
Leaders panel of individuals who have turned influence into impact
Main Stage #2
2 PM – 3 PM
- WORKSHOP: POUR YOUR HEART OUT
With Sierra
Main Stage #2: Concession Pavilion
2 PM – 3 PM
- WORKSHOP: AI LAB
With Sterling Clinton Spellman
Main Stage #3
2 PM – 3 PM
- “Power Hour” Speed Networking & Coaching
Group speed networking with regional leaders and executives. Professional development opportunity to expand networks.
Main Stage #2: Concession Pavilion
3 PM – 5 PM
- HAPPY HOUR
Professional Networking Happy Hour featuring complimentary hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, with a cash bar available for alcoholic beverages.
Main Stage #2 Concession Pavilion
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- LG Youth Boot Camp
Lt. Governor's "Back to School, Back to Business!" Youth Entrepreneurship Boot Camp
9:00 AM – 9:25 AM
- Student & School Check-In
Exhibit Hall C & D Foyer
9:30 AM – 10:25 AM
- Welcome and Entrepreneurship Panel
Main Stage #3
Intro by Facilitator. Youth & Young professional panel discussing their entrepreneurial or nonprofit journey, challenges and wins.
10:30 AM – 11:25 AM
- Boot Camp Workshop
Main Stage #3
Entrepreneurial workshop led by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) & Community Business Coaches
11:30 AM – 11:55 AM
- Lunch Break & Prize Giveaways
Exhibit Hall D Foyer
12 PM – 12:50 PM
- Boot Camp Workshop
Main Stage #3
Entrepreneurial workshop led by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) & Community Business Coaches
1:00 PM – 1:55 PM
- Group Pic & Exhibit Hall business stroll
Main Stage #3
Small Group Business Stroll visiting with entrepreneurs at their Exhibitor Booths for inspiration and real world experience.
Saturday, September 13th - Marble House Mansion Networking Reception
Marble House Mansion - 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Be part of an unforgettable evening celebrating excellence, equity, and entrepreneurship, set against the iconic backdrop of the Newport Mansions. Join regional change makers, creatives, business leaders, influencers and community builders for an evening of stylish vibes, meaningful connections, and pure inspiration.
Keynote Speakers
Legal Clinic
Job & Career Fair
Supplier Matchmaking
Youth Entrepreneurship Boot Camp
Funder Matchmaking
Speed Networking
Cultural Hubs
Expert Panels
New Product Demos
Health & Wellness Clinic
Educational Workshops
Pitch Contest
Civic Drive
Marketplace
Saturday
9:30AM – All Day
- Check-In & Registration
Exhibit Hall C & D Foyer
10:00AM – 10:50AM
- Shaping the Future: Diversity, equity & inclusion Policies
Main Stage #1
Their impact on entrepreneurship and advocacy through legislation.
11:00AM – 11:50AM
- Business Blueprint: Your Guide to Getting Started & Entrepreneur Essentials
Main Stage #1
Workshop led by Rhode Island Secretary of State Business Services, Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston
11:00AM – 11:50AM
- Inclusive Health: Innovation & Equity
Main Stage #2
How diversity drives innovation and equity in medical and wellness practices.
12:00PM – 12:50PM
- Diverse Flavors, Inclusive Business: How Diversity is Shaping the Future of the Food & Beverage Industry
Main Stage #1
Learn from the challenges and opportunities from diverse entrepreneurs and professionals.
12:00PM – 2:00PM
- Free Legal Clinic
Main Stage #1 Side Corral
One on One Sessions with diverse attorneys to assist with your legal issues.
12:00PM – 2:00PM
- The Ultimate Pitch Contest
Main Stage # 2
Watch entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to a panel of Judges. Vote for your favorite & help them win!
1:00PM – 1:50PM
- Ministry & Marketplace: Doing Well by Doing Good
Main Stage #1
Ethics and profitability in the nonprofit and social entrepreneurship space.
Join us on September 12th and 13th, 2025, for the Diversity Business Exhibit! Prepare for two dynamic days filled with networking opportunities, inspiring guest speakers, engaging exhibitors, informative workshops, and so much more! This is the premier conference, trade show, and networking event designed specifically for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and nonprofit professionals.
Further details will be announced soon, so mark your calendars and stay tuned for updates. We look forward to seeing you there!