Diversity Business Exhibit - Save the Date
Friday, September 12, 2025 - Saturday, September 13, 2025
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!
register to attend9:00AM – All Day
Agenda
Friday
9:00AM – All Day
- Check-In & Registration
Exhibit Hall C & D Foyer
9:30AM – 10:45AM
- Welcome & Kick Off
Main Stage #1
Remarks from public officials, business & nonprofit Leaders, members of the press, and community members
11:00AM – 12:20PM
- Supplier Diversity Segment
Main Stage #1
Minority/ Women Business Enterprise Certification Workshop & Supplier Diversity Panel Discussion
12:30PM – 1:30PM
- Supplier Diversity One on One Q&A
Main Stage #1 Side Corral
Meet one on one for private Q&A with supplier diversity experts to learn how to contract with their organizations.
12:30PM – 1:20PM
- Industry insights: Arts, Culture and Entertainment Panel
Main Stage #1
Behind-the-scenes looks at how the industries operate, challenges and opportunities.facing diverse professionals and entrepreneurs.
1:30PM – 2:20PM
- Funding Your Vision Panel
Main Stage #1
New programs and opportunities from banks, foundations and other funders for your business/nonprofit.
2:30PM – 3:20PM
- Inclusive Excellence in Higher Education Panel
Main Stage #1
Strategies for creating diverse and equitable learning environments. Initiatives and best practices for fostering diversity and inclusion.
2:30PM – 4:00PM
- Breaking New Ground: Opportunities for Equity In Emerging Industries Panel
Main Stage #2
The impact of diversity on innovation and growth: Blue Economy, Renewable Energy, Biotech & Life Sciences
2:30PM – 4:00PM
- “Power Hour” Speed Networking
Main Stage #2 Side Corral
Group speed networking with regional leaders and executives.
3:30PM – 4:20PM
- The Role of Diversity in Technological Innovation
Main Stage #1
How diversity fuels technological advancement and cybersecurity in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
4:00PM – 5:00PM
- Happy Hour
Main Stage #2 Side Corral
Professional networking. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Cash bar for adult beverages.
Friday
Lt. Governor's "Back to School, Back to Business!" Youth Entrepreneurship Boot Camp
9:00AM – 9:25AM
- Student & School Check-In
Exhibit Hall C & D Foyer
9:30AM – 10:25AM
- Welcome and Entrepreneurship Panel
Main Stage #2
Intro by Facilitator. Young professional panel on entrepreneurship. Sharing advice and best practices.
10:30AM – 11:25AM
- Boot Camp Workshop
Main Stage #2
Entrepreneurial workshop led by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE)
11:30AM – 11:55AM
- Lunch Break & Prize Giveaways
Exhibit Hall D Foyer
12PM – 12:50PM
- Boot Camp Workshop
Main Stage #2
Entrepreneurial workshop led by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE)
1:00PM – 1:55PM
- Group Pic & Exhibit Hall Tour
Main Stage #2
Groups of 10 tour Exhibit Hall visiting with Entrepreneurs for inspiration and real world experience.
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.